Coco Fashion Blog

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step

felicity — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 04:50:28 +0000

As a late twenty-something I wanted a school that would give me the key skills that I would need to professionally design my line. I needed to know how my initial conception could be brought to life in 3D through flat pattern making, draping techniques, and garment construction steps while meeting couture standards. I needed to understand textiles and learn about weft, warp, fabric burn tests, bias cutting and a myriad other things one needs to be aware of to create a quality garment.

Since fashion moved beyond cutting three holes in fabric and tying a piece of straw at the waist, I had a lot to learn and I did not want to spend six months going deep into color theory in a four year program. Nor did I want to be another number in an overcrowded classroom. I wanted significant contact time with an experienced instructor with couture patternmaking, draping and sewing skills. Therefore, Coco was a great fit.

I believe you either have an aesthetic sensibility or you don’t, and sitting through a history of art lesson isn’t going to make a difference. Sure you can refine your taste but by the time you reach early adulthood I think it has pretty much developed its core. I have loved the arts since I can first remember and now I would like to focus on the nitty-gritty. Coco is really helping me in this J.

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the rocky road to success

gloria — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:09:10 +0000

Every step is necessary in getting you to where you need to be going. Even if the road isn’t what you pictured it to be. I never thought it would lead me to Shanghai and some of the places I have been to were definitely not on my life’s to-see list. But, it is a journey that I am gladly partaking in. Will you fall? Yes. Will you appreciate the fall and learn from it? Hopefully!

There are times when it may appear as though events are stalled – maybe your production line is not producing as quickly as you’d like it to, or the fabric you ordered is taking longer to receive. There have definitely been times in my life when what seemed to be an easy solution turned out to take more time, money and energy from me. This is especially true when it comes to the fashion industry. Do not be afraid to voice your opinion and concerns. Whether you are the client or the supplier. It is very important to have a clear idea of what you want. When dealing with others, make sure to keep what you have in mind very clear and concise so that you do not confuse yourself or others, as I am learning right now

There are definitely some rough patches, detours and unexpected turns, but the destination is still the same. You may take the highway or the scenic route, but you will get there. Yes, there may be times when you feel like things are not working out the way you want them to, but there is always a reason for it. Embrace the journey – obstacles, miracles and all.

xoxo

Gloria is an alumna of Coco Fashion Design Centre and is currently in Shanghai working on her collection – tissh by gloria lee.

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Perils of Being a Fashion Designer

gloria — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:22:36 +0000

One of the most often yet difficult questions I get asked is this: What inspires you? That is one loaded question. There are just so many things that can and do inspire me. The beauty that I see in every day life – like the laugh lines I’ve memorized in the face of a good friend, the morning sunlight streaming in between condo buildings, a glint of yellow in a pair of deliciously sweet hazel eyes. As a visual learner, I am dazzled by what I see everyday and I hope I never grow tired of that.

In terms of thinking of a collection for the upcoming season, I take lots of daily experiences to be my inspiration. What better way to be inspired than by living your life fully and taking in all that is around you – sights, sounds, smells, etc.

I also like to think of the wants and needs of the modern woman – who is she, what does she like, where is she going, what is she doing, and what is she wearing. Picturing and visualizing your customer, your “muse”, is an essential part of designing a collection. It tells a story. What does she say to you?

I also like to think of what I would want to wear, how I would like to feel in the clothing and how my personal style shines through.

Inspiration is everywhere, if you take a moment to experience it. The best part is your take on it. How will you express it? I take it all in – or at least I try to. The present moment is all that we have. The past is history and the future is unknown. The present moment right now holds all the possibility in the world. You have control over this moment now. What will you do with it? As for me, I am doing what I love doing and that is expressing myself. The good, the bad and the beautiful ;o)

xoxo

Gloria is an alumna of Coco Fashion Design Centre and is currently in Shanghai working on her collection – tissh by gloria lee.

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And now for something completely different…

fashion_mom — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:47:41 +0000

Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear fashion shows are accumulating by the day, and thanks to YouTube and style.com we have front row seats. However, if you were to attend Temperley London’s show, you would not be sitting. Designer Alice Temperley put on a static installation of her fashion line (her second done this way), a throw back to the old way of showing clothes. One major advantage of this format is that it allows the viewer to really study the clothes and accessories at their own pace. In fashion parlance, one can call it, going against the grain.

-fashion_mom

fashion_mom has been interested in fashion from a young age. When she’s not dealing with the challenges of raising her young children she works for OnlineFashionCourses.com.

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High Tech Body Measurements

fashion_mom — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:26:54 +0000

How about a body scan for precise body measurements?

