________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
________________



Overall I have really enjoyed creating this blog on the my interpretation of ... WILD KINGDOM

I have been through quite a lot these last few weeks due to family issues, i'm sure this blog could have been a bit better but in the same respect I am happy with the outcome.

Researching through different the history of tribal art, beauty, body art has opened my eyes to the rest of the world as cheesy as that sounds; especially as I have got family around the world and have chosen to focus on the middle east where the bulk of my family are.


I feel I have achieved what I wanted to achieve with this project, yes I have been stressed but now its complete worth every minute of it because it has made me realise what I actually want..

To push through stress and reach the goal I intended originally.

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
______________

 

Timed assessment based on tribal BEAUTY 


for the timed assessment we were paired up and basically designed a tribal makeup look and gave it to our partner to create. we benefitted from this in many ways.

Firstly being timed would make us keep an eye on the time so in the future we are aware on how long we are taking. also creating someone else's idea is a little harder than creating your own design idea because you don't know where the thoughts have come from to do so.

This is the face chart that I got given to recreate -

 the design idea isn't has hard as I would have expected but I had a really good time recreating this idea. I did struggle making the dots on each side of the face similar, but apart from that I felt I didn't to a too bad a job. I really enjoying re recreating the hair design as I favour hair design. over all I didn't think I did too bad!

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
__________________

image that inspired my editorial idea 

 



 This image was the main image that inspired my editorial idea. I really liked this image as I was able to take parts from it that fitted the brief brilliantly. I love the composition of it and the fact that it is very seductive - if you like with out being 'in your face' sex.

Again I was going with the Arabian theme, so the gold/ bronze colours are perfect in this case. I really like that she has her eyes covered. as I have mentioned in previous posts Arabic women have to cover their hair and bodies to retain their sexuality for their husbands. so I chose an image that would relate to this, keeping the tradition there with out loosing the fashion, editorial aspect.

I also liked the gems on the lips, I felt that added the effect of wealth to the image. which is what I was looking for.

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
__________________

Main inspired image...

this was one of the main images that inspired me in which direction to go into, as the image tells a story. there are three fashion models, in the desert with a camel and they are making it look very editorial.

I have mentioned that I have family in the middle east and as soon as I came across this image it was like putting 2 + 2 together ...

although this image can seem quite 'bland' is the word I would use, because there is lack of colour, whitish colour sand, white Arabian dresses, whitey colour sky etc, I believe this was created with a purpose. the camel stood there behind them ties in the fashion styling; the dresses, bare foot, hair design. and in my eyes believe it or not although the camel is the only thing that really stands out it brings the entire image together.

 

 

 

 

 

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
__________________

main catwalk image that influenced my ideas..

this image has dark eyes, slick hair, contoured cheek bones and gold leaf. although my running theme has been Arabian I have chosen this subtle look as my catwalk image. as I have mentioned in previous posts catwalk makeup and hair design has to be fully functional so that they can change outfits in quick time. 

I believe this image has all the components that my theme needs so I developed my thoughts and ideas to produce my final image.. which is yet to come. 

 

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
__________________

putting my second design together..
 
so this second look is all about it being editorial, as I have explained in other posts, I am allowed to be free in terms of my creativity here. I wanted to keep the design creative but still with that fashion edge.
 
again I kept my self to a strong base image...
 

 
dark eyes, strong contoured cheekbones and some dark colour on the lips, with out forgetting the dark brow.
 
too develop my look I wanted to incorporate some sort of materials. I thought and thought about this - it did take me a little while to be honest but then it came to me. >
 
in the middle east women tend to cover their hair, yes?
 
so I wanted to do so but with out taking the fashion edge away from the image.
 

 
as you can see from my annotated image I have tried to incorporate all aspects that I wanted to create. I have also added a large gold statement necklace.

here is a digital face chart that I have created..

 the black part over the face is going to be black netting where the model can just about see out but no one can see in, this is what I wanted to create - mystery.
 
