sandrabacklund 2007. Sandra Backlund. viewed 21 March 2013.
<http://www.sandrabacklund.com/previous-collection.php?page=40>
The control collection is perhaps one of my favourite, of Backlund’s collections. The interplay of textures, shapes and form works so well, and in an all black collection the depths created are not lost. The first image captures well the weaving of fabric within itself, and the additional depth created by the wide ribbed effect. The small 2nd image is one, which I feel almost, is the least successful, with the business of the pattern and colour change the form and silhouette is less noticeable. Within the third large central image the shape and silhouette is key; I especially love the shape, and the connection of the sleeves to the overall shape and structure, with the ribbing forming patterns and allowing the eye to move freely along the garment. The forth image, above, maintains the focus on the texture of the knit, with a simple body-con structure employed. The top in image five is similar in construction, with a similar knit used and the silhouette kept simple. However, there is some interest here, with a high neckline, and large puffed sleeves, quite a different image is conveyed. The last two images show similar garment again, however with the dress being more commercially viable than the last. The more that the garment distorts the body’s natural form, the less commercially viable it usually becomes, and this is something which I must consider, do I want a collection which is commercially viable or not?
sandrabacklund 2007. Sandra Backlund. viewed 21 March 2013.
<http://www.sandrabacklund.com/previous-collection.php?page=39>
The pool position collection is a beautiful and detailed collection; the first image almost appears to float atop the wearer, with the form and patterning of the dress appearing coral like and crystalline in structure, a work of nature. The grey I find very effective, however perhaps it could have been more so with a greater tone range. The second and third image shows a much more skeletal and fine structure, as I was looking to create a skeleton of sorts these pieces are rather relevant. Additionally the blue in the third and eighth images is very close to the blue, which I am looking to use in my collection. The forth image, topmost, has very close links to the images in the diamond cut collection, and in combination with the eighth and lower fifth image show the results of layering of geometrics, although I believe I am looking to create a much more fluid and organic structure, similar to the seventh image. The sixth image is one, which I find very interesting, almost being smothered in the knitted fabric. The model is a helpless prisoner. Aside from the interesting ideas, which may lie behind it, there is a very striking visual effect of fabric gripping to the body.
sandrabacklund 2007. Sandra Backlund. viewed 21 March 2013.
<http://www.sandrabacklund.com/previous-collection.php?page=43>
Within the Spring/Summer collection of 2011 there is a distinct contrast between an excess of form/ sculpture and texture, between a very sleek and minimal aspect to the designs. It is this contrast, which Backlund play’s with and uses in order to balance the visuals of the collection. Within the first image in the lower left hand corner there is a power created in the broadening of the shoulders through knit, through these bold and striking silhouettes the women gain a power and agency, which I also wish to portray. The second image in the top left hand corner depicts a garment embodies the modern woman, sleek yet sculptural, in a near nude tone, there is a futurism evident in the design and surprising detail help within the fine pleating when analysed closer. The third, large central image shows a striking garment which creates an organic and natural sculptural piece, what I like about this piece is the way in which it appears to be growing from the woman’s own body, the texture reminiscent of a moss or coral, building and forming over time. Similarly below is a dress, which uses the same techniques of knit, however utilises them in a much more commercial and wearable manner. Next to this image is the fifth image, which I have included to compare to the second image, which there is the very similar design to the second image, the result is not as strong, and the subtle beauty is lost slightly in the use of black as the main colour. Lastly is the sixth garment I have chosen, mainly in part due to the empowerment the garment lends to the wearer. Reminiscent of armour the garment provided protection, and marks the woman as a warrior and a force to be reckoned with, however due to the knit fabrication, it is achieved in a very organic fashion.
sandrabacklund 2007. Sandra Backlund. viewed 21 March 2013.
<http://www.sandrabacklund.com/previous-collection.php?page=42>
Backlund’s Fall collection in 2010 saw her exploring the contrast between quite different materials, knit and sheers. With such different properties, Backlund has expertly combined the two, in an exploration of depth and form. The first image depicts a stunning work, conveying both sculpture and texture in the ribbing, which is repeated throughout the collection. The garments again in only limited colours show off the level of detail and consideration. The second image in the top right I have chosen because, while it is a quieter piece, it still conveys the mood and concept of the collection. The next image with the headpiece, I chose again for the integration of accessories and exploration of layers of transparency, there is an interesting creation of form created merely by manipulation the existing properties of the pleated material. Below is the fourth image, which while stunning in the sculptural shapes created is hard to distinguish from far away due to the colour selection, which I must consider as the pieces I create will need to be appealing on the catwalk. Also there is a reoccurring themes of a large top and a slim bottom, with only one section being highly detailed, there must be a balance. The fifth image in the top right hand corner is a piece which I would consider to be perhaps the most successful in terms of the use of transparencies, with the different depths and shades being clearly distinguishable in the pale dusty pink of the fabric. The last image is similar to the fifth in the formation of the skirt, however it is slightly more geometric in its design, there is also use of a fabric manipulation on the top adding an additional layer of dimension and texture. However I still maintain that the light pink fabrication is more effective than the black shown in this image, and will use a similar dusty pastel colour.
sandrabacklund 2007. Sandra Backlund. viewed 21 March 2013.
<http://www.sandrabacklund.com/previous-collection.php?page=30>
The diamond cut collection is interesting from my perspective in terms of the mixed media involved. Along with Backlund’s, now synonymous, use of knit to create the innovative and interesting forms, there is also the presence of the mirror material. As I am interested in creating a smooth juxtaposition between traditional and non-traditional pieces, the first and fourth image provides a method of doing so. The geometric and yet soft shapes created in the second and fifth image give a sense of drama and theatre, much more like the type of sculptural forms with which Backlund is now associated. The third image with the mirrored helmet and shoes appealed to me, as I am interested in creating accessories to compliment my theme and collection. With such a limited palate and restrained use of materials Backlund is properly able to explore the interplay between both fabrics, with a busier range of materials the impact would not have been as great.
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