Origami elephant

This is my current beading project in progress. I took the outlines of a graphic origami elephant and turned it into beaded sections. I embroidered small parts of it.



Then, I cut out batting in a curvy shape and began to applique the elephant patch on top. Once it is finished, I will use photoshop to repeat the applique out to create a custom fabric that would be great for a fabulous beaded, super lightweight puffer jacket!

Just a little more to go! Then I'll figure out where it works in a garment. Pockets anyone?

Progress!

Progress! I took my geometric sample off the frame so I could bring it in for a job opportunity and actually like it half-finished. I am debating whether to stitch it back on the frame and finish so I can turn it in as a class project or if I should do a new modified version...

Nadia

Geometric beaded design

Hi! Check out my work in progress.

I am working on a new beading sample which I am translating into my designs for my thesis collection. My thesis collection is very geometric. It is based on Islamic art and fragmented glass. This new beading sample that I am working on will be a cool optical accent in my collection.

My first step to creating the sample was to draw out my design on the stretched organza on my frame. Then I started at the outside and beaded out a nice clean frame with bugles.

The second step was to go in and begin the sequin circle in the center. Because the sequin circle is the motif with the most focus, it is important to fill in that area before beading the seed beads. After the sequin circle is complete the seed beads have a way of nestling in around the sequins nicely.  I am excited to see how this turns out! I will be filling in the smaller geometric portions with tiny silver, white, and black seed beads. Stay tuned for updates!

Scatter Beading Technique

I came across a great diagram to help with scatter beading that I though would be helpful to share. The diagram is from the book "All-In-One Beading Buddy" and helps break down the look of scattered beads in a very logical pattern.

As a perfectionist I have struggled to achieve the perfect spacing in my scattered beading so I decided to give this great method a try.

First, I framed out my area with bugle beads. Then, to ensure that the zigzag stitching pattern would remain proportional on both sides I stitched through the middle with peach colored embroidery floss (not knotting it at the ends).

I stitched my zigzag pattern with white thread and then pulled out the embroidery floss. It will take a little more practice to get the zigzags straighter and more even but overall I am happy with the look of it.

-Nadia

Manhattan Sunrise on the East River

This is the beautiful view I get in the morning when I run. Inspiring!

-Nadia

Beading Knits-Part 1

I have become interested in beaded knits and have noticed the trend on the runways of brands like Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs.  For certain brands, like Oscar de la Renta, beaded and embroidered knits are a staple from season to season. However, recently the runways seem to be overflowing with more experimental beaded knits.

I went to Bergdorf Goodman today to see some of these knits in person. One of my favorites was the Marc Jacobs sweater that I tried on (pictured). The sequins were transparent and they were piled up to create opacity in a gradient style.

I will be shopping for more beaded knits in my wardrobe. Great design is made by contrasting styles and materials.  The formality of beading combined with the casual feel of a knit is exciting and intriguing.

-Nadia

Beading Knits-Part 2

I am exploring the contrast of shiny beads and organic yarns in my current collection. I have been tambour beading organza and then couching yarns of varying thickness on top to creating interesting fabrics.

Here are some progress photos:

And then the final product:

Both of these would dress up a simple silhouette and make a piece of clothing feel special. I envision the square/triangle motif (picture 1) being patterned out like the hexagonal motif (picture 2) to create a new fabric.

The next thing I would like to do is bead on knit fabric. I am not sure how the fabric will respond to being stretched on my Tambour frame so I will have to do a few trials. As always any tips are welcome!

-Nadia

Museum of the City of New York

Hi! I recently went to the Museum of the City of New York. My favorite was the Gilded Age exhibit in the new Tiffany and Co. Foundation gallery.

If you have some spare time it is a great exhibit to check out. It's not too big and the jeweled pieces in there are amazing!

-Nadia

The history behind Swarovski

In the mid 1870's, beads were being cut by hand. Like an true innovator, Daniel Swarovski knew that things were about to change. He believed that stones would soon be cut with an automated system. Daniel began to play with a process called electroplating and traveled to Bohemia to experiment with glass cutting machines. Daniel visited electric exhibitions where he saw inventions by masters like Edison, Shukert, and Seimens. Daniel was inspired and set about learning about glass cutting. After traveling to Vienna to continue building knowledge in cutting and setting, Daniel opened his first business with his future father-in-law Edward Weis .