 

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
__________________

putting my 1st design together...


so after researching deep into tribes, jewellery, makeup and hair design I have come up with a design idea that would fit into a catwalk show.



the face chart above shows the basic template that I am hoping to create. I have chosen dark eyes with a strong brow, contoured cheekbones and colour on the lips.


Development:

 the gold dots on the face either side of the black stripe down the centre of the face are to incorporate the jewelling effect that the middle eastern/indian cultures tend to use. the black stripe down the center of the face is to add definition and mystery with out covering the actual face.

 I haven't actually changed much to the facial makeup becuae I wanted to keep a strong, contoured face with out over powering the design.

 

I used bronzed colours over the whole of the face to contour the face

a very bronze colour on the lips

dark brown/black eye shadowing

dark brown eye colouring

gold/bronze gems either side of the black centred line

I used 'Fullers Earth' over the hair to add texture on to the hair where I bled the gold/bronze colours on too.
I then created a fish tail plait to the to tie in tribal effects but then keeping it simple again.

I used a lot of jewellery with in this image because as I have previously stated in my other posts jewellery has been a big part of tribes histories.



IMAGES TO FOLLOW..

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
__________________
my thoughts...


as I have mentioned in some of my earlier posts I have a pretty ethnic back ground. I thought as my theme for this project is WILD KINGDOM I thought what a better time for me to incorporate my culture into this project.

I have travelled to the middle east a good few times and each time I went I fell inlove with the culture and ofcourse... the sun; I love the feeling of the sun touching my skin. anyways back to fashion...

as you know many women in the middle east cover their hair and cover their bodies, not leaving designers a lot to work with but .. what they don't cover is their face. it is makeup artist heaven there as every single woman there has a face full of glamorous makeup every day, yes everyday. take a look at these images..



subtle and very beautiful, I love the bronzed look and this is a look that I have focused on this project.



I think the clip below evokes what i'm trying to state in this post perfectly. the clip was 3-4 Arabic women dressed head to toe in black, they then go in to the back part of a store, carrie and the girls following them and then the Arabic women take off the Arabic wear and show carrie that they are true fashionistas under their dress.
I love the films. although im trying desperately hard to find the perfect clip but I can not. but im still going to show you the scene before just because I find it very funny.


Watch this;
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgYpfTuPa4o

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
__________________

Editorial makeup and hair..

generally makeup and hair design for editorial shoots are a lot more extreme  compared to fashion catwalks. there are many reasons for this some logical and some simply based on creativity.

• practicality

> the model doesn't have to walk anywhere, minimal movement allowing the model to pose with heavier objects on her

• functionality

> there is a lot more functionality with in fashion shoots as the model is capable of more movement

• timescale

> the models are not rushed on a shoot, a shoot can take all day if need be until the righrt shot has be taken.

examples of editorial hair and makeup designs;


the makeup artist is allowed to have a lot more freedom with in a shoot, creativity is definitely needed.

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
__________________

CATWALK makeup and hair..

generally makeup and hair design for catwalk shows doesn't seem as extreme as in fashion campaigns. there are many reasons for this some logical and some simply based on creativity.

• practicality

> the model walking down the runway with suitable head dress on

• functionality

> trying to walk, get changed has to be easy in catwalk shows

• timescale

> the models are very rushed behind the scenes, would be very time consuming if they couldn't take the dress off because of the makeup and hair


examples of catwalk hair and makeup designs;



as you can see very simple but is still very definitive, exactly what the catwalk show needs.

 messy, unfinished and classic


more examples of catwalk hair designs

 simple, pretty and seductive

 harsh, dark and very strong

 , subtly very strong - this one is very interesting.

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
__________________

Designers and tribes..
 
Continuing with Rodarte's tribal inspired fashion catwalk show, im researching other designers that have found the same inspiration.
 
A few designers turned to nature for inspiration on the opening day of London Fashion Week, showing a collection of sheer silk dresses, with delicate embroidery and elegant show pieces all having a floral-inspired trend running through the collection.

