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8 January 2009
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Top Fashion Design Tips

Top Fashion Design Tips

Jo Noble, Design Museum Education Co-ordinator, comes to the rescue with her top fashion design tips. Jo ran a five-day fashion & textiles course at the Design Museum based on Matthew Williamson and Mexican Textiles. Photo credit: Photographer Luke Hayes

 
 

Matthew Williamsons' work is a festival of colour, pattern and print. He is inspired by anything from a simple peacock feather to the rich embroidery and beadings of Indian textiles. This is your opportunity to explode with colour and texture to create your own creations inspired by Matthew Williamson and Mexican Textiles.

  1. Use as wide a range of sources as possible to research the theme 'Mexico'. Everything from nature, food, music, festivals and films.
  2. Look at leading fashion magazines, books, websites and at museum fashion collections to widen your research.
  3. Start collecting bits and bobs that you can use on your mood board and for your final design eg feathers, buttons, beads etc.
  4. Create a detailed research or mood board using a broad range of mixed media - include everything from colourful fabric swatches to cut out magazine pictures. It will be your essential reference tool to focus your thinking and develop your designs.
  5. Think about your ideal 'Matthew Williamson girl' and develop your designs with her, her personality and lifestyle in mind. You could look at famous celebrities who wear his clothes such as Sienna Miller, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss!
  6. Develop your design ideas using detailed sketches - annotate your drawings with your thoughts, design modifications and explanations. You could include swatches of fabrics, beading etc to your design sheet.
  7. Don't be afraid to take chances! Be bold and experimental in your choice and use of materials, texture, pattern and colour. Remember the brief but be prepared to take risks and above all have FUN FUN FUN!

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