Wednesday, 5 February 2014

Inspired By

Nicola Formichetti/Tierry Mugler

Nicola Formachetti is the director of the house of Mugler anthology. He has produced a collection derived from the Psychobilly Subculture. The stark influences are portrayed within the use of fabric incorporated into his collection. The predominant colour pallet is black which is evocative of the colour pallete used for the Psychobilly Subculture. The way in which all the clothes are poised has an air of masculinity. I particularly like the use of compositions and juxtapositions used in order to create this unique collection. The use of make-up and tattoo's depicted on the models also adds to the Psychobilly essence. The tight fitted garments are figure hugging and compliment the posterior of the body. The masculinity is encircling this collection. Moreover, the use of fabric content varies within this collection, making it a more modern and contemporary collection which has been enthused by the ideology of Psychobillies. The references that make this collection link to my subculture is depicted in Tenacity evoked within the collection. He draws on the conclusion that his style evokes the same attitude and theme as the movement, henceforth why it has been influenced and derived by Psychobillies. The references embedded into this collection is portrayed in the leather tassels protruding out of the jacket. When thinking of these, it reminds me of the tassels depicted on a motorcycle jackets and evokes freedom. The use of the word 'freedom' links to my subculture as they were trying to define themselves and be free from the capitalistic world. 





 I find this collection interesting and captivating to peruse due to the leather straps cascading around the arms of the jumper. This adds a nice decorative effect to the garment whilst being reminiscent of the leather jackets adorned with studs. The contrasting fabrics depict the shift in style and core attitude. This also portrays the shift in the fashions as fashions and styles always evolve throughout time. I feel that the way in which the straps encircle themselves around the body with a metal clasp as the focal point represents the subculture as a whole. There are leaders and there are followers of the movement. The focal point is therefore the main icons of the subculture such as "The Cramps", "Ramones" and "Johnny Cash". The rest are followers of the subculture and add their own idealistic interpretation. I feel that they add their own idealistic interpretation by creating their own unique style and by manipulating the colour pallettes and adorning their clothes with studs.

Part 3- Inspired By

Gareth Pugh-

I feel that Gareth pugh’s idiosyncratic style has been derived from the psychobilly movement as his style is reminiscent of the same theme and attitude as the Psychobillys. His distinctive style has been influenced by the psychobilly movement due to the ominous black colours used and the style, shape and texture of the fabric which is evocative of this subculture. Gareth pugh first started emerging in 2003.  His distinctive style and fabric choice is reminiscent of the leather jackets and leather skirts which the Psychobillies wore.  The style and attitude of the garments have been depicted in the cut and shape of the garment. Each line entails its own story and is there for a specific purpose, function or design. Gareth Pugh states that this collection was informed by "the struggle between lightness and darkness". I feel that this could be a deeper context rather than relating to black and white contrasting tones. I feel that this could reflect personality or even evoke a sense of style embedded within the clothes. Psychobillies were trying to create a subculture in order to be able to define themselves and their own identity within this world. Due to Gareth’s distinctive and eclectic style, it is able to evoke a sense of individuality and evoke character which is what the Psychobilly movement is trying to convey.


Thoughts were encircling me as I find Gareth Pugh’s designs inspirational due to the compositions and juxtapositions of the fabric. Moreover, the sheen cascading down the fabric plays an important role. The light and dark tones portray the split personality of the Psychobilly. In addition, the sheen flowing down the fabric can also depict the music styles with the horror movie posters and how we rely on both of these categories in order to form the Psychobilly movement. Each line sewn on the fabric can portray a different aspect in which the Psychobilly movement is made up of. Furthermore, the same concept can be applied for the zips incorporated onto the garments. When unzipping the garment, it enables you to reveal another layer of the Psychobilly movement and delve into the history and content behind this subculture. I like the curvature of the designs which is why I find Pugh’s work so captivating to look at.  I like the way in which the fabric accentuates the shoulders and hips on certain garments. I find this inspirational because I feel that it is reminiscent of the Psychobillies trying to accentuate their personality and style to make themselves stand out and be unique within this world. 





Friday, 24 January 2014

Portrayed below are three moodboards reflecting inspiration for my Psychobilly movement: