Nick Knight

When you think of robotics, you would usually think of mechanisms, structure, contraining something, angualr and stop/start movement as well as the idea of things being futuristic. I have chosen this image above as the pose and lighting is what epitomises 'robotics' to me. I do not particularly like the digital art which has been applied to the model even though this has achieved the sci-fi, generated computer gaming aesthetic that the creators were presumably intending. I believe we could take inspiration from the pose direction and lighting from this, especially if we were to work in a studio environment.

From a styling point of view, I saw this image and felt it would fit with the 'robotics' idea that we are currently going with. I feel the minimal materials/pieces of clothing is more effective than placing a whole matched outfit on the model. The minimal look is more suited to the robotics idea I think, however as the stylists, fay and Sophie will be covering this area, as myself and Stephanie will be sorting the photographic aspects.

I love this image - the use of lines and folds within the garments, hair and make-up are effective as well as the muted, metallic tones which are used. I believe this look portrays robotics and slight futurism well and could be used as inspiration? The age of the model is similar to the age of model we will be using, hopefully tall, probably similar age to ourselves, early 20's.

Nick Knight photographed the original image for this and it has been digitally enhanced by the rest of the creative team working with the music band, Massive Attack. I love the effect of shattering glass/ice, the fragments signify an explosion and this in the context of our robotics idea could be seen as an expolsion of imagination as a child, or as an explosion of anger, boredom, mundanity and limits of an adult. As part of our imagery, we could achieve something similar to this in our post-production work while still keeping the polished aesthetic we are wanting to achieve. The limited colour pallette and muted blue,grey and silver tones suggest sophistication and calmness in contrast to the explosive emotion.

I have chosen this image to show the simplicity of how just pieces of paper can change an image so much. The paper reminds me of shards of glass which are portrayed to be cutting into the skin. This could signify the pressure to do well in life through our education, the pressure we put ourselves under or someone else does, for example our jobs, our courses, time pressures. It is an interesting idea to possibly show the emotions that we are trying to express in the images physically, through materials and styling instead of just impluing hese through the pose or facial gesture of the model.

These two images are from a series photographed by Knight, showing disabled people in 'fashion situations'. The skirt worn by the mnodel is what attracted me to the images, as its linear form reminds of robotics and futurism. The pale gold tones along with cream touches, natural make-up and hair and soft lighting all contribute to natural but sophisticated photographs which is an attractive aesthetic to me personally.

GARETH PUGH PITTI 2011 - FILM BY RUTH HOGBEN from SHOWstudio on Vimeo.

This video is from Nick knights SHOWstudio website and showcases designer Gareth Pugh's first collection shown at Pitti Immagine (a bi-annual fashion show in Florence, Italy, that I personally visit) in January 2011.
I have added this to the post as I feel the aesthetic of the fragmented lighting and monochrome, structured clothing relates to the idea of robotics and mechanisms.

Gareth Pugh Pitti Immagine #79 2011

"With a collection inspired by religious iconography and Florentine opulence, Gareth Pugh made his Italian fashion debut at Pitti Immagine #79. Showcasing his clothes via a unique fashion film, created with Ruth Hogben and projected onto the ceiling of a 14th-century church, Pugh melded the grand traditions and art of this ancient city with his own hyper-modern fashion vision." Source: http://showstudio.com/project/gareth_pugh_pitti_immagine_79_2011#film