Wednesday, March 17, 2010

✂-Designer's "Challenge" of The Day- Break the Mold


Today I was inspired by the book I'm currently reading- "Christian Dior The Man Who Made The World Look New" by Marie-France Pochna.
      "We are just coming out of a period of war, of uniforms and of military females as sturdily built as boxers.... I have designed flower-women" recorded Dior in his memoirs.  In a matter of months, this fashion, dubbed the "New Look, " had achieved world wide popularity.  However, there was a bit of a backlash.  A Dior model was harassed by housewives in Paris, English tailors protested against the length of his skirts, and during his visit to the US, hostile banners were waved.

I think what inspired me the most was his choice not to follow the trends, but break them.  He created a new silhouette based on his own vision.  I have a great admiration for the many designers that have followed suit in breaking the mold- John Galliano, Issey Miyake, Jean Paul Gaultier, and of course Alexander McQueen, (just to name a few)..... So instead of having a Designer's Tip of The Day, I've posted a challenge- while working on your latest creations, challenge yourself to create a new silhouette or detail, explore your own imagination and allow the possibilities to be endless!!
Happy Designing!

Source- Christian Dior The Man Who Made The World Look New by Marie-France Pochna. and Icons of Fashion the 20th Century by Prestel Publishing

2 comments:

Matti's Closet said...

Hello there, and I am enjoying your blog very much. I posted the following on my blog yesterday: Do most designers create clothes according to their personal ideas of beauty and values? Or, do we find ourselves trying to please others because it's more profitable? As I see it, fashion designers, in general, have to produce what the dominate culture is asking. It's a business. Does remaining true to one's self have a place in fashion? Perhaps designing for some might be better as a hobby and than a business? When you love fashion so much, how does one separate one from the other (desire to make a business or a hobby)? Peace. ~ matti

The Designer's Lounge said...

Hi Matti,
Thank you so much for your comment!
I firmly believe you need to follow your heart ♥ and stay true to yourself ;)
xoxo,
TDL