- a) identify 1 design by a designer you have studied. with reference to this selected design, comment on:
Function or fitness for purpose
materials an/or techniques or target market/audience
visual impact or style
An example of a fashion design I have studied is the
“Pirate Outfit”
by Vivienne Westwood, designed in 1981.
Function
The pirate outfit was designed as a fashionable, theatrical outfit rather than everyday clothing
We can see this as it consists of around 10 separate parts, including jacket, tunic, sash and tricorn hat
The many pieces allow dramatic layering and styling, creating a theatrical visual presence.
The outfit was created to give the wearer confidence and a sense of pawer.
We can see this in the bold colours, oversized shapes and historical pirate references.
These features help the wearer to feel comfortable, strong and proud in their body.
Fitness for Purpose
The pirate outfit was comfortable to wear.
We can see this in the oversized, loose-fitting shapes such as the wide trousers, and billowing shirt.
This allowed freedom of movement, physical ease and confidence.
The outfit was adaptable.
We can see this in the tunic over shirt, belts, sashes and waistcoat.
These features let the wearer customise the fit and warmth depending on the situation.
Materials and/or Techniques
Westwood used striped fabrics inspired by 18th-century pirate engravings.
We see this in the shirts and tunic featuring bold stripes
This tips to recreate the vintage pirate look that inspired the collection.
Westwood used deconstructed, hand stitched techniques.
We can see this in the raw edges, visible stitching, oversized cut of the shirt and trousers.
This creates an unconventional, hand- made style.
Target Market / Audience
The pirate outfit was targeted at fashion-forward youth who liked uniser clething.
We see this in the mix of masculine and feminine elements such as thetrouser suit soft blouse.
Appealing to young people experimenting with identity and style in the 1980s.
The outfit was targeted at customers at different price points.
It was expensive, but people could buy just one item, like boots or socks This made Westwood’s designs accessible to a wider audience.
Visual Impact
The pirate outfit has a vintage, romantic visual impact.
We can see this in the billowing shirts, striped fabrics, loose trousers.
This gives the outfit a soft, historical feel that contrasts with 1980s sharp fashion trends.
The pirate outfit had both a masculine + feminine visual impact.
We can see this in the hard leather boots and structured trousers paired with soft blouses.
This adds interest through contrast and reflects Westwood’s unisex style.
Style
The outfit has an historical-inspired romantic style.
We can see this in the pirate hat, sashes and vintage-style prints.
Showing Westwood’s love for historical costume and theatrical design.
The design has a playful, rebellious style.
We can see this in the exaggerated proportions, bold prints, bright accessories.
Reflecting Westwood’s aim to disrupt traditional fashion rules]
- b) Based on your designer from part (a), identity 2 influences on this designer and describe how these influences can be Seen in any of their work
Inflence 1- Historical fashion
Influence 2- Punk culture
Influence 2 - Punk Culture
Westwood was strongly influenced by punk culture and its rebellious attitude
This can be seen in her use of torn fabrics, raw edges, tartan and shocking silhouettes across multiple collections. Also in her 1970s designs for the Sex Pistols, featuring deconstruction, safety pins, chains and slogans
Influence 1 - Historic Fashion
Westwood was inspired by historic costume, especially 18th century historical garments.
This can be seen in the Pirate collection through the use of striped fabrics and billowing shirts which were inspired by an 18th-century engraving of a pirate
Answer structure?
What- what’s happening
e.g The artist uses…
Where- where it’s happening
e.g This can be seen…
Why- why it’s happened
e.g This is useful as…
a) identify 1 artwork by a artist you have studied.
An artwork i have studied is Pablo Picasso - The weeping Woman (1937)
Composition/Arrangement
The woman is placed in the centre of the painting. Her face fills almost the whole canvas. This makes her emotions the main focus and creates a strong visual impact.
Shapes on the face are broken up into sections. This can be seen across the cheeks, eyes and mouth. This makes the viewer notice all the fragmented details of her expression.
Media handling and/or Techniques
Picasso uses oil paint thickly. This can be seen in the background panels. This gives visible brush marks and adds real texture.
He uses bold black outlines. This can be seen around each facial shape. This breaks up the face like shattered glass, adding drama.
Colour
Picasso uses bright, saturated colours. This can be seen on the woman’s hair, clothing and face. The bright colours contrast with the sad subject matter, making the mood feel more chaotic.
A blue/grey pallet appears in the centre. This can be seen around the tissue and the mouth area. This contrasts with the saturated colours in the rest of the painting, drawing the eye to her clenched teeth and sadness.
Mood and Atmosphere
One tear falling down her cheek. This can be seen in the blue triangle on the right side of her face. This creates a sad, emotional mood.
Harsh shapes and outlines. This can be seen across the eyes, nose and mouth. This makes the painting feel tense and dramatic.
Subject matter/Imagery
A woman crying and holding a handkerchief. This can be seen in the centre of the painting. This shows despair and creates an emotional focal point.
Distorted features. This can be seen in the eyes, mouth and eyebrows. This is used to express strong feelings of anguish.
b) Based on your artist from part (a), identity 2 influences on this artist and describe how these intfluences can be seen in any of their work
Inflence 1- The Spanish Civil War
Influence 2- African Art
Influence 1- The Spanish Civil War
Picasso was influenced by the suffering in Spain during the Spanish Civil War
He saw images of civilians crying and injured and this emotional impact inspired The Weeping Woman, which symbolises the grief of the Spanish people.
Influence 2- African Art
Picasso was influenced by African masks and sculpture
He admired their simplified, geometric facial features and this influence is seen in Weeping Woman throughthe mask-like face, bold shapes and abstract style.
