Caitlin O’Sullivan @k00252239 - Tumblr Blog

Project Statement

For the assignment “Two worlds collide” I chose to explore Louis Armstrong and the 1920s, ‘Roaring 20s’. I chose these two worlds because they look fun and loose but also looked to have a story behind them which appealed to me. I then wnet on to discovered more of this background in my research. While fun and loose on the outside the background was darker and more turbulent. With Louis Armstrongs past with the mafia and with the end of the First World War in 1918. This was a time of great social and economic transition that led directly to what made the 1920's. During this assignment I kept referring back to not only my research but also Pradas Great Gatsby exhibition and John Galliano. Developing this project further I explored more with shapes taken from Jazz instruments, hairstyles, dresses etc. which i then explored more with mark making. I began to explre textures, colours and patterns that were used in the 1920s but also to incorporate key words which i pulled from my research such as ‘Daring’, ‘Simple’, ‘Dramtic’, ‘energetic’ etc. Continuing on with this project I became happier with my choice as it had lots to offer. Over all I enjoyed the process which lead to creating a final line up. I an very happy with my final line up but do believe that i could have worked on some areas better. I would wear all 6 outfits without hesitation.

I hope everyone is keeping and Hope to see everyone soon!

Final 6 Illustrations

Quick sketches of my Final 6 line-up

SIXTH FINAL LOOK

thinking of a different way to make a pattern i looked at pleats that also give a striped effect. With Louis Armstrong having a Dramatic aspect in his music i wanted to use a material that could include a dramatic effect to the outfit, maybe silk? For the pants i used shapes from Jazz instruments such as a chello or a violin

FIFTH FINAL LOOK

Along with retro patterns stripes were also used alot in 1920s fashion. For this look i took a shape out of a saxophone (jazz instrument) and used it as a sleeve accompanied with stripes

FORTH FINAL LOOK

Louis Armstrongs music has fluidity to it like a simple flow. I wanted to brong that in with a loose skater skirt but also in the sleaves of the top using the same retro pattern as the design before.

THIRD FINAL LOOK

Retro patterns can be seen in a lot of images from the 1920s and not only in fashion but also stage production (jazz). Here i tried including retro patterns in both the top straps and pants. I also started looking at possiple materials/textures and colours. Theres almost an energy like quality to the pants and Louis Armstrong was known to be energetic in his performance.

SECOND FINAL LOOK

In the 1920s pearls and patterns were were used a lot, so here i decided to do a pearl crop top which is also daring due to the fact only a certain amount of cleavage was acceptable in the 20s. Decided to accompany this with a pair of 3/4 length, patterned (striped) trousers.

FIRST FINAL LOOK

With this outfit i was looking to incorporate 1920s menswear while also keeping a feminine approach with the pearls. While the blazer consists of pearls and stripes i wanted the look to be ‘Daring’ because the music Louis Armstrong produced had a daring aspect to it at the time, i looked at darong colours along with a material that can gove a daring effect.

A few quick sketches for ideas on final line up

Here i began pulling shapes, colours and patterns from the images i found previously online e.g pearls, headpiece, retro patterns saxophone, violin, trumpet, chello etc. Then explored what possible potential those shapes, colours and patterns could have.

I explored various materials such as markers, pen, pencils, oil pastels etc. All the while exploring different ways shapes can be interpreted using various drawing materials

Collages of Both worlds from images I found online

snowdayinthearchives

Hey you swell kids! Which Bright Young Thing are you?

1920-1929 in the Tag Yourself Timeline

Markmaking

Moodboard for Louis Armstrong

During my research of Louis Armstrong I discovered that he was a troubled and mysterious man, his music in the jazz industry was complex, compelling, dramatic and energetic. He was born in New Orleans and gre ip in a neighbourhood nicknamed “The Battlefield”, I discovered that he was involved with the Mafia at some stage in his life and learned how to play cornet in a home for juvenile delinquents. I also explored various colours that are mysterious and Daring just like his music.

Moodboard for 1920s

During my research for the 1920s i came across various images that give a better understanding of the style not only fasion wise but also socially. I discovered hairstyles that are so persise that they cam be considered shapes, I also found images that show a fluidity and “loosening” to the fashion and dancing.

After choosing my two worlds for this assignment i went on and did further research using podcasts, YouTube, articles etc. Then highlighted areas that would help me create a bigger picture of both worlds

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

Caitlin O’Sullivan