On Tuesday I began my internship at Bordelle. A small lingerie company in Ladbroke Grove, London.
I didn't really know what to expect when the designer, Javier said "...you will mostly be sewing I'm afraid..." at the interview ...Afraid? Huh!? That's exactly what I want to be doing, learning through doing as well as watching.
After my first week I'm beginning to see where the words 'I'm' and 'afraid' come into it.
It's hard work for sure...
The studio as seen from the kitchen area.
The production area as seen from the closet.
So, most of the week I've been playing a small part in producing a whole heap of the Bondage Angela dress (as seen below) in varying sizes.
My job has mainly been to attach the elastic straps to the metal rings ready for the cups to be added. I have also had the chance to add some of the bows between the cups.
My job has mainly been to attach the elastic straps to the metal rings ready for the cups to be added. I have also had the chance to add some of the bows between the cups.
click to enlargeThe hard part is of course the sewing.
Luckily I am a very patient person as a well as... fastidious?. I think that I would have had it after a few hours otherwise. The straps of one dress (around 20) takes me a good 45 minutes (on a bad day, around 35 on a good). Now I'm not sure if it takes the pros (that's the paid machinists) that long or if I'm just being overly concerned about the quality... But, as I said before, I am a perfectionist and therefore I take the stance that one could never be overly concerned about quality ...at least not in relation to time.
But anyway, I knew it wasn't going to be easy so before I got my hands on a garment I practiced and practiced sewing the elastic to the rings. (below)
Luckily I am a very patient person as a well as... fastidious?. I think that I would have had it after a few hours otherwise. The straps of one dress (around 20) takes me a good 45 minutes (on a bad day, around 35 on a good). Now I'm not sure if it takes the pros (that's the paid machinists) that long or if I'm just being overly concerned about the quality... But, as I said before, I am a perfectionist and therefore I take the stance that one could never be overly concerned about quality ...at least not in relation to time.
But anyway, I knew it wasn't going to be easy so before I got my hands on a garment I practiced and practiced sewing the elastic to the rings. (below)
The raw edges of the elastic bands have to be folded under and then sewn very meticulously. The larger bands are a lot easier but I have to say I've surprised myself at how easily I've picked it up and how, although it is tiring and repetitive, it's strangely enjoyable... but maybe that's just my perfectionist nature.
I had never worked with elastic in this way before so it's definitely been an interesting experience that I have enjoyed, learnt from and been inspired by.
I admire designs that embody complexity as well as embracing simplicity. Javier's designs do this beautifully.
I admire designs that embody complexity as well as embracing simplicity. Javier's designs do this beautifully.
Around the Studio...
Lots of images of the female form (as you would expect) and this useful note:
Very Important. :)
Alas! C'est le weekend...déjà!
and yes, I'm VERY tired having been up at 630am every morning.
Alas! C'est le weekend...déjà!
and yes, I'm VERY tired having been up at 630am every morning.
The best is yet to come I'm sure of that. Stay tuned and have a lovely weekend.
サラバ。
http://bordelle.co.uk/
