How to make a collection - Last finish

The last blog, where I wrote about the print, ended somewhat dramatic. When making a collection, being able to administrate your time is key to success. Not only must you have enough time to make the collection, you also have to calculate time to fix errors that occurs. Because they do always occur.

Anyway, in between making the bad and good cotton print collection, I made the last part of the collection. This part both enhances key details, and brings the collection together. The journey started with the clean cut and classic knitwear, via the playful and charming cotton printed styles to this final part which is the thick and voluminous jacquard knit. 

The shaping of the styles moves in the same pace as the dimensions of the “print”. There’s more of everything. More volume, more weight, bigger print and more attitude.

On the pictures above and below you see how the original photo has been stylized. There’s a limited color line and the challenge is to keep the identity of the picture with as few elements as possible. The print above is the development of “Erosion” and below you see how “Misty” came to be.

These sketches show an alternative way to work an inspiration. To get into the mood I wanted my clothes to have, I searched Pinterest for models that had the attitude I wanted my clothes to have. Then I used them as a base for my own ideas. Sometimes the base was close to what I wanted, other times they were almost completely transformed. When the shapes were in place, I added the print and adjusted dimensions and contrast colors. This is a very fun way to work. My photoshopping is a little rough around the edges, but to my defense, I didn’t know I was going to show it to you at any point ;)

As I have mentioned before, some collections come easier to me than others. These last styles came as beads on a string. Truth be told, I reworked some styles from previous collections, but they could still have been troublesome.

In general, I find it more difficult to make clothes with a lot of volume. I often feel overwhelmed by all the fabric and colors. The challenge is to imply a shape or contour without removing volume. For this series I have added strong turtle necks in contrast color. They make a visual reference point. And other decisive details: The short sweater needed a small split in the sides, the long sweater needed to be slightly curved inwards at the bottom edge, the slim skirt needed some extra length, the slim dress got a split in the side so it would allow for the use of trousers underneath.

 As expected, I really was overwhelmed by the fabric and colors, but it was super cool! This was what the collection needed. The order was sent off to the factory without any frustration or stress.

Within September, the collection was in place in the stores in all it’s glory. From my hidden spot in the studio I hear the help convey the story behind the collection to eager and happy customers. Both old and new ideas are well received.

At this point I allow myself to be carefully pleased. I write my blogs, take my photos and organize our film. I still know errors or faults can surface so I stay alerted another two months.

As the Bilbao Collection hit the shelves, a big part of me had let go of thoughts of time and value which were steppingstones for the collection. My inspiration had ben chopped up and spread on to yarns and fabrics. My head was now filled with the next collection, summer 2019. Inspiration? A small branch of pine from the Norwegian countryside. Who would have thought ;)

All photos and drawings: Mette Møller

Styling: Linda/ Pudder

Hair and Make Up: Sara/ Pudder