Log Twenty Six- Almost At The End

I am here adding the finishing touches to everything. I am so excited to how everything has come together. I am relieved yet a little sad it is all coming to an end so soon, it only feels like yesterday I had signed up on this adventure in my career and education.

I won't reflect to much in this blog entry as I am saving that for the Critical Reflection, but I will say this; the course has taught me so much more than I had imagined it would. It has opened my eyes on my path into my career and even made me realise there is so much more to my industry.

This course has really inspired me to research more into the field of fashion from  different aspects. I am seeing fashion in a more academia light and have begun researching and reading on current and future trends, various materials used or will be more widely used, the different terms and extensively the history a fashion which has sparked my interest more than  anything else.

Reading on fashion history has been very interesting in itself. It is fascinating how fashion has changed or even shaped our society and our past. I have even started to share my findings with people on Facebook and my SIG group. In particular I discovered about the origin of the trench coat...

"Did you know... Burberry which was founded in 1856 by 21 year old Thomas Burberry who introduced gabardine in 1880 to his line (a water resistant yet breathable fabric where the yarn is waterproofed before weaving), was commissioned by the War Office in London, England in 1914 to make coats which could adapt to the harsh conditions faced by the soldiers in World War One? Hence their name the "trench" coat. That day the iconic coat was born and after World War One went from a staple to every soldier's life in the trenches to a staple in every fashionista's closet."

Another post I did via my Facebook that I hoped you spawn some interest in not only my current fashion colleagues and friends, but also to those not in the fashion industry was about the first Haute Couture designer...

"Did you know... Charles Frederick Worth is considered, "The Father of Couture"? Born in Bourne, Lincolnshire, England, he not only redefined women's fashionable shape but also the views from that dressmaking was a low class business to a elite and luxurious art form. He displayed model dresses at fashion shows four times a year, he was the first designer credited to putting his labels into his clothes and he was the first of the couturiers (a business or person who makes original garments to order for private clientele). 

It all began in 1846 when Worth made a few simplistic dresses for his wife who was the model at the Parisian drapers' shop, Gagelin and Opigez, that he worked for. Soon enough customers began requesting copies of their own.
When his partners refused to join him into the dressmaking business, Worth ventured on his own with the help of wealthy Swede, Otto Bobergh and together established Worth and Bobergh in 1858. Quickly the aristocratic, royals and celebrities of the time came pouring in, so much that Worth began to turn away customers which added to his demand and allure. After a hiatus during the Franco-Prussian War, Worth reopened his business without Bobergh in 1871 as the "House of Worth".
Worth died in 1895. After the establishment had been passed down from a long line of kin, relatives and descendants it finally closed its doors in 1956. But the House of Worth brand saw a resurgence in 1999 where it has been thriving ever since. Still focusing on the Edwardian corsets that made Worth the fashion success that it was in the 1800's, while giving them a modern twist. But will this brand fair any better in a day that the constricted corset could be overlooked with the 1920's revitalized "flapper dress" trend fast approaching in the horizon ("The Great Gatsby" movie anyone)? I for one would love to see a rebirth of these lavish and decadent designs despite my love for the 1920's, and maybe not so much the terrifyingly tiny waistlines produced by those clinching corsets."

I am so thrilled to see how my research and studies has encouraged to go beyond the rim of learning, has made me so inquisitive about my career and that I will constantly be learning and discovering far beyond this course.

Log Twenty- My In Campus Experience

Now that I am finally back in Canada, well rested, jetlagg averted and with a free day I can finally blog! For those of you who did not know, I attended the in campus session on the 31st of October with my five day trip back to the UK (as you can see I have attached a few photos from my trip including a photo of myself wearing my new Middlesex Uni hoodie). It was a really terrible morning at first, I was violently ill for some reason. Not sure if it was the jetlagg, if I had a twenty four hour flu or I had simply ate something that didn't agree with me. Whatever the reason it was a NOT pleasant trip from Cambridge up to Hampsted Central. But I made it in time to catch the last part of the morning class and have a chance to talk to Paula before the afternoon session. By lunch time I was much better so I could enjoy and partake in the discussions.

I am glad I was able to attend one of the in campus sessions before the course is over, it gave me a greater understanding of my Critical Review and a better idea what I am trying to research. Paula asked me for my question what I was trying to find out and I responded with, "What it takes for one to be successful in the fashion industry?" Paula pointed out that success can mean multiple things to multiple people and that I need to narrow down the term "success" more. I now know that I want to find out how you can be FINANCIALLY successful in the fashion industry. The reason I am going to look into the financial side is because that is one of the hardest things to achieve in the field of fashion. It's not the amount of magazines/commercials you have/your work has appeared in, it's the size of your pay cheque. Success equals financial stability.

Another one of the main points I brought back from the session is to remember when doing your research, do not be one sided. It's important to get another perspective into your research so there is more information to give. They way it was described in the session to get a better understanding of why it is important was see it as a mountain. If you just stare at the mountain on one side you may never find out the mountain has a river on the other side or forest. You need a lot of views to learn more and have a greater understanding for your inquiry.

This affects my research and inquiry because now it has made me think that people in the GTA (Toronto and surrounding areas of Ontario, Canada) may find connections and networking is the best path to success and financial stability but out West in Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, etc), they may see it as what degree/talent you have earned.

