I NVENTO RY
27. Stories: Collections
A variety of looks can be brought together to
illustrate a bigger idea. The mix itself is an exten
sion of the concept that inspired each element
of the collection to begin with. Many choices are
involved in designing a single garment, creating
corresponding pieces to put together an outfit,
and then doing that numerous times until you
have all the ingredients necessary to tell your
fashion story: a collection.
The designer must think like a stylist and con
sider how these pieces will go together to craft a
bigger, more complex picture. Ask the questions
that would help you craft a good story. Have you
a made conscious choice to juxtapose contrast
ing elements to create conflict and drama? Is
humor woven into the collection that connects
with your audience through witty choices? Is
there a sense of harmony in how your choices
come together? Does each ensemble feel like
it represents a character in your story? Do you
have a strong start and an exciting finish?
The specific decisions a designer makes-putting
emphasis on what she sees as important-will
ultimately set her apart from other designers
and their collections. This process is just as
important as the garments themselves, because
it places the designer's vision in a context of her
own creation.
60 Fashion Design Essentials
Christian Lacroix Collection,
2006
