Project Evaluation

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.