Major Project Logo!

My project is still coming on well although I am feeling very aware that yet again time is ticking by very quickly. It's only two and a bit months before the deadline. I think I'm conscious of this fact as it's my last project, my final chance to show myself and my skills in the best possible way and possibly the work I'll be presenting to perspective employers!

I have recently designed my bridal brand logo which was very enjoyable - the first real creative task within the project. I am very pleased with the outcome and feel I have managed to achieve the fresh, stylish, modern and quirky impression I desire for my brand.

Exeter, Devon Wedding Fair

Exeter Wedding Fair was another fair I felt would be beneficial to visit in order to further develop my knowledge of the local bridal industry. Exeter is a large town in South West England and caters for large parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. The show was a similar set up to Lyme Regis however a in slightly more luxurious atmosphere.

Again, I was surprised at the lack of bridal boutiques exhibiting and feel this is something I need to investigate further, perhaps I can ask this question if I am fortunate enough to secure interviews with local bridal boutiques.

Ideas on Paper...

The first and second years have been away this week which has meant no timetabled lessons for the third years. This has given me some valuable time to get on with my project and allow me to get all my ideas on paper. I feel far more on top of things at the moment but as usual there's still plenty to do!

I keep thinking about how I'm going to present my sketch book - there are so many options but I've decided it can wait. I need to get on with the content and think later down the line about how exactly I present my work.

Major Project Continued...

So we're a few weeks into the project now. My initial ideas are definitely developing and I have a more certain idea of what I hope to include in the project and produce. We've had a number of tutorials and lessons recently to talk about our ideas but, at present, I feel I want to do less talking and more doing, I'm feeling like I need to slightly ahead than where I am at the moment.

During our lesson yesterday we had to each present our work placement experience or entrepreneurial unit. I found this a particularly helpful and beneficial exercise as I'm keen to incorporate an aspect of a business plan into my project. Fortunately I watched Tiffany's entrepreneurial presentation, the only other student in my class particularly inspired by bridal fashion. I found it really reassuring and inspiring to hear from someone who shares my passion and has the same aspirations as myself. Within her entrepreneurial project she created a hypothetical bridal boutique and carried out the appropriate market research and costings etc.

First Major Project Review

This was the first time in a while I've sat down to discuss the development of my project with my tutors, in recent weeks I've been working on my initial ideas and research.

I felt the tutors were happy with my ideas and, despite original concerns, once assured I wanted to create a stylish and contemporary bridal brand as opposed to a 'frilly', dated brand were supportive of my plan to create a brand centred around bridal fashion.

Anya mentioned that I will need to be careful how I incorporate a business plan into my project; at the moment I have a desire to create a visually attractive and interesting book to present my business plan however Anya mentioned this is unusual and that business plans are usually formal documents.

Major Project Ideas

My ideas for my major project are coming on well at the moment. I'm beginning to form ideas of the kind of pieces and publications I will produce as an outcome of the project. At the moment I'm hoping to produce a project centred around the opening of a new bridal boutique. I've been thinking of ways to make my bridal boutique different, perhaps with a digital aspect to ensure it is contemporary, hopefully an aspect and concept that could be applied across the entire fashion industry.

I received my placement report mark recently which, unfortunately, I was slightly disappointed with. However I don't wish to dwell on it too much so shall put it behind me and use it to drive my passion and determination to do well in my major project.

As part of my major project and for my own information purposes I've been looking at the head office location of bridal designers. Unfortunately, as I expected, most designers are based in London HOWEVER there are a couple based more locally which shows there are some out there!!

Lyme Regis, Dorset Wedding Fair

Conscious that in the future I would very much like to be based locally, or at least within South West England, I felt Lyme Regis Wedding Fair would be an invaluable experience in helping me to understand the local bridal fashion industry and local competition.

The fair was set up like most other fairs with a variety of exhibitors displaying examples of their work on stands placed around the room. I was interested to see how many photographers, cake makers and venues were exhibiting compared to bridal shops - I counted only three out of approximately 25 exhibitors. 

I was lucky enough to arrive in time to watch a catwalk during the afternoon. Bearing in mind, as a result of my work placement at Jenny Packham I have been used to viewing dresses worth £3000, I could see the dresses on show were worth much less and were no where near the quality of the Jenny Packham dresses. This is by no means a bad thing, it may simply infer that these are the quality and price of dresses in demand in the area.  Personally, perhaps naïvely, I had my sights set on selling the likes of Jenny Packham etc in my boutique however if there isn’t the local demand then it is unlikely my boutique would be successful. This is an issue I need to research in more detail and an aspect I will need to seriously consider when deciding where to base my boutique and what bridal dresses to sell. 

