Showing posts with label street fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label street fashion. Show all posts

Friday, November 29, 2013

"Fashion Obsession" Discharge Dye Fabric Design

Hello creative souls!

Today I want to show you the fabric pattern that I designed recently. It was my first time using discharge dying technique. Discharge dying is a process of removing dye from fabric with the help of discharge paste. It is basically the opposite of dying. Various methods can be used to create designs on the fabric's surface: shibouri, stenciling, stamping, tie dye, block printing, etc. 

For my fabric, which was black loosely woven silk, I first created a stencil out of plastic. It took me 2 hours to cut that out with an x-acto knife

Stencil for my fabric design
I then put the stencil against the fabric and applied the discharge paste to the fabric with a sponge. You should let the paste dry on the fabric and then iron it. Both heat and steam should be applied to the fabric in order for the design to show through. Here is the result!

My funky grungy fabric
Depending on how much discharge paste you apply to the fabric (how thick the solution) you might get more or less bleached out areas on the fabric. If you want consistency, it is best to practice on a scrap piece first. I wasn't going for consistency with my design. I love how uneven the design looks! It gives this fabric a very grungy look

Close-up of my design
I think this fabric would be perfect for a sleeveless top or skater skirt. It really reminded me of a dress by A Detacher that I saw on the Spring 2014 RTW runway:

A Detacher Spring 2014 RTW
I simply cannot wait to make something with this piece! What do you guys think it should be? Leave me a comment, I'm interested in your suggestions!

Happy Friday!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Colour is Power

To continue where I left off last time I would like to say that "Advanced Styl-istas'" cheerful approach to fashion is not reserved solely to old ladies. At least, in my humble opinion it should not be. There is nothing more dreary than swimming through a sea of casual greyness as you walk around the city. As Jessi Arrington, a Brooklyn designer, put it "Colour is powerful. It is almost physiologically impossible to be in a bad mood when you're wearing bright red pants!" I could not agree more. Holding that as my fashion mantra, I would like to share with you a photo of my dear friend who is anything but boring, both inside and out. 



I don't know how she combines the mind of a scientist (she works in a science lab) with the soul of an artist (she is a painter) but perhaps it is this union of her right and left brains that gives birth to such a feast of colour and play of silhouette in her outfits. Nonchalant? Yes, but also very original and expressive. A very well chosen background too by the way! Thank you for letting me share this photo - it's a treat for the eye!

The fabulous thing about self-expression through personal style is that you do not have to regularly run out and buy the latest "in" item. You can find endless ways to wear the pieces you already own through various combinations. Colours look different when juxtaposed next to different colours, a belt turns a casual dress into a classy, evening one. High heels can dress up and flats can dress down any outfit. The right piece of jewelry and accessory can diversify  your outfits and make a world of difference in your look. Stay tuned and I will show various ways of wearing the same pieces to create different looks.