Synopsis combining the Girls

For this project I want to propose a magazine spread for duo Andrea Blood and Zoe Sinclair more commonly known as The Girls. Later this year they will be putting on a live project called The Paper Eaters which will be held at Selfridges in April. I hope to produce some interesting photography that merges both The Girls and my own ideas together. These images could later be shown in one of the three magazines they are publishing or on their website.

The Girls project is heavily influenced by the 1980’s, a decade of extravagance and over indulgence which saw the introduction of new technologies. One technology I am really interested in is the emergence of music videos, in particular the introduction of Pop music videos.

In my previous projects I have started to look into film in fashion, unlike paper this is something that has not died out but has in fact grown due to the internet, with websites such as YouTube and Vimeo embracing this development. I am very keen to continue my exploration and collaboration within film. I therefore would be interested in creating a film to go alongside with my photo spread which could be shown as an installation at Selfridges or on their website.

Although The Girls project is being influenced by the 1980’s they also want to give it a twist to give it a contemporary feel. Some of their influences are wigs, bustles and corsetry, which are pieces taken from a completely different era. I am particularly interested in eighteenth century dress and costume, where wigs, bustles and corsetry were a staple fashion garment of that century.

I hope to mix eighteenth century costume with the 1980s glamour to create a contemporary look that embraces The Girls style with my own. I effectively want to create an anachronism look.

I aim to collaborate with film, photography, make-up, fashion and costume students. For The Girls project a number of students from second year fashion are putting together outfits that will be worn by Zoe and Andrea during the duration of the Paper Project. I have very little budget for this project so I will try and collaborate with fashion and costume students which will enable me to have access to unique outfits and designs related to The Girls project. I think for this project collaboration is really important as it develops team skills with future contacts.

For a basis of research I want to combine first and secondary primary research. My research will also include visits to Selfridges, exhibitions and museums whilst incorporating a mixture of books, articles, magazines, internet and video study.

I will be using a PDP online blog to document and evaluate my findings alongside a tactile sketchbook to document texture and clippings whilst on visits. By having an online blog it will help me to communicate my work quickly and clearly with the people I will be collaborating with.

This unit will enable me to develop my understanding of historical references in relation to current trends and styling aiming for a live project. I also hope to develop my portfolio expanding on my styling and historical reference through research, photo shoots and the use of film.