I visited Platt Hall today for inspiration regarding colour palette and detailing for this project. I have been inspired by reptiles and creating an updated and ethereal version of snakeskin print.
The red feather printed dress is beautiful and really made me consider print arrangement and adding one contrasting colour to give the fabric a kick. I also liked the dress in Ikat silk which seemed so perfectly connected to my reptilian theme, but am unsure if I have access to weaving looms and if this is a little ambitious within my timescale.
I was inspired by the smock pleating detail of a 19th century dress and am going to look into using the smocking machines. However I need to be careful that it isn't used in a way that dates my designs. I want them to look feminine but still modern and have been wary not to draw inspiration for shape from the museum. The intricate embroidery on the bonnet would also be a nice touch stitched over a print, especially in gold threads, i could even screen print in gold foil to get the same luxe effect.
