ZERO-WASTE INSPIRES CREATIVITY

“To eliminate the concept of waste means to design things…from the very beginning on the understanding that waste does not exist.”—William McDonough and Michael Braungart (104)

Millions of textile scraps enter landfills as more and more clothing is produced. 1 Timo Rissanen, a zero-waste pioneer, educator, and designer indicates that despite the fashion industry’s strife for maximum efficiency in material use, only about 80-90% of fabric is used. 2 Rissanen designs and creates garments that utilize 100% of the fabric and generates no fabric waste. Below is a Hoodie pattern Rissanen created and constructed. 

Timo Rissanen, Zero-Waste Hoodie 2009

Inspired by the work of zero-waste pioneer Timo Rissanen, Susan Avila’s Design 170 Experimental Fashion class created zero-waste garments from about 1 yard of digitally printed fabric. Students drew inspiration from photographs taken on the UC Davis campus. Images ranged from redwoods in the Arboretum to abstracted images of the sewing lab floor. The cost of these personalized fabric prints ranged from $40-80, which further encouraged students to use all of their fabric.

Students began by creating three small mock-ups for their wooden mannequins. They experimented with different silhouettes to create shirts, jackets, pants, and dresses. 

Left: Gabriela Mendez, Desiree Cox, David Lee (Front to Back)

Right: Antonia Huang

Helen Trejo

After deciding which silhouette and design would suit the zero-waste project best, students finalized their designs to create full-scale mock-ups. 

Left: Desiree Cox

Right: Nidia Trejo, Kim Ju, Charlotte Pong

Anxious to begin their final garments after the mock-up critique, students printed, steamed, and washed their fabrics. They began to work diligently on their zero-waste projects. 

Left: Nidia Trejo preparing to cut fabric

Right: Heidi Lo draping small embellishments 

Ophelia Song sewing

These are their final garments! 

Kim Ju Jacket; Original Photograph: Sewing lab floor

Charlotte Pong Transformable Dress; Original Photograph: Co-Ho Stained Glass Windows

Haley Gilhooly Shirt; Original Photograph: Redwood Tree in Arboretum

Theron Brown Vest; Original Graphic Design

Courtney Siperstein-Cook Dress; Original Photograph: Heather Flowers

James Choi Shirt; Original Photograph: Windows of UCD Library

Olufunmilayo Alabi Dress; Original Photograph: Ceiling of Mondavi Center

Arleen Fung jacket; Original Photograph: Close up of Walker Hall Window 

Julie Her Shirt; Original Photograph: Crochet Ornaments on a Tree Near Silo

Rebecca Price Shirt/Dress; Original Photograph: Bicycles 

Kathleen Dycaico Jacket; Original Photograph: Redwood Tree

Heidi Lo Jacket; Original Photograph: Wood Chips

David Lee Dress; Original Photograph: Rose

Sandy Hsieh Tote Bag/Skirt; Original Photograph: G-Line Unitrans

Ophelia Song Shirt with Hood; Original Photograph: Leaves

Gabriela Mendez Shirt/Dress; Original Photograph: Ladybugs in Arboretum

Antonia Huang Jacket; Original Photograph: Leaves

Nidia Trejo Dress; Original Photograph: Bicycles

Jennifer Ma Romper; Original Photograph: Rose

Helen Trejo Jacket; Original Photograph: Brick Stairs 

These wonderful projects exemplify creative, sustainable student work that contributes to innovate zero-waste fashion developments.

1. McDonough, W. & Braungart M. (2002). Cradle to Cradle. New York: North Point Press.

2. Hethorn, J., Ulasewicz C., eds. (2008) Sustainable Fashion. Why Now? New York: Fairchild Books, Inc. (186-206)

THE TURBAND

Recently a couple of my stylish friends have been talking non stop about the turband (turban-slash-headband), which is a trendier alternative to your basic headband and can be tied in multiple ways.

This DIY video is a sneak peak of fashion aimed videos for a new site called LEAF- Living, Eating And Fashion. Enjoy the video and hopefully I will see some of you rockin' your turbans!!

How To Tie A Turband 3 Ways from LEAFtv on Vimeo.

WEDDING CRASHERS

All the single ladies, put a ring on it!

Many wedding announcements are made this year in Hollywood, and in the Royal family. Celebrities are getting married in a beautiful bridal gown this year, and, off course, the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Kate's Alexander McQueen gown was breath-taking.

There are more and more different silhouettes, styles, colors, and length in many Bridal Collections. For example, Anthropologie launched their bridal collection called BHLDN on this Valentine's Day. The price is friendly and they also sell bridal shoes, bouquet, decors, accessories, and more to come. 

For a higher taste in quality, Vera Wang has been doubtlessly successful in her Bridal Collection. 

Dreams are coming true and happily ever afters are being witnessed through the stunning gown on the bride.  

http://www.toast-events.com/blog/?currentPage=3

Anthropologie launches their bridal collection BHLDN

 

 http://www.hinydesign.com/blog/?p=806

BHLDN

 

 http://i-weddingdresses.com/allure-bridals-wedding-dresses-iii/

 

 http://sewmanstore.com/wordpress/?p=2180

Italian Designer, Alberta Ferretti's Bridal S/S 2011

 

http://pennylifeinpics.blogspot.com/2010/08/campaigns-vera-wang-fw-20102011-anna-de.html

Vera Wang Bridal Collection

 

 http://maggielovecreations.blogspot.com/

Vera Wang Bridal Collection

 

 http://gossip-girl-glamour.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html

Leighton Meester for Vera Wang's new fragrance, Lovestruck.

TO ALL THE GORGEOUS MOTHERS

Hope everyone is having a wonderful time with their mother. 

Here are some of the ridiculously sexy, beautiful, and confident mothers!

  

Alessandra Ambrosio

 

Ashlee Simpson

 

Gisele Bündchen

 

Gwen Stefani

 

Gwyneth Paltrow

 

Heidi Klum

 

Jennifer Lopez

 

Jessica Alba

 

Katie Holmes

 

Miranda Kerr

 

Nichole Richie

 

Victoria Beckham

Don't forget to remain as a fashionista after becoming a mother! Remain healthy and beautiful on both inside and outside!

sources: people.com, http://weheartit.com/entry/9173760, http://takawirafashionista.blogspot.com/2011/02/lights-camera-fashion-2011-grammys-no3.html. http://modelsinspiration.blogspot.com/2011/05/miranda-kerr-met-gala-new-york-may-2.html.

PRINTS AND STRIPES: FASHION + INTERIOR DESIGN

Two trends that I've been noticing during my daily peruse of both fashion and interior design blogs are bold prints and black and white stripes.  I'm loving both of them, especially considering their appropriateness for Spring!

Whether it's a tribal print or a geometric pattern, these punchy textiles are bold and add flair to any outfit or interior space. Plus, mixing prints and patterns can look chic as well! The trick to doing this is to stick to a basic color scheme and keep the prints grounded with neutral accessories (or furniture!). Proenza Schouler, known for mixing patterns, serves as a good inspiration for how to do it well, and Madewell makes good patterned pieces that can either be worn alone or with other separates. I can't wait to pair my florals and stripes! Tastefully of course.

Black and white stripes have always been chic. A simple striped shirt is extremely versatile and can serve as a wardrobe staple for countless seasons. Black and white furniture and walls, on the other hand, are a little more complicated to pull off. They're dramatic and loud, serving as the centerpiece of the room or space. Thus all other furniture and textiles should be kept simple and neutral-colored. 

Image Sources: Apartment34, Madewell, SongofStyle, Rue Magazine, CopenhagenStreetStyle, Elle Decor, Elle