The project theme for this unit was all about research and
representing a brand of my choice. I was immediately excited about this unit
and what it included, I felt this was going to be a great opportunity for me to
not only explore what makes a makeup brand so successful but also it was an
opportunity for me to understand what qualities define different looks eg.
spring/summer, day etc.
My chosen brand,
Chanel, was a great one to research. It has a wonderful history, which meant
there was so much to learn and understand. The timing of this work also
perfectly coincided with a trip to Paris where I saw the birthplace of Chanel
and got a real vibe for the French authenticity of the brand.
Practically, I
enjoyed seeing through 5 whole looks, from initial research to design and
creation. I liked exploring the slight alterations I could make to a makeup
application or hairstyle to completely alter it’s perception. The practical
lessons I had alongside this unit helped me expand my skills further and I put
many of them to the test during the creation of my looks. Having chosen my
brand right at the beginning meant I could approach each technical lesson with
the new view: how can I apply this style to my brand? I feel that being able to
think this strategically led me to create more original designs.
I was particularly
inspired by the most current advertisements and campaigns by Chanel, as I
wanted to create modern looks for the brand. I also looked into the work of
Chanel’s creative directors’ that have had huge influences on the brand. The runway
makeup and hairstyles were also intriguing to research; it was enlightening to
see such a high-end, sophisticated brand regularly taking such a creative and
sometimes colourful approach to their catwalk looks.
In my opinion, I
think my most successful part of the whole projects was the creation of my
Spring/Summer and High Summer looks. I feel that the outcomes were the truest
representations of my brand and of the mood boards and designs I had created. I
was also fortunate to secure models that suited the looks really well. I found
it hard to find models with that ‘Chanel look’ that were able to model for me.
It was definitely a problem as, with so many looks to create, I wound up using
the same model’s for two different looks, as they were available and willing to
work with me.
I eventually found
myself designing for the model I was using which isn’t a huge problem but it
does distract from the core point of the unit, which is to design for the
brand. If I were to redo this project, I would definitely spend more time
linking my designs with the creative work of the brand throughout history and
not just the most recent work. Another area for improvement for me would be to
improve the continuity of my ideas through to my designs, an issue that I have often
had with my projects.
Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed this project from start to
finish. It has been great to really investigate a single brand as opposed to
generically reviewing several. The looks I have created are also lovely
editions to my portfolio and I am grateful for the opportunity to expand my
range of makeup application looks though this unit.
