Just a pictorial update (the wedge)

Here's a quick entry, a photo of the wedge unit I constructed through using the software, Rhino 3D (been trying to learn the software these last few weeks) to construct the pattern to laser cut the MDF (thin sections then joint together).

I was extremely nervous using the laser cutting machine but somehow, I managed to pull it off....I think....


Now, the unit just needs a coat of paint....well right after I glue the pieces together....

New collection 2011-2012: Gathering thoughts...

During the last few months (and the next few months) is all about creating the new collection. This is what I've been up to during the last few months (reason for the lack of updates).


Gathering resources:


This is where ideas starts to accumulate for the new collection. However, though you can get inspiration from all kinds of subjects, it becomes challenging to merge and filter information for it to make sense with the theme.


Inspiration filtered down (condensed version):


Works of Ursus Werhli (the composition of chips), Richard Long (stones) and Julian Opie (coloured blocks) - 

Werhli's works is the starting point of the inspiration - conceptually. It demonstrates the notion of disassembling and re-assembling an original composition of artworks and ordinary objects. Each outcome is different from the original composition. 


Getting some form of construction by investigating vintage orthopaedic footwear (source: London College of Fashion Archive Collection (which stores amazing archives of vintage footwear, pattern pieces, garments, photographs and other trimmings)- 

Digging deeper, I had a conversation with a podiatrist in Singapore (there are misconceptions where one would think orthopaedic and podiatry are the same thing, take note, they are not the same thing (I'll get deeper into the difference next time). 


The output so far? This inspiration board shown below:

I've started developing my prototype which I will save for next time.

Moulding Manipulation

Results just within a month...I believe further development can be done?

Forming the shape...

The closed (sewn version) of my upper (Spring/Summer 2012). Next post, the actual shoes...

Design Development?

On the left (smaller picture) is the original version where I sewed up the zippers...

On the right, on Photoshop, I added more zipper on the upper towards the front...

Note: Workmanship is rather crude since this is a prototype....


PS I know this idea has been done numerous time...so here I would say...isn't it like adding your own ribbons or buttons on your own clothes/accessories? :)

The pump (almost completed)

Even though the project's completed, I'm still not satisfied with the results.


Sign, move onto the next project and no more dwelling about it.


Meantime, two angles of the pump with cleaning up to do.











The photo of the cleaned up and completed version will be next time (hopefully).

"Making the simple exciting?" Ballet Pumps for Drapers

This is one of the times where I would confess...I am stuck...

Literately, I am stuck with my design. I have come up with a form. The criteria of this project is to come up with some ballet pump designs; something exciting, yet easy to manufacture and marketable...

So far, this is what I have as the final form (with a quick (and rather crude) sketch).

Of course, this isn't the work I am most proud of (actually hated it at some stage)... Hopefully, with little more stitch details and other enhancements, I will be at least satisfied...

Own Shoe Designs (Re-Shot in February 2011)

Thought of doing some photographs for the designs I've conjured since I started my course.

'Costing the Earth' (2010) 

Here they are (which is much better than having pictures the shoes on my own bed spread!) The shoes they were made out of gloves. (Link here for the past entry: http://lisa-teng.blogspot.com/2010/06/latest-creation-costing-earth-glove.html) made in June 2010. Click to enlarge the pictures.

'Captured Visions' (2010)

This was a project brief where we had to do a study of a brand and reinterpret our own take on designs. Based on the concept of the mirage in the desert... In a strange sense, now to mention it, doesn't really make sense at I am typing this... 

I will post more angles as soon as I figure out the layout functions of this blog (super fustrating!).

Credit:

Shoes: By me

Photography: Cliff Tan (February 2011) - Thank you for your time, camera and your Photoshop skills! :)

Latest Creation 'Costing the Earth' Glove Shoe

It's been a while since I posted my creations. Anyway, this is the only one I have done the past few months.

I made this shoe out of one and a half gloves and the heel is made of the floor decking I obtained from Ikea.

