Greetings! By now, after already posting two of them, I hope you already know and understand what a pecha kucha is. Here's another one that I mentioned in my previous entry. The pecha kucha is a presentation on a chosen designer (in my case, designers) and their design philosophy. I suggest you read the previous post for you to better understand the presentation. Enjoy! :-)
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Reflection: Week 4
Our class discussion this week
tackled different kinds of fashion designers and their respective design philosophies.
As I have mentioned before, I still have not found a designer whom I could call
a personal favorite, but for this activity (which also required us to dress-up)
I chose the classic Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabanna. As a child, Dolce & Gabanna was one of the
luxury brands I knew that was a must-have for any fashion-conscious adult may it be a male or
female. This is probably because the brand caters to both genders through the
clothes and perfumes they design. Taking from that, I began to appreciate the
designers knowing that they have created what I have always dreamed to have, an
entire fashion empire. D&G (as you would see in the pecha kucha I will post
after this entry) has most likely tackled every aspect of the clothing
industry: clothes (for different markets), shoes, fragrances, hair products, beauty
products, nail lacquer, and lately even gadgets.
The design philosophy I found that
they go by is a mix of feminism and the idea of being different but preserving the
balance of things. This design philosophy, I realized, is something that I
would want to take after (but of course use it as an inspiration in forming my
own). I’ve always been such a strong believer of feminism and how a woman’s
body is a glorious creation of God and should be treated as such. One could
also see in my personal style that I like standing-out and making a statement
or expressing myself with whatever I wear; but I also believe that in dressing
well, one must know how and when to dress accordingly/appropriately. After
really researching about these two designers and getting to know more about
themselves and their design aesthetic, I realized that they are officially part
of my list (yes I know it’ll be a list) of favorite designers. Dolce and
Gabanna have inspired me and reaffirmed me that no dream is too big for a
creative mind and a passionate heart.
Monday, September 14, 2015
How and Why People Wear Clothes (a pecha kucha)
Hello I am back with another pecha kucha! This time, it's just half a pecha kucha (10 slides but 20 secs each) and it'll be presenting how and why I think people of the twenty-first century dress in such a way. This was based on the book full of photographs by Hans Eijkelboom entitled "People of the Twnty-First Century"
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Reflection: Week 3
This week all of the groups were assigned to read an
article of and report it to the class. Our group was assigned to “The Burqa in
Vogue: Fashioning Afghanistan” by Ellen McLarney (a long but really good read).
The other articles tackled global fashion issues. Basically one thing I learned was that fashion and clothing plays a huge role in cultural diffusion. It was evident in the articles that either different cultures tried to influence or be influenced by others or refused to let anything in or out of their culture. Other cultures took up trends and clothing from others and vice versa. Clothing could serve as a tool to lead or follow, to be dominant or inferior.
What I've already learned only stands as proof that the fashion world/industry is vast in itself. That's something that most people don't see that's why they always tend to belittle people of our industry. They think that it's hard to earn money in such a field but more than the money (which you could definitely earn loads of) they fail to see its cultural and societal relevance. That it's inevitably part of the system of our world and can meaningfully contribute to it. It's articles and issues like these that push me to make an effort in educating the rest of the world about what we do and the importance of it.
What I've already learned only stands as proof that the fashion world/industry is vast in itself. That's something that most people don't see that's why they always tend to belittle people of our industry. They think that it's hard to earn money in such a field but more than the money (which you could definitely earn loads of) they fail to see its cultural and societal relevance. That it's inevitably part of the system of our world and can meaningfully contribute to it. It's articles and issues like these that push me to make an effort in educating the rest of the world about what we do and the importance of it.
Reflection: Week 2
This week we had a long discussion and really chewed into the topic of clothing motivations. If you were able to watch my short pecha kucha about my personal clothing motivations, you'd notice that one of the things that affects the my choice of clothing is the fact that I belong to a Catholic Charismatic community. Belonging to a religious community also means that you have to conform to its way of life. I have nothing against the our way of life, in fact I embrace it and really appreciate it. What I have been struggling with though is the compromise between being modest and being able to express myself through the clothes I wear. I do understand that there are parts of the body one should cover, that showing flesh could "provoke" the opposite sex, that keeping your body to yourself could be "more attractive", and that you should also honor your body. What still baffles me is that they believe tht if you got it, it's better not to flaunt it. I mean, showing a little skin is how I could feel beautiful in, I personally feel honored when I look good in what I am wearing whether I'm covered up entirely or exposing my parts of my legs, arms, and back. I want to be able to dress modestly and please others by it, but sometimes, it's myself that I don't get to please anymore (which forgive me but I think is more important).