Dissertation Complete!

Today I handed in my essay so I now have two of my final year units behind me which is kind of scary. I feel relieved my final essay is complete....now it's full steam ahead with my major project! I will consider my initial ideas in more detail and hear feedback from my tutors within forthcoming tutorials.

Think Tank Project

For the last few weeks (our first few weeks back at uni) we have taken part in a 'Think Tank' with Anna Pegg who used to work for WGSN. We set about predicting a spring/summer trend for 2013. As advised by Anna, we thought about the colour, materials, silhouettes, styling and key details of our new trend.

We took inspiration from a variety of sources including:

• Blogs
• Art and Culture
• Catwalks
• Celebrity
• Vintage
• Magazines/Newspapers
• Trade Shows

After a great deal of mind mapping and research, we came up with a number of trends and themes. These included tie dye, Gaucho, Halston, Sports shapes and denim with an over-riding theme of patchwork, whether it be a patchwork of colour, texture, material or theme. We considered how these themes worked together and choose the best images to represent the themes. We gathered together a number of colours we felt tied into the themes. Within the third session we considered the materials, silhouettes, style and key details. 

Below I have included two images that I plan to include within my portfolio to illustrate my team work and forward thinking skills. 

Back at Uni for the Spring Term...

I thought it might be quite strange being back at uni considering I haven't really been there properly since May, it's gone so quickly. I've been in a couple of times this week and am loving the feeling of knowing this is really the last leg! I have enjoyed the sessions I have had and seeing everyone again, it's nice to hear how every has been and what they've been doing and be around like minded people again.

I am majorly working on my essay at the moment, not my favourite task for sure! I am seriously looking forward to my major project and putting my all into that, I can't believe it's probably going to be my last big project! My idea's are really developing now and I feel very positive about my initial ideas and thoughts.......first things first, getting the essay behind me.......

Last Day...

Well, I've finished! My last day was all pretty normal really apart from a 'Cake Party' to wish me good-bye which was lovely. I made sure my desk was clear and finished any outstanding jobs. The production team kindly bought me some chocolates and a gift and a card signed by the team.

Although in a way I am relieved the placement is over and I'm very much looking forward to going home, I was emotional leaving Jenny Packham feeling a huge sense of achievement. I am very pleased I undertook the placement at Jenny Packham and take away a greater knowledge and confidence.

Deadline and My Last Week...

So I'm in the last week of my placement, actually my last few days! It has flown by! More than I could ever imagine. I can't believe I've been here for three months!

My placement report deadline was today and unfortunately sending the several documents to AUCB has proved slightly difficult and stressful! Overall I'm very happy with my work for this deadline and I believe I have managed to well explain and relay my work placement experiences.

Going home time isn't far away now, I'm most looking forward to getting back to my friends and family and DEVON. I think one of the only things I will miss about London is Oxford Street, the hundred other shopping centres and the fashionable buzz and culture!

The end is in sight...

Today I discussed the date I will finish my placement with Anke and Nigel (Eveningwear) as December is fast approching. It looks like it will be between the 9th and 16th December. I am relieved to have a finishing date in mind and a final goal to work towards. 

The last week or two have been harder going than it has been for a while, mainly as I’ve had a lot of my own things to do yet I’ve still been working 9-5 and have had to fit my own work into the evenings. As I reach the end of my placement and we near Christmas, I have to admit I’m thinking more and more about home and how much I'm looking forward to being back there. 

In saying that I reckon, when it comes down to it, it will be hard to leave the place I have spent the majority of my time in the last 3 months, somewhere that has provided me with such a valuable experience and one I am proud of myself for :-)

Placement Report Draft Deadline & Jenny Packham Interview...

After a busy few days my placement report and presentation plan are pretty much complete and I have sent my first draft to my tutor. I think a draft deadline is a brilliant idea as it has pressurised me to get my report and presentation plan complete a couple of weeks previous to the final deadline, allowing me time to ensure it is the best it can be. Between now and 9th December (the final deadline) I plan to compile a draft slide show to include as part of my presentation plan.

Within my busy few days last week I managed to speak at length with Hayley (Bridal Coordinator Assistant) about the bridal industrial process in more detail to ensure my report is accurate. I also carried out my placement interview with Beverley Essam (Bridal Coordinator). I asked a number of questions relating to my report which I have outlined below. Beverley was extremely helpful and gave me detailed, in depth answers. She even let me record the interview which enabled me to concentrate on her answers and give feedback.

