Nearly There

Deadline is on friday, but I feel confident that I have everything done. Finished printing today which was quite a task as it would not print the way I wanted it to and the  printer would keep jamming. The way I wanted it printed was so the no white showed but this just did not work so I had to put up with the white showing.
I also managed to sort my folder out so that it looks neat and is easy to know what is what by putting in sections.
Tomorrow I just need to recheck my work again and then take the report to get bound.

Vintage Bridal Couture

 I especially like this image because of the techniques used on the dresses, the fabrics have been manipulate which creates the interesting textures.

 The layers give a weird and extraordinary twist on this dress, where the feathers give the 'big white dress' appeal.

The dress is simple with added elegance of a crystal bodice, the bottom being slightly ruched gives a floatly appearance.

http://styleredux.blogspot.com/2009/09/vintage-bridal-couture.html

Vintage Beaded

This beaded edging trim would be perfect for a vintage wedding gown, I felt that the cream gives the offwhite old fabric you would associate with vintage.
I'm in love with this.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Beaded-Edging-Trim-Bead-Trimming-TEAR-DROP-8-Colours-/120656845236?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=420017141307

Updates on logo

I have done some more logo designs as I felt I want to see how they turned out by using the font IM FELL ENGLISH SC, which i used for the blog title, I prefer these to the other ones and feel the bottom one is the most finished and accomplished.

Head Piece

I found this head piece is vintage inspired and is quite eye-catching.

http://fasionandjewelrycelebritiespics.blogspot.com/

1920's Vintage Ideas

I found this on http://www.littlemisswedding.co.uk/dresses/1920s-vintage-wedding-shoot/

I love these images of Lindsay Fleming’s designs, they fit in with my vintage idea and help me gain ideas on where to take my designs.
It shows the slinky show off the body outfits that the 1920's were known but i want a bit more movement and colour.

Rosie-Lee Team Project

To help us with the entrepreneurial unit, we were given a task to set up a group business. We came up with Rosie-Lee which is a girls aged 0-4years clothing company with the idea of being completely british and based around William Morris and Liberty prints, we were each given departments which suited us best. I was given the sourcing as I am forever sourcing out fabrics and always collecting samples so it suited me well.
I have shown below my part of the presentation, I have also given a link in case it doesnt work.




https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=ddbkrmmw_72gfc9zcc8

Tutorial

Had a tutorial with Tony to see how we are doing, I feel really confident with the amount of work I have produced, I have managed to complete all tasks and have a positive idea of how to the business. The thing I worry about is how I explain my ideas in my reports as I do tend to confuse things when writing. I have undertaken alot of  research but did not want to print out lots of paper to show it, so instead I have given links to show what I have looked into and used as help.

Window Displays

If I want to set up my own bridal business window displays are very important, they are what entices a customer to walk in. I feel i have to make sure that the displays are not too overpowering or crowded as this can put customers off and ends up looking tacky.
Searching through the internet I had these interesting and wonderful ways of window displays



http://www.theswellelife.com/swelle_life/2009/02/window-gazing-in-paris.html





http://coveiter.blogspot.com/2008/12/wonderland-windows-part-one.html



http://bustlebatonrouge.blogspot.com/2009/11/in-our-window-11-05-2009.html



http://www.heartfish.com/2009/10/23/paper-dress/



http://couturewindowfashions.wordpress.com/2010/01/30/inspiration-from-a-window/

Ok so one of them is overcrowed but it is done in a tasteful way, and also fits in with my inspiration of vintage.
I looked at these images as they all have unique ways of showing the garments, I found the paper dress very interesting and it will make people look and stare. I can gather many ideas from these window displays.

Fabric Fabric Everywhere

Yay more of my fabric samples came today, I ordered some from whaleys to see what the fabric quality and prices are like there. I have some beautiful samples from them, I just have to think what they will be like when used on a dress.

