The French Renaissance

I’ve mentioned that one of my goals in 2013 was to entered into the Design contest that is hosted by Japanese magazine, Souen. The deadline is fast approaching.The due by date is the end of April! The theme of the contest is very broad, basically whatever you want to submit is o.k. There is no set topic. Judging by past contestants, the common thread seems to be avant‐gardethe and creative, not particularly wearable. This is very hard for me as I like to make wearable clothes. I like to be able to wear VV clothes on casual business meetings, lunch out with friends and even taking Kiko out to a near by park. Personally I don’t really see a point in making clothes that cannot be worn. But most of the past contestants creations are expression of some emotive art.

Although this is not my first choice, I’d like to use it as good practice. I decided my theme for this contest to be “Transition”. This is because the last few years have been years of great transitions for me personally. I got pregnant, experienced significant body change, had Kiko, became a mother and entered back into the society to work. Also, Kiko is constantly changing and growing, and I need to do the same to adapt to her needs. The first part of transition (pregnancy) was more physical and happened gradually, and I think I made a pretty smooth transition to motherhood. The latter half of the transition, as having two faces as mom and a working woman came more difficult. I struggled with the feeling of guilt, whether I’m with Kiko or at work, feeling incompetent and insufficient to complete the both tasks well.

The topic “Transition” came up while Andy and I were talking one evening. He suggested, “how about transition?” I don’t really know what he meant by the word, but I took it as I described above. Transition from one to another. Changing. The struggles and the outcomes that come with it.

I have a few key elements that I want to include, such as using two different textured fabrics, maybe leather and chiffon. I am thinking combining something hard and soft.

While we were in NY in February, we had a change to visit the Metropolitan Museum or Art. I was able to snap some pictures which will help me guide this design process. I was particularly intrigued by the French Renaissance era. The Renaissance was a transition from the old world to new world. Seems to fit I think!

This little write-up about the French Renascence is very helpful. I will certainly try to incorporate some of the key elements, like “abstract patterns, natural motifs, and elongated figures”.

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