Sourcing!

This week was spent sourcing some trims and models for this next season look book. Two days in London meant hello window displays!!


Here are a few snaps from Liberty's which I had to share...I would like to do a Stella in the future if I we get a stand alone store and make a massive deal of the windows and lights within store...it just wouldn't be christmas without these little gems!

One great part about launching your own label is the complete freedom about how you want it to be, in terms if design, marketing and the use of models to represent it. Today there isn't much diversity and the magazines and campaigns can get a bit same old in terms of the same extra skinny model. Don't get me wrong, when I have the funds...hello Kate Moss! She's a stunner but so is Erin, Robyn, Daisy...the list could go on with different beauties.


If you have seen my first look book you will have noticed I used size 12 models....and how fabulous did they look! So for my next look book I am using size 12's again but from the amazing MilkManagement which has some utterly stunning models. So many that my short list was a rather long list.......


Clothes look even more amazing being represented by different women of shapes and ethnics and over all style and this is something which as a designer I want to broaden the use of models within all my work over the future.


As a little treat, check out just some of my shortlist of models...

I can hear the oooohhhhs from here...stunning!

Along with meetings I had the chance to source some trims for my bags...I cannot wait to produce bags! Leather bags of course as skin is an important fabric within L.2.Mae.


Bags are a new area though so a lot more is needed to understand the production process. For me I like to design, pattern cut, sew and fit the entire piece so attempting bags is a bit of a guessing game at this stage but a fun one!


Been in a manufacturers or suppliers is a complete thrill for me, it's what I love, it's a creative atmosphere yet a technical one also. I've started sourcing hardware for a few leather bags which i'm hoping to produce for next season...but time is ticking.


Here's a few snaps to show you what a suppliers looks like...just a sneak though!:)

Treasure chest!

A busy week ahead as I receive the A/W 12/13 to start getting the samples made up and ready for next months shoot.

xx

In The Studio

As a lot of designers out there will know the set up of a studio,I thought I would give you a glimpse into my little world as it is right now.


Most people will know I do my own pattern cutting for the collection, a labour of love so to speak but the process is sometimes gruelling and can give you a great headache at the end of it! Friday was spent creating new bodice blocks in a size 8 to use,I always work with a size 12 as it's in the middle of the size range so you can get a good overall fit.

My organised mess in order to create the L.2.Mae collections

Top tip for pattern cutting .....use highlighters! As you can see in the picture below I have had to tweak the AW 12/13 jacket about 3times so far so I need to know which one is the final pattern to cut from, using these little gem pens enables me to see straight away... I can mention that this neatness here that you see is the only neat thing in my work space....organised mess :)

There are two great books to use if your beginning to do your own patterns: Metric Pattern Cutting by Winifred Aldrich and for the more advanced...this also comes with a very advanced price tag too at £50 but well worth it is Pattern Cutting for Fashion Design 5th addition by Ellen Joseph Armstrong.


xx

Vintage fair

This is a very delayed post but as an emerging designer you find yourself doing every task think able and always have a list of things to finish!
But back in my home town I got to spend a day rummaging through vintage, to my friends I am known as vintage deb, I love it!
I am a magpie for sequin finds though and I did nearly have a fit of excitement at the amount of stalls that was there too.

brilliant little denim stall with lumber jack shirts

Heaven on a rail! I'm all against fur in fashion today and killing animals, but vintage??We'll it has been dead decades and as long as it wasn't killed intended for a coat and instead died happily and was then put to use...well hello!

Yes i ran to this rail like it was santa and his sleigh! Some beautiful pieces, but to be honest, been a northerner and all....so very over priced stuff too...get on ebay folks!

some fabulous hats at this event, i was intending to find a vintage fedora hat...i didn't succeed! But there were some fab russian ones...such a shame my head was too big...must be all these design ideas expanding it! lol

hello grand bazaar please!!

this is one of my favourite little finds, i would love to say i got it but my lovely friend Lucy beat me to it...wonder if she will notice if it goes missing.....

And here's me and my vintage trailing friends who i happily drag around the fairs, all in our lovely vintage hats!
I am loving this 20's style hat as it hasn't really left my head yet!


xx