I'm the kind of person who believes that the only ones I have to please are God, my parents and myself. My dad also has a keen sense of style and is also very open-minded. He doesn't mind it if I wear clothes that reveal a little skin as long as it isn't over-the-top. I am also very responsible when it comes to dressing in a way that my parents want me to, so I know what's a yes and what's a no when it comes to their opinion. It just saddens me that I have to limit my clothing preferences because people from community might correct me.
I really want to talk more about this dilemma of mine in the future so stay tuned haha. But again as of now, I still think that the line between modesty and immodesty is quite blurred and I am bound by it. The issue between the balance of modesty and still looking and feeling beautiful is something I would like to resolve as I go through my years in CT.
I'm the kind of person who believes that the only ones I have to please are God, my parents and myself. My dad also has a keen sense of style and is also very open-minded. He doesn't mind it if I wear clothes that reveal a little skin as long as it isn't over-the-top. I am also very responsible when it comes to dressing in a way that my parents want me to, so I know what's a yes and what's a no when it comes to their opinion. It just saddens me that I have to limit my clothing preferences because people from community might correct me.
I really want to talk more about this dilemma of mine in the future so stay tuned haha. But again as of now, I still think that the line between modesty and immodesty is quite blurred and I am bound by it. The issue between the balance of modesty and still looking and feeling beautiful is something I would like to resolve as I go through my years in CT.
Designer Inspiration: Giambatisttista Valli
I feel that I am not yet fully educated about the design world and its gatekeepers (designers), so I still can't really pick my favorite designer also because I don't just have one. For this blog post, we were asked to talk about our favorite designer's design inspiration. For the post's sake, I chose Giambattista Valli.
Giambattista Valli is a French designer who was raised in Italy but is now based in Paris, France. He is one of the designers I admire, because I gravitate towards his design aesthetic. The things I imagine during my past time, day dreaming and envisioning how I would like my designs to look like, he has already brought to life. His designs are something that a majority of the fashion industry really agree to and applaud but at the same time you can distinctly tell that it was designed by him. He incorporates elaborateness, volume, color, eccentricity, and femininity into his designs - something I would like to adapt as a future designer. What really caught my attention was how he executed his shows. From the hair and makeup to the ensemble itself, the shoes and the entire production of the show; everything is spotless and well thought of.
After browsing a few articles about this fashion genius, I've learned that many things contribute to his inspiration when designing. As a kid, his television was black and white and his hobby was to draw the actors and guess/imagine the colors of the clothes they were wearing. At an early age, he would copy the design sketches of Yves Saint Lauren and it was through it that he realized that the silhouette used by the designer could help determine his/her identity. He is very fond of reading books especially ones that contain photographs of celebrities and models with beautiful clothes. He has worked for several brands before establishing his own. "Valli’s muse revolves around curiosity, however inspirations that come to him are closely tied to women’s allure – imaginary or real – from Little Red Riding Hood to Peggy Guggenheim." (http://www.famousfashiondesigners.org/giambattista-valli). He believes that a woman's body should definitely be celebrated and this inspires his material preferences and craftsmanship. All in all, Giambattista Valli allows to be inspired by a lot of things and is able to then integrate these into his creations effortlessly.
Sources:
[Photograph of Giambattista Valli]. Retrieved September 13, 2015 from: http://news.nationalpost.com/life/style/small-talk-paris-haute-couture-at-dior-giambattista-valli
[Photograph of Giambattista Valli]. Retrieved September 13, 2015 from:http://champagnemacaronsblog.com/fashion-inspiration-giambattista-valli-couture-spring-2015/
[Photograph of Giambattista Valli]. Retrieved September 13, 2015 from: http://www.famousfashiondesigners.org/giambattista-valli
[Photograph of Giambattista Valli]. Retrieved September 13, 2015 from: http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/designers/giambattista-valli/
Giambattista Valli. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2015 from: http://www.famousfashiondesigners.org/giambattista-valli
Sunday, September 6, 2015
My Clothing Motivations (a pecha kucha)
As a fashion student, I believe it is important to know what motivates you to dress-up everyday. At par with this, we were asked to make a pecha kucha showing the different factors of our clothing motivations. A pecha kucha is a presentation wherein you're given 20 slides and 20 seconds to discuss each slide. We presented our pecha kuchas to our group mates in class but I have uploaded it here for documentation. For viewing purposes, I made the slides to last only five seconds. Press play and get to know what motivates me to pick my outfit for the day.
Reflection: Week 1
The first thing Ms. Kitty asked us when we were just applying to shift to CT is something that went along the lines of, do you really know what you're getting into? At that time, I applied for the program with a mind set on being a renowned Filipino designer both nationally and internationally. Of course I also wanted to be able to give back to the country by imparting the CT knowledge I have yet to learn to the future of Clothing Technology. But it wasn't until our first class with Ms. Kitty that I realized, there really is more to being a clothing technologist. Being in the fashion industry isn't all glitz and glam. I knew this even before entering the program, but what I didn't know was how it was such a big part of our lives and and that there's a lot to be done in the national scale of the industry.
