ASOS store
Etsy store
Follow this blog with bloglovin
Monday, June 24, 2013
Now on ASOS!
Besides running my Etsy store, I have now also set up shop over at ASOS Marketplace. Still selling the same great The Sirens' merchandise...have a look :)
ASOS store
Etsy store
ASOS store
Etsy store
Monday, June 17, 2013
Rodin Dress
I present the latest addition to The Sirens Shop: the Rodin Dress.
Named after the famed sculptor/artist Auguste Rodin, the dress embodies the romantic and sensual qualities of his work. I was inspired to create the design after a sketching session at the European Sculpture Court at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The design incorporates elements of the modern geometric glass architecture in the space that contrasts the soft and fluid drapery of the statues in the stitches and construction.
This was actually one of the garments in my Junior Preview collection, during my time at school.
Now, you can find for sale in The Sirens store .
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopTheSirens
Friday, June 14, 2013
Weekend Inspiration #2
I had the pleasure of interviewing the talented knitwear designer Jylie Navarro recently. Based in the U.K., she runs a successful Etsy shop and sells in the Asos Marketplace as well. Her clothes are vibrant creations that have much spunk and attitude to them. Her technique encompasses prints, textures, and visually dazzling color combinations.
WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN BECOMING A DESIGNER? AND, WHY KNITWEAR IN PARTICULAR?
I always wanted to be a designer since I was a kid. I've always been very creative and preferred to form pieces around the body. It wasn't until I was taught knit in college that I took up an interest in that. I find it more creative process as you get to design the fabric as well as the piece you are creating.
DESCRIBE THE JYLIE NAVARRO GIRL. WHAT KIND OF PERSONALITY WEARS YOUR DESIGNS?
I don't think there is a specific girl for Jylle Navarro Knit, nor person. I find my clients range between Harajuku teens, to drag queens, to 60 year old punk legends, as well as everyone in between. I'd never restrict my clothes to a certain type of person.
HOW DO YOU THINK BEING FROM THE U.K. HAS SHAPED YOUR INTEREST IN KNITS, AS IT HAS HAD LONG HISTORY OF THE CRAFT.
I actually try and avoid it if possible as I don't want to be stereotypical. I am very much a London Designer but only because I live here. I would do the same style anywhere else in the world. I try not to let things like that influence me.
DESIGNERS AND CREATORS ARE ALWAYS IN NEED OF INSPIRATIONS OR SOMETHING THAT IS VISUALLY STIMULATING. HOWEVER, AS A DESIGNER MYSELF, I FIND IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO BE INSPIRED AT TIMES. WHAT DO YOU DO IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS? IS THERE A PLACE OR A METHOD FOR YOU TO ALWAYS GET SOME SORT OF INSPIRATION FROM?
I rarely have a problem with inspiration. I'm very good with ideas. My problem is that I develop them too quickly for them to be made up. At this point in time, I'm already thinking of two seasons ahead, easily.
WHICH DESIGNERS OR ARTISTS DO YOU ADMIRE?
Quite a few. People like Francis Bacon, Hans Belmer, Flora SigisMondi, Alan Moore, Saul Williams, Dick Valentine, Issey Miyake, Terry Richardson, John Waters... many more I'm sure.
HOW IMPORTANT IS INTERNET MEDIA (SUCH AS ONLINE ADVERTISING, FACEBOOK, BLOGS, ETC...) AS A TOOL FOR UP AND COMING FASHION DESIGNERS, IF AT ALL ?
I think it's extremely important. It's basically your main connection to everything you want to do with your work. I think you have to spend as much time promoting your work and contacting people about your work online as you spend creating it.
You can find Jylie Navarro knits at her website, or at her Asos store.
https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/jylle-navarro
http://jyllenavarro.co.uk/
WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN BECOMING A DESIGNER? AND, WHY KNITWEAR IN PARTICULAR?
I always wanted to be a designer since I was a kid. I've always been very creative and preferred to form pieces around the body. It wasn't until I was taught knit in college that I took up an interest in that. I find it more creative process as you get to design the fabric as well as the piece you are creating.
DESCRIBE THE JYLIE NAVARRO GIRL. WHAT KIND OF PERSONALITY WEARS YOUR DESIGNS?
I don't think there is a specific girl for Jylle Navarro Knit, nor person. I find my clients range between Harajuku teens, to drag queens, to 60 year old punk legends, as well as everyone in between. I'd never restrict my clothes to a certain type of person.
