For this Negotiated Studies unit, I plan to work in collaboration with, ‘The Girls’ and their ‘Paper Eaters’ event which is due to take place in London’s Selfridges store throughout the whole of April. I want to explore the concept of ‘Paper Eaters’ by looking at society’s consumption of paper in both positive and negative terms. For example, the view that paper is a precious commodity that people cherish for its tactile and physical quality, against the view that using too much paper is wasteful and damaging to the environment.
The concept of ‘The seven Deadly Sins’ has always appealed to me and I would like to incorporate this concept into a fashion photo shoot to highlight the consumption of paper in relation to the seven deadly sins. I plan to create seven high resolution images each portraying one of the seven deadly sins using paper objects to show how each sin can relate to society’s views and uses of paper.
I would like these images to either be displayed as a series of wall mounted images at the Paper Eaters event in Selfridges, or to appear as an editorial in one of the three magazines that are being produced throughout April for the Paper Eaters event.
I will start by thoroughly researching each of the seven deadly sins, Wrath, Greed, Gluttony, Pride, Lust, Sloth and Envy, looking at the meanings behind each of the sins. I will then develop ideas of how I can portray the seven deadly sins in fashion images, through styling and the use of colour, shape and silhouette to create each mood.
I plan to research the different ways I could incorporate paper into the photo shoot, such as for the props, clothing or even for the model. This will link in with the research I will carry out to ensure my concept fits in with the 1980’s look and theme of the Paper Eaters event.
The work of fashion photographers David Lachapelle and Pierre et Gilles will highly influence the style of photography I want to achieve in my seven images. I am interested in the vivid colours and the use of humorous tongue and cheek, in this style of photography. I want to create images that are escapist and playful in nature, as I feel this will reflect the larger than life atmosphere The Girls are planning to create at the Paper Eaters event.
The reason for creating this project is to experience collaborating in a live event and developing my time management skills in order to work at a professional level. I am keen to establish industry contacts and gain the experience of working in the commercial environment of Selfridges.
I would like to explore and develop my skills in the computer program Photoshop as I plan to digitally enhance and manipulate the images I produce in order to create a highly polished outcome. I hope the experiences and skills I learn throughout this project will give me a greater understanding of the area of fashion communication I would like to concentrate on for my final major project.
