My Design Theme
- Nicole Gemma C
- Apr 2, 2019
- 2 min read
"Goodness Gracious!"
You might be wondering why I've chosen this name for my showcase collection. Yeah, it's a phrase which featured in Jerry Lee Lewis' hit song "Great Balls of Fire" (click for video) in 1957. But more than this, "goodness gracious" was a common expression used in the 1950s to indicate surprise or alarm - exactly the kind of outraged reaction one would hope for if they were sporting a punk outfit in the conservative fifties era. My theme is a mix of classic 1950s and punk. The simplest explanation? I like both of the looks and what they stand for. The concepts also contradict each other, which I find interesting and therefore an enjoyable avenue to explore. I really wanted to experiment with this - and discover where I fit in within what both styles represent, along the way.
Research is very important when it comes to the design process. It helps one understand the background of their ideas, what has come before and why. Through the use of tools such as academic journals, Pinterest, Google, websites and books, I absorbed and collated relevant information about the 1950s and punk eras. This allowed me to understand the history, styles and famous designers of the times e.g. Christian Dior and Cristóbal Balenciaga, who created classic, timeless pieces during the fifties, and Vivienne Westwood - who is "the mother of punk" in the 1970s. Interestingly enough, Vivienne Westwood's blog (click for weblink) revealed that, like myself, she too was interested in 'rebellion', specifically in regards to the clothing, music, etc, of the 1950s.
My mood board allowed me to understand and express my design intention and vibe by creating a visual concept of the direction I wanted to take. The tartan pattern in the background was hand-drawn by myself and represents the outrageously classic punk style, whilst the portrait of a sophisticated pin-up woman represents the beautiful fifties aesthetic. They are combined in juxtaposition, just like my designs. The morphing of chains into doves on my mood board symbolise freedom, breaking free from the shackles and making peace with one's past, whilst accepting it is time to transform and rebel from the old. And the only part we are bringing with us? The elegance, of course! ;)
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