HOW DO YOU THINK BEING FROM THE U.K. HAS SHAPED YOUR INTEREST IN KNITS, AS IT HAS HAD LONG HISTORY OF THE CRAFT.
I actually try and avoid it if possible as I don't want to be stereotypical. I am very much a London Designer but only because I live here. I would do the same style anywhere else in the world. I try not to let things like that influence me.
DESIGNERS AND CREATORS ARE ALWAYS IN NEED OF INSPIRATIONS OR SOMETHING THAT IS VISUALLY STIMULATING. HOWEVER, AS A DESIGNER MYSELF, I FIND IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO BE INSPIRED AT TIMES. WHAT DO YOU DO IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS? IS THERE A PLACE OR A METHOD FOR YOU TO ALWAYS GET SOME SORT OF INSPIRATION FROM?
I rarely have a problem with inspiration. I'm very good with ideas. My problem is that I develop them too quickly for them to be made up. At this point in time, I'm already thinking of two seasons ahead, easily.
WHICH DESIGNERS OR ARTISTS DO YOU ADMIRE?
Quite a few. People like Francis Bacon, Hans Belmer, Flora SigisMondi, Alan Moore, Saul Williams, Dick Valentine, Issey Miyake, Terry Richardson, John Waters... many more I'm sure.
HOW IMPORTANT IS INTERNET MEDIA (SUCH AS ONLINE ADVERTISING, FACEBOOK, BLOGS, ETC...) AS A TOOL FOR UP AND COMING FASHION DESIGNERS, IF AT ALL ?
I think it's extremely important. It's basically your main connection to everything you want to do with your work. I think you have to spend as much time promoting your work and contacting people about your work online as you spend creating it.
You can find Jylie Navarro knits at her website, or at her Asos store.
https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/jylle-navarro
http://jyllenavarro.co.uk/
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Weekend Inspiration #1
I often get comparisons to Rodarte in regards to my knitwear. I had the chance to see the Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum last week, where the tattered lace-y knit creations of Rodarte were on display. It was only then I realized the similarities in the design aesthetic, although I am certain our approaches and intentions varied. However, the exhibition got me thinking about how the designers of Rodarte approach clothing and the process of creation.
I have long been an admirer of Rodarte long before I started trying my hand at knitwear. There is always something quite inspiring about Kate and Laura Mulleavy's approach to design. Like many creators, I find the line between design and art is often blurred together, but the "design" aspect of work often forces us to find a marketability element in our creations. I have never shopped for Rodarte clothes; instead I have always looked at their work and admired the designers more as artists.
This Vogue interview with the Mulleavy sisters provides insight to their love of creation and art, how fashion design can transcend raw human emotions, art, the past and the future.
I have long been an admirer of Rodarte long before I started trying my hand at knitwear. There is always something quite inspiring about Kate and Laura Mulleavy's approach to design. Like many creators, I find the line between design and art is often blurred together, but the "design" aspect of work often forces us to find a marketability element in our creations. I have never shopped for Rodarte clothes; instead I have always looked at their work and admired the designers more as artists.
This Vogue interview with the Mulleavy sisters provides insight to their love of creation and art, how fashion design can transcend raw human emotions, art, the past and the future.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Drape Front Cardigan
New style up in the shop - introducing the Drape Front Cardigan with Lace Cuffs!
I usually begin my process by knitting swatches on my knitting machine. For me, the garment design is very important, but the creative direction starts with the fabric.
Needle set-up on the machine. This is how floats are created - by arranging needles in or out of action.
This was taken before I had cleaned up the garment, tying in the yarn ends and all that. The final piece in the store will not have threads hanging out.
The Drape Front Cardigan is available in my Etsy store now, for $59.
I hope you've enjoyed this bit of behind-the-scenes details of one of my designs. I am working hard on adding more styles to the store and sharing their stories with you!
I usually begin my process by knitting swatches on my knitting machine. For me, the garment design is very important, but the creative direction starts with the fabric.
Needle set-up on the machine. This is how floats are created - by arranging needles in or out of action.
 |
| Initial notes and scribbles. |
 |
| Final Product! |
The Drape Front Cardigan is available in my Etsy store now, for $59.
I hope you've enjoyed this bit of behind-the-scenes details of one of my designs. I am working hard on adding more styles to the store and sharing their stories with you!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)