Costume with Textiles BA(Hons)

This module will focus on an introduction to a variety of techniques and processes which are involved in the creation of costume design concepts. The module introduces script analysis, character interpretation and visual methods of design for costume. Methods of script analysis and character analysis will be introduced to inform the design development process. Students will research cultural and historical influences in order to develop a personal approach to costume design and illustration. This will be supported by exploration of a variety of visual methods and media techniques for the development of costume design and illustration.

This module will provide students with the fundamentals of pattern cutting for costume. Students will be introduced to the skills of seaming, stitch types and appropriate sewing methods for toile and costume construction including an introduction to basic techniques for prop making and accessories Using bespoke measurements students will learn the basic principles of flat pattern cutting, methods of basic block manipulation, experimentation with cut and the making of costume related patterns.

Students will be able to apply fundamental design application skills using the Textile workshops through the specialism areas of print, knit, weave or embroidery. The syllabus is designed to develop the ability to conceptualise and produce textiles samples for a specific end use, with an emphasis on aesthetic and technical excellence.

This module will enable you to apply advanced design application skills using the Textile workshops. The syllabus is designed to develop your ability to design and produce textiles samples for ‘the body’, with an emphasis on aesthetic innovation.

Your knowledge will be extended by introducing more advanced pattern cutting and costume construction methods. This will be achieved through the drafting of more complex and specialised design specific blocks, alongside further experimentation with cut & and methods of modelling on the stand. This will be achieved through the construction and textiles methods, including specialised design specific, experimentation with cut and methods of modelling on the stand and embellish and constructed textiles techniques. You will consider the use of materials and application of textiles. Techniques will include embellishment, motif generation and constructed textiles relevant to the design and performance mode. Through the development of made to measure toiles, fittings, and experimentation with fabrics and techniques you will produce an interpretation of your design to fit a chosen performer and in consideration of the performance area.

You will further develop your ability to independently research and express personal interpretations of script analysis to, develop design concepts and costume illustration, providing you with the opportunity to creatively combine knowledge and skills gained in Year One (TFD1117 Costume Design 1). You will further explore a range of costume design methods and techniques to develop your own practice to offer solutions to briefs, and to establish a personal identity. You will appraise and evaluate the results of your research and design development work, as an on-going process throughout the module, to clearly identify and establish your specialism within a design context.

This module will further develop your theoretical understanding and critical engagement with sustainability, as contextualised within your specialism (textiles, fashion, costume, marketing). Building on your foundation knowledge and maintaining a clear focus on the practical aspects of sustainability, you will work within the context of global consumers, audiences, manufacturers, retailers, marketers and other collaborative organisations and individuals in textiles and its associated industries. This module aims to specifically generate a multifaceted understanding and appreciation of the theoretical, socio-political, economic, ethical, and environmental dimensions of textile, fashion, costume & marketing practices. The module encourages debate surrounding sustainability, ethics and resources, alongside appropriate primary methods of research and investigation. Lectures, seminars, and collaborative workshops will explore a relevant range of theories that stimulate discussion, develop your capacity for independent enquiry, creative concept development and to enable you to identify and assess implications for your own practice. You will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding though reflective responses that will prepare you for honours level study.

This module aims to establish and inform your major project by identifying a theme / subject / issue relevant to your practice. Focusing on research and development work to inform your final major project, this module is about testing ideas and taking innovative risks connected to the performance costumes for your chosen characters. In this module, you will be evidencing the process of visually researching your character themes through a portfolio of work, including images, samples, design ideas, research and drawings. This project re-emphasises the importance of in-depth research and its relationship to the development of original concepts for costume design and textiles. You will demonstrate the selection of relevant processes and techniques to explore and test out your ideas, enabling you to develop and document your design and textile approaches.

The module reflects theoretical, technical, and professional issues appropriate to your practice and is specifically designed to unfold throughout the final year The module is intended to be a critical and diagnostic tool with which to examine your work. It is made up of a series of outputs and will help you to determine and contextualise the direction of your practice-based modules. The process of reflection, research and critical analysis is vital to the module. It will help you to identify connections between concept, method, realisation, and mediation of your portfolio. It will allow you to demonstrate the depth of your knowledge and insight into your practice, enabling you to make informed decisions/judgements related to your practical outputs.

Focusing your creative and intellectual skills, you will create an innovative, original and highly professional body of work, realising the full potential of your major project in a form appropriate to your pathway. During this Honours level module, you will be expected to evidence technical / creative accomplishment and critical awareness in the execution of your outcomes.