Beauty vs Comfort. Why not both?

Vortex Technique Masterclass Online

Too many budding designers want to skip the mathematics and geometry of design and jump straight into the "fun part".  But it is not likely that you will last long in fashion design without learning at least the boring basics. Here is an example of what I mean. When I first began to design, I made two gorgeous dresses for my stepdaughters. I spent a week almost non-stop working to have the dresses finished in time for a holiday party that we were to attend. I had noticed some flaws in the dresses when they had tried them on before week's end but - without any knowledge about darts and other patternmaking basics for adjusting design to body type - I had no idea how to resolve them. I may as well have been blindfolded during the fitting process.
    The day of the party finally arrived. The girls were chatting excitedly as they made themselves up. Custom made dresses! But the excitement began to fade when my first girl shimmied into her gold and black satin A-line dress.  Beautiful when it was still on the hanger, the dress now made my sweet, innocent 14-year-old stepdaughter look pregnant. Sibling rivalry took hold, "Look at the front flying out!" her sister laughed at her. But now it was her turn. She confidently slipped into her own sparkly strapless cocktail dress. "My boobs feel like they are falling out." she whined, wide-eyed, looking to me for a solution.
     "It is late." I answered, almost in denial. "We've got to get going." I secretly hoped these wardrobe malfunctions would somehow magically disappear by the time the party started. For the rest of the evening one girl had her hand on her belly and people kept asking her if she had a tummy ache. The other spent the entire party looking down to make sure her boobs were in place and spent most of the time tugging her dress up.
     Apparel design involves more than just a pretty outcome. The wearer of your creation must also be comfortable and feel confident. Once you have learned the basics of patternmaking you will find that not only will your designs be more comfortable to wear and fit more gracefully. The architectural concepts of basic patternmaking lend to modification and enhancement in order to create beauty in a garment as well.  Your creativity will be set free. You will not be stuck wondering HOW to make a creation functional.  Shingo Sato is a master at this, transforming basic patterns and going way outside the box. Consider enrolling in one of his 3 or 5 day TR Patternmaking seminars, held in Milan or Melbourne. There is also an online masterclass. Note: Although not required, it is suggested you have basic patternmaking skills before you enroll.  Next sessions September 2013. Shingo Sato - TR Cutting School