Rags to Riches...? - rugged Cardigan & Purple cut out skater Skirt

Rags to Riches?

For this blog, we carried out a photoshoot combing two of Hannah's garments - her rugged cardigan and purple cut out skirt - as we believed they both have many differences in appearance yet many similarities in style. We compared the two garments and was then influenced by the theme "Rags to Riches", representing the cardigan as the 'rags' and the skirt as the 'riches'.

To make this clear throughout the photoshoot, we used different props and locations to demonstrate this idea. We carried out the Rags photoshoot in Golden Hill Park, located in Clydebank and took snapshots of our model, Lauren Mcvicar, around nature and wildlife. In comparison to rags, the riches style was taken in various locations. However, we decided to include a Ferrari car (owned by Lauren's dad) within the photoshoot to display this powerful theme of riches.

Rugged Cardigan

This rugged cardigan was created and designed by Hannah for one of her classes at university where they were to create 2 garments (the first one being the blue dress in the previous blog) which have non typical paper patterns and different creative techniques than normal. It represents the rags side to the theme due to untidy look and long ragged length.

The garment was created by taking four jersey t-shirts - purchased from American Apparel) and draping the fabric directly onto the mannequin.

The final outcome came out as a cardigan, but it also works as a tied dress due to its long draping length. It can be worn for stylish occasions or even a lazy day from its soft, comfortable cotton material. It can style well with tall knee high boots or even a small black skirt underneath, accompanied with smaller black boots. Blacks are also a must wear fashion accessory for this garment.

Hannah said; " I'm really happy about the two in one detail this garment has, it can be worn for different reasons and occasions which is just amazing. It's totally something I would wear myself, which it makes it a bonus as well."

Purple cut out skater Skirt

This black skater skirt represents the riches side to the theme. This is due to plain yet stylish look the skirt gives off. Because the skirt is plain it makes it look more classy, however the purple cut out triangular shape gives the skirt that little bit more of an edge to it, as the slit in the skirt allows the model to show off their leg, making it look expensive and unique in a way. The purple underskirt is actually shorter and almost half the length of the actual black skirt over the top, reinforcing this lavish look.

This black skirt is ideal for any fancy, evening occasion - varying from things such as clubbing, going out for drinks, a party, etc. As the dress is mainly black, it can be easily styled with almost anything. It can be combined with a lacy black (or even purple to match the skirt) top or bracelet (which is a small crop top in fashion terms). The purple on the skirt also allows an outfit to be styled around that colour, meaning it would contrast nicely with purple heels, top or accessories.

Hannah said; " This stylish skirt is my go to outfit for nights out in the town. It's so easy to style and goes well with any contrasting crop top and high heels. It's a must have for your wardrobe!"

Lauren Mcvicar (model) said; " I love how this skirt compliments my figure so well. The way how Hannah designed it as a skater skirt makes it so much more comfortable and it flows so beautifully. The length of the skirt is also something I really like - not too long, not too short, it's just right. But personally, the contrasting purple and black colours have to be my favourite thing about the skirt. If I was to wear this on a night out I would definitely wear this outfit combined with the black crop top I wore for the photoshoot with a pair of black, or maybe even purple, stilettos. I love it!"

Rags to Riches...? Or Fashion Icons?

In comparison of both garments, is there really a label for them? As discussed previously, the rugged cardigan represents the rags side to the theme. However, after researching into more detail this style and look can be described as a fashion icon! The way how the cardigan layers and drapes the fabric on top of the cardigan is starting to become a fashionable trend and is featured on many online websites. This fashion technique is now being used to create different items of clothing on high branded clothing as well.