Exclusively Designed By...

I am currently working on a project at university called, “Exclusively Designed By...”-  the dot dot dot means me. For this we have to develop a capsule collection of glassware for Dartington, Royal Brierley or Caithness Glass. This collection can be either functional or gift ware- for example decorative paper weights if we chose Caithness Glass. In order to do this we have to know what is already on the market in the way of glassware ranges and also be able to predict the trends of Spring/Summer 2014 (this is when our capsule range would theoretically hit the shelves). Then, combine these to create a modern range infused with our own style but still in keeping with the companies traditional values.

To start this project I took myself off on a mission to John Lewis and Jenners, two of the largest stores in Edinburgh that would be potentially retailing our collections and also those of our competitors. Without going into too much detail here, I am now an expert on John Lewis’s glass department knowing everything they sell, what exactly is in each collection and how much these are. So if anyone has a wedding coming up, I’m your girl!

The trend predicting on the other hand was a lot more fun. I didn’t really know where to start with this so I just decided to collect some imagery of things which in my opinion are super cool and should always be in fashion, although later I did do some research on WSGN and seeing that my trends are all in fact predicted to be popping up in 2014 basically managed convinced me that I am actually a fashion guru. Here are some of my favourites, however there is more. Check out my Pinterst for the full exciting range (Fanglasstic <<That’s me)!

Let’s  start with trend number one and my absolute favourite, ‘Jungle Fever’. (I should probably also point out at this point that I am planning on going down the ‘creating a modern and provocative range’ route.  None of this less is more nonsense for me. Less isn’t more. More is more.) For this basically think of a 70s version of indoor-outdoor, palm leaves, toucans, gold lamé and a bongo infused disco. Whilst this might seem like a complete contradiction to all of those companies I really think it can be translated into glass tastefully, keeping its fun and modern charm. Obviously to retain its class I will not be including any gold lame! 

Jungle Fever.

The next trend that I am really excited about is ‘Supernomadic’. For this I am thinking along the lines of bright earthy hues and as much texture as you can. This can be in the form of pom poms, fringing, and tassels (I love a good tassel), or just as a heavy weave. Geometric patterns also play an important role in this trend.

Supernomadic.

  

Now for another colourful one aptly named ‘Colour Explosion’. Yeah that’s right, I’m not just having a small statement made with one carefully selected colour, I’m not even having a pop, I’m having a full on explosion. Basically just think of an actual explosion, say in the Dulux factory and the way that the paint would swirl together- but before you actually mixed it entirely up. This is a trend that accepts clashing colours; in fact they’re its favourite type.  

Colour Explosion.

Finally my last trend that I want you all to get on board with is ‘Cosmic Mineral’. This is probably the ‘coolest’ of them and is so cool it could probably even have its own club night. In fact it probably already has that. For this imagine a digital blur, the splitting of white light into an insane little rainbow, super nova’s and the geological aftermath of a volcanic eruption. It’s very modern and ethereal but without being too geometric and harsh.

Cosmic Mineral.

I just got all excited telling you about those, I feel like I’ve just been on a rollercoaster! I think I need a lie down. Make sure you come back to see how this is progressing! Hopefully I am going to be able to keep my initial delight throughout this process and it will eventually be an exciting little collection!