London took over from New York, which was prior to us in the UK.

New York seemed to end with sparkly dresses and bold geometric prints, with a not so bold color palette of pastels and faded dip-dyes.






Antoni & Alison who are designers opened the day with a series of quirky silk printed dresses, Fyodor Golan the next designer, whose show was in the grandiose lounge of the Waldorf Hilton and inspired by Mayan and Aztec cultures.

Models floated down the steps in shift dresses, loose kaftans and bold show pieces varying in electric blue, canary yellow, autumnal amber, and bright pink hues, with intricate beading embroidery and tribal-inspired prints and cutouts.
this is a quote of what designer Fyodor Podgorny said after their show.

"We wanted to show lightness and spirituality and at the same time to have that sexuality there. So it's that contrast but it's not in your face, it's still strong and gives you power but it's very emotional, something that will engage you"

The designer kept the look neutral, with slicked back ponytails and bare faces on models offset by delicate painted tribal tattoos and intricate facial jewellery covering eyes and noses.

Corrie Nielsen another designer, her collection was entitled 'Florilegium' was inspired by the Royal Botanic gardens in London and Japanese artist Makoto Murayama.

"Everything has been cut three-dimensionally and shaped, inspired from the flower," Nielsen has said.

The collection also featured sleek tailored pieces alongside dip-dyed silk blouses and origami-folded jackets in pale yellows, pinks and creams.

Sheer dresses embellished with embroidered appliqué details in icy blues, mint greens and lilacs were seen at Bora Aksu.

Romantic florals and pastels were definitely the main focus of this years opening day of London Fashion Week but Felder Felder added an edgy twist to their spring collection, teaming bold hues and muted leopard prints with floaty fabrics and shortening hemlines of shredded knitwear dresses.

http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/highlights.aspx?seasonid=32&Seasonday=2012-09-18&Day=

Look at the website above, highlights from London Fashion week 2013 ^^^
  

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
__________________

fashion and tattoos.

every fashion campaign, catwalk show, photo shoot, editorial has some sort of history to it, whether it be historic, fictional or a collaboration of the two.
 
Designers have created some of the world's best shows by researching and fact-finding through out our country's and in fact the world's past times.
 
for example; take a look at the Maori designs.



,  
 
 simple design but yet very intricate.

simple and unique enough to be the main focus of a entire fashion show.

Rodarte took inspiration from the Maori tribe which originates in New Zealand. Images such as the ones above inspired the makeup artist 'Chantel Miller' to pain the catwalk model's arms and necks. 




 He didn't just keep it in the makeup and hair design Rordate incorporated this into the designs of the clothing and into the hair design.

 

 

The hairstylist Odile Gilbert was inspired by the Native Americans. To add texture and volume, she started with mousse. Then she added a volumising powder and by the looks of things lots of it, this was to create a matted effect. She then pinned the hair back, leaving a section in the back free, to give the illusion of a braid.

 

Finally, a piece of thin, nearly sheer, black wool was draped on and held in place by hair spray.

 

 

Watch this; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-W38heQeec

 

Rodarte has been very clever when designing this fashion catwalk show. by incorporating the dark, subtle lighting, the heavy beat music with the models walking to the beat of the music - it all adds effect with the finishing outcome. Really creates the mood. Which is very important for the viewer to watch.

 

By all models walking in different directions, the heavy music; it gives the audience a real insight into the show and really captures what Rodarte was trying to create.

 

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
__________________

Scarification..

 

 

 

 

an image of scarification, this looks painful!

 

Scarifying (also scarification modification) involves scratching, etching, burning / branding, or superficially cutting designs, pictures, or words into the skin as a permanent body modification. In the process of body scarification, scars are formed by cutting or branding the skin by varying methods.

Reasoning;

Infection may be a risk with most forms of scarification, this is still a common practice! Scarification is usually more visible on darker skinned people than tattoos.

