Anna Sofie Madsen S/S 2012

whilst continuing my research today, i came across up and coming designer Anna Sofie Madsen, a German designer and illustrator who has studied/worked under both John Galliano for Dior and the late Alexander McQueen as junior Designer.

i was inspired by her debute collection S/S 2012 which drew its theme from the legendary Japanese Hayao Miyazaki animation Film, Princess Mononoke from 1997. the meaning Mononoke is a Japanese term meaning Spirit or monster, this duality is expressed in the contrast between the ethereal and solid garments in the collection. taking techniques from classic European ballet costumes meets craftsmanship and silhouettes from the late Muromachi Period of Japan. The collection has been refered to as a meeting between a mechanical ballerina and a graceful samurai.

Madsen collection although not linked to in theme is similar to my own as she has used light fabrics layed them in ways to create textural detailing on the garments and some of her silhouettes are very interesting in style yet very feminine like the two pieces above. the  collection has a warrior, tribal feeling, of strength and strong Independence with a hint of fierceness, however it also has a softer femininity within the light fabrics and soft lines of the silhouettes and design detailing. aspects i would like to try and capture from the fishes on beauty yet dangerous survival technique. the designer has used a combination of both advanced pattern cutting and more basic techniques to create her unique collection which is a method i could also adopt for this project to make it achievable.  also incorporating tools such as CAD, and other technology to create the intricate designs applied to the pieces.

Madsen has kept the colour palette of the collection neutral earth tones throughout using only one or two colour on each piece that compliment each other and the textural detailing on the design which is unified and completes the garment. like i said before this collection is not directly theme related but it appeals to me for the project as it is created by a young designer like myself and has similar theme relations in that it shows strength, femininity with a hint of danger, all wrapped together through light fabrics with modern silhouettes and complimentary colour palettes.

i feel this work is important as it shows me how a designer like myself has interpreted aspects of similar theme with modern technology, and silhouettes.which can help me to develop and interprets my own them ideas and primary source in a broader range of areas.
below are a few more pieces from this collection that inspire me and i will continue to refer to in the process of developing my own work.