About

If an ‘oceanographer’ is someone who studies oceans, then someone who studies fashions including historical, cultural, contemporary, performing arts, sports and uniforms from everywhere and for all ages and genders, must be a ‘fashionographer’. -Cindy

Welcome

Welcome to my blog, seamsintofashion. I’ve always wanted to create a visual record of my journey in costume studies and to encourage others to pursue their own. I hope to accomplish this here through a collection of projects, tutorials, and articles that reflect and respect the incredible designers and artists that have inspired me.

My interest in the study of costume started with Disney’s Cinderella movie. One dress made her plain. One dress made her pretty. One dress made her spectacular, even unrecognizable. In addition, Cinderella’s behaviour and the behaviour of others toward her changed as her costume changed. The story so clearly demonstrated the sociopsychological aspects of costume that operate in real society.

This was my introduction to the concepts of how we use costume to define and market ourselves, as well as to influence our perceptions of others. Inevitably, our interpersonal interactions are affected. Truly, a study of costume and textiles is a study of us.

I love when art and performance evoke a sense of wonder.  How did they do that?  What inspired them?  What training did they have?  So many questions gush into my mind.  I don’t like thinking,”I could do that.”  My favourite personal projects are those that even surprise me.  DId I really create this?  How did I make it so close to my original vision?  Successful execution of a project requires so much study and practice.  Designing is one skill.  Creation is another skill. The learning never stops.

Cindy’s Biography

How do most people remember their childhood? Is it events, conversations, emotions, or sounds? I remember what people were wearing and the decor and architecture of where I was. I may have been born a design snob.

Sewing and design were a natural progression. As soon as I could hold a pencil, I was drawing dresses and shoes. Once I could hold a needle, my Barbies were the recipients of my first collections. A sewing machine made it possible to do larger projects for myself. As formal study honed my skills, I began to sew professionally. These projects were theatre costumes and historical costumes for both re-enactment and museum interpreters.

When it comes to creating contemporary designs, I don’t want to repeat history.  I want to study and learn from history.  I don’t want to live in the past.  I want to take the best elements from historical designs, bring them forward and mix them with new elements.

As a sewer, I’m not the fastest.  Sewing is a pleasure, so I’m not in a rush.  I don’t believe life should be a race.  I’m in no hurry to get to the end.

Thank you to my family for their patience and support despite the collection of fabric, trims, patterns, costumes and props filling our city living space.