First of all, how glad am I to finally have the Internet at my new gaff! We haven't mastered the wireless part of it yet but it is bloody fast!
Secondly, i am super excited to be writing my blog again, how Ive missed thee!
Anyways, currently i am working on a new costume design project where I am designing and making the costumes for 20 teenagers. The performance stemmed from a a government initiative called 'find your talent' looking at getting secondary school kids interested in culture. The group from Weston-super-mare put on a particularly impressive performance with their club night 'Lush' and they have been selected to perform at the Young Talent Festival at the South Bank centre on the 22nd July.... Not long now. Here they have transformed the ideas behind the club night into a choreographed routine with DJ's and VJ's to create an exciting and intuitive piece!
INSPIRATION...
Before i had chance to meet with the choreographer to discuss ideas for the costumes i began to research ways of creating a visual impact on stage. Hussein Chalayan is an amazing designer, he creates innovative designs using cutting edge technology. I particularly like these pieces and the use of LED lighting, the shapes are so simple yet the lighting turns the garments into a work of art.
Unfortunately, I do not have a team of lighting and electrical specialists. So I began to look into fabrics that could create a similar look. I began with bright white fabrics that when placed under UV lights have a glowing effect.
Also i quite liked the Glowing effect that this fish from Bristol zoo had. Nature has some amazing eye-catching technology!
However, after looking at the floor plan and the performance space it became apparent that it wasn't feasible to make the dance area dark enough to create an impact. And unfortunately I'm not a fish!
My next piece of inspiration came from a policeman!...
These yellow jackets that are worn not just by not just police but paramedics, builders, cyclists and people who need a highly visible presence! and this is what the dancers need on the stage.
So off i went and purchased some wacky yellow fabric and reflective tape!
DESIGNING & MAKING....
Here are some of my first initial sketches and my new beautiful over locker! which has been a god send in this project.
FINAL THOUGHTS.....
Right now I am in the midst of finishing the costumes I have a few more to finish off and i intend to measure the rest of the performers today.... Insanely close to the deadline! But I'm sure i can pull it off.
Finally I'm going to leave you guys with a sneaky peak of the final costumes (which have engulfed my room) enjoy...
