Week 2 (Wednesday the 8th of March)

Different aspects of ‘Fashion’ and fashion on screen.

Drive (2011) Nicolas Winding Refn, Ryan Gosling ‘Drivers Costume Design’

I enjoyed this film for a number of reasons, mood lighting, chiaroscuro, neon noir and the costume design of the main character ‘Driver’. This shot from the film represents a whole mood that is incorporated by the toothpick the character is holding and the driving gloves he is wearing. There is a ‘sleekness’ to the photo that provokes an ‘edged’ mood that lingers with the audience.

 

Mamie Eisenhower
I like this photo due to it’s ‘retro’ qualities and how the back-lit reflects the color Eisenhower is wearing, the photo melds together and represents a piece of history when fashion in politics and those on the world stage created iconic looks. Eisenhower also represents a shift in how women should be represented, feminine and delicate. This denotes that fashion is cultural- it changes consistently based upon the views and values of a society and their influence by the media.

‘Sophia’ Grace Loves Lace
Grace Loves Lace is a brand that specialists in alternative (bohemian) wedding dresses, and this many of the clients end their special day with naturalistic photographs that are very mood dependent. They tend to evoke an emotion rather than an actual event. I really enjoy how the fashion element within this photo works together with the mood that’s evoked to present this very sensual atmosphere. I also like the black and white filter effect that makes the image seem very ‘whole’ and complete.

Sisters of Nature
Pastel colors and a matching color pallet is something I always find appealing, the colors in this photo of the lace gowns against the backdrop of the blue wall emit a feeling of ‘retro’ and ‘style’. I also really enjoy the lace pieces and am a big face of lace itself.

Festival Fashion, Rainbow Serpent
I’ve always found the self expressive and distinct, the idiosyncratic designs that come out of these outdoor bush festivals really evokes a sense of freedom coming from a youthful generation. I believe in certain cases it tries to incorporate the fact that body is only one factor in our lives and that the mind is just as important. The unconventional fashions you find here really mimic what it is like to change your perception weather it be sober or through alternative means.

My aim throughout this studio is to work upon my cinematography and narrative plot-lines. I take a strong interest in mood lighting and really want to work on mise-en-scene to create a specific thought out disposition. I’m inspired by directors who have character flares that are demonstrated all throughout their work, such as Wes Anderson with a prominent pastel colour pallet and Damien Chazelle with dim lighting, chiaroscuro and neon noir (inserted below). I also believe I need to work more on creating clean cut audio but this can be done by planning and finding better soundproof studios to record overlays, preparation in that area is key.

I am indeed hoping to enjoy this studio, I take an interest in the creative and fashion is a big category that edges on innovation- I’m hoping we are able to work with individuals who already have passion incorporated into their everyday lives. What I want to gain from this studio is obviously as much experience as possible; be it practical or theoretical I’m hoping to lengthen my knowledge in all areas of study. I hope this class stays bright, bubbly and inquisitive and throughout the semester becomes a hub for critical thought and feedback and I love good critical feedback that helps drive my work into a better form.