I understood that people's lives depend on the industry (from factory workers to high earning authorities) and if not given much attention to, could lead to tragic accidents/calamities. A lot of clothing manufacturing factories who recklessly continue labor despite the buildings hazardous conditions have cost the lives of many employees and the livelihood of their families. I also saw how the textile and garment industry in the country has so much potential. This is what actually struck me the most, that the richness of our country's resources is only put to waste with its improper allocation when it could have been used in the expansion and development of the industry. My dream for the Philippines is for its garment and textile industry to be able to provide a complete process in clothing production; from the very start (harvesting and processing of the fibers) up until the product is marketed and sold in the stores. In this way, we would be able to promote the production capability of our country, local products, while providing more job opportunities for our countrymen.
It was amazing to realize that in a span of one meeting, Ms. Kitty was able to switch our dreams and motives as clothing technology students from being a bit self-centered to putting into consideration the needs of the industry and the people we will affect.
I understood that people's lives depend on the industry (from factory workers to high earning authorities) and if not given much attention to, could lead to tragic accidents/calamities. A lot of clothing manufacturing factories who recklessly continue labor despite the buildings hazardous conditions have cost the lives of many employees and the livelihood of their families. I also saw how the textile and garment industry in the country has so much potential. This is what actually struck me the most, that the richness of our country's resources is only put to waste with its improper allocation when it could have been used in the expansion and development of the industry. My dream for the Philippines is for its garment and textile industry to be able to provide a complete process in clothing production; from the very start (harvesting and processing of the fibers) up until the product is marketed and sold in the stores. In this way, we would be able to promote the production capability of our country, local products, while providing more job opportunities for our countrymen.
It was amazing to realize that in a span of one meeting, Ms. Kitty was able to switch our dreams and motives as clothing technology students from being a bit self-centered to putting into consideration the needs of the industry and the people we will affect.
What Does UP ERG Wear?
For an optional assignment for CT 11, we were tasked to observe and interview a certain cultural group and see if they do dress a certain (common) way. For this project, I chose an organization from the EEEI (Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute) in the University of the Philippines. UP ERG (University of the Philippines Engineering Radio Guild) is very close to my heart because I'm still a member even now that I've shifted to CT. I passed out a survey to 62 respondents and personally interviewed 5 of the members from UP ERG. Read on to find out if and how UP ERG dresses up similarly.
NATHALIE SUCGANG
4th year BS Computer Engineering student
What do you usually wear to school?
T-shirt, pants or shorts, Converse sneakers
What do you think a typical EEE student wears to school?
T-shirt, pants, shoes or slippers
What do you consider when picking the clothes you'll wear for the day? Color (light colored clothing if it's hot outside, warm/dark colors if it's cold), Pants if classes are in EEE (cold classrooms) What is a "fashionable" outfit for you? Skirt and a blouse to match Do you believe that a certain group of people dress in a specific way? Yes, colleges like Business Administration and Economics are more well-dressed compared to UP Engineering students. UP students could also be easily distinguished in a crowd based on their clothing and behavior. Do you think that the people around you affect the way you dress? Medyo, kapag high school friends ang kasama ko, mas pormado ako.
LOUIE TANAKA
3rd year BS Electrical Engineering student
What do you usually wear to school?
