Chadwick Tyler Photography

Chadwick Tyler's style of photography is more dark and inauspicious than a lot of other photographers that I was previously aware of. These photos have inspired me to explore hair/make up styles, locations, poses and lighting to encompass my post-apocalyptic concept.

The above photos have a very glamorous 1940s feel to them but with a dark edge - perhaps as if these girls have been caught up in wartime activities - bombings etc. This is portrayed by the messy hair, smudged make-up, mud stains, ripped baggy clothes, and of course the lighting and the location of the shoot.

The above photos are very interesting for my concept. The one shot on location, in the water, brings to mind death, which is perfect the the 'post-war' part, maybe this is something i could explore. The studio set photos are interesting because of the poses, and also seeing how white and black backdrops help tell a different story.

The above photos have an 'underground-grunge' style to them. The concept is very different, they are more urban, but I feel really inspired by the location and the poses. This type of location, being a dirty underground space, would be ideal for my shoot, and the poses look almost painful, the photos definitely tell a disturbing story.

CONCEPT for unit: Post-Apocalyptic Princess

Post-Apocalyptic Princess is a concept which really sums up the style I like to work with... feminine with an edge... in this case a dark disturbing vibe.

Model In Mind

I have a specific model in mind to do at least one, possibly both of the photoshoots, and to model in the multimedia presentation. She has recently joined LMP models based in Bournemouth, and she has the perfect look for this concept. It will be easy to create a dishevelled look with her, and she is an experienced model, so we should get some great photos.

Gareth Pugh Spring/Summer 2010

It was this collection that inspired the concept of post-apocalyptic princess... In true Gareth Pugh style, the clothes have a dishevelled, punky and somewhat clinical edge to them. But this season there was a more feminine twist, with a lighter colour palette and introducing chiffons and satins.

SHOWstudio: Fashion Revolution, exhibition at Somerset House

SHOWstudio: Fashion Revolution is a major exhibition held at Somerset House through Autumn 2009. It is a retrospective of nine years of online innovation, invention and creation. Based around the themes of ‘Process’ ‘Performance’ and ‘Participation’, the exhibition showcases over twenty projects from SHOWstudio’s archives alongside unique new films, artworks and live fashion shoots and events specifically devised for this groundbreaking exhibition.

A showcase of interactive installments, photography, film and fashion, this was an inspiring exhibition, which has filled my head with plenty of ideas, and has made me want to experiment with different media, such as film, and the internet, for this and future projects.

There were 3 interactive attractions in the exhibition which really interested me:

1) Naomi - This was a sculptural rendering of Naomi Campbell's body which exhibition visitors could draw on using graphics tablets.

2) Dress me up, dress me down - viewers dress model Liberty Ross in a live interactive photoshoot, initiated as a response to the industrys overtly oversexualised image.

3) Sound of clothes: Synaesthesia - describing fashion with sounds, a different sound for each area of a jacket.

Theatre De La Mode

This is a page of research from the Theatre De La Mode website. I particularly like and can take inspiration from the illustration and photography elements of the website. It is very clear and concise, and you get the feeling that this is a very classy business.

Philosophy...??

So one of the starting points for this unit is to figure out what my philosophy is... I have been thinking and brainstorming long and hard... and have come to the conclusion that my mission is to become involved in communication... ultimately in styling/buying or something related... My signature style is girly/feminine with a dark edge. I personally, at the moment feel happier than I have in a long time... but my demons are still there, the dark cloud that tends to drag me down just when I start to enjoy myself. I wish to reflect this in my work by choosing a concept that reflects the femininity but also with a very dark sinister edge: post-apocalyptic princess

New Brief

We had our unit briefing earlier today, and a talk from Chris Kelly, of Theatre de la mode. He showed us an example of one of his dolls, which are the unique selling point of the brand, and he showed us the promotional films which accompany his collections. He explained to us that his design philosophy is producing an oversized silhouette, and that he stays true to this by going back to the identity of the brand every season.

In this unit, as a communication student my outcome will be one sourced outfit which encapsulates a concept developed from my personal philosophy, an interactive multimedia presentation, and a research journal.

My personal outcomes are to do produce a video for the multimedia presentation, and to conduct 2 photoshoots (one in the studio, one on location), in order for me to develop my skills in working with photographers and models. The next step for me is to brainstorm concepts, and to come up with one which encapsulates my style.