I thoroughly enjoyed the session and it was so interesting listening to everyone else's research plans, what they were trying to achieve from their inquiries, future or current career plans and just getting to know those in general face to face (finally) in my group. I loved seeing the Middlesex campus itself and getting my own Middlesex hoodie (thanks Paula), but most importantly getting a better idea of what direction I want to take my critical reflection into. I just wish my stay had been longer.

More blogs to come! Sorry for the delayed blog but I have been so jetlagged since I have been back and my job was taking up so much of my time and energy. I am now part time at my job so that will make such a difference!

Log Nineteen- Welcome back everybody, back to work!

What a summer it has been! I don't even know where to begin. My summer has been pretty eventful going from one new job to another in a matter of month.

I began working at a consignment store as a ways to gain more experience working with high end luxury clothes. I was also hoping to delve more into the social media prospect of the job as part of their marketing team. Unfortunately I learned more on how NOT to run a business especially in the fashion industry.

Run by a former "celebrity stylist" (although I have yet to find out exactly who she has styled for), the store gave me sporadic and last minute shifts, staff had friends come and hang out in the store for three hours, never been cleaned at least until I think until I had set foot in there and they misplaced clients' clothes who had consigned there including mine.

I ended up obtaining a new job at an upscale boutique called MARLOWE. Not only are the items they sell in perfect quality and handcrafted from Italy but it is more to do with wardrobe consulting rather than retail. It is definitely a huge stepping stone in my career as a stylist or a possible permanent career.

On top of getting this prestigious position within two weeks of working with MARLOWE and after hearing about my education with Middlesex, they asked me to help with the social networking with another MARLOWE employee at the Chicago location. That means myself and this other girl are in control of the Facebook, Tweets and Instagram for them.

Luckily with the BAPP program and everything I have learned from it so far, I have been able to make the social networking aspects of MARLOWE a success despite how new it is. I haven't even finished my program and I already have my foot in the door in the career that I want and have been working so hard for.

The modeling is still going well but I am no longer pursuing jobs. I will have people contact me from jobs I have previously worked with but I am slowly moving out of that part of the industry to do more production and behind the scenes.

I hope everyone had a fantastic summer. I will soon be getting hard at work with my survey and I am hoping to make it to the in-campus session at the end of October especially to meet some of you. All the best!

Log Eighteen: Finally getting down to business

These last few months have been a roller coaster, not only with the Professional Inquiry Plan but also various events like FAT week here in Toronto (Fashion Art Toronto week). I was on the Dragon's Den and Breakfast Television also here in Toronto. I had shoots which both appeared in Elle Canada and the Vogue Italia website. Examples below.

I've also been trying to gain a more hands on approach to the fashion industry like any normal Fashion Communications student would be doing. I have begun my jewellery classes at George Brown College and find that it comes very naturally to me. A lot of shop work, kneeling, piercing and soldering were involved but I found I highly enjoyed and, if I do say so myself, was exceptionally good at it. Here is some examples of the work I did and documented for the first two weeks of the course using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Speaking of Web 2.0, this week I learned a better way of honing my Web 2.0 skills especially with a way that is more sufficient for my industry. That is Instagram. I recently have been hired on at a prestigious consignment store owned by world renowned stylist, Janet Han who recommended to me Instagram. It is purely through pictures that you reach other people on this social network, but fashion is a image orientated business. Also through Instagram you can reach to a lot more people than through Twitter or Facebook alone.

Janet Han has been great to work for and I am already learning so much about designer wear that I never knew before and consignment. This job is definitely a vital part to my education and eventual career in fashion.

I was so pleased my rationale for my award  title was agreed on as BA Honours Professional Practice in 'Fashion Communication'. I've begun planning out another survey to better understand success in the fashion, the business of fashion, ethics, etc. I also want to expand my SIG blog which has been such a success. Unfortunately I have also ignored it as much as I have this blog due to my busy schedule but I intend to change that. If any of you have not seen the SIG blog yet you can find it here at communicatedfashion.blogspot.ca.

I feel very excited I am coming so close to the end of my educational journey. It has been tough but I have learned so much. I already feel confidant to go out there now and pursue and long lasting and successful career in the fashion industry.

Critical Reflection and Summary: Digital Portfolio

 

Fashion Communication is mostly obtained from Ryerson University situated in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Fashion communication is described as one of the fields of “mass communication”. It is a mode of mass communication to promote fashion with such methods as social media, exactly what we have been learning through the BAPP course. Other methods used are video, advertisement, films, etc. Ryerson University describes Fashion Communication as, “Business-related courses in areas such as marketing, business, communication, fashion in international markets, fashion and society are combined with professional studies in communication design, illustration, typography, curation and exhibition, photography, video production and fashion journalism to produce a graduate who can work in all areas of fashion communication.” (Ryerson Faculty of Communication and Design website, http://www.ryerson.ca/calendar/2010-2011/PDF/Comm_Design-FT-1011.pdf.)

The reason I have chosen Fashion Communication as a suitable title is because the description of what exactly it is ties into a lot of what I do. Not only am I involved in the modeling process of the fashion industry but I have been involved in the production, design, marketing, business and communication side as well. Social media such as my Facebook fan page, Twitter and my SIG blog which has become more popular than I expected are great examples of my work in communication. These outlets have also helped in the business and marketing side of my career, helping to promote the business which is myself.

