Topics discussed in class
1- Technical flats
2- Skirts and sleeve lengths




What are technical flats and what purpose does it serve

Technical flats has been mentioned frequently in this module. They are basically the three-dimensional front and back view of a garment as it is laid down and viewed from above. It gives a better understanding of the structure of a garment as well.



How is a technical flat drawn 

- A pen or pencil would be used to trace a realistically 8 or 9 head template croquis figure

- the same templates should be used to for all of the drawings for consistency

- A hand drawn technical flat can be drawn larger than the intended scale

- Details like top stitching may be enhanced

- Flats should be drawn with clarity and accuracy

- Flats can be symmetrically drawn by drawing half of the garment, folding the paper over to trace off the other half


My own experience with hand-drawing technical flats

1- Time-consuming
As flats are required to be precise, it took me some time to draw them perfectly. Another wrong line would be erased and re-drawn again.

2- Therapeutic
Though it is slightly challenging and time-consuming, I still enjoyed drawing them. 

3- Stimulating
As front view of a garment has already been provided, we were required to imagine what the back view would look like and have it drawn.

On week 3, we went in depth into silhouettes. I learnt that there are various types of silhouettes in fashion. Silhouettes are the overall outline or shape of the garment and by learning what type of silhouettes there are out there, I'd be able to identify what shape a piece of garment is just by observing the outline. I'd also be able to understand how to work with and produce garments. 

I've drawn the types of silhouettes that I'd learned about.


Tent silhouettes are dresses that hang loose from the shoulder to below the hips. They also do not have waistlines, hence it's shaped like a tent.

Spindle silhouettes are dresses that are wide at the top and narrow at the bottom making it voluminous.

Column silhouettes are also known as sheath silhouettes. They are dresses that are straight, long and narrow, hugging the figure nicely and emphasizes the curves. It is usually made from lighter fabrics such as satin and chiffon. 

Hourglass silhouettes are basically shaped like an hourglass. Waist is smaller than the rest.

Mermaid silhouettes are the style of evening gowns that fits closely to the body through the torso and hips, then flares out at the end like fish tails.

A-Line silhouettes are dresses that are narrow at the waist and gently flare wider from the hip like the letter 'A'. It is a universally figure-flattering silhouette.

Empire silhouettes are dresses that are gathered right below the bust with a long and loose skirt.









I personally find halter necklines quite flattering as it brings focus to your shoulders and I think it teases observers with a slightly sexy look.




Sources

[Fig.1] : http://www.eldastore.com/products/akeyla-bell-sleeves-top

[Fig.2] : https://www.juzdeals.com/sg/d/1232756/may-updated-bell-sleeve-long.html

[Fig.3] : http://www.fashionvalet.com/haleema-bell-sleeved-top-in-dusty-rose.html

Objectives

• Inspect garments
• Realize why it is important to notice details on garments

Things I've learnt this week... 

• Silhouette  - What is it? - In fashion design, it is basically the overall outline or shape of the garment devoid of embellishments. I found that silhouettes are quite uncomplicated to draw.

First impression of the class...

I did not expect our class to be combined with 2A4. I prefer less students in class as it is better controlled and the lecturer could focus more on the students. But I am not complaining as I could make more friends. I also didn't really like the setting of the classroom just because I prefer tables but I can adapt to this.



What I have learned in class...

I entered the class with little knowledge on this subject but that encouraged me to learn more. We were questioned about our understanding on fashion details and they are the detail of garments, for example, the type of collars, pockets, skirts and sleeves. The purpose of these details is to enhance the design to give it more character. Details are applied to embroidery, collars, layers and prints. Without details, a garment would be dull and bland. When you work as a designer, I think it would be a challenge to pick what type of details you would like to add to your design and how much you could incorporate the details into them.

Apart from that, I learned new terms such as emboss and laser cut. 

[1]Embossing: Embossing is the process whereby a new dimension is added to any surface, which can be pressed upon. This new raised dimension could be a design, pattern, lettering, logo, seal or anything at all. The surface could be anything on which you can press and leave an impression. Paper is the most popular surface for embossing but cloth, wood, glass, tiles and even terra cotta pots can be embossed upon.

Example of an embossed garment


            [Fig. 1] Seoul Fashion Week Fall 2014: KYE. Chains and rope designs are embossed onto the sweater


[2]Laser cutting: Laser cutting is a precise method of cutting a design from a given material using a CAD file to guide it. There are three main types of lasers used in the industry: CO2 lasers Nd and Nd-YAG. We use CO 2 machines. This involves firing a laser which cuts by melting, burning or vaporizing your material. You can achieve a really fine level of cutting detail on with a wide variety of materials. Bare in mind that CO 2 lasers can’t cut metals and hard materials, they can however engrave them.

An example of a laser cut garment



It would be interesting to witness the technology and how they are being processed with my own eyes and maybe have a firsthand experience. There are many types of skirts, dresses, pants and collars and it is important memorize them as I would need to use these terms to describe or design a garment. 

Example

Types of skirts : straight, A-line, pencil, mermaid, circle, box pleated, flared 

Types of dresses : qi pao, maxi, bodycon, gown, strapless

Types of pants : harem, bootcut , palazzo, bermuda, capri

Types of collars : peter pan, square, lapel, mandarin, turtleneck



I learned about technical flats as well and here are the research findings that I have found online.




Reflection...

I have discovered many new terms as well as vocabulary in fashion from this lesson and I realize that I need to read up more to expand my knowledge on fashion design.



Sources

[Fig.1] : http://tomimito.com/seoul-fashion-week-fw-2014-kye/

[Fig.2] : http://www.denimjeansobserver.com/mag/2016/02/23/xiao-li-2016-2017-fall-autumn-winter-women-london-fashion-lasercut-knit-ribbed-peel-away-oversized-corduroy-denim-jeans-observer/

[1] : http://www.whatisembossing.com/uses.html

[2] : http://www.cutlasercut.com/getting-started/what-is-laser-cutting-laser-cutting-process

[Fig.3] : http://www.designersnexus.com/fashion-design-portfolio/v15-knitwear-tank-free-illustrator-fashion-flat-drawing-template/

[Fig.4] : http://www.designersnexus.com/fashion-design-portfolio/cape-poncho-v19-free-illustrator-technical-flat-drawing/

[Fig.5]: http://www.designersnexus.com/fashion-design-portfolio/v34-straight-leg-kids-pants-illustrator-fashion-flat-sketch/