A professional in any field must constantly evolve in order to keep up with new trends, technology, techniques, design, etc. Not only is it about maintaining a competitive edge but also about increasing and improving one’s work productivity among other aspects. If I can’t find what I’m looking for in the market for my fashion styling and costume design projects, with the usual time constraints I would rather have my pieces custom-made. This means in order to stay on top of things, I must always be aware of emerging trends in fashion, design, and techniques and at the end of the day, be able to produce pieces on my own.
For instance, in preparation for a client’s short film with a fifties feel, I couldn’t find what I was looking for in the retail market. I wanted neutral tones for the fifties-silhouette dress to compliment the muted colors of the film’s aged treatment. The skirt area had to be wide enough to accommodate a puffy petticoat, and a neutral-colored dotted bolero was what I had in mind (bright colors were prevalent at that time in the RTW stores). Hence, outfits had were customized to be in tune with the feel and era of the short film as well as providing a perfect fit for our talents.
Czech beauty, Milena Krahulcova who played “Lolita”, during a preliminary fitting for her customized outfit; pre-makeup and already gorgeous-looking….
I couldn’t find a checkered, slightly over-sized bow-tie so I made one for our eccentric leading man….
Model Milena with comedian, Ramon Bautista… Don’t you think they make an interesting couple?
Here’s the final product directed by Dan Gil for Chile Vitas and complete with classic Pinoy music (borrowed from Juan Silos Jr., performed by Sylvia La Torre)….
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmPmjDQxQQE]
There are many ways to stay on top of what’s going on or to gain skills to enhance your craft. The most convenient method for me is to attend local workshops led by artists and designers. Of course, books and researching on the internet would be the most convenient, but I get frustrated trying to follow the instructions on my own. I would rather have someone there to show me how it’s done.
Just very recently, I attended an accessories workshop by Ming Ong-Moya….
Considered as the Philippines’ first copper jewelry designer, Ming is the proprietor and designer of the brand, Kathang Kamay. I’ve always been a fan of her pieces ever since I put up One Good Eye Concepts in the Philippines back in 2003. I love using her brand for my shoots and I have my own personal collection of Kathang Kamay. To me each piece is like an art piece and stands out on its own and can instantly enhance an outfit. This is one of my latest item, a ring Ming gave me made from hand cut aluminum sheets embellished with semi-precious pink agate and marbles…. Thank you again, Ming!
As soon as she walked in the studio, I was instantly drawn to her statement earrings with her signature copper wiring…. Dangling Sakura-inspired earrings made from plastic folder/PVC sheets by Ming Ong for Kathang Kamay….
I love attending workshops not only as a skill-enhancer but also as a refresher course, so it was a nice surprise that Ming went through the elements of art and the principles of design.
Materials are included as part of the workshop fee, so you are ready to rumble and jumble…. The possibilities are endless!
Here is artist and graphic designer, Paolo Icasas, with his “man beads”. Ming decided to put together more “masculine” components for our dear macho artist friend! 😉
Check out his creations using what he learned from this workshop….
A printed fabric cuff bracelet with copper wiring clasps and of course, his piece de resistance- a copper wiring necklace with marbles for girlfriend Anna! What a good boyfriend, P!!! 😉
Ming suggested doing renderings prior to putting an accessory or a collection together. With a camera already in hand, I opted to take photos of the color palette I wanted along with my desired materials for my first collection. Here, I wanted a metallic palette and mix the masculine with the feminine, a slight androgynous look by combining the South Sea cultured pearls (I acquired from Palawan) with chains….
My personal preference for the off-kilter was evident in my first piece….. dangling asymmetrical copper chain earrings with black South Sea cultured pearls. The fashion stylist in me already had an outfit in mind while making this piece and it goes a little something like this…
“Busy” accessories like these should be worn with something simple. Don these copper-chained asymmetrical earrings with something like this modernized Mod dress with lace from young Irish designer Simone Rocha’s F/W 2012 collection. Step it up with last year’s Dolce Vita’s “Layna”copper glitter platform booties and you’ve got a sweet, but off-beat ensemble!
My first complete collection consisted of silver chain fringes, South Sea cultured pearls and a plastic gold leaf detail. The back of my necklace needed detail as well for balance and flexibility for backless tops, dresses or gowns. As usual, in my head, I was thinking it would be cute and fierce at the same time to pull together this look….
Of course, a really good workshop is not complete without a graduation ceremony!
So proud of one of my assistants, Flora! the fastest worker, she came up with the most number of collections. But my favorite of hers was this layered silver chains with beads and buttons collection. Don’t you think it would go great with Betsey Johnson’s Fall 2012 collection?
Making accessories all day is actually very therapeutic! What a glorious day!
On the topic of therapeutic, one of Ming’s workshops is “Destressing w/ Jewelry”. Woo-hoo! Another workshop to take! Who’s interested in taking a class with me? 😉
Summer is here, parents! Another great idea to keep the kids busy and to learn some artistic skills along the way!
Food for thought….
…. Brought you by Pompoms!!!!! 😉
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