Styling Unit

Last week we were introduced to the styling unit of the course. I was excited to learn about styling and to be given mini projects as it is an area in fashion which i am very interested about.

The first project that we were given was to pick an era or fashion trend and style a photoshoot with this theme/trend. I was in a group with Steph and Melissa, and we decided to have a '60's Chic' style photoshoot and an '80's Power Dressing' style photoshoot.

60's Shoot

We decided that it would be cool to shoot the 60's Chic look in the woods. The 60's was famous for its hippy style fashion and bright bold colours. The woods was a prime location for this style as hippys were into nature and the bright bold colours stand out against the greens and browns of the woods. Here is a list of what I wore:

• Orange and brown dress
• White tights
• Gold peace symbol earrings
• Lots of bangles and wooden bracelets
• A brown chunky bead necklace
• Three large rings
• A black headband
• Large sunglasses
• Brown peep-toe wedges

Here are some of the final photos:

80's Shoot

We decided that as the style of the shoot was 80's Power Dressing, we thought it would be cool to take the photos on the university roof. The roof showed a sign of confidence and power, therefore the style of the shoot fit in well with the location. Melissa had a long black cardigan, which had bright blocks of colour on the front of it and huge shoulder pads, which was typical of the 80's. She teamed it with a black top and skinny trousers. The accessories Melissa wore, was a long gold necklace, brightly coloured bangles, large round earrings and a bright purple quilted bag. She wore electric blue heels which completed the 80's look. Here are some of the final photos:

Second Project
The second project we were set, was to choose either a friend or relative and take them shopping and update their style, choosing items that flatter their body shape. I asked my friend Rose if i could give her a new style and she happily agreed. We went shopping in Castlepoint and looked around many different high street stores, such as Miss Selfridge, H&M, Next and Topshop. I wanted to create serveral looks; one eveningwear outfit, one daytime outfit and one outfit which could be turned into an evening outfit by adding an item of clothing. I took into consideration that as she studies Acting at AUCB, the daytime outfit that i would style her in should be comfortable and easy to move in. I asked her a series of questions before we went about her likes and dislikes, what items of clothing she usually wears, what accessories she wears etc, in order for me to get an idea of what her current style is. I took before and after shots to show the difference in Roses style.

Here are the final styled photos:

I wanted to create an evening outfit for Rose to wear on a night out, which was slightly different to something she would usually wear. The Glam Rock look is in trend this season, therefore a lot of black, glitter and lace is being seen in shops. I gave Rose a black figure hugging dress with gold glitter detail and a low cut back to try on. She has a slim figure and a big bust, therefore a tight dress fit well with her body shape. I also gave her a leather biker jacket to throw on top, which completes the Glam Rock look. The shoes that I have chosen tie in with the Glam Rock look also and they have the gold detail on them, which complements the gold glitter in the dress. A long gold necklace is enough for accessorising the outfit and a black with gold glitter purse completes the overall evening outfit.

I wanted to create a daytime outfit that Rose could wear to university and be comfortable in her acting classes. She mentioned in the set of questions that she liked wearing stripes; therefore I chose a top that was black and white striped but had the detail of a bow on it. I particularly liked this top as the black and white striped bow, contrasts against the vertical stripes. The trousers were tailored with a slim leg fit. As Rose likes wearing jeans, I thought that these trousers would be a stylish alternative.I have accessorised the outfit with a black chunky bangle, as Rose mentioned that she likes wearing bangles in particular. I have also chosen black circular earrings with a gold edge, and finally black pumps with a gold button.

I wanted to create an evening outfit that had been transformed from a daytime outfit. I picked a simple, yet stylish pearl coloured jacket to add to the previous daytime look. The same accessories can be worn, as well as the pumps, however it could be dressed up even more by adding a pair of heels. I have picked a rectangular clutch, as it goes well with the boxy style of the jacket.

Once i had styled the three different looks, i had to write a report, explaining what i did, why i chose the items, how it flatters Roses body shape, a personal comment and a comment from Rose.

Third Project

My third project is to style a contemporary photoshoot, either with a historic or futuristic influence. I have to source the clothing, shoes and accessories and find a model and photographer.