MIFW Diary: The Ugly Side of Fashion
By: Eleanor Ng
Most commoners question the designi process, mainly because they're mere commoners with a lack of... oh, let's just say brains. To them, people in any form of creative industry do nothing but sit around and draw circles which slowly become perverse body parts which then evolve into lame attempts at winning Pictionary over a filthy cigarette and a side of sarcasm. And supposedly we get paid by buckets... Either they mean empty buckets, or my wallet's been adapting a constant hole of bother.
But you readers aren't mere commoners. Heck, the fact that you're even on Tongue in Chic validates it ;) You know the heart and hassle that go into designing. And you know it's all worthy of appreciation.
9.30 am - Sketching designs for my collection entitled "About A Girl"
It all begins with an idea. It could be a sketch, a concept, a song, an image, or even a piece of garment seen along a rapidly changing window display. Some designers plan before they approach the materials, some drape to create, some buy the fabrics first to allow them to inspire... There are many ways to approach an idea, but just one way to achieve it: believe in yourself.
12 pm - Drafting a double-layered knit dress for Fashion Week
Of course, the situation gets tougher. How the hell do you bring a floating idea into reality? Sure, doodling is fun, but this is where the line is drawn between dreamers and actual designers. Gianfranco Ferre was a master at form execution because of his background as an architectural designer. Alexander McQueen excels in tailoring because of his keen eye in draft constructions. As for the rest of us, we perfect the moves by watching mistakes and redesigning equations.
4.30 pm - A quick visit to the local haberdashery to purchase fastenings
Just like any solid business investment, designers are made to spend truckloads on establishing those ideas. We risk our time and hard-earned money on raw materials found between piles of opportunities. Fabric interfacing vs. paper interfacing, bias tape vs. pre-sewn pipings, buttons vs. hook and eye... the list goes on, and we end up with a fraction of a distant figure.
But we love fashion. And we believe in our dreams. And though the commoners stalk some steady steps behind, taunting our every decision to exist, we remain adamant. After all, when Fashion Week rolls around, we will be the ones receiving the applause.