Shop Layout

I decided to have a go at drawing a mock shop layout of where I'd have everything. I know in a premise that there are certain amounts of space and are all different sizes. But i decided to replicate it on a rectangular two floor building.

Vogue Couture

While researching vintage gowns, I came across this page from Vogue Italy. I love how the dress is layered and flares out. The back is interesting having the curves. This dress is inspiring.

Helpful Web Link

http://www.ehow.com/how_4796203_start-up-wedding-dress-business.html

Here i found a helpful link to help me with my Business Plan

Calico Laine Fabrics

I requested samples from http://www.calicolaine.co.uk/Bridal-Fabrics-Silk-c645_651.html however I feel they do not fit in with my business, the fabrics look cheap and not the high quality I am looking for, I have shown these fabrics in my folder of supporting evidence alongside some other samples I felt do not fit with the business.

Vintage Lace Dress

 Layered lace sleeves, the layers help to give volume.

And High collars to look into, also when photoshopping look for lace umbrellas.

http://bridalcouturegirls.blogspot.com/2010/09/bcg-fabulous-fall-2010-collection-photo.html

Costing

For costings such as how much the business will earn I thought that if I worked on an average between £700-£1000 (which was the highest bracket in my survey) I thought £850 would be a good number to base income around, an as it can rise or fall, if it rises it can mostly go over £1000 so I thought the best way to calculate if this happens is by estimating a sell of two dresses at £850 a week, although this is unlikely to sell this many dresses in a week in the first year it just takes into account of the highest prices.

There are some days that will not be of working days so I had to take into account bank holidays etc. which businesses would not usually work. But I think that both days of the weekend should be used as this is most likely the time when brides look for dresses rather that in the week.

Business Plan

I started writing my business plan, I found it easy to think of what to put in there but hard how write it down so feel that it can sound a bit jumbled. However I did find that working in a bridal shop has helped me alot though I do feel that I am missing some information, but I have done the best I could on it. I even looked at some help pages such as:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4814233_start-bridal-boutique-business.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4924121_start-bridal-dress-business.html
http://www.tutor2u.net/business/strategy/business-plan-introduction.html
To see if I was on the right track of what I was writing.

Work overload

Ok so by the 25th November I need to make sure that my 500 word abstract is up to date, Market Research Report and Comparative Research Report are both done, A draft of the business Plan and for this Study Journal to be up to date.

Is it just me or is that a lot of work?

Vintage theme board

Survey

On Thursday, to help with my market research I decided to make a survey online, because my target is specifically for brides I decided to go to bridal forums and ask the brides to fill in my questionnaire for me.
I am so glad I did this as I ended up getting 155 responses which is amazing, however I can only view the first 100 responses because I only have a basic account but that is still valuable data.
This data will definitely help me know what brides are looking and whether they think my ideas are good or not.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PYQFVWB

Panic!

In todays lesson panic has started to sink in on how much time we actually have left for this unit, by the 25th we are having tutorials to have a look at the work we have conjured up so far and see what else we can do for it, and also have Tony look at the dreaded business plan.
The lesson was very very useful I found, as Tony talked us through what needs to go into the business plan and told us to first go by the seven titles that makes the plan up.

More logos

Here are a few more designs I have done.

My logo designs

I thought I would also have a go at logo designs, to see how they would turn out.
I played around on Adobe Illustrator and came up with these.

However I do not feel these are sophisticated enough.

