Hitting the Pause Button

Just before Christmas I became very ill from some kind of exhaustion virus which made me very run down, lethargic and unable to even think about work, let alone physically move to do it. This lasted for over a month and as a result put me very far behind with my studies.

 

This is a very crucial stage in my degree, what with is being my final collection, I will admit I was struggling and had chosen to base my collection on a topic that didn't inspire me, and because of this (and trying to catch up) it resulted in me producing designs I didn't even like, and also I became more stressed and ill again.

I don't want to throw everything away over a stubbourness to finish, so I have reluctantly decided to take a year out to gain my health back and come back this time next year to start my collection again.

HOWEVER, in the meantime I want to continue designing and making in my own time, and as a result of this time off it will give me more time to blog :) It will be interesting working to my own brief and timetable, and I'm really looking forwards to seeing how this freer way of working compares with the results from working in a more structured and intense way.

I will also continue to visit my university to keep up to date with everyones progress, and I've spoken to a few people about being featured on here and they're very happy for that to happen :) I'm going to use this time off as a positive thing, and use it to my full advantage. 

I'm really looking forwards to seeing what this year brings!

Final Collections

I'm so amazed at the standard of work amongst my course mates as it gets closer and closer to the selections for Graduate Fashion week.
Everyone's working really hard on their final collections, and its looking so amazing already.
I always love to see how peoples minds work, and so seeing their individual take on their chosen subject is absolutely fascinating to me.

Over the next few weeks I'm hoping to (with their permission) feature some of their work on here to share it with everyone, as it deserves to be seen. I am taking into account how stressed everyone is at the moment though, so I'm not holding out too much hope on how soon I'll be able to post about them! But for the moment its really inspiring to see everyone so hard at work.

More to come soon!

Japan

I wanted this 1st post to be dedicated to the people of Japan, who have had to face 3 awful disasters all at the same time, and are still having to deal with the devastation left. 

It has been all over the news since the 1st disaster struck last week, and it is truly heartbreaking to watch, and impossible to imagine what they must be going through. 

Many people have since been heading over to japan to help look for survivors, and to help in any way possible. But for the majority of us who are unable to physically go over there to help help, there are other ways you can show your support, and heres how you can do it:

Japan Tsunami Appeal: Ganbare Nippon

One blogger caught my eye recently who is trying to do their bit in showing the people of Japan not to give up hope by organising an illustration rally, asking for creative people to submit their digital art/ illustrations with the message 

'Don't Give Up Japan!'

More details, and submission guideline can be found here: Illustration Rally

UNIQLO

You can even donate clothing to Japan at some fashion retailers, like Uniqlo. All of Uniqlo's stores are planning to house donation boxes where customers can donate clothing to help the victims of the disaster.  You can find more information here: UNIQLO

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga has designed 'we pray for japan' bracelets to raise money for the japan relief efforts. These can be purchased HERE.

Map Action

You can help by donating a small amount to help provide up to date maps of japan to those searching for survivors reach them sooner. More information can be found HERE.

Charities:

You can also donate money at the following charities:

British Red Cross

American Red Cross

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies 

Yahoo Japan! Charity

Thankyou!

I know its been a while since my last post, and I've really missed writing on here. Life's been really hectic at the moment. But it's so good to come back :)

First thing's first: I want to thank everyone who helped with my dissertation survey. It did help a lot and it was very interesting to get different perspectives on the subject. I really appreciate it.

Secondly: There will be a lot more posts to come as I have lots to update on! (London Fashion Weekend, current projects etc.

I'm really looking forwards to coming back, it's been too long!