The heel I made with guidance from my relative. This was at a slight raw stage before adding the polish.

Outside

Inside

3/4 Flipped Down

At the moment, a range of children's shoes 'Nautical Charm'

From my last entry, 'Just a little humour (children's shoe)', here is the final range done with the group project with Clarks started in January. This was one of the group project I had the most fun though at some points I was a bit tense at some points.

Here is our 'Nautical Charm' range!

Nautical Charm

Pictured: Fanny making the sole.

Too bad I don't have a picture of me making the sole. I enjoyed using the drill to make the sole as well that I came out of the classroom all white, like someone covered me with talcum powder!

My dearest prototype!

Designers and makers in the group:

Morna, Fanny, Lisa (Me), Grace, Belinda and Arathi.

You all deserve an update... Shoes!

Wow, it has been more than a month since I last went on this blog. Most of you know that I'm doing a course in footwear design at London College of Fashion (which merged with Cordwainer's). Assignments are coming up in a huge stack but thought of posting some of the places I have visited, items I have collected and prototypes I've made the last few weeks.

Here are some of the exhibits made from the graduates from Royal College of the Arts. These works are still under display at Victoria and Albert Museum under the name of the exhibition, 'Future Fashion Now'. Shoes, garments and sketchbooks...




Before we go further, I'll just mention a little about food...

With another group of people, I went to eat french crepes at a cafe called 'The Kensington Crêperiè' (http://www.kensingtoncreperie.com) located at South Kensington and it was the best I've tasted...no other crepes I've tried...well here anyway compare to this! Of course I had share these crepes with a friend...and I didn't get to try the first crepe on the left. If I had one crepe for myself, I would not be able to try both the savory and sweet crepes! You could smell the crepes from far!


For a few days of last month, there was 'guerrilla' ice cream store constructed at London's Selfridges. Here are the interior... Good ice cream it was..in a decent size...three flavours as pictured...I can't remember the name of the flavours though... However, the store has been pulled down as well, it is 'guerrilla'!


Alright, now to the 'fashion' side of things... This is one side of the pair of boots I obtained while I was at Notting Hill earlier last month. They cost £30. The store owner got these pair of boots from a theatre that was closing down. The pair of boots belonged to 'Rebecca Parker'. She got the shoes repaired, replacing the soles. I admit, it was difficult to walk in these shoes but I guess I need to stretch it a bit. It's the only pair of shoes I have that fit my calves. I'm wondering...should I keep the laces red or change them to purple?


This is one side of mules I constructed (with loads of help from the tutor...in case you are wondering...yes I made a pair!)...when I attended a weekend course at another school called Prescott and Mackay (http://www.prescottandmackay.co.uk/). I thought it was a great weekend course to take if you don't have the time to do a full-time course. Most of the classmates I met had a real high interest in shoe making and the class was fun. I though this class was beneficial for my research. I'm learning a different technique at LCF and it's good to learn different ways. Also, at LCF, I'm learning other aspects of shoe making like pattern cutting which was not covered in the two day course at Prescott and MacKay.


Here is a mini-mock up I did with the tissue-thin paper (the type you use to wrap presents) with my foot last. This is one of the mock-up I'm doing for my current project. I hope it works out. I normally use paper to drape and experiment with designs. I wonder if this sort of effect works with leather? Only one way to find out...experiment!


Just end this entry with this 'street art' I found while walking along Hoxton, spotted by my friend, Grace. This is a piece of work done by 'Johnathan Darby' (I have a feeling I spelt the name wrongly...if it doesn't look right, let me know!). Do you think this is inspiring?

Own Creation: What I did with a little leftover material...

Just wanted to post something which I made which parts of my old jeans. I am halfway making a vest of of my old jean since the jeans has become way too loose for me to wear and didn't feel like altering the fit.

This 'flower' are made of just a series of strips which I folded and gathered (loosely). I intend to either frame it up or use it as a brooch. We'll see!