1. How would you describe the way in which your job works and fits into the broader fashion industry?

2. In essence, what is Jenny Packham’s marketing strategy?

3. You appear to have strong working relationships with your suppliers. Are there any rules and restrictions in place regarding the factories Jenny Packham employs to manufacture garments?

4. How do you consider the luxury fashion industry will evolve? Do you consider there to be any threats or concerns with regard to the future of your company?

More of the Same...

Yep, pretty much more of the same the last few days which is to be expected, several jobs I do are weekly tasks. I was sent into London briefly on Thursday which happened to be the first day of Versace's new collection at H&M - the queues were absolutely ginormous! Crazy. I later found out Donatella was actually at the store in Oxford Circus at some point throughout the day!

Other than that not much to report, deadline for placement report is really creeping up so I am very focused on that!

John Lewis, Exeter Branch.

A recent trip to Exeter has made me aware of a new John Lewis store opening in the city. It has been a rumour for some time but it is now official and the building work has begun. This news is very intriguing and, as the store is scheduled to open in late 2012, comes at a convenient time as I will have finished my degree. 


I undertook a 2 week placement at John Lewis Headquarters in May 2010, working within the womenswear and lingerie buying department. The store is recognised as being a leader in high street retail and known primarily for it's impeccable customer service. 


Having experienced living in London the last few months I am more certain than ever that I'd prefer to live and work in South West England/the countryside. My placement at Jenny Packham head office has also highlighted how much I enjoy the store atmosphere and dealing directly with the customers. 
For both these reasons I am extremely interested in learning more about possible job opportunities or graduate schemes within the Exeter store.


Originally the plans for a branch in Exeter was for a 'John Lewis at Home' store however in March 2011 the plans were reconsidered and it was decided to open a full John Lewis store consisting of 11 floors. The store will "offer and edited collection of products across fashion, home and electronics, in an inspiring and contemporary setting."


Watch this space...

Architect Image for new John Lewis, Exeter store.

Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham Grecian Style Dress

So...I've kept my lips sealed all this time and now I can spill! Jenny Packham has made another dress for Kate which she wore last night at a charity dinner held at St James Palace.

The dress was silver in a grecian style, draped over one shoulder and gently gathered in at the waist. It is so crazy that the dress was only in the Jenny Packham office on Wednesday on a mannequin. I actually went into London last week to source several samples of velvet or double faced satin silver ribbon specifically for Kate's dress.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2060105/Kate-Middleton-dazzles-Grecian-gown-St-Jamess-Palace-dinner.html

Dress by Jenny Packham

The dress has also been worn by Angelina Jolie this year in it's original colour, red.

Week 9

Another busy week this week filled with a wide variety of jobs including:

• Preparing and gathering items for the sample sale.


• Sending out sketches and swatches to customers.


• Collecting ribbon from Bethnal Green.


• AND, the most enjoyable, re-fixing rhinestones to the Marie Louise dress. The dress was a sample for a bridal boutique which had been sold to a bride with the agreement that the missing rhinestones would be replaced. Over the time it had been used as a sample several of the crystals had fallen off or come loose. I used a 'Kandi Electric Rhinestone Applicator' which is simply a hot rod which sends heat through the gem to melt the glue on the bottom of the stone onto the fabric. It was very easy to use and the finished product can look neat and precise. Wrongly positioned gems can even be moved by re-heating the glue.

Marie Louise Dress

The rhinestones were positioned around the neckline and waistband.

Placement Report and Essay!!

Looking at dates over the weekend I am slightly panicked by the fact our Placement Report deadline is creeping up pretty quickly! In saying this, thank goodness I am now aware rather than blissfully ignorant and can actually form some sort of plan of how I will achieve the deadline.

I have admit the thought of uni work in the evenings or weekend when I just want to relax is not ideal however I really want to do my very best this year so needs must and all that, I need to get on with it! I have already roughly drafted my report and have noted my thoughts etc and to be honest it will probably be a nice way for me to compile my thoughts and evaluate the whole placement and experience. In order to have the relevant information I need to best complete my report I plan to carry out an interview with a member of Jenny Packham next week hopefully. These will include a wide variety in questions but before I proceed I need to find out the best way to undertake the process.

In addition to the above, while researching for my placement report I am having different thoughts about my essay topic. this is something I will talk through with my tutor and think about further down the line when my report is more under my belt.

Week 8

This week Beverley (head of bridal production) has been away which has meant I've been extra busy helping bridal production assistant, Hayley. We've worked together mainly checking a number of different bridal dress designs with a variety of problems.

The Willow dress is still being sent to head office to enable us to check the on going problems. In addition to this we have been sent Parma Crystal and Parma Opal as the dress has a mysterious problem with the bust cups turning the dress fabric yellow. It is thought that it has something to do with the white petrol the dresses are dropped in to clean them at the end of production.

