CFDA - ONE WAY INTO FASHION!

-But not the only one. There are other ways. -That was my imediate reaction, after watching the mini-series The Fashion Fund on Netflix.

I couldn't believe my own ears, when they claimed: - "If you haven't got a fashion show, you're not serious/ -or the real deal".
Come on! - To me that statement sounded very limited and close minded. There is always a way!

It may come as a surprise, but not everyone wants to become a big name or global brand, but would be perfectly happy doing their thing and make a decent living out of that.

You see, being independent and make a good living, are actually quite satisfactory for more people, than you think.
Unfortunately the big names are getting all the attention. but if you take a closer look, there is a lot of creativity going on, on different levels.

Instead of taking hope/dreams away from people, even before they start, a more diverse fashion-program with different levels, where you can choose to go ahead or not, would be a better way of doing this, I think. -And it may even attract more interest.

-Any thoughts ?

JEANS SEARCH!

Formal pants - no thanks! It´s just not me. . .

After I regained my ideal weight and went down at least one size - to waist 34/36 length, I went Jeans hunting yesterday - but all in vain!

-At least at my age it seems quite difficult to find a decent pair of jeans. Maybe I´m to picky and looking in the wrong places, partly because I don´t want to pay a fortune.

I find it kind of pathetic to look like a "rockstar" - in skinny jeans at my age. They fit me, but I just don´t like how I´m looking. I´m just wondering, if I am the only one who has that problem ?

If not, there is probably a good niche in the jeans-marked here. -Or at least for a more flexible jeans production.

Conclusion - once again, I have to do them myself !

I will post the result, when I have a pair done - in time.

But at least I found myself a new pair of nice shoes instead, which can be quite difficult too. -It felt so good.

- Sharing is caring -

FROM FASHION BACK TO COUTURE

In my eternal search and refinement of my real task - I decided to change the name of this blog to what I really like and love to do.
I realized that lately, when I wrote about fast fashion., that I am more into the opposite - "slow fashion", the Craftmanship, quality and style, that will last.

With the result that some of my regular readers lost the link to my blog. I´m sorry for that, but I didn't anticipate that would happen. . .

If you still want to follow my blog, you will have to link back again. Hope to see you all soon and welcome new readers at the same time.

- Sharing is caring -

A ROYAL FASHION PROMOTION

Photo: EPA

We were in Montreal at the same time as an official visit of the Danish Crownprince and princess, including a Danish fashion delegation were visiting Toronto and Ottawa the 17-19 of september.

The official purpose was to strenghten the relations between Denmark and Canada, as well as the partnership between companies. The fokus was on health, food, architecture / construction and fashion / design.

Photo: Martin Høien, Billed Bladet

But as we were checking the Media during the week, we were surprised that we didn´t hear anything about it at all in Montreal. Afterwards I only found something on a few blogs and Daily Mail online.

Maybe more important things were going on in Canada or the preparations were not in order. I don´t know. But at least I hope it payed off somehow.

TOTALEMENT MAILLE !

By researching what was going on in the Montreal fashion exhibition scene at the moment, I fell over an intriguing Exhibition at Musee du Costume et du Textile Quebec at the Marché Bonsecours.

I went there today and was pleasently surprised by what I saw.

"Totalement maille! - takes a look back at Quebec fashion from the 70s showing more than 40 colourful and sensual garments by knit-designer and artist, Francine Vandelac.
Challenging past knitwear traditions, her surprising creations were aimed at a young, hip audience and boast a remarkably modern, sexy look."

It was amazing to discover how visionary and inventive knitting was done at that time. A great deal of the models looked very contemporary. The silhouettes, the yarn and colours - all very inspiring. I was very impressed and can only recommend it, even if you´re not into knitting.

Photos, John Frantsen

But hurry up, if you want to see it. It only runs until october 12.
Remember to visit the virtual exhibition "Fitting Fashions" and discover the hidden treasures of MCTQs Collection by clicking the link on top.

TOTE BAGS - INSIDE OUT

Here is my latest project - another adventure into the world of bags.

These two tote bags are made of reinforced silk and a golden fake leather. They are of course fully lined in solid cotton with a build in pocket. The dimensions are 15 x 30 x 45 cm.

 Photos: John Frantsen

If you like what you see, they are still available. But I do take orders as well, if you have a special wish.

ANNIVERSARY - GIVE AWAY

Soon it´s about 5 years ago, I started this blog - It calls for a celebration! And I hope that you are into celebrating with me. . .

It´s going to happen with a nice Give Away, that will keep you warm this coming Autumn/Winter.

I guess it´s also time for some kind of a status of my blog too. . .
Back then I started out, because I wanted to interact and share creative projects, thoughts and ideas. I was hoping to inspire and get inspired. 
I use blogging as a way of expression and to share idéas, fashion design, projects as well as commenting on lifestyle and what is going on culturally, from my point of view.

