Set Project Plan: Orientalism

 

photo by: Alamy

Project Title: 新古 (Shinko)

Progression Route: Fashion Communication and Styling

Describe your major project objective using the SMART acronym

 For this term's set project, I will create 4 body art drawing on different parts of the body (back, neck-arm-hand, thigh, face) using special paint, for the 3D part I will create a kimono connected to a hoodie using a sewing machine and fabric of my choice. The concept for this work is 'Orientalism', so I will be using themes of Asia, especially Japanese culture. I want my work to connect new with traditions, so the title for the project is '新古'  which means 'new and old'. Both the art and kimono will be unisex so that everyone that feels connected with it can use it, although my target age group is about 20-30 years old. This project will take me 7 weeks to complete. I will be using a pencil to draw my initial sketches for the body art designs, maybe later also create them using a graphic tablet and Clip Studio Paint Software. I want to develop my photography, sewing, body art and styling skills as well as creating a vision board for my projects. I will try to achieve this by researching places for the photoshoot and analysing how I want to style the model. I will also look for tips that could help me with this project. I will present my project as a set of photos, possibly in editorial-like settings.

Why have you chosen to do this project?

I had always been interested in Japanese culture and body art as well as makeup in general. I wanted to try and create an actual piece of clothing and improve my skills. I hope I will be able to show people that we can connect traditions with new ideas and create beautiful art. 

Who are you researching for this project? Please list at least three media producers, authors, musicians, photographers etc.

I will be researching Rei Kawakubo and Tsumori Chisato. I will also look at the work of Olga Dann, as well as Evelyn Affleck.

What techniques/skills are you developing/learning for this project?

I will be developing practical skills such as body painting and sewing as well as photography. 

What do you expect the final outcome of the project to be?

The final outcome of this project will be a set of photos of 4 of the body art paintings and the kimono-hoodie presented on the model. It will be displayed on my website in a form photo gallery. 

What have you completed so far for this project?

I have made initial sketches and decided on which model will be helping me with showing my work.

What do you think will be the issues/drawbacks of the project?

The hardest part will be sewing the kimono as it will be important to make it perfectly straight and beautiful. 

What is your timescale considering that this has to be completed by Week 10?

Week Three: Project Sign off and this plan!

Week Four: Further research about Japanese culture and designers that could inspire me, finding inspiration for the body art and making initial sketches, finding good locations for the photoshoot

Week Five: Creating a template for the kimono-hoodie and finding the right fabric to use

Week Six: Starting sewing kimono, doing at least one of the body art projects on the model and photographing it

Week Seven: Creating the rest of the body art, a continuation of sewing the kimono-hoodie

Week Eight: Finishing the kimono and photographing the work, editing the photos

Week Nine: Finishing the project. 

What resources or materials will you need for this project?

Sewing machine, Nikon Camera, body paints


Draw a picture/Write a sentence/sketch a story/write a dialogue that captures the essence of your project

"Change does not change the tradition. t strengthens it. Change is a challenge and an opportunity, not a threat." - Prince Philip of England

Sources:

Photo from:

Pound, C., (2020), 'From geisha gown to 21st-Century fashion statement, the kimono is a quintessentially Japanese garment entrenched in symbolism', BBC, [online], available at: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200305-the-japanese-kimono-status-symbol-to-high-fashion [accessed: 22/03/2021]