Charli Designs

A major part of my work ethos is creating garments and accessories that don't include animal products. I've already collected some materials I could use which would be  alternatives to ones that come from animals. I believe that you can still create pieces that have a high quality finish and overall chic aesthetic using the products I have listed. Throughout this project and other future projects I will only use products that are suitable for vegans and do so in a way that doesn't compromise the aesthetic. Usually when I'm looking for materials I stay away from leather, wool, silk, cashmere and any materials with a beeswax coating, other than that other materials should be suitable but if you have any questions I'd ask until you are 100% sure.  Some suggestions on places to find fabrics: http://www.scrapstuff.co.uk/ http://www.templemoylemills.co.uk/ https://www.profabrics.co.uk/ https://www.fabworks.co.uk/ https://www.organiccotton.biz/store/

While I was looking into bags I came across these bags designed by Hunter. The shape isn't something I'd want to experiment with but the material used and finishings of the bag is that what I want to achieve. I've been using a leather like material which gives good shape and structure without using a product that has come from an animal, which with my vegan lifestyle I try to find alternatives that aren't products of animals. As well as the overall aesthetic of the bag I also liked the fastening which is like that of the Mackintosh/Alyx collection, the heavy weight side release buckle is something I want to carry through in both projects.  I like how utility wear can be made more contemporary, It's these small details that I want to include in my accessory. The next step for me is to start experimenting with these buckles to see how I can attach it to the bag and also look into which fabric I can use for my bag. I need to figure out size and shape for my ba

I've decided to keep the bag to the standard cylinder shape but make changes to the details, the stitching and fastening. I did some samples using a twin stitch which I could make a feature with. I could either have a contrasting stitch or one that blends in, I do quite like the idea of a contrasting stitch especially if I'm using this specific machine to create an interesting detail. Here are the samples I made. On this fabric I think it needs a wider stitch/thicker stitch because it quite a heavy material which could be ruined by a smaller stitch. This was some of the material I picked up from a place called Scraps which I will leave a link for, it's great for those one off finds and everything they stock is recycled or donated from other companies which is great if you're wanting to be conscious about sustainability and up-cycling. Scraps/  http://www.scrapstuff.co.uk/

Looking into more contemporary styles and designer takes on the dry bag. Usually this bag is all about function and not much time is put into the overall aesthetic as the practicality value outweighs the visual value. I like how the design has been more considered and makes the bag more aesthetically pleasing. Certain components such at material, buckle and handle all make this bag more than what you'd get from an ocean pack.  Following this research I wanted to do some drawing to understand shape and size. I realised the shape of my pockets ( from fashion practice) match that of the dry bags and thought I could mesh the two projects together by combining my ideas for oversized pockets into this shape of a dry bag. I want to keep the cylinder shape but try different fastenings and finishing details to a see which works best. 

Starting to look into relevant content, these bags are a useful way to protect your belongings while you're around water. They may not necessarily be well constructed or be made from luxurious materials but they certainly serve a purpose. The aesthetic of the bag isn't taken into consideration because the main purpose is to be waterproof. However, it can be manufactured to a higher quality which makes the accessory seem more expensive and better finished. Sometimes it can be easy to disguise a product and make it look expensive but in other examples it can highlight that a product has been made cheaper which in these 2 products you can clearly see the difference between the two. 

After taking time and manufacture into consideration I decided to change from a ring to a bag to cut out process so I have time to focus on other area's, such as the presentation and final images. I started looking into water buoy's and drew some primary research which inspired potential bag shape and size. It was from here I wanted to start looking into materials and how I could create something that has a chic aesthetic whilst keeping the products value.  I wanted to start linking this to my theme of Taste, Value and Consumption. 

When I first started this brief the initial idea of jewellery came to mind. I'd already got some images in my head from my favourite brands that would inspire my own piece, most of them are organic yet simple designs which is what I wanted to achieve. The almost unpolished aesthetic to these pieces is what appeals to me so I wanted to include this style in my potential designs. These shapes remind me of seabeds and coral which links to the images I started collecting on pinterest. In order to achieve this it would involve the use of the metal work facilities which is something I'd have to look into, without the facilities it would prevent me from going ahead with this idea. 

In this blog I will be recording my progress of an accessory I'll be manufacturing as part of my COP 2 brief. I'll link my pinterest so you can have a better look at what I've been influenced by and what I've generally been looking into, on here I'll only post relevant content so my pinterest boards will be a more random selection of images.  https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/420101471488494284/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/charlidennett/nets/