I still like to blog, but I have to admit it is not always rewarding in terms of interacting and sharing.

Okay now - The Give Away - Coming up, is this unique multi-coloured wool Poncho with a big asymmetric collar. It is One-Size and has a value of kr. 900,-

Photo: John Frantsen

 Here are the conditions:

To participate you have to leave a comment under this post, with some feed back.

Mention the Give Away and link back to this post from your own blog, if you have one.

Good luck everyone. The lucky winner will be announced on october the 14.

D.I.Y - WITH A LITTLE HELP

Inspiration from Narciso Rodriquez´ resort-collection 2013

Would you like to do your own dress and need assistance in some way ?

I offer individual consultations and sewing classes in subjects such as: Weddingdresses, Corsets, Cocktail-, Gala- and Eveninggowns, in case you want to do it yourself.

 

I can help you out, creating your own personal pattern or help you with sewingtechnics or fittings.

Price: 60,- Cad per. hour for a personal consultation and 100,- Cad per hour by two individuals. Discounts by more consultations. Don´t hesitate to contact me, if you have other suggestions and find out what I can do for you.

I also offer sewingclasses for Design- and Eveningschools in subjects like: From Idea to product, Patternmaking, Sewing technics, Dressmaking and Fittings. Just get in touch.

 Inspiration from Alberta Ferretti´ resort-collection 2015

 

  Narciso Rodriquez resort-collection 2013

JUST BAGS !

Here is a little special collection of bags for different occasions, as inspiration.
They are all One-of-a-kind. If you like them and want something similar, I do special orders too.

Let me know what you think. Have a nice weekend out there everybody.

Design & Photos: John Frantsen

BIG CHANGES!

Maybe you wonder why ?
The reason is that I recently officially had to close down my company. Unfortunately I finally had to realize it didn´t work out the way it should.

That doesn´t mean I am giving up my profession though. I just believe that I am in the wrong place/market for what I do.

Because, I can´t live without creating, so that I will continue to do somehow. I will even take special orders by any chance.

But like I said before, I am mainly going to concentrate on designing for now and learning french. . .
-And of course trying to keep up posting!

So, I am very interested in. . .

-New career opportunities
-Job inquiries
-Expertise requests
-Business deals
-Reference requests
-Getting back in touch.

ONCE UPON A TIME. . .

Model: Trine, Photo: Karen Relster

-There was a small shop, situated in Overgade, Odense, Denmark. The shop was named, John Frantsen Couture.

There you could have all your dreams, regarding dressing for every occasion, fulfilled.
As owner and designer, I created made to measure and fulfilled most wishes. From that time, I have many good memories and nice experiences with various clients.

Since then, years went by, where I subsequently changed business name a few times, due to different circumstances. 

This might have passed unnoticed, but nevertheless I continued my business from my own private home.

Even though it´s a rarity these days, I am still holding on to this metier, because I am very passionate about it.

The Atelier, where I am fulfilling the wishes of every individual customer, conscious of style and quality, still exists to this day.

For more info, take a look at the Services at the top-menu or explore the Galleries.

Old customers are very welcome to share their experiences here on my blog. -In what ever language they prefer  ;o)

ONLINE FASHION SHOPS

I’ve done some reflection about online stores, after my experiences with ETSY and Amino.

On Etsy, there are really big price differences on the products, depending on where in the world they are produced. There is no doubt, that it is difficult for us here in the West to compete with the price of goods produced in the East.

Of course the cost of living plays a role; they do not have the same hourly wage as we have here. 

Another competition parameter is of course the quality, which also depends on the hourly wage. For me to see, the quality is not same at all. But the price of their goods must of course fit into their home markets.

Obviously, of course, there is not much to loose us, if we buy goods from the East and it does not meet our  expectations. I would, however, hesitate to order a dress made in the East if you want to be sure of the quality and fit.

However, the signal value is not to be mistaken if they want customers from the West. They can also sell their items too cheap. Because in the west we expect the price to be related to the quality. Low prices we connect with poor quality. If you’re out to save money, that is of course to your advantage. 

Of course, that also applies the other way around. Our significantly higher prices may seem unattainable for the most part.

In some way you can be so and so international on the internet. But, when far from all places can trade together, due to the different economies, what is the point?

Since our products are more expensive, I think we have to compete on the quality of design, crafts, materials and service, not the least, if want to make an impression. 

 

Do you have any experiences, dealing with the above mentioned or similar places? Share your thoughts!

 Pictures from my Jubilee Exhibition 2010, Photos: Daniel Clément

PERSONAL INFLUENCES

In 1987 I attended a sewing-course at The School of Arts and Craft / Fagskolen in Odense, which gave me a basic introduction to pattern making and sewing.