Wallpaper

I've been looking at wallpaper that I feel will  fit in with my shop layout, I looked for wallpaper that has a bridal presence and I feel will create a relaxed and happy atmosphere.

http://www.lauraashley.com/wallpaper/tatton-damask-wallpaper/invt/tattonwp/ gold or cerise off white
http://www.lauraashley.com/wallpaper/summer-palace-floral-wallpaper/invt/summerpalacewp/
http://www.furnishings-direct.co.uk/wallpaper/elixir-gb-countess-50-179.html
http://www.furnishings-direct.co.uk/wallpaper/superfresco-colours-origin-ruby-pink-18930.html
http://www.furnishings-direct.co.uk/wallpaper/spirit-enthrall-pink-wallpaper-50-030.html
http://www.furnishings-direct.co.uk/wallpaper/poise-sfe-majestic-30-418.html
http://www.furnishings-direct.co.uk/wallpaper/amy-butler-designer-temple-tulips-50-156.html
http://www.furnishings-direct.co.uk/wallpaper/llb-silk-chocolate-gold-effect-wallpaper-19729.html
http://www.johnlewis.com/231121437/Product.aspx
http://www.johnlewis.com/231121447/Product.aspx
http://www.johnlewis.com/230508548/Product.aspx
http://www.johnlewis.com/230886485/Product.aspx

Collaborating

I'm am collaborating with another student on my course, Sam who is basing her business on branding. By collaborating we are helping eachother and getting different ideas on what to do for the business. It also gives Sam a chance to show how she will brand a starting up business.

Ideas of logos Sam came up for me.

I have decided on the name Tiffany Jane Bridal House

Rossetti

http://www.rossetti.vispa.com/source2.html
I found this website, owned by Theresa Blake and I actually found it quite inspirational, I love how the garments are made and how putting different colours together works, ok some of these outfits are not my cup of tea but the effort and work involved is clearly shown.

 

I think this dress looks stunning on bride and gives differentiation to a wedding, it has a feel of elegance to it.

Business Group Task

Alongside the entrepreneur unit will have to work as a team to come up with a business and decide who has what job. We decided to do it on kidswear under the name Rosie-Lee.
Kidswear Ideas

• Printing on clothing- bespoke
                               - personal
• Swing Tickets- string
                       - left hand side
                       - Woven back neck
                       - Size
                       - Composition Care
• Buy in onsies? - cheap pack
• types of fabric children wear
• advert?
• 0-4 year olds
• Girls
• Spring/Summer
• International feel- exports?
                           - India- 6%growth
                           - China
                           - Financial Agreements
• Liberty Prints- 100% cotton
                      - William Morris prints
                      - British Designers
                      - Consistent supply
• Export Production- Made in UK
• Names- Union Rose
             - English Rose
             - Rosie-Lee 

• Contact Liberty about fabric prices
• William Morris Prints
• Make sure fabric is child friendly
• Stationary

Look into gross profit + net profit for business
Sales - purchases/direct expense= gross profit (GP)
GP - Overheads= Net Profit

Harrington Fabric and Lace

Embroidered Silk Dupion 4382

100% silk. Width: 137cm.

Absolutely stunning fabric, the fabric has a regal appearance which is most suitably for bridal. I feel this would look amazing as part of a design of a bodice.

Small Scrolls Brocade 5357 Aqua/Gold

55% polyester, 38% viscose, 2% nylon, 5% lurex. Width: 128cm.

I feel again this has bridal potential, it has gorgeous shine to it and I find again it will be perfect for a bodice.

3882/6I - Appliqued Flowers, Beads, Sequins & Diamante on Embroidered Tulle Flounce

Width: 127cm. Viscose embroidery on nylon tulle.

http://www.harrington-fabric-and-lace.co.uk/ 

This website it definately one that I'll keep sourced as it is full of bridal fabrics

James Hare Silks

I decided to look at James Hare Silks as I know that we use them at work and are good quality.
http://www.james-hare.com/679-view-by-colour.html
The way the website is set out is helpful as you can search by colour, new or fabric which makes it easier to look for fabric in a certain colour or style.

Blog Layout

I felt my blog layout needed to have a more bridal feel to it.

I chose this as a background as I had trouble trying to get a full picture to go on the whole screen, so this had to be used in a tiled effect.
I found this at http://wallpapers.free-review.net/23__Wedding_Roses.htm

I used the font IM FELL ENGLISH SC for the blog title, which I really like it looks sophisticated and really fits in with my theme.

