the whitehouse

Give Yourself the Wings to Fly…

Posted on January 31, 2015 by meganRose

The likes of rapper Macklemore and designer Jeremy Scott, push the boundaries of creativity and acceptance. Both artists use wings in their own way, intricate design and metaphorically. An organism with wings is one of fragile existence…

…you wouldn’t hurt a butterfly.

My design is influenced by this concept of wings. Macklemore and Jeremy Scott have inspired me to create a body with freedom and individuality expressed through the wings seen in my design. Incorporating a mix of masculine and feminine components, i have also created a blur in the lines of gender. My ‘wings’ gives the wearer the freedom whilst also protecting their fragile nature.

Model: Kearna Philpott

Design Process Year 1 Semester 2…

Posted on January 31, 2015 by meganRose

Year 1, Semester 2 at the Whitehouse Institute of Design… Our brief for this semester was to design and make a full body outfit of two – three garments and channelling a Spring/Summer aesthetic.

At Whitehouse, the design process is truly treated like it would be in INDUSTRY.

After many sketches and alterations… the images pictured below show my final design. I had to propose variations to my teacher before these final illustrations (both technical and styled) could be submitted to the Head of Design for signing off. After the design was approved I then had to begin making toiles of my each of the pieces.

At the end of the semester, I had to present my body, fully styled, to a panel of judges. This involved organising a model, hair, make-up, shoes and accessories to complement my design. Thank you to Kearna Philpott for modelling and Victoria University students for the hair and make-up.

Toile…

Posted on January 11, 2015January 11, 2015 by meganRose

A toile is a practice calico (cheap fabric) version of the garment you are making to see if it will actually work. It is essential in the design process as it is a true representation of what the final piece of clothing will look like. At the Whitehouse we have to pattern make and sew everything ourselves, so this process is a great learning curve. Once a toile has been made we then have ‘toile checks’ with our teachers. Often changes are made during this time and another toile will have to be drafted up. This process is repeated until the final design is perfect and then you can move on to creating your clothing in the actual fabrics!

These images represent the final toile of my zippered skirt and then the final product!

If you want to see my design process and inspiration for this skirt go to the blog: http://meganrose.com.au/decrypt-skirt/

Me rocking a full calico outfit! This is a friend’s three piece
collection in the toiling process – Ebony Fraser

Zipper Skirt…

Posted on January 9, 2015January 28, 2015 by meganRose

Year 1, Semester 1 at the Whitehouse Institute of Design… Our brief for this semester was to design and make a skirt using 100% cotton fabrics and channeling a Fall/Winter aesthetic.
Skirt 16 Skirt 15

At Whitehouse, the design process is truly treated like it would be in INDUSTRY.

After many sketches and alterations… the images pictured to the right show my final design. I had to propose variations to my teacher before these final illustrations (both technical and styled) could be submitted to the Head of Design for signing off.

After the design was approved I then had to begin making toiles* of my skirt… My workshop and design teachers were unsure of the success of making my skirt as it was both reversible and incorporated one continuous zipper wrapping around the skirt and curves. The zipper that I required was so long that I had to get it custom made.

*practice calico version of garment to see if it will actually work

My final skirt was a success with the zipper comfortably sliding around the curves and I was very happy with the end result. However, if I was to make the skirt again, I would shorten the zipper length by 1-2cm and stretch onto the fabric so that it sat completely flat when on the body.

Skirt 3

Designer, Alexander Wang targets an aesthetic that I believe is perfect for what I was aiming for with this skirt and styling, with his ‘MODEL OFF DUTY’ motto. My garment encapsulates the essence of the up and coming urban grunge trend. The main fabric is a combination of a bold orange colour juxtaposing against the strong black which encourages one to achieve the edgy street wear grunge look. My complete styled body captures the urban style of pairing higher end garments with lower end items to create trendy distinctive and unique looks.

Trend Inspiration (as featured in portfolio)

At the end of the semester, I had to present my skirt, fully styled, to a panel of judges. This involved organising a model, hair, make-up, other clothing, shoes and accessories to complement my design. Thank you to Miranda Fish for modeling and Victoria University students for the hair and make-up.

After my panel I then did a mini/semi-professional photo shoot with my model in an alleyway to complement the urban grunge aesthetic I had created with my skirt and styling.

Photos by Megan Rose

Model: Miranda Fish

2014 Summary…

Posted on January 6, 2015January 6, 2015 by meganRose

2014 was certainly a big year! Not only did both my siblings get married, but I moved to the mainland and went to study a Bachelor of Design at the Whitehouse Institute of Design’s Melbourne campus.

My darling mother, Belinda, caught the Spirit of Tasmania over with me to start my new adventures… and my fashion world began. This year has involved many highs and lows, and been a very big learning experience!

Studying fashion isn’t as simple as some would think… my course is very intensive with over 30 hours face to face a week, although I love it so much, I am there for many more extra! Despite the huge commitment and as hard as it was to move away from my family and life in Tasmania, relocating to Melbourne was the best thing I have ever done… I could not imagine myself anywhere else!

I have already learnt so much invaluable information and so many techniques from studying at the Whitehouse after just one year. I was incredibly honoured to receive the award for ‘First Year Fashion Student of the Year’ at the end-of-year runway showcase… I am just so excited to get back and start the second year!

I can’t wait to share what I have designed and created over the past year here on my blog, so keep posted!

I’m Back…

Posted on January 6, 2015January 6, 2015 by meganRose

I’m Back Y’all!

I have been off studying for a year at the Whitehouse Institute of Design and I am getting my life together finally… Megan Rose is back to share my fashion, studies and inspiration, so keep watching this space to keep up to date!

Posted on October 5, 2013October 11, 2013 by meganRose

Next year I plan on continuing my studies in the world of fashion at the Whitehouse Institute of Design. I have an interview at the Melbourne campus at the end of November with which I hope all goes well and they accept me to complete a Bachelor of Design, majoring in Fashion Design.

The ‘Whitehouse’ is a private art and design college which is notorious as one of the leading Design Institutes in Australia.

The establishment is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this year after being founded in 1988 by the one and only, Leanne Whitehouse.

The warehouse like display and work area on the first floor of the Melbourne campus is one of the most amazing spaces I have ever entered. When I walked in I could not help but think of all the opportunities that would be offered to me in this space if I was to be accepted.