I have been observing those around me in the fashion industry and  I ask questions that have been transformed into my inquiry questions. I have also begun to take steps in approving my design skills such as signing up for jewelry design courses at a nearby college called George Brown. I have also been observing and learning from my friend, mentor and employer Andy Jones on aspects of sewing and clothing design. Andy Jones is a designer fresh out of college who has already started to make a name for himself. He is one person who has definitely helped me in different ways in the fashion industry.

Answering the question in Reader 4, “What knowledge and skills do you think you will need for the future?” I have already lightly touched that. Fashion Communication involves not only the knowledge of communication, marketing and business but aspects of design, illustration and basically the general production side of the fashion industry. Fashion communication is the back bone of the fashion industry and one must have a broad knowledge and extensive amount of talent in order to be successful. As I said before, I am taking these steps by attending classes, observing my peers, being involved in the production of shoot and shows behind the scenes as well as in front. There will be skills though that I know for sure I will need, for example, photography and graphic design. Once I have mastered the clothing/jewelry design and illustration part I will begin to look into these fields as well.

One important aspect of my Critical Reflection that I would like to bring up is my work in jewelry design. The jewelry design was all part of observation, trial and error and asking questions from peers. My jewelry would not be at the level it is at now if it wasn’t for trial and error especially. After much experimenting and help from Andy Jones, my designs now have a very definite look and skill added to them. Taking Andy’s advice and reading from such books as “Drawing Jewels for Fashion” by Carol Woolton, I am currently creating jewelry that has a “story”, a certain look and have used my knowledge and own life experiences to make jewelry that identifies me as a designer. Before I would just create anything that popped into my head that I thought would be aesthetically pleasing without a plan or a background story to it. Reading about the successful and international jewellery designers in “Drawing Jewels for Fashion” I learned they all were inspired by something, whether it was nature, an ancient civilisation or even their own life story. That’s how I’ve come to the conclusion to incorporate my dance training and my love for the ballet into my jewels. I am also very particular about material that I use now. For example, lately I created my “Swan Lake” earrings and matching necklace and took particular close attention to what materials I was using and if they were appropriate to the theme. I used very light and feminine materials, or at least what I consider light and feminine, such as white gold, fresh water pearls which were the colour of baby pink, Swarovski jewels which were either black or white to represent the two swans and black glass beads cut to look like feathers representing the black swan (which you can see examples of in the above pictures). My design is still through trial and error but I definitely think it has improved the last couple of months.
I think if I keep persueing the different skills needed for Fashion Communication my inquiry can be a success especially if I continue to ask the right questions from the right people and continue observations.

As for ethics I will review what I have posted here and there through my blogs in the past altogether in this summary. What I have learned about the ethics of the fashion industry is to make a brand for yourself, whether it is design or marketing. Whatever you are doing must not be an idea concocted from thin air, there must be an explanation and/or a story behind. Research and paying close attention to detail is extremely important. Many people coming into the fashion industry think this business is just about making something or someone look pretty. There is so much time, research and thought put into the work that if you're not willing to do all three then you will not be successful. Most importantly it is who you know. Networking and connections are what get you by in this industry so paying close attention to asking the right questions to the right people is vital. Sometimes though this has no effect and someone could simply not like you for whatever reason. This business is very finicky and you could tread on someone's toes without even realising what you said or had done. It is very hard to know what the ethics are in the fashion industry but from a survey I did in my SIG blog I learned at the end of the day it is who you know.

Another interview for my inquiry plan

I have already posted this in my SIG and I am reposting it here. Tracy was kind of enough to spend some time answering a few quesitons I had for her about this industry.


Hello everyone!

I am so sorry for not posting recently, this week has become so overwhelming and I am currently in the process of working on my Professional Inquiry for school which has been HELL to say the least! I also had a bridal shoot out in the beautiful setting of King City which was a lot of fun but took all day! I really enjoyed it though and had worked with both photographers before, Cyrus Mir and Anda Pleniceanu.  Looking forward to seeing the results!

I have had a the pleasure of interviewing Tracy Clifford, a reputable stylist who has been assistant to Oscar De La Renta. After graduating from Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Tracy dedicated her studies to fashion while attending the Instituto Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy and went to have a successful career as a major style consultant. I asked her to share some tips, ethics of working in the fashion industry and things everyone should know generally about this industry.

1.      What inspired you to become a style consultant?

The simple answer is that I have loved fashion ever since I can remember.  I have always felt a connection to finding beauty in the world, and particularly so with clothing.  From my point of view, fashion gives us the ability to express ourselves artistically. Wearing beautiful clothing elevates our experience and has the ability to make us feel more self-actualized.  There are very few things in life that provide the opportunity for such a profound experience on a daily basis. 

I feel a special connection to fashion in particular.  I have always been able to choose amazing pieces that are unique, beautiful, and most importantly, compliment the body.  Fashion cannot exist in a bubble.  I think many consultants (and designers) loose sight of the fact that the primary goal is to use clothing to compliment a woman’s body and make her feel beautiful.  This is a particular skill of mine.  Plus, fashion is fun! 

2.      Has anyone inspired you in particular?

Though there are many designers that I admire, my true inspiration from fashion came from two very important women: my mother and Marissa Hartington. 

My mother has fabulous taste.  She always looked perfect and put together.  Growing up, she took me shopping and exposed me to beautiful clothing.  Most importantly though, she allowed me to express myself with clothing.  My family spent a lot of the winter every year in Naples, FL.  My favorite part of Naples (besides getting away from the Chicago snow!) was going with my mother to the Big Pink Building which housed Marissa Collections, an amazing fashion boutique.  It was at Marissa Collections with my mother that I first fell in love with fashion. 

