Welcome to the official Fashion Research Institute Apprentice blog page!
A vintage handbag collection is the 1st of many new projects I am taking on as the newest apprentice of the Fashion Research Institute. I am very excited to be working closely with Shenlei Winkler, CEO of the Fashion Research Institute on this collection for a number of reasons. First and foremost, this collection is being put together along side the publication of a book being written about vintage handbags throughout the ages, expected to be out as early as December 2010. The book contains 16 handbags, each paired with a historically based story. The handbags date back from late Victorian to the early Jazz age. Included in the book will be a short history of the bag, “how-to” guides, materials lists, and much more for the reader to follow!
What is keeping me so interested in this project is I will be creating the prototypes for each bag you will see in the publication. Not only will I be learning first hand many different couture techniques, we will also be creating a mass market version of the couture bags, as well as virtual goods to be found in Second Life, combining all three different layers to complete the collection.
Yesterday, Shenlei and I sat down to go through the 1st drafts of the publication. This included patterns, illustrations, and a short story to go along with each bag. After she was finished, it was my turn to interview her on the different couture techniques being used on each handbag and to get a better feel for what is about to go into this collection. We also did some sourcing through old scrap ruminants of fabric as well as some sourcing at the local Jo Ann Fabrics and Michaels Craft Stores. Today, we decided on the three patterns that I will be working on simultaneously. I was able to cut out both lining and fashion fabric for each of these three. Tonight we will be doing some more sourcing for embroidery ribbons and paints to start the construction this week. Saturday is a possible trip into the city (NYC) to find any remaining sourcing we have yet to do.
I would love for you to follow my journey through this collection as I will keep you updated daily with pictures and much more! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hugs and Kisses!
Britt*
Shenlei Winkler 