Monday, September 29, 2008

The Best Costume Patterns

Designers make costume patterns so as to develop a highly specialized art. It is the costume designer who decides the style, design, type, color and fabric that will be used for the desired costume.

Patterns are also used in making appropriate measurements. This is in terms of sizes and shapes. It is also important because it is a structure that serves as a model for costumes. It is a garment that is copied. It is also anything with a similar style which is from another suit or an outline on cardboard or paper. This outline will be traced on fabric before it can be assembled. It can also be the replica of an object that is cast. Thus, a molten material used and poured is termed as a type of casting process.

There are types of patterns which are very common for men and women. There are also different creative ideas such as scary, fantasy or free costume concepts that are available in huge assortments, adaptable to the costume needs. In making patterns, the materials are definitely not the first priority.

Prior to making a pattern, the concept along with its needed materials is the first ones to be gathered. Making costume patterns require the skill of a lay-out designer. The lay-out designer can provide the basis of the costume. This is in order for the other workers to get some sewing done.

Some patterns can also be used for construction methods which are suitable for single-wear usage, making it faster and easier for those who use a sewing machine. In sewing costumes, you need to have a pattern in order to follow some hints, making your work 'authentic' enough for any event.

There are many modern adaptations in pattern making which are designed for modern body shapes and under garments, along with the use of modern slope templates. These designs require some of the achievements of a certain appearance, for a certain period.

Hence, the construction technique design uses a sewing machine. It does not replicate the hand sewing methods or historical finishing techniques. They use patterns because it can be made reasonable in terms of appearance. In some cases, particularly for the removal or adjustment of costumes, they can easily make simpler changes.

Designers use natural fabrics like wool, cotton, linen, silk, or other types of "subdued" solid fabrics. It also includes modern fasteners with ties, hooks or drawstrings. Although many different patterns appear as historically based, in reality, it is a combination of the different features for a fantasy style.

Patterns enable us to select the design, type and color. It can determine the appropriate cut and body placement so as to get an accurate feel and look of what you are trying to produce.

Costumes were once the masquerades' focal point. During the 18th century, masquerade costumes were divided into 3 amazing, generic types:
• Neutral or domino costume
• Fancy dress
• And character dress

This entails one to imitate the represented figure. This usually showcases allegorical, literary, historical or theatrical characters.

The patterns were mainly done by highly paid costume designers. The process starts with patterns for their pieces. This will initially be presented to their client so as to make some other suggestions and adjustments. Some costume pattern designers base their work on the cost of the materials. They use alternative materials that are cheaper. However, the appearance of the designs should be as good as the costly fabrics and other materials.

Makers of pattern designs must be flexible, which means, they can't just put an idea on the pattern without knowing the different models for these patterns.

The evolutions of costume patterns are now being given a chance. There is even an application that makes a computer layout similar to making a pattern. This is not only for costumes but also for accessorizing the pattern within it.

Accessorizing on the computer is a lot easier than making it with your bare hands. This is through the mixture of colors even according to the right blend of the costume. You can even use three dimensional (3D) effects in order to see the finished products in various angles. Once the designers are ready to make the pattern, they can use the lay-out as their costume pattern basis.

For more information on New Look Costume Patterns please visit our website

Monday, September 22, 2008

80s Fashion

The fashion trend in the 80s was quite different and unique. Many different varieties of fashion styles and dresses ran parallel in during the period of 80s. During this period women had many choices in front of them to choose looking at the options available in the market. The fashion in this era was very powerful and dominating. Mostly the attires in this decade gave a tailored look which was preferred my most of the people. During this era, a person ignored going anywhere without a jacket or at least a suit was needed. People were dramatically influenced by the commercials, by the big garment and clothing companies. TV dramas and serials also played an important role in the commercialization of the 80s fashion. People were also influenced by the movies and the characters. Celebrities became the icon for many people and were very much responsible for the 80s fashion influence.

Other celebrities like Margaret Thatcher in tailored suits and the yuppies wearing costumes in the style of Diana Princes of Wales very much contributed in the 80s fashion which influenced many people. New romantics, power dressing, stretch dressing and sportswear too popular among the people. These types of costumes had their own significance in the mind of the people. The fashion of rolled up jeans, scrunched up socks, pony tails and bright colored clothes also dominated the 80s era. People were very much used to prefer this type of clothing. You must have remembered David Bowie and Madonna; these celebrities were the big contributors and style icon among the people in the 80s. Four looks dominated the fashion in the 80s.

The TV soap serial Dynasty and Dallas also had a great impact on the minds of people. This serial targeted the broad shoulder fashion. The TV star Linda Evans had a natural broad shoulder which pressured fashion artist to make a special type of suit. This suit was so famous that people used to put pad to make their shoulder broad to wear the dress. Even celebrities used to pad their shoulder to wear the suit. It was estimated that this serial had an audience of over two hundred and fifty million viewers in the 80s itself. Numerous people watching this serial had a great impact on them and kept the fashion and style on the top of their list. Till today there are numerous people who prefer 80s fashion. Even some people organize parties and get together in the 80s style and fashion.

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about 80s fashion, please visit Fashion Shows Online for current articles and discussions.

Friday, September 12, 2008

When Shoe Shopping Equals Remortgage

Every season there is one shoe that I totally covet. Last season, it was the mid length cowboy boot which was perfect for my shorter legs. I just couldn't decide between the flat version and the block heeled version, so I got both to settle my mind. I can't say that I have worn either of them more than twice but they sure do look pretty sitting in my antique oak wardrobe.

This season it is the gladiator platform sandal, specifically the new Gucci snakeskin effect gladiator heels with the chunky gold zip up the front. Ahhh! My mouth literally dropped open when I caught sight of this shoe on stylefinder.com but I can't decide how I could justify spending £800 on a pair of shoes. I just can't stop thinking about how my long tanned legs would look topped off with those gorgeous strappy wonders!

Of course there are so many other trends I want to buy into this season, trends that are taunting me from the glossy pages of Grazia and Vouge. Chunky knits against bare skin, swinging suede tassels you just want to stroke and this seasons LPD (that's little purple dress for those of you not in the know).

After watching the fabulous film 'Almost Famous' the other day, I found that I had an irresistible urge to go out and buy all things luxe boho and skip around the house to Van Morrison and Cat Stevens (this is where the second outing of cowboy boots comes in - if you can count prancing round my penthouse as an 'outing'). The only problem with that was when I came to my senses the day afterwards I realised that luxe boho was just not my style. I had to schlep round in the summer rain to every store I had been to just to return my ill thought out booty.

That's the best thing about shopping on the internet. If you end up with something that you don't like then you need only pop it right back in the post. One stop at the post office is better than wasting your lunchtime hour or precious Saturday revisiting your fashion mistakes. You always end up having to join a queue the size of a Primark opening day or get stuck behind someone with a mountain of stuff who also wants it gift wrapped.

I know some people will moan about the cost of postage but I would rather spend a few pounds that a few hours of time. If you think of the expense of petrol and parking then postage really doesn't seem as expensive for the privilege of trying on clothes in the comfort of your own home, does it?

My next purchase will be a floaty chiffon pussy bow blouse to go with my black skinny jeans along with a big resin cuff with a glass jewel to match. I am determined to shop around and find exactly what I want on the internet instead of risking the thrill of instant purchasing in a glistening boutique or high street shop.

As for my first love, those £800 gladiators will have to wait until I can remortgage my house.

You can browse and buy shoes at http://uk.shopping.com/xDN-Shoes