My dad always said if you want to be in an industry, look at the most successful person you know in the industry and determine if that is who you want to be.  Marissa Hartington, the founder and owner of Marissa Collections, was (and is) the most successful person I know in fashion.  When I thought about if I wanted to be like her, the answer was a resounding yes.  Marissa is, in a word, amazing.  She is able to see fashion and spot trends like no one else in the industry.  I am constantly amazed by her taste, dedication, and tenacity.  I am so fortunate that Marissa took me under her wing, taught me about the industry, and allowed me to practice what I learned when she hired me to be a buyer for Marissa Collections.    

3.      Did you always want to be a style consultant or did you have other aspirations and training when you left high school?

I tried following in my father’s footsteps and working for his law firm and then for a judge.  I think I spent most of my time analyzing the lawyers’ clothes, instead of the law!  I also dabbled in the magazine business for a bit.  However, when I got hired at Niemen Marcus, there was no turning back. 

- What was it like assisting Oscar de la Renta?

It was amazing.  I started at the bottom of the totem pole but I kept my eyes open and observed everything around me.  I really learned a lot about fashion from the designer’s viewpoint, which was a new experience for me because I had always thought of fashion solely from the consumer’s point of view.  The experience allowed me to see the real guts of the fashion world.  Being around all of those beautiful clothes wasn’t too bad either!

4.      What do you think attributes to his success?

The simple answer is beautiful clothing.  Oscar’s natural talent, creativity, and understanding of a woman’s body is unparalleled.  His clothes are unique, in the moment and still remain timeless and wearable.   

5.      What has attributed to your success?

My success is driven by my clients.  Making them feel comfortable and beautiful is my number one goal and my clients appreciate it.  I am always thinking about them as I spot trends and browse the newest fashion.  For instance, I am in Spain as I am writing this, and I saw an amazing dress that would be perfect for one of my clients.  I took a picture of it and sent it to her so she can take a look.  The other thing that attributes to my success is making fashion fun for my client!  I want them to have fun picking out their own style (with my guidance) and to remove the stress and pretension from picking clothes.  I want my clients to feel the same joy from picking clothes as I do.  Fashion is such a fun thing and I want my clients to experience that too!

                                                                                            

6.      What is the demographic of your customers? Is there a demographic you market to?

I don’t think of my work in terms of demographics or marketing (much to my business manager’s chagrin).  Honestly, I work with women who want to look beautiful and have fun picking amazing clothing. 

7.      What is your favorite part about your work?

The clothes and my clients!!!  I love spotting the latest trends and taking pieces from the runway and making them wearable for my clients.  It is so gratifying when I see my clients beaming after they tell me how beautiful they felt at an even or that they felt so good when someone complimented their outfit.  I had a client call me last week almost giddy because she got stopped by a woman on the street who wanted to tell her how great her outfit looked.  These are the kinds of things I live for!

8.      Have you ever had to deal with ballet dancers or work in the dancing world?

Many of my clients are dancers.  I love working with them because they understand beauty in movement.  It is a lot of fun to pair fabrics and designs that take advantage of dancers’ natural grace. 

9.      Do you think fashion is important to the dance/performing arts world, not just costuming?

Of course!  Fashion is crucial to performers.  Needless to say, performers do not only practice their art on stage - it is a way of life.  I love to help performers express their vision when they’re out of costume.  As the Bard said, “all the world’s a stage.”  

Thank you so much to Tracy Clifford! You can find out more about her and her services at her website Tracy Clifford Style.

Log Fourteen- I got my first interview!

So I just interviewed a recent fashion design graduate of Ryerson University who also makes tutus! I posted the interview on my SIG blog as well. Here it is...

As I had mentioned in my previous entry, back in grade 12 I tried to make a pancake style tutu for my art ISU. It was a disaster! I did not realise you have to be extremely skilled and that sometimes even all your textiles and design training cannot help you. I ultimately just created the long classic tutu instead. Ever since my failure with the pancake tutu I have been fascinated with people who can create these masterpieces but had not met anyone personally who could. Now I have! Alexandra Julian is one of the Mass Exodus designers who created a tutu line and was one of the few selected to showcase at the PR show. Here's a little snippet about the fresh out of school designer. "Alexandra Julian is a graduate of the Fashion Design program at Ryerson. She won 3rd place for Canada in the Triumph lingerie competition in 2011, and was selected for the curated collection that showcased the top 25 collections at Mass Exodus 2012. She likes to design and make ornate and elegant clothing, often inspired by historical fashion. She grew up in Kitchener and Toronto, and aspires to be a costume designer or fashion designer." I was fortunate enough to not only have her input but I am very excited that as my first interview on this blog she is a tutu designer. Here's what she had to say...

- What inspired you to do this tutu collection?


I started off with the idea of doing costume because I love extravagant clothing, period pieces, and classical beauty. I am a huge of fan of ballet and go often to see it because I have a very strong emotional connection with it; I'm not afraid to admit, I've cried watching Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and Onegin! Seeing my first ballet, The Nutcracker, was also what inspired me to get into fashion in the first place, so ballet has a special place in my heart and has inspired me throughout the years. This particular collection is based on the original fairy tale of The Little Mermaid. It's my favourite fairy tale and I thought the idea of a fantastic world beneath the sea as well as the emotional and tragic plot would be beautifully interpreted through ballet. I actually read later on that it was originally intended to be a ballet!

