Thank you Mr Yates!

We had a terrific fashion show here at college last year, the best yet I would say and for the first time ever (incredibly) we had it properly filmed and a real DVD has been produced, for all you guys out there who took part, don't panic, a shiny copy will be winging its way to you soon - well sometime before Christmas I promise! Graham and Russell were brilliant cameramen/directors/editors, and as an amazing gesture Russell has created this 2 minute highlight piece just for your pleasure - so enjoy, and thank you Mr Russell Yates!

Another new project and a new obsession with prezi.....

So my second years are going to be experiencing their very own version of Dragon's den - in this case they are to present their ideas for a new shop/gallery/journal to the panel (a selection of staff previously unfamiliar to them) in order to obtain the necessary backing - in reality the best 3 will secure small cash prizes - out of my very own pocket I might add, and if I am going to part with my own hard earned cash (and it is, honestly!), they had better be good. Basically they have to present a slide show presentation and a range of freebies to be given away at a fictional launch night...here is my tragic example - imagine my irritating voice bleeting over it!

BYE BYE BIRDIE on Prezi

It's a hard knock life.......

So, after all of the fun of the painting somebody has to scrub the floors, and er, it wasn't going to be me!

As with most small children you can con them into thinking that it's a game.....

But they soon realise you lied!

Awww, never mind, the sun'll come out tomorrow, tomorrow, the sun.........

New foundation project and new IT magic.....

Here is a first, a (rather ropey) Prezi presentation that I will be delivering on Monday to my Foundation students for their new fashion project, based on the work of Martin Margeila - the image quality is dreadful and the composition isn't much better, but as I practice i hope these will improve - but hey it has to beat the PowerPoint.......

Objects of desire on Prezi

Sweat shop!

We all know that Mark is a perfectionist and a little bit fussy about the print press, but making Georgie and Brooke decant all the colours into squeezy bottles is a bit much.......

Minimum wage!



The first years have gone all abstract....

The second project that the group that Annie and I share have undertaken was all about learning how to compose an abstract composition. Normally we hate teaching this project as the students can be really dismissive of it, but this year they really got stuck in and have produced some amazing results. I started to feel the need to paint too, so I also had a go......

The still life - where it all started...

Finishing off - Hannah and Naomi working on some smaller studies.

Sam and Pip - smile for the camera!

Becky Marlow

Camilla Hudson

Chloe Seaton

Ellie Creed

Emily Casey

Hannah Robinson

Jess Martin

Naomi Barnett

Pip Paz-Howlett

Rachel Aspinal

Sam Gordon

Viki Wayman

Mine!

Sam strikes again - HOORAY!

Diary entry:

It's been such a whirlwind of a week. I currently have about 5 separate projects on the go and all due for review tomorrow. Classes here are extremely competitive and cut throat, much like the industry itself. My tutors have been amazing, but there have been times where I've questioned whether I'm meant to be here or not. Everyone seems to be incredible at drawing and fulfilling what the tutors are asking for. I, on the other hand, am keeping on top things just about getting over my worries. My illustration tutor, Richard Gray, is such an inspiration. Despite my struggle and lack of belief in communicating garments through my illustrations, he has helped unlock a few doors. Ive met some really nice people, all ridiculously intelligent. Despite all the challenges around me, I see it as a positive and it is pushing me harder. It's now my second week at uni and I've decided to stay in and work this weekend. Yesterday, i went into central to carry out some shop reports with my friend, Rora. Rora undertook a foundation at Wimbledon, and as well as knowing so much about the industry and having a top class education, she is lovely. It was a long day doing the shop report, but we learned a lot about current and future trends, and overall, where fashion is heading. We are reporting back to Fashion journalist, Paul Tierney, for Monday. Paul works for magazines such as French Vogue, Love, The New York Times, and also lectures at The London College of Fashion. Again, like all the other speakers, he is such an inspiration and I feel I'm learning a lot. On Tuesday, fashion designer, Meadham Kirchhoff is coming in to talk to us. I almost bought one of Hussein Chalayan's jumpers from his Pre autumn/winter '10 collection yesterday. Rora eased me away, and I prized an Etoile Isabel Marant Curso jacket off of her back. Maybe one day.

The other day, we had an induction with the machinery. The technicians are seamstresses that said they have almost everyone in the uk's industry at some point over their career. they are both such characters. The equipment is all amazing and explains how such refined garments can be made, provided they are used properly. I've found a second hand industrial sewing machine, so i'm going pick that up next week and squeeze it into my room.

I'll come visit you all soon,

Sam x