Updating the website
It becomes really hard to start something if you wait too long…
It’s been quite a while since I did anything to my website last time. When finally started editing my website, I realised that I’ve already forgotten how to code…sigh. I managed to complete the update at the end though; edited and uploaded some photos of the dresses I made on the portfolio page and also updated the pictures on the front page, some of which were taken in England last year by a photographer, Bruce. (Thanks!) read more »
The red dress on the stage
How amazing it was to see the dress I made on the stage while dancing to my favourite band’s music…
At the Dropkick Murphys gig at O2 Academy Brixton (27th January 2017), I got to see one of my other favourite bands: Skinny Lister, who were the opening act. I had already been excited for them and it exceeded my expectations. Skinny Lister’s singer, Lorna, was wearing the dress I made. It was such an honour. The dress looked absolutely gorgeous on her.
Dress making – draping
I am often asked how I make clothes when I introduce myself as a fashion designer. So, I thought it might be interesting to describe a process of dress making.
There are mainly two ways to make patterns of clothes; draping on the stand and flat pattern making. I usually use both ways depending on the design. Some designs are easier to work on papers, others might need to be considered three-dimentionally. I am going to show how I draped a dress this time. The left dress on the fashion illustration is the design I worked on.
Dress for a singer
While I was in London during the summer to attend Alexander McQeen exhibition, I also went to see one of my favourite bands in Camden. It was a great gig, but I also took the opportunity to ask one of the singers for the band if they’d like me to make her a dress (for future gigs).
I was lucky to talk to her at the venue. At first I hesitated to bring it up, but I introduced myself and showed her my website. She was a very friendly and lovely person and we exchanged details.
Alexander McQueen “Savage Beauty”
One of the reasons I visited London again during the summer was to see the V&A museum exhibition, Alexander McQueen “Savage Beauty”. Alexander McQueen was one of the most influential fashion designers to me. I would have gone in March but I had to give it up to take care of my dogs. I finally managed to see the exhibition before it finished in August with an after-hours ticket that they made available due to high demand.
Basic Block
First things first. Before starting making new clothes, I should alter my basic block a bit as it’s been 8 years since I made it. Luckily the sizes aren’t that differnt and actually the old one still fits me well.
When you draw a flat pattern, what block you use is very important. Having said that, I never altered it before even when I gained or lost weight… It is a bit annoying yet necessary process to make well fitted clothes, in my opinion.
Erika Sonoda portfolio site has opened
First of all, thanks for visiting my website and reading my blog!
I had planned to make the site for a long time but it never happened until now. Although I had some experience in making websites in the past, it has been such a tough work to make one from scratch with the updated technology.