We visited Bodystream, a health clinic in Barrie, Ontario, Canada where they have a [TC]² system. One part of this system consists of a body scanner that scans your body for 20 seconds and outputs around 200 measurements. Allan, the resident expert, explains more in the video. I must say, custom clothing never had it so good!

-fashion_mom

fashion_mom has been interested in fashion from a young age. When she’s not dealing with the challenges of raising her young children she works for OnlineFashionCourses.com.

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Vogue’s September Issue

fashion_mom — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:43:54 +0000

The September Vogue 2009 issue is here, and for you females out there who like to “look like a lady” then there’s plenty of inspiration to be found. Looking through the editorials one notices that the dominating silhouette is the hourglass and that the styles are reminiscent of the 1940′s. The colours are earth tones and grays, with red as the accent. Furthermore, one sees tweed, fabric embellished, and fur trimmed jackets, wool capes, appliquéd coats–the 1940′s refitted. Could it be that, we can, at this point in time, embrace the fashion of the 1940′s because just as that era saw the end of the great depression it appears as if the worst of the great recession is behind us? Can we have the fashion and not the war? If so, bring it on!

Also out this month is the documentary “The September Issue”. Here is the trailer:

-fashion_mom

fashion_mom has been interested in fashion from a young age. When she’s not dealing with the challenges of raising her young children she works for OnlineFashionCourses.com.

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Fair Fashion for All

fashion_mom — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:00:29 +0000

For those that want to pursue a career in the fashion industry, it’s worthwhile to think about sustainability and fair trade. Sustainability in terms of employment, which leads to successful communities. And fair trade? Workers must be fairly compensated so that they can work towards economic self-sufficiency. Why not have your clothes made by businesses that engage in such positive activities?

Sweatshops and exploitation benefits only those at the top. Lets help build a future that everyone can be a part of.

Here is a video about the clothing company Edun:

To see some of the clothes check out the Edun on-line store

-fashion_mom

fashion_mom has been interested in fashion from a young age. When she’s not dealing with the challenges of raising her young children she works for OnlineFashionCourses.com.

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The Shanghai Experience

gloria — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:17:00 +0000

Being in a land far from home, where each day brings new challenges and surprises, it is hard to imagine not taking that first step. When you embark on the unknown it’s always somewhat scary, but the exhilarating feeling you get from trying is well worth it.

When I decided to come to Shanghai, I didn’t know what to expect. But getting over the fear of coming and plunging headfirst into the life of what I have dreamed about was inevitable. In this business, you learn to be fearless real fast.

A couple of things that I have learned so far – you have to be very organized and precise with your designs. Your patterns must be production ready and you must consider all the elements of your garments, from the buttons to the fusing to the yield of each piece. When sourcing your materials, you must be willing to do the legwork and comparison shop. There are tons of places around the world to source great fabrics and the exposure will give you inspiration for future collections as well. There are also lots of trade shows to visit; the choices are endless.

And remember to have fun! Fashion is about creative expression and what you want to show to the world. Make it your own!

Until next time ~ feel it live it believe it

Gloria is an alumna of Coco Fashion Design Centre and is currently in Shanghai working on her collection – tissh by gloria lee.

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Celebrating Coco Chanel

fashion_mom — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:58:23 +0000

Whatever our tastes in fashion and clothing may be, there’s no denying Coco Chanel’s everlasting influence and iconic style. Rising above poverty and humble beginnings, she was able to reach the top in an industry that was and continues to be dominated by male designers. To read about Chanel’s life:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coco_Chanel

To commemorate Coco Chanel’s birthday on August 19th, we have a trailer for the movie Coco Before Chanel.

-fashion_mom

fashion_mom has been interested in fashion from a young age. When she’s not dealing with the challenges of raising her young children she works for OnlineFashionCourses.com.

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Fashion + Technology = Future of Fashion

fashion_mom — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 06:33:20 +0000

Have you ever thought of what future generations will be wearing? We tend to think of futuristic sci-fi television shows and movies, which are quite popular these days. But of course, that’s all just fiction. Or is it?

For some fashion designers, technological innovation in clothing is the future of fashion. By combining fashion with technology, not only do we get some really unique creations, but we get functionality as well. For the generation that grew up with computers and iPods, all this is just, shall we say…natural.

Check out the article Haute Technology: http://www.thestar.com/living/article/673583

Check out the video Fashionable Technology:

-fashion_mom

fashion_mom has been interested in fashion from a young age. When she’s not dealing with the challenges of raising her young children she works for OnlineFashionCourses.com.

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