- Has anyone inspired you in particular?

I take inspiration from many different sources, whether it be the dancers at the National, or my mother, or designers like Alexander McQueen... I find so many people inspiring!


- Do you have a background in dance?

Unfortunately, no (unless you count the few ballet classes I took as a 4-year-old). I wish I could have taken dance when I was younger, but I think it's never too late to start, and now that the collection is over, I am really looking to take some adult dance classes!

- What was the work process that went into making these?

There are so many steps to creating the whole collection, it's hard to think of them all! Basically it all started with the sketches, and then research and interviewing industry experts to develop target market and competitive analysis, then technical sketches, patterndrafting and muslin stages (for the unfamiliar, a muslin is a mock-up of a garment made in comparable cheap fabrics), and finally the actual construction of the final garments. The making of the final garments was the most trying part! It can take weeks for professionals to make one classical tutu, and I only had two weeks to make each garment on my own, while holding down a part-time job and internship! It was the craziest time, but I'm very proud of myself for making all the garments myself and it was a challenging experience that I learned a lot from.

- What sort of materials did you use?
I used a lot of synthetics because they are cheaper for a costume budget, and because I did a lot of heat cutting in my collection. It's not easy to see from a distance, but all the scales and chiffon on the mermaid tutu and the grey chiffon pieces on the sea witch tutu were heat cut using a soldering tool. Because the fabrics are synthetic, when the edges are cut with the soldering tool, the edges melt creating a nice sealed edge that won't fray and it allows for so many interesting shapes to be cut out, without having to worry about finishing the edges. All of the costumes are lined with cotton however, so that they would be comfortable if used for dancing!


- What are you hoping to achieve with the designs especially now you have graduated?

Since costumes are usually made for specific productions, unless someone wants to choreograph The Little Mermaid ballet, there isn't much I can do unfortunately. If there is interest however, I'm considering selling them to dancers for competitions or perhaps some dance companies in need of costumes. I hope to be a costume designer in the future, and I feel this collection shows the skill, commitment, and passion I possess for costumes. I am still very interested in fashion design, however, and want to keep my options open. I think these designs are still relevant to showing my skills as a fashion designer.

I want to thank Alexandra for taking the time out to answer my questions. I love the fact she is inspired by ballet AND Alexander McQueen. My type of designer! You can find more pictures and info here on the Mass Exodus website Mass Exodus or you can look at Flare Magazine's "124 Looks From Ryerson's Mass Exodus 2012 Show" here Flare Magazine Website. 

All photos taken by Michael Ho.

Log Thirteen- Results on the poll

So again I have been lacking the attention on this blog. April is my busiest month with Mass Exodus (The Ryerson fashion students graduation show), shoots and FAT (Fashion Alternative Toronto week). Mass Exodus was great. Got a huge response due to this outfit I chose to wear, designed by Lia Valdez (photo by Michael Ho)...

So the results are in from the poll and it looks like the winner was, "It's who you know." To be perfectly honest I wasn't surprised. The next poll I will be doing is, "How much detail to fashion do you pay attention to in your everyday life?"
I'm also thinking more about my award title and I keep getting drawn to "Fashion Communication". After finding a description on the TFS Fashion Spot website http://forums.thefashionspot.com/f90/fashion-communications-66162.html that describes "Fashion Communication" as this;

Specialization in Fashion Communication also begins in second year. Business-related courses in areas such as marketing, business, communication, fashion in international markets, fashion and society are combined with professional studies in communication design, illustration, typography, curation and exhibition, photography, video production and fashion journalism to produce a graduate who can work in all areas of fashion communication. Through the selection of elective courses in second, third and fourth year, students may elect to pursue a minor or to otherwise customize their elective package to focus on their individual career objectives. Students also work in teams to produce a series of fashion events culminating in the year-end fashion presentation, attended by over 3,500 people, including industry and media representatives.

I think that perfectly describes what I am doing now. What do you think?

Also in other news, now that I have finished and passed my French level IV course I have signed up for the jewelry design course at George Brown to hone my skills on my jewelry making. Here's an example of one of my designs. Model is Tara Wright, photography by Stephen M. Loban, hair by Linda Radan and swimsuit and makeup done by Lisa Jackson.

Finally I would like to add, I stumbled across this great blog by one of the dancers of the National Ballet of Canada where she blogs about the connection between dance and the fashion world. It's a really great read, definitely give it a look! Haute BALLERINA Couture

Log Twelve- Feedback coming in already for poll from SIG blog...

So after posting my first poll it's great to see I am already getting back peoples' opinions. So far a total of nine people have voted on my question, "Can one be successful in the fashion industry with basic knowledge of fashion or is a broader knowledge the only successful path (for models, designers, photographers, makeup artists, etc)?" Out of the nine, three voted, "Basic knowledge is acceptable as long as you are up to date with current names, events, etc." One voted, "No! Completely unacceptable, must have a vast knowledge of fashion history as well as current, business, marketing, etc." And five voted, "It makes no difference. It is all about who you know." For a while questions one and three were at a tie until recently which I was not expecting but at the same time didn't really anticipate any of the answers. I am surprised how only one person voted for the second question. Can't wait to see what other results I get back from future polls and tomorrow I'll be conducting my interviews during tomorrow's show. Below is the poster...

As a reminder you can find my SIG blog through this link; http://communicatedfashion.blogspot.ca/. I would love to hear your feedback and maybe your thoughts on fashion effect in the performing arts world?