Parma Crystal/Parma Opal

I have also been filing, continuing to understand and learn the different processes and paper trails so to speak.

I'm really enjoying every job I'm given and still thoroughly enticed and inspired by bridal fashion. Thinking about the future, I am interested to find out what, if any, bridal companies are based in the South West, ideally where I'd like to be based. A lack of south-west based companies would mean I couldn't afford to be choosy.

In addition to this, while working within the head office, I often have a niggling thought about working within an actual store that actually sells the dresses to customers. I miss the direct contact with customers and the general retail experience and environment. It took me time to adjust to the fact that, in general, Jenny Packham's "customers" are store owners buying whole sale or samples. I'm interested to know what qualities you need to work within a bridal boutique. Thinking long term I'd love to have my own bridal boutique. This is a dream that developed several years ago which has been truly reignited since working within bridal at Jenny Packham.

Week 7

Can't believe I'm basically half way through my placement already!

I have spent the majority of my time recently working within the bridal department which I'm really really enjoying! I love bridal! I'm learning a lot more about order and quality assurance processes which allows me to be far more independent in my work and to use my initiative which is great.

This week I have spent a considerable amount of time working on Willow (pictured below), a bridal dress which has caused the production team rather a few problems. To date, the dress has suffered from faulty zips due the beading sitting too close to the invisible zip, a lack of flowers on the center front motif when compared with the original sample, sequins loosing shape when steamed and an extremely restricting capped sleeve.

Willow Dress

Center Front Motif

Concealed Zip

Yesterday I wore my first bridal dress, the Willow dress. I modelled the dress for a good 30 minutes while several pattern cutters, designers, samplists and people from the production department (I counted up to 8 people at one point!) debated how to resolve the restricting, uncomfortable sleeve which is resulting in a severe lack of sales.

The various faults this dress has suffered from has made me more aware of the consequences of such problems within the production and sales of the dress.

Finally, I took another trip to Harrods this week to pick up a dress to be repaired for a customer.

Jenny Packham in Harrods

Top Secret!

A difficult post to write as the going's on in Jenny Packham headquarters should be hush hush...

...BUT today I found out a beautiful dress is being made on the premises for a certain celebrity! Very exciting! I will be watching this certain someone very carefully from now on and will post again when I can say more!! Watch this space...

Bridal Sketches!

Today has to be one of my best days so far! I began by gathering bridal sketches and fabric swatches together which are posted with order confirmations to stores around the world.

Then...I was asked to draw the sketches for some of the new bridal gown designs! Eeeek! I have not drawn by hand in a long time. Using Adobe Illustrator? Yes! By hand? Not in a while! I can't actually believe how nervous I was but as Haley (Bridal Production Assisant) pointed out, these sketches are going to a bride who probably hasn't seen her dress in a few months! AND she'll possibely even keep the drawing for years to come as a momento! THE PRESSURE!

After being advised to keep the lines fluid I was not grateful to be suffering with a shaking and wobberling hand. However, with time and practise my hand calmed down, I relaxed and I really really enjoyed it! I was using a figure template drawn by Jenny herself and coping photo's of the dresses on a model - the new dress designs being beautiful!

Below are examples of my sketches and the photo's of the actual dresses.

Midsummer, Iris, Drew, Primrose

Midsummer, Iris, Drew, Primrose

The Bridal Department!

Well, again due to the lose of the bridal department's intern, I have spent a lot of time this week working with the bridal team.

Today I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to visit Jenny Packham's bridal boutique in Elizabeth Street, Victoria. Similar to the ready-to-wear boutique in Mayfair, the boutique is beautiful! The perfect clean, crisp, luxurious setting for equally perfect and luxurious dresses.

Jenny Packham Bridal Boutique, Elizabeth Street, Victoria.

I also spent time double checking the information on bridal order confirmations. This allowed me the chance to further appreciate the process between a bride choosing her dress, the store ordering the dress from Jenny Packham, J P ordering the dress from the factory, the dress being delivered to the J P warehouse and then onto the store where it will be fitted on the bride.

Today has proved to me what a complete and utter hopeless romantic I am! I find the whole wedding affair very exciting and special and can't help but feel excited to be part of it and surrounded by all things wedding!! It is possible that this excitement is exacerbated by the fact it's all very novel to me (only time will tell) but bridal fashion is an area of the industry I have been interested in for some time now so I feel very lucky that I've been able to spend time working within in the bridal department! 

