Choice of Books & Seminar Research.............

I have investigated into the world of design ideas to establish the association that I have with East and western ideas for my final project concept. Because I am using Bamboo fabric and accessories this has been imported from the Eastern Japanese and Chinese countries. But also with added influences from Africa & rainforests.

I chose books specifically about bamboo traditions as it is a powerful emblem of life that seems to be a timeless redicovery. It has survived as a harmonious piece of history's element and is important reminder of life and how important and versatile its uses are.

The contemporary visual Japanese textures and uniformaties are outstanding in this book by Slezin, S (et al) "the essence of style" 1994. Thames & Hudson Ltd, London. The importance of putting a stone in place is equally important as placing a plant or decoration in a visual ordally fashion to project peace, tranquility and making the most of any one space. This reminds me of how important it is for me to look at simple sillouhettes showing a true form.

This is a comprehensive historical guide to the plants uses dates back to the biblical times. It is interesting to see that the far East has more respect for their plants. Thomas Jefferson quoted "The most useful service we can render a culture is to add a new plant to its agriculture"-how true is that because it not only provides food and clothing, it can be made into transport, houses, naturally gives out oxygen and is easy to grow! Farelly, D "The book of bamboo" 1984 Sierra Club books, USA. I have now bought a range of bamboo bags and jewellery to compliment the bamboo range of clothing that I will be making.

I have found a dedicated visual book on all about how to grow different bamboo species to help with today's important environmental issues. It is interesting to note that there are over 12000 different varieties that can sustain any given environment, whether you live in a flat, have a large garden that needs protecting from pollution or bog land, to living on the cliff face of the outer hebridees. Whittaker, P "Hardy Bamboos, Taming the Dragon" 2000 by Timber Press, USA.

My western influences are from mainly from Indians by using leathers, feathers, furs and certain hat styles.
One of the best books I have come across in technical variations and creative combinations of converting fabric into fabulous shapes has to come from Collette Wolff and The Art of manipulating fabric. 1996 by Krause publications, USA. I will be using some of the folding techniques when I drape my fabrics onto the mannequins.

I did investigate into other organic fabrics and attended the Pesticide action network (PAN UK) and a Fashion Forum Seminar about future lab trend briefing, to which I found enlightening as to the way farmers are treated and other life threatening industrial perils. Government legislation vary from country to country allowing Manufacturers to find loopholes which are generally in the poorer countries. This is where they are able to bypass certain processes to produce cheaper products being able to use chemicals and state on the end product that it was originally organic-unfortunately fooling the end buyer.