Winner: 31/01/08
I woke up today a winner. I have the strangest feeling of euphoria and exhaustion mixed with just a touch of panic about the next
stage of the competition. The event last night was amazing and all of the outfits looked just as I had wanted. Everything and
everyone was so well organized that I felt like a spare wheel at times. The show, as expected, was over within minutes and was
followed by the agonizing wait for the results. I felt like I was going to pass out with nerves in the few moments before I was
announced the winner - Felicia Gillian and myself were all sat together with the funniest looks on our faces as we awaited the
judge’s decision. I found the pre and post show interviews really difficult. It hadn’t occurred to me that this would be a part
of the evening – all of my concern beforehand had been focused on the actual collection. I was working right up to the final
deadline so there really wasn’t any time to dwell on what may or may not happen on the night. It will be really funny to watch
the videos back and see exactly what I said as I can’t quite remember most of those moments – it’s all a blur. Being announced as
the winner feels amazing but I know that the next few weeks are going to be tough as I try to sort all of my information for the
manufacturer. My first meeting is scheduled for Monday. Wish me luck!
Meeting the manufacturer: 4/02/08
Today was my first meeting with the manufacturer. I didn’t have a clue how this was going to play out as I’ve never had my clothes
made by anyone else before and I was worried that I would mess everything up and let everyone down. The reality was quite different.
Christopher was really nice, extremely friendly and he did his best to put me at ease. I was a little uncomfortable at the first
mention of garment numbers and prices but this was short lived. I’m just starting to appreciate how much everyone is putting into
this initiative. The next stage is to prepare all of the patterns for Christopher and to give him all of the production information
about the collection. I was asked to talk through the production of each piece and highlight any problems I’d encountered when I
was putting it together. I think everything went pretty well and there are only a few minor changes that need to be made in order
to make the collection work in production. The next meeting set for Wednesday.
Meeting with Manufacturer – part 2: 6/02/08
I met with Christopher again today for a short and informal meeting. Over coffee we discussed manufacturing concerns which have
arisen. I had used a large amount of printing in the collection and we talked about how best to tackle this. I had also prepared
four of the ten patterns for Christopher to take away to be graded into the size range we need. I hope my patterns make sense to
someone else! I now need to card up the rest of my patterns and sort out a problem that has developed over the supply of the
leather I used within the collection. This leather has given me a few sleepless nights. The shop that I purchased it from is
out of stock and although they are willing to order more for me I am worried that it will not arrive in time to meet our production
deadlines. It is possible that it may have to be substituted for something similar. I have been to a couple of places today and
found a few possible options. I'm keeping everything crossed that I can sort this out soon.
Handed in blocked up patterns for grading: 11/02/08
I was back in London again today. I met Christopher on Brick Lane – it was the start of London Fashion Week yesterday and
you can really feel the buzz. We went to purchase a lightweight denim for the pleated skirt in the collection. I checked the
store had the fabric in stock last week and was assured they had plenty so I couldn’t believe it when I was told someone had
been in that very morning to buy the entire 100 metres. We placed an order instead which is due to arrive by the end of the week.
Panic over! I also gave Christopher the remaining patterns for grading. I now only have one sleeve to finish as well as sending
across the final print image. I plan to do this tomorrow morning which will hopefully just leave just the leather issue to decide
upon. Having so much completed is a huge relief, I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I spoke to
Felicia last week and we are planning to meet on Saturday. It will be nice to catch up with her and see how she is getting on with
her final collection for university.