Log Eleven- Last post for today I swear! Task 4b!

I have created my SIG in blog form titled "The Business of Fashion" to find out people's success and views in the world of fashion. I even posted my first poll, "Can one be successful in the fashion industry with basic knowledge of fashion or is a broader knowledge the only successful path (for models, designers, photographers, makeup artists, etc)?" It's still a work in progress and trying to still gain followers but that's how I use social networking to my advantage. Yay! Have a look and tell me what you think...http://communicatedfashion.blogspot.ca/

Log Ten- Task 4a and thinking more about my Professional Inquiry

So I know that what I'm doing is very different from what a lot of you on the course are doing but I am hoping some of you can relate to any of the questions I post and give me your input.
I am trying to focus more on the fashion aspect of this industry. Surprisingly a lot of models do not take an interest or let the fashion world have an effect on their jobs and daily lives even though their careers are based on wearing these items. They are the props of fashion. Since I deal with jewelry design and styling on top of the modeling I want to get a perspective on both sides, the designing and the modeling, and see if I can merge them into one collective group of questions.
I am very exciting since on Thursday I will be participating in a fashion show with the majority of models and designers being my friends and/or people have worked with numerous times. I've been given permission by my friend Andy Jones (designer) to interview both the models and designers in the shows with my questions. Andy Jones and Christopher J. Nevin are two of the three designers being showcased that night who I have both worked with before. I styled this shoot for Andy's dress (model is Kelleth Cuthbert)...

And this is from one of the many shows I walked in for Christopher J. Nevin...

For the designers here is a few examples of inquiry I am interested in:
- Before starting a particular project or a new line where do take your inspiration from?
- What effects your inspiration or work on a design? Do you research into a particular time period? Are you effected by nature? Architecture? World issues or politics?
- What is the work process that goes into making one of your designs?
- What is the market you are targeting?
- What is your ultimate goal in making your designs? Is it consumer based or art based?
- Must one have a complete understanding of the history of fashion to make it in this industry or can one get by on just the current names and events? How much knowledge is needed to be successful?
As for the models I am interested to know:
- Before attending a casting do you research on the designer/product/photographer/etc that you are attending the casting for?
- Do allow fashion to be an important part of the casting i.e. do you wear the designers work or do you stick to the form fitting black outfit but still focus on the fashion names in the items that you wear?
- Do you have a lot of general knowledge about the fashion industry? If so was this an interest before the modeling or did you research this in order to have a better understanding and help your chances of getting the job at the end of the day?
- Are you thinking of developing skills to help gain more jobs? i.e. Dance, acting skills, second language, etc.
- Are you interested in developing skills outside of the modeling but still in the fashion industry? For example, skills in photography, makeup artistry and even fashion design.
Then more similar questions I want to know from both groups are:
- Who or what inspires you to do what you do?
- How do you handle rejection?
- Do you analyse after rejection?
- Do you believe you have the knowledge and skills that you will need for the future in this industry or do you feel you still need more?
Most importantly I want to know:
- How do you make your business (the business of you and/or your designs) successful?
I also want to integrate the modeling and fashion design questions into two different questions. For the designers I would like to know, what do you look for in a model when you set up a casting for your designs? And for the models I would like to know, is fashion and fashion design knowledge a big part in your life and job?
As for the performing arts students in this course I would love to know if fashion effects your career decisions? Do you focus on what to wear for auditions or job interviews? Will you research into a particular dance clothing company for auditions or company class? Does a brand effect your performance on stage or in class at all? Is fashion design (shoes, leotards, etc) an important part for a dancer in general?
I would love to hear what you guys think! Has anyone delved into the costume department of the performing arts world at all?
I've also began to think about my award title. I figure it will have to obviously be involved with Fashion, I just don't know what aspect.
I am going to leave you now with a trailer from a movie a saw this weekend for the Canadian Film Festival. It is called "Material Success" and it is a documentary following Bruno Ierullo (who I modeled for a few weeks ago) and the process that goes into creating one of his fashion shows. If you get the chance it is a very interesting watch just to see the work and inspiration that goes into fashion design. You even see a little bit of the models side of this industry. Enjoy...
Material Success

Log Nine- Finally onto Module 2

After having a lovely chat with Paula today, things are becoming a little clearer on this course and it has made me really considering where I would like this course to take me and my career. I am still looking at the business side of the modeling and fashion world but maybe delve back into the styling and jewelry making aspect of it a bit more. I have even been considering taking a course in jewelry design at my old college George Brown which I attended before I studied at Cambridge Performing Arts College in the UK (Bodywork Studios). This was actually first brought up by my boyfriend's Dad in the Christmas time which I am starting to think about more seriously. Here is an example of some of my jewelry which appeared in San Francisco fashion magazine "Votive Magazine"...

 I have also told Paula how I am now being a little more picky when it comes to my modeling jobs. I have been so overwhelmed with castings, fittings and etc when most of the these jobs are free, which I mentioned briefly in my last post. I feel I have done enough free jobs in my career to make the networks and connections I have today plus I need to focus on this. Getting my degree is very important to me. I am very excited to begin the inquiry and have already listed a few questions in my head. In the meantime I am off to a fitting for a paid bridal shoot which I got from doing a previous free shoot with the photographer. It was a shoot for "bridal swimwear" called Mantah Swimwear. Here's an example from a poster for it...

