Coming Up at Apparel Arts

Check out our 2010 winter/spring schedule at www.apparel-arts.com. In addition to all the usual great classes, we are offering an 8-week Tailoring class (offered only once a year) starting March 1, 2010. Two new classes in the development stage are Couture Sewing Techniques, and a hands-on class to develop spec sheets, cost sheets, and pattern record cards using Illustrator and Excel. Keep an eye on our website for dates and times.

Trends

“Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.” Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900.

I love this quote. Yes, we have just gotten a hint of fall weather and we are already looking ahead to spring, 2010. Who and what looked original and exciting to me? The Female Dandy look is so modern for Spring, 2010. I think Karl Lagerfeld really nailed the look.
I like how Junya Watanabe, and Paul Smith’s women’s lines portrayed the female dandy look too. Paul Smith’s layering and wrapping in women’s wear is really beautiful as well. I love the way he uses color. Definitely check him out.
Other than that, a couple of additional trends that will probably emerge are the boyfriend jacket and military jackets worn over feminine, frilly dresses and blouses. Ripped and patched jeans are making a comeback. Ripped and patched jeans? I think we can do better than that. Time will tell.

Check This Out

If you have not already seen it, don’t miss the Richard Avadon exhibit at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (www.sfmoma.org). Avadon’s portraits capture so much emotion just in the eyes of his subjects. The contrast to the usual stiff portraiture we come to expect is refreshing. Of course his work in fashion is extraordinary so I was disappointed at first to see his fashion shots limited to just one room, but I quickly got over that as I took in the rest of the show. Don’t miss it.

RAG CO-OP showcases about 70 Bay Area clothing, accessory and jewelry designers in the store at 541 Octavia Street in San Francisco (www.rafsf.com). Designers can rent rack/shelf space, consign wares, test designs and gain exposure. There is a constant flow of new merchandise. RAG has been around since 2002, but is worth a frequent mention. Many Apparel Arts’ students have tested the waters through RAG. You will always find something new, different and interesting there.

ProtoSew is a one-stop prototype shop serving new and established designers (www.protosew.com). Located in Arizona, these folks are experienced and have the ability to develop a product from a sketch or idea through to a sample. They will also advise with manufacturing, packaging and marketing ideas. For the asking they will also kindly critique your product. We need more places like this to keep production in the US whenever possible.

Great Reads to Inspire

Dictionary of Fashion, by Charlotte Mankey Calasibetta and Phyllis Tortora (Fairchild). I find I return to this book again and again when I am teaching. It is an excellent reference if you are studying fashion design or a related subject.

Research and Design, by Simon Seivewright (Ava/Academia). Developing mood boards and story boards are an integral step in producing a cohesive clothing line. This book helps designers gain focus and vision. Plus, you get pictures of really great design from Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Viktor & Rolf, and many more.

Until next time!

Suzy Furrer

Director

Apparel Arts