Where does your inspiration come from when designing clothes?
I am inspired by the costumes of the Ballet Ruses, a Paris based dance troupe that toured Australia in 1920's & 30's. In particular I love the costume designs of Leon Bakst and Matisse. There is a wonderful collection of them in NGA in Canberra. I love Russian folk art too, and these costumes designed for productions with an 'Arabian' theme, like Scheherazade combine all my favourite elements. http://pinkpagodastudio.blogspot.in/2011/01/costumes-from-ballets-russes.html My basic tunic design is a style that is seen all through Europe and India in vintage or period clothing. It's a style that developed because it makes the most economical use of narrow, hand loomed cloth, such as people would have made on a small loom in their own homes. There are many variations on this style, but the overall shape is always the same. I hate waste, and love 'working with what I have'. I frequently find the most interesting designs are born out of constraint! Utilising whats available takes designing on a different journey to that of an unlimited fabric supply, it forces you to be creative, and think outside of 'the box'
I consider 'Prarie Style' to be the current term best describing my collection even tho the textiles I use are Indian
The following pics are inspired by vintage costumes and traditional 'peasant' style
I am inspired by the costumes of the Ballet Ruses, a Paris based dance troupe that toured Australia in 1920's & 30's. In particular I love the costume designs of Leon Bakst and Matisse. There is a wonderful collection of them in NGA in Canberra. I love Russian folk art too, and these costumes designed for productions with an 'Arabian' theme, like Scheherazade combine all my favourite elements. http://pinkpagodastudio.blogspot.in/2011/01/costumes-from-ballets-russes.html My basic tunic design is a style that is seen all through Europe and India in vintage or period clothing. It's a style that developed because it makes the most economical use of narrow, hand loomed cloth, such as people would have made on a small loom in their own homes. There are many variations on this style, but the overall shape is always the same. I hate waste, and love 'working with what I have'. I frequently find the most interesting designs are born out of constraint! Utilising whats available takes designing on a different journey to that of an unlimited fabric supply, it forces you to be creative, and think outside of 'the box'
I consider 'Prarie Style' to be the current term best describing my collection even tho the textiles I use are Indian
The following pics are inspired by vintage costumes and traditional 'peasant' style