Know your Swarovski Crystals! Week 5

I've had another good week completing all sorts of different jobs in both the eveningwear and bridal departments this week and I feel like I've learnt quite a bit.

The head office had a massive clear out of old files full of fabric swatches, beading samples and general information about seasons several years old. I had to riffle through the old beading samples and dry clean tested components picking out anything worth saving, including Swarovski crystals! I have to admit I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to the Swarovski brand but I found differentiating between Swarovski crystals and glass/plastic ones surprisingly easy - the Swarovski are soooo much brighter and shiny!
The best result of the clear out was that students/interns were invited to take what they liked including exquisite beading samples and excellent quality fabrics! Check it out...

Everything left was chucked, no recycling at all even though there were piles and piles of paper! Such a shame that even a high profile, successful company such as Jenny Packham 'don''t have the resources to recycle' - doesn't set a very good example to the smaller companies out there.

In other areas I spent time fixing the beading (something I find quite therapeutic) on a rather unique wedding dress - example below.

I have been made more aware of production problems such as fabric cost and testing. One dress fabric had to be completely changed as, when steamed, it crinkled. Inevitably this caused all sorts of problems including cost which is, as I understand it, calculated per dress to reach an overall collection cost!

In addition to this, whilst sending out bridal order confirmations, dress sketches and fabric samples I really understood just how international Jenny Packham is, bridal in particular. America, Australia, France, Italy, Spain....

Placement Learning Agreement

My first deadline this year is fast approaching already - to write a learning agreement for the placement unit.
Writing the learning agreement has given me time to seriously consider the aims and objectives I hope to achieve during my placement.

1. I aim to learn a great deal more about and familiarise myself with luxury, contemporary fashion and the production fashion cycle.

2. Whilst working within the production department I'd like to gather a better understanding about how much creativity is involved in a job role in production. I hope to gauge if and how my enjoyment of the job is affected by the creativity or lack of it.

3. On a more personal level I plan to see how I cope with the transition of living in the countryside to living in London, a bustling city. Having lived in London throughout my childhood I am aware of the significant difference in countryside and city living and am concerned that my dislike of city life could effect my enjoyment of the placement and perhaps a future job. This placement is a good opportunity to see how I adapt to living in London and to consider how it may affect my future decisions.

One month in!

I have spent the majority of this week working with the bridal department as they are an intern down at the moment. I'm more than happy to stand in...bridal dresses? Yes please! In saying that their beauty and cleanliness is pretty daunting and intimidating! When each dress sells for thousands it has to be absolutely perfect, no exceptions! I've been examining dresses (wearing white gloves!) that have been sent from their factories to ensure there are no faults or marks. I was even shown how to use the steamer this week and steamed a dress with what felt like hundreds of layers of chiffon! I fixed any loose beads or loose threads and helped to ensure the zips weren't too tight.
I worked with Anke (eveningwear) on Friday and sorted beading samples which will be sent for dry cleaning tests.
I can't believe I've done a month already. To be honest I'm pretty proud of myself. I feel much more confident and comfortable there now and considering during the first week I could barely imagine being there 2 weeks I think I've done well. Here's to the next month!

Nympf - the dress I steamed.

Photos...

As part of this placement unit we have to post both written and visual entries on our blogs. Any images/photo's I can get related to my placement will be very beneficial to my placement blog, report and presentation. HOWEVER taking photo's within the office/studio proves difficult with regards to confidentiality and secrecy of forthcoming collections.

I will do my best to grab the opportunity to take photo's when and where we can and if not, I will have to use my imagination!

Jenny Packham, Carlos Place, London.

I've been lucky enough to take a trip into Mayfair, London today! A rather nicer part of London compared to Kentish Town, where Jenny Packham HQ is based. The Jenny Packham shop (more like a showroom!) is STUNNING! Nothing like any other shop I've seen before. It's more like an art exhibition, the garments shown amongst beautiful decoration and interior design. It gives the garments and shopping experience a very exclusive feel!

Carlos Place Interior

Uni Induction days...

Well...although it was pretty strange to be back at uni, it was very nice to see everybody and I feel, all in all, it was a very worthwhile day. Thankfully I didn't experience any nasty shocks about the work we have to complete - it was just good to confirm what we have to do and how it's all going to be assessed etc.

The day mainly made me truly realise and believe that doing a placement is the right choice for me and, although a big change and challenge for me, I know it's doing me good and will be a great achievement to have under my belt! It was a good chance to hear how everyone else is getting on at their placements although I think I'm in the minority of people who have already started a placement. Now I know my placement is the right thing to be doing and that the entrepreneurial unit is completely out of the question I hope top get even more settled in London and at Jenny Packham.