silhouettes

I've been playing with some silhouettes of costumes, to give an idea of how I'm planning to interpret the characters. This technique works really well for this as a period piece, where clothes have a distinct style and shape.

By placing a cut out silhouette over magazine pages (interior style mags. work best) you can begin to see ways of breaking up the form with decorative details, changes of pattern, texture, colour. I'm playing with a palette of distinct colours for the different groups, and you can see that emerging from the silhouettes. Though finding the exact palette is a bit tricky since interiors are still dominated by 'neutral tones'. If I were working to a less frantic schedule I might make up my own texture sheets from cut outs, swatches, or even painted designs.

 This silhouette is a circus performer. The emergence of striped tights, in a contrasting tone to the more structured top is a feature I may want to play with, either as striped textiles, or in line with the 'punk' element as slashed tights or leggings.The contrasting tone on the sleeves is interesting, suggesting potential for playing with fabrics, or textures, cutting off sleeves, adding fabrics.

 Band members: structured short jackets, with epaulets. The detail on the jacket might be interpreted by a button detail, and the right leg might translate as a leg gaiter.....The angled area across the hips, could be a large belt slung low, displaying cogs and gears.

Above: Same silhouette for a band member, but the detail on the jacket is far more striking. This could be interpreted as decorative needlework, or steampunk accessories.

Below, 4 versions from the same silhouette. These explore different ways of breaking up the leg area, which could be interpreted as different layers. And there are different approaches to interpreting the torso, including jackets with military detail, a greater variety of textures  in a more obvious military palette, and a completely different textural approach, flouncy layers instead of structured tailoring.

None of these is offered as a final design, just a method of playing with ideas. I am letting you see something of my process warts and all; not finished product.