Shorts, T-shirt, loafers
What do you think a typical EEE student wears to school? Pants, sneakers, T-shirt
What do you consider when picking the clothes you'll wear for the day? If it looks nice, if it's comfy, appropriateness for school and the activities for the day (when there's lab, I wear pants)
What is a "fashionable" outfit for you? Collared shirt, pants, leather shoes
Do you believe that a certain group of people dress in a specific way? Yes, because of the existence of stereotypes. Students from the college of Business Administration are more pormado
Do you think that the people around you affect the way you dress? Yeah, if people around me wear fashionable clothes I have to be able to keep up
What do you usually wear to school? Shorts, T-shirt, tsinelas (slipper), or pambahay (clothes you wear at home)
What do you think a typical EEE student wears to school? T-shirt, pants, Vans
What do you consider when picking the clothes you'll wear for the day? Kung 'di mainit at comportable
What is a "fashionable" outfit for you? "Mayaman" o maganda sapatos, polo shirt, boat shoes, Roches o Air Max (Nike)
Do you believe that a certain group of people dress in a specific way? No
Do you think that the people around you affect the way you dress? Yes, kung ano yung uso, doon din susunod
What do you usually wear to school? Skirt, I seldom wear shirts, any top that matches my bottom
What do you think a typical EEE student wears to school? "Halatang stressed" T-shirt, pants, sometimes shorts, slippers or sneakers
What do you consider when picking the clothes you'll wear for the day? Activities for the day, my schedule (if I'll be having lab), I commute so it also depends on what time I'll be going home (safety concerns)
What is a "fashionable" outfit for you? Most comfortable in skirt and heels and top
Do you believe that a certain group of people dress in a specific way? Yes, they do similar things and sometimes at the same time
Do you think that the people around you affect the way you dress? Yes, because sometimes they're the ones who tell you what's right and wrong (in terms of what to wear)
What do you consider when picking the clothes you'll wear for the day? When I last wore the piece of clothing and the weather
What is a "fashionable" outfit for you? Neat-looking, if the is fit right, a timeless look, long sleeves polo (folded 3/4), casual pants, matching shoes
Do you believe that a certain group of people dress in a specific way? Yes, maybe because they consider each other's style and the similarities of their activities
Do you think that the people around you affect the way you dress? Yes, because gauge how you should dress with the people around you
What do you consider when picking the clothes you'll wear for the day? Color (light colored clothing if it's hot outside, warm/dark colors if it's cold), Pants if classes are in EEE (cold classrooms) What is a "fashionable" outfit for you? Skirt and a blouse to match Do you believe that a certain group of people dress in a specific way? Yes, colleges like Business Administration and Economics are more well-dressed compared to UP Engineering students. UP students could also be easily distinguished in a crowd based on their clothing and behavior. Do you think that the people around you affect the way you dress? Medyo, kapag high school friends ang kasama ko, mas pormado ako.
* * *
LOUIE TANAKA
3rd year BS Electrical Engineering student
What do you think a typical EEE student wears to school? Pants, sneakers, T-shirt
What do you consider when picking the clothes you'll wear for the day? If it looks nice, if it's comfy, appropriateness for school and the activities for the day (when there's lab, I wear pants)
What is a "fashionable" outfit for you? Collared shirt, pants, leather shoes
Do you believe that a certain group of people dress in a specific way? Yes, because of the existence of stereotypes. Students from the college of Business Administration are more pormado
Do you think that the people around you affect the way you dress? Yeah, if people around me wear fashionable clothes I have to be able to keep up
* * *
JUDE LLANA
2nd year BS Electronics & Communication Engineering student
What do you usually wear to school? Shorts, T-shirt, tsinelas (slipper), or pambahay (clothes you wear at home)
What do you think a typical EEE student wears to school? T-shirt, pants, Vans
What do you consider when picking the clothes you'll wear for the day? Kung 'di mainit at comportable
What is a "fashionable" outfit for you? "Mayaman" o maganda sapatos, polo shirt, boat shoes, Roches o Air Max (Nike)
Do you believe that a certain group of people dress in a specific way? No
Do you think that the people around you affect the way you dress? Yes, kung ano yung uso, doon din susunod
* * *
CASHMERE RAMOS
2nd year BS Electronics & Communication Engineering student
What do you usually wear to school? Skirt, I seldom wear shirts, any top that matches my bottom
What do you think a typical EEE student wears to school? "Halatang stressed" T-shirt, pants, sometimes shorts, slippers or sneakers
What do you consider when picking the clothes you'll wear for the day? Activities for the day, my schedule (if I'll be having lab), I commute so it also depends on what time I'll be going home (safety concerns)
What is a "fashionable" outfit for you? Most comfortable in skirt and heels and top
Do you believe that a certain group of people dress in a specific way? Yes, they do similar things and sometimes at the same time
Do you think that the people around you affect the way you dress? Yes, because sometimes they're the ones who tell you what's right and wrong (in terms of what to wear)
* * *
NYLE CAULI
3rd year BS Computer Engineering student
What do you usually wear to school?
Shorts, T-shirt, shoes (plimsolls/Vans)
What do you think a typical EEE student wears to school?
Slippers, shorts, and T-shirt
What do you consider when picking the clothes you'll wear for the day? When I last wore the piece of clothing and the weather
What is a "fashionable" outfit for you? Neat-looking, if the is fit right, a timeless look, long sleeves polo (folded 3/4), casual pants, matching shoes
Do you believe that a certain group of people dress in a specific way? Yes, maybe because they consider each other's style and the similarities of their activities
Do you think that the people around you affect the way you dress? Yes, because gauge how you should dress with the people around you
* * *
The following are the results of the 62 respondents I surveyed
Based on the results of my research limited by 67 respondents, we can say that the members of UP ERG are comfortable coming to school in a T-shrt, jeans, and sneakers. They favor the comfortableness of the outfit they're going to be wearing and also consider the climate outside and the activities they have lined up for that particular day. They themselves have confirmed our hypothesis of a certain cultural group noticeably dresses up in a similar manner. They've noticed that they tend to dress like one another and that their cumulative style could be considered as the EEE organization's identity.
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