Art: Fashion and Textiles at STA

STA Art Department becomes a fashionable place to learn. We look at ways in which this is happening.

Within the Art Department at St Andrews International School Bangkok, textiles processes and fashion design are becoming increasingly popular, with a number of students recently applying to universities around the world to study fashion. We have introduced a number of schemes of work to teach fashion and textiles, from Year 7 batik to individual assignments at IB level. Year 12 students are developing a visual exploration of their surroundings in search of answers to the question Where am I now? The idea is to explore a familiar topic - themselves and their surroundings - through new eyes and through direct experience, observation and reflection. Having lived in Africa, France, Sweden and Thailand, Paola decided to experiment with fabric to express her diverse cultural background and how different cultures can enrich the identity of a person. She is creating a garment which combines traditional elements of Africa, France, Sweden and Thailand - the amalgam of African colours and patterns are shaped as an Eighteenth-Century French dress which will be complemented with Swedish and Thai style accessories.

David and Vin, Year 11 students, explain their final art pieces created  for their mock exam which was based on the theme of 'Fragments'. David 11B: “I decided to design a mermaid gown accompanied by my own interpretation of a Victorian Era crinoline. This royal blue gown accustomed by florals of warm colours is to portray modern day fashion and the fashion trend that lies within social media and urban society. The crinoline is a direct contrast to the mermaid gown as this type of silhouette was commonly found during the 19th Century. The main focus for this piece was to create an immense contrast between old and new silhouettes and how fashion changes over time and what's considered to be beautiful can change quite easily. In terms of "Fragments", my idea links to how these silhouettes are just fragments to the continuation of time and how they may have been popular during their era but in the future, it may be perceived as something unusual and less beautiful. My exploration of fashion design through IGCSE has not only helped me with my technical skills in fashion - sewing, pattern making and draping - it has helped me gain confidence in my design, to ensure a strong message in relation to the theme I was given.”

Vin 11B: “I decided to create a garment inspired by my interpretation of fragments as objects that do not match being placed together. Subsequently, I created a piece based on a simple silhouette like a maxi dress while experimenting with different fabrics, textures, and patterns on the dress. The slick and smooth fabric in the upper half dress and the luminous pleated tulle create a clashing feeling adding a light movement to the piece. The colourful brushstrokes applied onto the upper half dress were inspired by a cityscape and contrast with the flowers I have handsewn under the pleats.”

With Candy in Year 10 creating fashion design developed through the theme of ‘Natural and Manmade’, Year 9 students creating designs for batik kimonos, Year 7 creating batik wall hangings and Miss Karen’s ‘fashion illustration’ ECA, the Art Department at St Andrews International School Bangkok is becoming a truly fashionable place to learn.

Artist of the Week

Vin has been looking at Iris Van Herpen work and how she uses lines in her designs. These portfolio pages feature several examples of the use of lines either as decorative or structural element in fashion design and how architecture have inspired Iris Van Herpen work. Vin's methodical analysis shows a very good understanding of stylistic relationships and how our surroundings can inform the creative process in visual arts.