There are also aesthic, religious, and social reasons for scarification. For example, scarification has been widely used by many West African tribes to mark milestone stages in both men and women’s lives, such as puberty and marriage.
 It is also used to transmit complex messages about identity; such permanent body markings may emphasize fixed social, political, and religious roles.

Scarring on the abdomen of women in many tribes is used to denote a willingness to be a mother. Her ability to tolerate the pain of scarring was an indication of her emotional maturity and readiness to bear children.



Some groups in Northern Ghana like the Dagomba use scarification to treat certain ailments such as convulsions, measles, pneumonia, stomach pains, and so on.

 It is believed that these sicknesses originate in the blood, so the skin is cut by a traditional healer and powder or potion is then applied to the wound so that it may travel directly to the bloodstream

 images;









 

 

 

 

 

________                                     FASHION
| WILD KINGDOM:
__________________

Piercings continued..

 

Lips;

 

The piercing of the lips for the insertion of objects into them is very widely practised throughout the world, however only two tribes pierce the lips with a ring; the Dogon tribe Of Mali, and the Nuba of Ethiopia.

Among the Dogon the piercing of the lip has religious importance, they believe that the world was created by their ancestor spirit "Noomi" weaving thread through her teeth, but instead of thread out came speech.

All the other lip piercing that is practised in the world is done with labrets, which can either be a pin of wood, ivory, metal, or even in one case quartz crystals. Among the tribes of Central Africa, and South America the Labret piercing is stretched to extremely large proportions, and large wooden or clay plates are inserted.



Among the ancient Aztecs and Mayans labret piercing was reserved for male members of the higher castes, they wore beautiful labrets fashioned from pure gold in the shape of serpents, golden labrets with stones inset and ones of jade or obsidion (labret in Aztec "Tentetl").
The Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest, and the Inuit peoples of northern Canada and Alaska wore labrets fashioned from walrus ivory, abalone shell, bone, obsidian, and wood.

The Makololo tribe of Malawi wear lip plates in the upper lip called Pelele. The African explorer Dr. Livingstone asked a chief the reason for this, in surprise the chief answered..

 "For beauty! They are the only beautiful things women have. Men have beards, women have none. What kind of person would she be without Pelele ? She would not be a woman at all."

The plug of wood in the lips, which became little by little a disk, and then a real plaque, was in some manner a sign of possession of the husband of the Djinja woman. It is the man who is to marry her, and very often him alone who operates, transfixing the lips of the young girl with a blade of straw forms the first sign of the deformation to which she will be subject as an adult.

 

 

 

Navel;

 

Navel piercing is a modern invention and has never been recorded in primitive cultures; however the navel has long been recognised as an erogenous zone, because of the difference between men's and women's stomachs. Women's stomachs differ from men's in that they are more rounded in the lower part, are longer than men's, have a greater distance between the navel and genitals, and are more deeply recessed than men's; these features are often exaggerated by artists to make women appear more feminine in paintings.



 
IF ONLY I COULD HAVE THIS STOMACH :(


The invention of the Bikini in 1953 caused a big stir because the navel was seen as being sexually provocative because of it's similarity to the female genitals. The Bikini revolutionised women's lives, along with the liberation of their clothes their lives in general became more liberated. The process was completed when Madonna started the craze for showing of the midriff in the 1980's. The ability to flaunt their sexuality in public gave women more power and confidence in themselves.

"It is easy to pinpoint the moment when body piercing went mainstream. Christy Turlinton came out at a London Fashion show, and in the middle of her navel was a ring! The next day Naomi Campbell showed the world that anything Christy could do, so could she. A gold ring with a small pearl pierced her navel. And then at Isaac Mizrahi's show the two came out together, navels bared: body piercing as a Supermodel totem" Suzy Menkes The New York Times September 1994.




"I have the most perfect belly button - an 'inny'. When I stick my finger in my belly button, I feel a nerve in the centre of my body shoot up my spine" Madonna Time Magazine 1985
"I like it, I think it's fun!" Naomi Campbell.
"I always thought it was a pretty feminine thing to do - and you can always take it out" Christy Turlington.