WHY THE SHIFT?

The long, layered, heavy garments worn by women depicted in the paintings of the Renaissance appear impractical and restrictive - both physically and psychologically and although the garments are 'of their time' the 1960's 'Shift' dress is the antithesis of this. It is not only classic and simple but also flattering and easy to move in. Therefore, with this idea of freedom in mind, I wanted to re-create a non restrictive, freeform shape which mirrors the skin we live in. (See Mary Quant, Pierre Cardin, Biba, Givenchy, Lilly Pulitzer).  I have chosen to construct a series of comfortable 'Shift' dresses in conjunction with the Fashion Designer Lisa Bailey for my MA degree show.

Lisa Bailey

Lisa is a talented and highly experienced Fashion Designer and Teacher who has been designing and teaching in Bristol for over 25 years. 
With her help I am producing garments as another way to interpret my Renaissance prints; using digitally printed fabric over silkscreen fabric printing allowing me to produce more complex printed designs, no limit in scale, huge variation in colour blends and ease of mass production.

Paper pattern for Toile

Cotton Linen Toile's 

Shift Pattern 

have been made to test and perfect the finished pieces as this fabric is a cheaper alternative to Juniper Linen, which will be used for the finished garments. I have been using a simplistic 'shift' style pattern and my sample designs have now been pinned and fitted - using Linen for the base gives one a 'feel' for how versatile this fabric is to work with and also its 'fluidity' when draped over the human form compliments the shape of the female body.  

V & A Mary Quant Shift Dress designs

The initial simple 'A line' sleeveless garment has the potential to hang better and most importantly not impact on the Renaissance designs I've chosen to print and I am hopeful that my final trio of simple shift dresses constructed from Juniper Linen, will appear as an uninterrupted blank canvas when worn - without the addition of darts, zips or buttons to spoil the line of the garment. 

Cotton Linen Toile with Da Vinci inspired Madonna of the Yarnwinder design

Cotton Linen Toile with Da Vinci inspired Madonna of the Rocks design

Cotton Linen Toile - with Baldovinetti inspired 'Lady in Yellow; design