I found visiting the Dash and Miller studio in Bristol a really good way to begin a live brief as it gave me the chance to talk first hand to Juliet Bailey and Franki Brewer and see their fabrics up close. I feel I understand the company much better regarding their choice of yarns, their clients and the process of turning work around quickly and effectively. In order to do this, they use a plain silk organza warp on both ARM looms which is a signature feature of Dash and Miller, something I think I should try in order to see how the option of a plain warp can effect patterning and weft choices as well as showing variety in my portfolio. They sell samples between £300 and £500 which helps me to think about where my current work might be placed in the market. They design samples to a particular size of 10"x10", keeping an edge for their records and an edge to try printing and finishes on. I think it's important to keep a record of samples and patterns so you can reproduce them if required, and with a working technical file, I feel this is something I can achieve. I also found the way they mounted samples to be a very simple yet effective way on A3 card with double sided tape in the top corners. I will take this approach when mounting my own samples to save time, keeping them clean but still able to be handled.
Dash and Miller work for a range of clients, both high street and high end. Through extensive research in to both markets and wanting to continue working for menswear, I have chosen to work on a collection for Tom Ford's Spring/Summer 15.
Tom Ford collection observations. Bright, bold colours. Streamlined suits. Elaborate jacquard. Silk fabrics. Small geometrics. Statement pieces.
I feel I could tailor my work to suit this company and using a plain silk warp will help to create the luxurious, high end fabrics used at Tom Ford. Working for menswear again will help to broaden my knowledge and understanding of this context.
Fig. 1 - Dash and Miller Ltd. (n.d) Collection. [Online] [Accessed on 16th February 2014] <http://www.dashandmiller.com/#!collection/cd6q>
Fig. 2 - Tom Ford. (n.d) Spring/Summer 2012. [Online] [Accessed on 16th February 2014] <http://www.tomford.com/#/en/menswear/spring/summer-2012>
Fig. 3 - Tom Ford. (n.d) Spring/Summer 2013. [Online] [Accessed on 16th February 2014]
<http://www.tomford.com/#/en/menswear/spring/summer-2013>
Fig. 4 - Tom Ford. (n.d) Spring/Summer 2014. [Online] [Accessed on 16th February 2014]
<http://www.tomford.com/#/en/menswear/spring/summer-2014>