At Milner Fashion House we absolutely love learning new skills and sharing our knowledge with anyone who wanders in - so it feels like a natural progression to start sharing that knowledge. experience and passion in a bit more structured way. Beginning in January 2022 we will be hosting a fun selection of classes at the premises - everything from fashion to food! To give an idea of what to expect, and to get everyone as excited as we are, we had a chat with the lecturers.
First up, and the brain behind all of this, is Carina. Long time ERRE followers know Carina as one part of the designer duo, with Natasha Jaume, behind the brand. Milner Fashion House is Carina’s brainchild and the classes were largely inspired by her love of teaching. She will be your lecturer for the Fashion Illustration, Pattern Drafting and Grading classes. And to say she is excited is putting it very mildly! We asked her a few questions about the fashion illustration class so you can have an idea of what you are letting yourself in for!
MFH: Why fashion illustration - do designers even still use the skill?
Carina:
As a fashion designer you always need to be able to roughly sketch an idea to show to your manufacturing team or clients. This skill will always be relevant because you never know when inspiration strikes! It's usually in odd hours and in that moment you need the ability to jot down that idea quickly. Time is a luxury and sketching elaborate drawings takes time, this class is about getting your ideas down effectively, without judgment on how the sketch looks, and most importantly to enjoy that moment when you have a new idea. Sometimes those rough imperfect sketches in the moment become the designer’s signature because it shows that real moment of true creativity that can't be copied by any other hand.
MFH: How advanced is the class? Should people attending have any drawing experience? What if the last time I held a pencil was in primary school?
Carina:
If the last time you held a crayon was in primary school, all the better. I want you to attack the piece of paper with childlike joy and abandon. It's not about perfection, it's all about letting go of your fear of drawing and putting ideas, however obscure, to paper. I will be here to guide you along the way. If you have drawing experience, great, but perhaps be ready to unlearn what you were taught before.
MFH: Who are the classes aimed at - students of design or professionals in the industry? What if I’m not connected to the fashion industry at all - will I still learn something?
Carina:
This class is for anyone interested in experiencing something new while having a ball of a time. Fashion is fascinating and can often be related to other fields unrelated to design. You will inevitably learn more about fashion, because I’m obsessed! Or you might continue what you learned as a hobby or apply your knowledge to other fields. For fashion students: this is not taught in any fashion school in South Africa and might not please your lectures!
MFH: What can we expect to cover in the class?
Carina:
Do not expect a figure drawing class. This is about garment ideas and not perfect drawings. I will be sharing the “quick tricks” I learned over years, not as a fashion design lecturer, but as a fashion designer.
- Learning the fundamental basics of fashion illustration for fashion design. You are not an illustrator, you are a fashion designer!
- How to use different drawing equipment that portray the silhouette, fabric, construction or design details you have in mind.
- The importance of colour, texture print & pattern.
- Experimentation with different techniques to portray or develop an idea.
- Guidelines on how to solidify your ideas to paper.
- How to create drawings that make an impact immediately.
- Rough sketches that can be interpreted by a client, seamstress or pattern maker.
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Bio: A lifelong fashion lover, Carina Louw graduated from TUT in 2005 with a Btech degree in Fashion Design. Her lecturing career spans from 2007 to 2019. She lectured in fashion design at the North West University, Damelin, Oakfields College, Inscape and 21 Steps to Retail in Partnership with SA Fashion Week and Edgars. She also developed the course material for numerous Fashion Design Courses throughout her lecturing history. It was while lecturing at Oakfields that she met fellow lecturer Natasha Jaume and together they started ERRE in 2013. They grew ERRE from a small local brand to such career highlights as dressing Oscar nominee Terry Pheto and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco. Most recently they were invited to showcase a collection at Paris Fashion Week. Carina is passionate about teaching and loves working with patterns and grading to create the perfect fit for women of all body types.
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