I will post some (or hopefully all) of the number four tasks by tonight. If anyone is interested in seeing more of my work since I cannot post it all here have a look at my Facebook fanpage http://www.facebook.com/Victoria.Ellingham and/or follow me on twitter, username @Tori_Hearts.

Log Eight: Task 3c and playing catch up

So, to put it bluntly, this month has been hell! I have seen a dark side of this industry that I knew existed but tried to ignore. Toronto Fashion Week has come and gone. It was probably one of the worst experiences of my modeling career. The castings were nightmares! For example, one designer bluntly made ten girls leave her tiny hotel room humiliating them in front of us. The four girls who she picked, that included me, were made to walk back and forth in a slow "sexy" walk for an hour and a half in this cramped hotel room. After practising for an hour and a half, the designer not once looking at us, told the group, "Thank you, we'll let you know tomorrow." After all that we weren't guaranted to be in her show! None of us got picked to walk for her. My agency was fantastic and sent me to many castings but with Toronto's still very apparent old fashioned views stuck in the designers' and organisers' minds I only got one show which I was quickly cut from. They told me it was because they cut my outfits which was not true. I saw both my outfits still on the runway plastered all over the internet. They had cut every boy and girl from my agency. I will never know the real reason we were cut but it hurts and since then I have had more disappointments. I've been delaying writing more posts simply because I have been running around this city like a headless chicken only to find disappointment after disappointment, so when I did find the time to write I felt embarrassed to write that I had been unsuccessful. There have been some good moments. Last weekend I walked for Bruno Ierullo (http://www.brunoierullo.com/) on a 420 foot runway. It was a huge production and a lot of fun. Even some of the top models of the world will never get to experience a show like this.

The bad experiences have made me start to think, how much longer do I want to be in this world? You go through so much pain, mentally and physically, for something that isn't well paid and sometimes (most of the time actually) free shows or shoots. I almost fully gave up on the modeling but obviously that's not the best option especially after just signing with Icon. I am going to try and get into for of the commercial side of modeling and even try to break into the acting scene here. The problem with doing fashion in Toronto is that it isn't a fashion city, not yet at least. The movie industry is booming here and there is constant work according to someone I met from the film industry here the other day. I am going to talk to my agency  about getting more acting jobs or even find a predominantly acting agent.   

Now onto Task 3C...

My number one important source of information is Model Mayhem. Not only are job postings constantly being renewed on this site for Toronto and international modeling jobs, insiders share tips, information, people who to be careful working with, the best agencies, etc. It is extremely helpful for me.

Another source I find very important is obviously Facebook. Again not only is it a website to socialise, find jobs and stay connected with people I work with, I can look at other models' profiles, pictures and work and learn from what they are doing. I like to study their poses and facial expression so I can learn what is best for me.

Twitter is extremely important, from this I have learned a lot from when and where events are taking place and if they need models, sometimes stylist jobs (which has been taking a slight back seat for the modeling at the moment). I can also read international models' Tweets about their experiences and what they see, like Jessica Stam.

Another source I use, mostly for styling or for getting ideas on outfits intended for go sees, is Look Book (http://lookbook.nu). People from around the world post their stylish outfits, from models to bloggers to stylists, share tips and tell others where to get these great items.

Finally a very important source for me is the free local newspaper Now Magazine (http://www.nowtoronto.com/). Not only does it have what is happening in Toronto, important issues and upcoming events but they post a lot of jobs in the classifieds especially for modeling and acting.

So I will try to post more, unfortunately the busy season is not over for me yet and I still have to decide where I want to go from here with my career. The most important part of my life right now though is getting through this course and maybe it can help me with my ultimate decision. Unfortunately with my career being so difficult and busy I'm finding this hard but I am going to try more from now on.

Log Seven- Task 3a and 3b

Task 3a
The current networks that I use are obviously Facebook and Twitter. Twitter I have actually started using more frequently and have attached to my Facebook so every time I Tweet it goes directly to my Facebook profile. This is an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is it saves me time from making two posts, the disadvantage is you can only type a certain amount of words. If it is a long post you can only post it on Facebook and simplify on Twitter and simply hope your followers will see on your Facebook the full post. I try to expand my networking on Twitter by posting constant Tweets to my Facebook for  people to see and then follow. As for Facebook I add people who are photographers, designers, makeup artists, etc who have a certain number of mutual friends as me and/or have worked with my friends who are also models. I've also made a Facebook fan page with my modeling work to reach out to people who aren't on my friends list. Here I can reach others by posting questions related to modeling. Lately I posted a question regarding the newly formed workers' union created by models in New York to help better working conditions for models, never seen before anywhere in the world. I asked people if Toronto should follow New York's example. You can see here http://www.facebook.com/Victoria.Ellingham. I try to update it as much as I can so I don't lose "likes" and fans.
Another form of networking I use is Model Mayhem. This is a website made up of photographers, models, makeup artists, designers, stylists, magazines and anything related to the fashion industry, where castings, advice and many other things can be posted up. I regularly use this site to find my jobs and showcase my work. I've used this site since I started modeling. You can find my profile here http://www.modelmayhem.com/158202. I'm looking to push my profile a little bit further by changing my profile from basic (free profile) to VIP (a monthly fee) which will help get my profile noticed by more people, once I get a better income. With a VIP status my profile will show up amongst the "Model Mayhem VIP Stars" on the main page. I've also begun adding designers and photographers from outside of Canada to my friends list to broaden my networking.
I am still slowly finding new ways to broaden my networking. I may even start another blog separated from the BAPP course directed to people who read my tweets and Facebook posts. So far things are going really well with Twitter and Model Mayhem the most.

