The Value of Good Research

I have never been good at science or at least I thought not. Perhaps this is more to do with the way the subject was taught when I was at school. I have just watched this year's Dimbleby Lecture from Sir Paul Nurse and I am inspired. I hope that one of my young daughters becomes interested in science. The lecture takes 45 minutes but it's well worth a viewing
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01cx7x0
If you prefer to read the lecture, http://royalsociety.org/uploadedFiles/Royal_Society_Content/people/fellows/2012-02-29-Dimbleby.pdf

What has all this got to do with Fashion and Fashion Auntie I hear you ask?

"Today the UK is second only to the USA in contributions to the world’s 
science, and is probably first in terms of cost efficiency. This is an amazing 
achievement for our country. 


Science is one of Britain’s greatest resources. In the future we will not be able to compete on the world stage with low labour costs or by exploiting vast reserves of mineral 
resources. We will have to compete with our brains and with our science.
Many features important for good science are well embedded in the 
UK. We have a tradition of respect for empiricism, emphasising reliable 
observation and experiment"

                                         Sir Paul Nurse - Dimbleby Lecture 28th February


If you read the small excerpt above you the words science could design  be interchangeable.

The final two words observation and experiment. Observation is a research method. Experiment is another way of describing a creative process.  For me, research drives good design, whether you are researching a market you wish to design for, a question or problem which needs to be answered, trend intelligence, or looking for aesthetic inspiration. I have always found my best designs flow when I have done my research in a thorough and inspired way.

The other really important aspect related to design is researching and sourcing the best materials (hoping,we're all thinking sustainable here!)

The point is if you carry out your own research you're creating your own unique design, not some weak imitation of someone else's work. Let's all explore with inquiring, creative minds......

What's really happening with Sustainable Fashion?

Wow I think things are hotting up! There's real movement at the top of the chain and great things happening with the High Street retailers.

Meryl Streep, yes Meryl Streep the Academy's Best Actress award winner this year wore Lanvin's first ever sustainable gown.

Livia Frith is the wonderful lady who is responsible for Meryl's awareness of Sustainable fashion. Livia Frith (Colin's wife) started the trend amongst the stars with GCC - Green Carpet Challenge. Livia vowed in 2009 to only wear gowns that are eco friendly. Frith is the founder of eco-age.com. Miranda Porter is the site's editor who takes on a Frugal challenge. She's seen looking beautiful in her own version of sustainable fashion as well as editing a really good site.

Here are the Oscar Eco queens togther, Streep in Lanvin and Frith in Valentino. The Valentino dress is made with silk, and polyester from recycled plastic bottles. Do they these gowns look sustainable? No, they just look like red carpet frocks! There were other stars getting sustainable on the red carpets this Winter and there are more high end designers ready to join the Sustainable band wagon.

How about the Bafta's? Just as hot in a different way...really excited about this.

Michelle Williams, nominated for best actress wore - H&M monochrome - Wow

H and M are trailblazers on the High Street for Sustainability and Fair Trade - check out 'Conscious' http://about.hm.com/content/hm/AboutSection/en/About/Sustainability.html

So we have a growing number of A listers wearing Sustainable Fashion, and a well dressed star in customised,  high quality High Street. My hero!!

Well done GCC and really well done H & M with Michelle Williams. Who is next? What is everyone up to as we all type, read and create?