The prompt I been focusing on was the idea of reinserting an unsung hero of the arts back into the public’s radar. I feel in today’scelebrity culture, the entertainment and arts media focus solely on the public display of certain celebrities and tend to ignore or forget the influential artists of the past. To begin my project, I had to first select a “unsung” hero to be the focus of my project. I chose Japanese Pop Singer Chisato Moritaka who was a successful and groundbreaking singer/dancer from the 1980’s. Moritaka was unlike the pop constructs of the era due to her writing her own lyrics and composing her own music. 

I then decided on the medium for my project which was using popular apparel basics and using silk screen and digital images on them. I first began the project by using stencils and spray paint to create the designs hoping it would create a looser, street style theme. The use of stencils took multiple times to master, if one does not use an adhesive spray to help stick the stencil to the clothes, the design will come out misty and blotchy. After finishing multiple stencil designs I decided to completely discard the stencil/spray paint concept in favor of silk screen and digital designs. True, they are pricer but I wanted to collection to have a youth cultured appeal and have the feel of a t-shirt you would see in an Urban Outfitters or UNIQLO.

My key strategies for this project were to have a collection that was eye-catching and capture the essence of Chisato Moritaka. In addition, I wanted the collection to be displayed in the style of a pop-up shop to give the collection an exclusive feeling. To complete this task, I kept the assortment to popular basics that are essential for the young and young at heart such as totes, t-shirts, and crops. The merchandising is to be clean and shoppable with easy access to see now and buy now. I was influenced by the merchandising of indie fashion brands such as Wacky Wacko, whos merchandising and product placement is eye-catching and fun but also not intimidating.

Going forward into the Senior Capstone class, I want to continue the idea of creating an iconic status for the forgotten artists of the past. The prompt will be expanded to adding two more “unsung” heroes to the collection. I have already decided on Joan Baez as the second unsung hero due to her contributions to social and civil rights but also her continuing contribution to folk music. The third icon will most likely be on the rougher and tougher side yet I have not fully decided who I will select. The collection will again focus on essential basics but I will also include original designs to the collection that capture the essence of each icon. The project will again be shown in an exhibition that will replicate a pop-up shop but I will also showcase through my online boutique website, Instagram, and personal portfolio.

Nylon Tricot Swim One Piece with Chisato Portrait-Final Sample may vary

I am extremely excited with the progress of my project. I have been sticking firmly to my 10 week plan and have produced numerous samples that have helped bring my vision to life. The main goal of this prompt isreinserting the unsung heroes of fashion into the modern public’s radar. To put it bluntly, allowing the unsung to reach an “icon” status on the likes of Madonna or Michael Jackson.

I hope to achieve this by creating eye-catching and flamboyant garments that would not only entice a youthful or young at heart consumer but to also pay homage to one of my personal heroes in fashion as well as the music industry. As of now I have completed my final skirt design, and have began creating my patter for my bodysuit. I also have selected and purchased the basics I will be using for the silk screen prints which consist of blank canvas tote bags, neon yellow and black cotton t-shirts as well as dark stone wash black denim jackets. I am currently nearing my final selection of silk screen designs and the color choices for the prints.

One final yet important element of this project is the collection name which is called C.U.N.T Isle. the name of the collection acts as an acronym for the qualities that the unsung hero consist of (charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent). These unsung heroes have been deserted and forgotten to most of modern society and dwell on a metaphorical deserted island where they still wait to be discovered by society again.

http://www.artnet.com/artists/shepard-fairey

https://www.ancient.eu/article/1161/byzantine-icons/

http://www.peggynoland.com/

10 Week Plan

09/27/19- Color Store selected. Flats designed for original designs. Begin pattern for bodysuit and skirt. Begin working on sample. 

10/04/19- Continue working on bodysuit and skirt sample. Samples should be 100% complete. 

10/11/19- Create original designs for silk screen t-shirts, denim, and totes. Begin working on final bodysuit and skirt. 

10/18/19- Continue working on bodysuit and skirt. 1st run samples of silk screen designs 100% complete.

10/25/19- Final bodysuit and skirt 100% made

11/1/19- Begin making accessories for pop-up shop. Gloves 100% complete. 

11/8/19- Hairbow 100% complete.

11/15/19- Merchandise a mock up display for pop up shop including styling mannequins. Purchase a small stereo for music. 

11/22/19- 100% complete Original designs(bodysuit, skirt, gloves, hairbow),  silk screened t-shirt runs, tote runs and denim, audio source for “Mi-ha” to be played. Hangers purchases, mannequins, fixtures approved. 

11/29/19- NO class in session

My questions for this course project is “Can I reinsert the unsung fashion heroes into modern history?”

The unsung fashion hero I have selected is Japanese Pop Idol Chisato Moritaka. Known as the dancing queen of the the early 1990’s, Moritaka was ahead of her time compared to other Western musicians. Moritaka wrote her own lyrics, composed many of her own songs, and even played several instruments.

In order to bring Chisato Moritaka into the public spot light, I will create a line of original silk screen prints that will go on t-shirts, totes, and denim jackets. In addition, I will design original garments that embody the essence and personal styling of Chisato Moritaka. My method of exhibiting my collection will be in the style of a pop-up shop where I will showcase original designs but also sell the silk screen designs.

Sample stencil designs of Chitako Moritaka and C.U.N.T logo. Designs were spray painted with second hand clothes. For the next samples I will try to get more control of the paint application for a cleaner, crisper design (using a paint brush or roller).