By1890, Daniel was experimenting with glass beads cut like diamonds. It is important to note that during this time the diamond business was booming with the discovery of new diamond quarries in South Africa.  The opportunities for imitation diamonds were vast as these stones became highly desirable. In addition to the innovation of the diamond cut of Swarovski's beads, Daniel developed another even more important innovation. What made his crystal beads so impressive was the layer of silver that Swarovski coated them with to increase it's brilliance and prevent it from chipping. The diamond cut bead was called the "chaton" and became a timeless Swarovski signature. Daniel invented a machine for the mass production of his crystals and his business took off.

Swarovski crystals became popular for creating highly realistic costume jewelry and they became know as Tyrolean Stones. By the early 1900's Swarovski had made the move to producing his own glass, which improved the quality of the stones. Gabrielle Chanel and Elsa Shiaperelli popularized costume jewelry in high fashion in the 1920's and Swarovski's relationships with designers and couturiers grew. In 1930, Swarovski came out with embroidery beads and also created ribbon trim with crystals already attached. This ribbon became fashion's first trimming. Encouraged by Dior, Swarovski expanded it's range of colors and specialty stones. Today, Swarovski has imitators. However, no crystal stone except Swarovski has the brilliance and longevity of the silver coated diamond cut of their stones. This is why Swarovski is the preferred supplier of crystals to the fashion industry.

Check out these looks using Swarovski:

*None of the pictures from this post are my own. They were found on the Swarovski website.

Winter 2015

Hi!

Below is a collection I created recently, titled "Translating Texture". In my class "Modern Art and Design on the French Riviera" we watched the film The Blue Revolution about artist Yves Klein. I was inspired by the experimental nature of his work. I translated the inspiration into play with texture in my designs. I created textures like tonal blues of velvet mink on ribbon embroidery (motorcycle jacket) and multiprocess pattern like in the boxy blue and grey dress. I created a fur pom-pom technique in a wrap-around skirt and experimented with using Yves Klein's self-titled International Klein Blue. I truly enjoyed creating this collection and playing with textural elements!

Fashion Entrepreneurship Panel at NYC Career Week

Today marks the final day of NYC Fashion Career Week, which was hosted at Parsons. I attended two of the final panels, and while I am generally wary of these types of conversations hosted in front of large audiences I have to say that the advice given was both helpful and insightful.

The first panel that I attended was the most interesting. It was the Fashion Entrepreneurship panel. The members of the panel were Jacqueline Stone of Salt + Stone, menswear designer Marlon Gobel, Jamal Motlagh of Acustom Apparel, Joseph Singh and Erica Cerulo of Of A Kind. The panel was moderated by Caletha Crawford-a children's wear consultant and Parsons guest lecturer. I attended mostly out of curiosity. I have seen how hard even experienced designers working for establish companies have struggled when branching out to start their own lines. I was interested to hear their experiences and what they thought made those challenges worthwhile.

All the entrepreneurs agreed that starting their own business was incredibly difficult. Jacqueline cited 15 hours days and Jamal said it would take "twice the time and three times the money" more than you planned to get your business off the ground. However the general consensus with the group was that the work was worth it because of the creative freedom it allowed each one of them. There was barely any mention of financial successes of having your own business and while several among the group are turning large profits it was clear to me that each of these entrepreneurs see their businesses as a labor of love.

The entrepreneurs offered little tips that they had learned along the way like distributing lookbooks over the internet and making their clothes and products in their own size. They emphasized the importance of sales and had each taken jobs to learn different aspects of the business before going out on their own. Marlon made a great point when he said working as a designer for someone else's company is fantastic because you are learning on someone else's dime. I learned a lot at the panel and in the end it reinforced my opinion that having my own business is not out of the question one day, but that for now I need to enjoy the journey as I acquire experience and gain knowledge.