Years later in 1996 I was living in Copenhagen, when a new Formal Education was launched in my home town, Odense. The College of Arts and Crafts had added a new department, specializing in couture. I decided to focus on one thing from then on and applied, was accepted and moved back.

The three years I spent there specializing in couture, costume. . .  encouraged by passionate teachers, gave me confidence to start my own business.

A business offering Couture, Custom made and Bridal, where every single step, from appointments, measurements, design, pattern making, fittings to executing the dresses always have been handled by me, to secure the satisfaction of  my customers. For my full resume, take a look at the top-menu.

The Teachers: Karin-Lisse, Gitte and Elise.

Unfortunatly the Government at that time decided that, there were too many creative Institutions in Denmark and closed most of the Colleges down some years later.

Readers, do you know the Teachers ? Share your experience, thoughts and memories if you have any. Have a nice day out there.

SHOPPING EXPECTATIONS!

This past weekend we went shopping for clothes. . . at a near by shopping center. We were looking for a nice summer jacket and some shirts.
But unfortunately all in vain. Because, we didn´t find anything we really liked. . .

I´m just wondering why all the men stores we went in to, wasn´t more different. Everywhere they had the same kind of stuff, just in various quality and price range. In other words they played it pretty safe. None of the shops really stood out.

That just means, I will have to make my own clothes from now on, like I used to do.

Maybe danish guys are not that fashion conscious after all. Do you agree? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts below.

THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE

The judges, Savile Row tailor Patrick Grant and WI teacher May Martin

Great British Sewing Bee is a new interesting reality series on BBC2, where amateur sewers take on challenges as they compete to be named Britain´s best home sewer.
The first four-part series saw eight sewing hopefuls compete in various challenges from hand stitching to customisation.

Luckily the series turned out to be a succes, so a follow-up of 6 new episodes is to be launched next year.

In case you haven´t noticed! - DIY, short for Do It Yourself or homemade as some may call it, is getting more and more popular these days.
Maybe because of the economical crises. . .or just because people are tired of buying off the rack and want to stand out. But of course there is also a great satisfaction in creating something yourself.

Would you like to learn how to sew your own clothes, I offer individual classes. Read more about it under Services.

2001 - A SPACE ODYSSEY

"When fashion and future collides" is a documentary that features a series of interviews with revealing insights into the surprising collaboration between the two perfectionists, Couturier Hardy Amies and filmmaker Stanley Kubrick in one of the most visually iconic films of all time, his 2001: A Space Odyssey from 1968.

  

But actually todays subject was just an excuse to write about Space. . . because some nice changes around here is going on. We are moving. . . to another part of Denmark, where we will get more living space with better working conditions for both of us, for the same amount of money. Details will follow as soon as they are settled.

Apart from that, Rikke and I have been busy, planning and working on our future fashion project, which is evolving. So once again real life has taken over. . . But I will continue to post. So stay tuned.

ORIGINAL OR COPYCAT ?

-An issue, I have been thinking about for a while. . . here are a few thoughts.

Montreal 2011, Photo: John Frantsen

-It started out with some comments on my blog.

Obviously some people/companies is commenting as a strategy. They just leave standard comments to leave a link back to their own Online-shop. . . 
They seem to forget, if someone Googles them, a link to my blog with their comments shows up. Of course, if I don´t want to be associated with them, I delete their comments.

I also find it very problematic with copyrights of pictures these days. There is so many pictures out there and I try to credit whenever it´s possible. But with Google and Pinterest for example, it just looks like people take whatever they need. And some blogs even put their own signature on the pictures they find. I think it is so easy to copy - maybe too easy!

Maybe it comes as a surprise, but copying are also a discipline in the fashion world. Because to produce and sell clothes from the rack like some of the major players today, there is no time for original designs.

As of yesterday, I was sorry to hear that "Fashion is My Muse"-blogger just announced she lost her passion for blogging, because of Copyright problems. That is sad.

I wish people would have that much self respect, to respect Copyrights and show credit where credit is due - whenever possible.

Are YOU an original or a copycat ? -And what are your thoughts about this subject ? - If you have any. . .

In spite of all this, I´m happy to see new followers and wish you all happy holidays and a Wonderful Christmas. For more post like this, look into my labels.

THE BAND SHIRTS

-Is a brand new assignment, that I´m quite excited about. It´s a vocal group that needs shirts for their new tour.

After a meeting in Copenhagen last friday with their stylist, I brought home a full bag of clothes, that I have to costumize as their temporarily outfits, until the real shirt-fabric is here.

If possible I will show the result when the shirts are all done.

Basix

THE WINTER JACKET

 As promised last week, here are a few pictures of the finished Coat, that are going on a journey tomorrow. I always underestimate the time it takes to finish something like that, but I made just in time.

I will try to keep up posting here, while I´m away. Enjoy the Holidays.