FORLORN FLORALS

These are my final images for my 80's style photoshoot. I hadn't planned for my photoshoot to be at this location but i noticed it from my bedroom window. I think it is a derelict factory of some sort. The walls were covered in graffiti and there was a rotting bridge there (after climbing through a mound of boulders) that was falling apart. I think the location was well suited to my outfit, as the blazer was quite formal it was a good contrast between the leather pants and bright blouse. The blazer didn't look like it belonged there which is exactly what i wanted. The bright pink blouse however matched quite well with the graffiti. Modelled by Bethany Quinn. 

Check out my Pinterest for my inspiration.

80S PHOTOSHOOT

I took about 900ish photos for this shoot so it's going to be quite hard to choose the final images. Quite a few are blurry and Bethany has her eyes closed for some so that'll make it easier! (I have no idea why these photos look so grey on this post, they're super bright really)

Check out my Pinterest for my inspiration. 

PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS

Today I went on the search for a location for my 80's inspired photoshoot. I had an idea that I wanted to do it against a decaying/derelict wall; as the design of my jacket is quite 'regal', I wanted to photograph it in the complete opposite setting to where you would expect it to be seen. I ended up making tight leather pants and the pink blouse for the same reason. The 80's was full of various different fashion trends, I wanted my final outfit to be completely mix-matched, but when worn the pieces (as weird as they are together) would still look like they belong as part of the ensemble. 

The search for a grotty wall. 

I walked around the bottom end of Leeds in search for a lovely decayed wall, by the canal. I wish I knew street names, but i'm just no good with places! I think a few of the locations looked quite 'decayed' or even just textured, but they're all pretty boring really. They would be good for a photoshoot if you are just wanting standard profile photos, but I think i'm wanting somewhere my model can actually react to the scenery or 'props', not just a couple of Coke cans and a soggy takeaway box. I'm doing my photoshoot tomorrow morning so i'll hopefully find somewhere perfect. 

Check out my Pinterest for my inspiration. 

FLORAL BLAZER

The main garment i decided to make was a 'powerdressing' inspired blazer. I chose a vintage floral fabric that i found in a charity shop and faux leather for the collar. I'm really pleased with it, the blazer took so long to make but it is pretty good quality, especially as it was my first time making a jacket. I also made a pair of faux leather pants and a pink floral blouse to go with the jacket. 

I hope you like it!

Check out my Pinterest for my inspiration.

MAKING THE BLAZER

Although my model is a size 6/8 i decided to make a toile to make sure i made my final garment the correct size. I made my toile a size 12 as i wanted my garment to be a little over-sized, but it was just way too big, even for my mannequin. I decided from that to make a size 8, it was over-sized in the right areas, as well as being fitted. 

Main body almost completed, now for the tricky part.

I used interfacing for the lapels and the collar to keep them rigid.

I wasn't completely sure about what fabric to use for the collar, i compared black pvc, black cotton and suede, I went for faux leather. I thought it made the blazer look more expensive and it reminded me of a horse riding jacket.

 I was just going to make the blazer and style it with clothing from my wardrobe (i have a lot of 80s clothes in my collection). But i decided that as i had time, i might as well make as much as i could. I made a pair of faux leather trousers to contrast with the floral blazer. Surprisingly they were quite easy to make! I didn't have a pattern drawn up for the pants as they were so last minute, so i made straight-legged pants and would take them in according to fitting them to my model. I kept fitting and sewing them until i got the right shape. I also created a pink patterned blouse that tied at the bottom. I found the fabric in a charity shop from a long skirt, as well as the floral fabric for the blazer coming from some vintage curtains. Pretty sustainable.

Check out my Pinterest for my inspiration.