May 12th, 2017, 02:05 PM

A Simple Sketch Series

By Polina Chaikina
Image Credit:Tipperary Libraries
A compilation of sketches inspired by different decades and designers.

It’s always been a hobby of mine to sketch in my free time. I love thinking of various themes and then applying fashion to them. Merging various concepts when it comes to fashion design is probably the most exciting aspect of creating outfits. I have created a sketch series inspired by different decades and designers.

Image Credit: Polina Chaikina

This sketch was inspired by different eras in Greece. The initial style I took from approximately 340 - 330 BC (Ancient Greece) and some elements were inspired by the time when Greece adapted Orthodox Christianity. Once Christianity was accepted in Greece, it became a norm for women to lightly veil their head when on religious ground, and sometimes in public forum. The hood incorporated in this design reflects the acceptance of Christian tradition, while still preserving the Ancient Greek style by the draping of the material. Clothing in ancient Greece had elaborate designs and bright colors. I've chosen to depict the jumpsuit in a light tone of red borderline with light pink, which would look great in silk or chiffon.

Image Credit: Polina Chaikina

I did this sketch a while ago. Here I incorporated the notions of the style of the 20s as well as one of the Haute Couture collections by Versace. The elaborate draping and light pastel colors gives the dress a feminine look with a sense of lightness. The blue detail on the back is decorated with large rhinestones, incorporating some of the 20s glam. 

Image Credit: Polina Chaikina

This is another sketch of a classic silhouette inspired by the 20s. It has a Cristóbal Balenciaga and Valentin Yudashkin twist to it. The base material for the dress would be taffeta, embroided with rhinestones and paillettes. Black Fox Fur would be a perfect material for the Fur Collar.

Image Credit: Polina Chaikina

This is a 50s - 60s inspired sketch from the transition of fashion between the decades. A slight reference to Marilyn Monroe is visible within the design. The bottom of the skirt is wired with, maybe,  a tulle underskirt to add volume to the bottom of the dress. Chiffon would certainly be a great material for the dress. The collier would be composed of blue and silver crystals and beads, giving it a chic and royal look. This design would look terrific with flats or heels. 

  Image Credit: Polina Chaikina

Inspiration was taken from dresses designed by Paco Rabanne in the 60s and 70s. It is a fairly simple dress, with a nude undergarment. Yet the materials are quite interesting. To achieve a stunning effect, I would use mirror particles of normal and black tint, to create volume and movement to the dress. For shoes I would create sandals in the same style as the dress using mirror braces and black fixations in between. 

Image Credit: Polina Chaikina

This is also one of my older sketches, where I depict the modern time through a design that was inspired by urbanism and Lady Gaga. This elaborate dress consists of various applique parts, incorporating rhinestones and leather parts in the straps. It has strict geometric forms with symmetry, somehow giving off a notion of surrealism within the design.