Alexarae Vega
May 26,2009
Michael Rodriguez
HUA289.Art&Design Seminar
In the following essay, I will discuss my final project and where I see myself in
the future. I will also discuss my influences and overall creative development.
When I create a fashion design, I am influenced by the other art that I have
experienced such as: sculpting, drawing, life drawing, landscape painting, abstract
painting, and photography. With these other abilities, I am able to incorporate different
techniques, styles and a way of thinking when developing designs. For example, when
creating the cubism/futurism/ready-made painting, I combined my drawing and painting
skills to develop my final product. I am also influenced by history. I look at paintings
done in the 1500s and 1700s and see the way the women and men dressed during that
period. A lot of the garments where either very dramatic, over sized and Victorian, or
very simplistic. I also like to compare past styles with styles today.
I am inspired by an array of designers, such as: Heathrette, DKNY, Marc Jacobs,
Vera Wang, House of Jazz, Zac Posen, Oscar De La Renta, Carolina Herrera, Christian
Dior, Valentino, Elie Saab, Chanel and more. I like how each designer, and label exhibits
their line in a unique way, displaying many new ideas but also revisiting fashions that
have already been created with their own creative touch and viewpoint. I am also
motivated by the many different styles these designers develop and enhance such as street
wear, sports wear, ready to wear, avant-garde, evening, costume design, couture and
men’s wear.
My inspiration comes mainly from couture designers and couture because of
uniqueness and dramatics. It is very time consuming and involves a lot of attention,
technique and handwork when developing. I am a fan of Christian Dior’s work, his style
in his collections are dramatic, over the top and imaginative. The garments he creates
look very Victorian inspired. Elie Saab’s work also inspires me. I like how his work is
glamorous and chic. I like the array of styles he demonstrates. I like how both these
couture designers tell a story within their collections and pieces.
For my final studio project, I would like to create a fashion design, either a large
painting or drawing. I want to display the movement and the shape of the fashion figure. I
would like to exhibit a collection of designs either focusing on color schemes, black and
white or portraying an ultra chic image; or a collection of designs displaying a fantasy
world, showing vibrant colors and interesting aspects.
After graduating from LaGuardia Community College with an Associates degree
in Fine Arts, I plan on transferring to Brooklyn College and major in Education and
specializing in art. I will continue my education and obtain my master’s degree in Art
Education. My ultimate career goal is to work with the special needs population. I would
like to teach special needs children or adults. Working with this population now as a
recreation assistant, I’ve learned to appreciate and understand the population.
In conclusion, with this final studio project, I would like to exhibit a collection of
my fashion designs. I want to incorporate the Victorian era and eveningwear and develop
a piece that would display new trends.