Task 3b
Co-Operation:~
In the fashion industry everything is based on image and sometimes people's view of beauty differs with each person. On top of working with various people with various different points of view on image, they have different views on how a shoot or show is run. A lot of times ideas and people clash and being the model you must adapt to be able to co-operate with everyone's vision and/or point of view. As the model you need to learn how to work around difficult situations and everyone's time schedules. You need to evolve and adapt around everyone but still be able to voice your opinion or give an input in particular situations.

Affiliation:~
Affiliation is extremely important in my line of work. As I have said before in previous blogs, I am not "standard" size for a model. My hips are an inch larger than the standard and even though I am 5'8 which is the minimum size for a model, agencies and designers are constantly looking for 5'10 and taller. I have gained a lot of my most prominent jobs purely from affiliation which I maintained through co-operation in previous jobs. The people I co-operated with in previous jobs remember me and they either rehire me for bigger shoots/shows and/or recommend me to others. Even working and socialising with other models have helped me with gaining jobs due to models needing replacements for themselves or recommending me to photographers they work with. Sometimes in these situations I feel it is actually necessary to bring your social life and work life together as long as you know where to draw the line, for example, not being drunk at certain socials or starting more than friendly relationships with coworkers. It is very important though in the modeling industry to attend social gatherings like after parties for certain fashion shows as long as you can compose yourself. This is where you can gain or lose contacts. I feel this is also somewhat attached to...


Social Constructionism:~ 
Talking and socialising with other models in the industry help me learn from my mistakes, understand that others go through the same as me and have had similar experiences in shoots or shows, I learn who is the right people to work with, what to expect and how these models are successful at what they do or why they gain certain jobs.
Sometimes though everything ultimately comes down to your image. Face or body. It is sometimes hard to except and move on but I find talking to other models really helps, I can put a perspective on things and not dwell. In this industry it can be very damaging to the self esteem but ultimately I find I can come out of it a stronger person. I'm still here and doing it aren't I?! :)

Log Six- Delayed Post of Task 2d Inquiry Task

 What in your daily practice gets you really enthusiastic to find out more about? Who do you admire who also works with what makes you enthusiastic? I find that in my daily practices in the modelings industry which makes me really enthusiastic to find out more about this aspect of my life is the uncertainty of getting jobs. This is such a cut throat industry and sometimes you never know why you initially did not end up getting a certain job. The competitiveness and constant search for perfection is what drives me to find out more on how to succeed in this world in a healthy way. I want to delve into the business side of the modeling industry and almost break the rules, change how people really perceive beauty and almost prove something. One person who has been brought to my attention is Ben Barry. Ben Barry is a graduate of Cambridge University from Judge Business School with a Masters in Innovation and Strategy. He owns his own modeling agency here in Toronto with "unconventional" models. Every size, age, ethnicity, etc and is changing the way Toronto sees fashion models. Several of his models (some being 60 years old and over) walked in several shows at the last Toronto Fashion Week. It is so hard to break into the fashion world especially in this city as model but Ben Berry seems to have the upper hand. I would love to learn more about how he has achieved the success he has so far gained. He is a real inspiration to not just models but women every where.  http://benbarry.com/

What gets you angry or makes you sad?  Who do you admire who shares your feelings or has found away to work around the sadness or anger? What makes me angry and/or sad is also again the uncertainty. Like I said before, sometimes you never know why certain photographers or designers won't ever work with you or why you didn't get a certain call back. You aren't given feedback so readily in the business. It's not the rejection that hurts, it's the lack of information which makes it so frustrating, can play on your self esteem and make you draw your own conclusions. One model from Canada, Jessica Stam, said something that really brought light to this situation and I always try to think about whenever I am upset. She said,  "With modelling, you are judged on your looks. It’s easy to take that personally, but you have to realise that it’s only your appearance that’s being judged, not you as a whole. If you didn’t, you’d be destroyed." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_Stam

What do you love about what you do? Who do you admire who also seems to love this or is an example of what you love? What I love about the modeling is several things. A lot of people see this as just a way of getting quick and easy money by looking pretty in front of a camera. It is not! Especially the fashion side, it is hardly lucrative. You really have to love this and I do, to me it is another way of expressing art and raw emotion. When I am in front of that camera I take on a completely different form and personality. I realise emotions I never felt before or couldn't express for the audience to admire and make their own interpretations. Here's an example from my spread in http://votivemag.com/.

A great example of this is an old high school classmate of mine, Kelleth Cuthbert, who also models and I have been watching her career inventively.  She is very successful and every time she shoots her personality is completely different from what she is really like in person and she seems to do it so effortlessly. She really inspires me with her modeling. Here's an example.

 What do you feel you don’t understand?  Who do you admire who does seem to 

understand it or who has found a way of making not understanding it interesting or 

beautiful, or has asked the same questions as you? What I don't understand is again why I don't get certain jobs or castings, what really is "beauty" and why people refuse to give feedback. I haven't come across anyone in particular that I admire who has asked the same question. Nearly every model I have encountered has asked this. It's just unfortunately one of those aspects of this business you need to deal with, move on and keep going till the next job and/or casting. Sometimes you can't learn from your mistakes because no one will tell you what they are or there were none, they just had their own issues.