Tutorial

Today was very helpful, I had a chat with Tony about my ideas and he suggested how to make it more unique as well as helping me by telling me what to look into.

I was told to bring a story to the idea, thinking around vintage and colour. Tony gave me two beautiful lace samples to do some design work around them.

Fabric Samples

Another addiction of mine... Fabric. While I'm on the internet I also tend to find myself looking at fabric site and I can't help myself. Even better free samples!!

The samples are not big but I have a thing about seeing lovely fabric, its the feel of it. Good thing about samples is you see a fabric you thing will be stunning, so request a sample then you find out it is the most disgusting fabric ever. SAMPLES ARE A SAVIOUR!

Book Addiction

I am officially addicted to buying Bridal Books, I should not be allowed on Amazon!! Everytime I see a Bridal book on there for a reasonable price I feel obligated to buy it. O well I feel they are going to be more helpful to me than spending money on clothes!

• The "Knot's" Complete Guide to Wedding Gowns
  Carley Roney
• The Basics of Corset Building: A Handbook for Beginners Linda Sparks
• The Art of Manipulating Fabric

  Colette Wolff, et al
• The Encyclopedia of Beading Techniques

  Sara Withers (ok this one is not Bridal but I feel it will be helpful for embroidering on gowns)
• The Wedding Diaries: How to Get Married in Style Without Breaking the Bank

  Laura Bloom, et al

Opps maybe a few too many brought!

Market Research

Learning about Market Research, I've heard it all before but it is nice to have a refresh on things, I did forget a few things. It also helped with what I need to specifically look at for this project and that i do not have to go into a lot of detail.

Task For next week: Market Research Report

Worried about this as its a big area, but then I feel I have already started it by working in the Bridal shop so that should help me along. Plus market research will give me a better understanding of the market.

Task this week

This week's task to do for friday is:

The uniqueness of you and your business idea, product or service.
- short abstract (500 words) on what and why you intend to do for this project. This will form part of the learning contract.

When this last friday I felt ready to get on with it as I know exactly what I want to do and thanks to my job in a bridal shop I also had some knowledge of how I'll take my business and what to do differently.

I have made a powerpoint to explain my concept and also added imagery, the imagery I referenced and also look for interesting poses to give an idea of how photoshoots can be done later on. I also liked the fact that there is something in the pictures that the model is interacting with.



https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=ddbkrmmw_66drjm49d4

Jenny Holloway

Had a lesson with Jenny Holloway who started up Fashion Enter Ltd, it is very useful to have someone who took all the risks of starting up a business and to hear their first hand experience and to see how successful you can become.

http://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/

First Lesson with Tony

The first lesson I was quite worried as I had heard that Tony doesn't like bridal, but it turned out that he is actually ok with it, I was so relived. I am determined to do everything this year set on Bridal as it is the industry I  am most passionate about and it i just the feeling of how you are making people happy for the big day.

In the lesson I had to present my powerpoint presentation, I felt it went well and I kept it short, as too long I find people lose attention, I will try to upload it onto here.

In the lesson will were told about what entrepreneurship means, I already knew as I took business for A-Level which I feel is going to be really handy for this unit.

Inspirational Vintage dresses

Through researching I came across these vintage dresses, I love how the lace is used especially the tiered effect.



http://archive.blisstree.com/look/vintage-wedding-dresses-are-back/

Getting started

Start of a new year, start of a new unit.

For Friday 7th October to get started with the entrepreneurial unit I had to have a presentation ready stating what I am about. The questions followed are
Who are you? And what is your personal style?
What fashion item or fashion product, would you have liked to have invented and why?
What are your strongest skills developed over the previous two years?
What type of product or service do you envisage developing over the next year?

I am looking forward to this unit as I have a strong idea in mind that I am very passionate about.