MARA JAMES
2023
skills adobe creative cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro) clo 3d microsoft office trend forecasting software & market research pattern cutting machine sewing (domestic & industrial)
BA (HoNS) contour fashion I am Mara James, a second year contour fashion student at De Montfort university with a strong commitment to learning and a pursuit of excellence. My work ethic is grounded in the values of hard work, organisation, and attention to detail. During my degree, I have enhanced my skills in designing and making intimate apparel that promotes confidence and comfort. My passion for the industry extends beyond the creative process, I have explored areas such as trend analysis and sustainable fashion practices, developing my understanding of the fashion industry. In addition to my technical skills, I enjoy working within dynamic, fast-paced environments. I have strong organisational skills, ensuring that I can work well independently and contribute as a productive member in a team. I am a proactive learner, regularly working on improving and adding to my current skill set.
telephone : 07490 418312
experience internship at fleur of england social media content creation (Youtube, instagram & tiktok) social media management content writing
linkedin : www.linkedin.com/in/maralouisejames
email : marajames@Outlook.com
CONTENTS design 01
house of cb
PERSONAL PROJECT
02
named collective
personal project
03
free train
external PROJECT
04
djerf avenue
personal PROJECT
05 flowa
group PROJECT
technical 01
primark bodysuit
product analysis
02
lectra modaris
pattern cutting
03 basque
technical pack creation
04 bodysuit
additional sewing
house of cb PERSONAL PROJECT This project is inspired by the British countryside. It utilises my contour fashion knowledge to develop womenswear designs for House of CB. Their designs are known for their feminine aesthetics and meticulous attention to detail, so I incorporated this into my designs.
trend & inspiration countryside
marina eerie
homemade
corset
button detailing
nature
farmyard
Rural
womenswear collection S/S 25
house of cb
delicate prints
feminine
plaid
herringbone
slow living
rustic
strapping
earth tones
MARA JAMES
hero outfit - countryside collection
house of cb
thin, delicate straps
lace up front
off shoulder straps
stitch details bow details pintucks
full length top
curves to accentuate feminine shape
midi skirt
womenswear collection S/S 25
low waist
MARA JAMES
final line up - countryside collection
house of cb
busk closure
short sleeve
lace up back
pintucks tie details
pintucks
woodland print
bow details
corset style
mini length midi length
maxi length
womenswear collection S/S 25
MARA JAMES
named collective PERSONAL PROJECT I designed a lingerie collection for the streetwear brand ‘named collective’. I thought it would be interesting to explore what was worn underneath the streetwear, and bring the brand’s strong style into an underwear collection.
inspiration & Pattern development evolving logo
named collective
raw edges
graffiti contrast stitching
stencil
visible overlock rhinestones lingerie collection aw 24/25
MARA JAMES
hero outfit
named collective thin, delicate straps
stainless steel beads graphic print red mesh with flocking design
stainless steel mascot component
red contrast overlock stitch high waisted
contrast binding
curved panels to accentuate female figure
lingerie collection aw 24/25
red mesh
lingerie as outerwear
MARA JAMES
final line up
named collective
red contrast overlock stitch red flocked mesh
metal beads
underwired
longline bralette metal component mascot
high waist bodysuit
lingerie collection aw 24/25
g-string
MARA JAMES
freetrain EXTERNAL PROJECT
In this project I worked with the sportswear brand Freetrain to create a pole wear collection for autumn/winter 23/24. I started with water as my core inspiration, and took the fluid lines and abstract shapes into my designs.
inspiration
Freetrain
pole wear COLLECTION aW 23/24
MARA JAMES
initial exploration
Freetrain
pole wear COLLECTION aW 23/24
MARA JAMES
idea development
Freetrain
pole wear COLLECTION aW 23/24
MARA JAMES
pole wear - layer 1 - gilet & joggers lockable zip
Freetrain
removable hood
pockets
Fluff stuff cattail filling
drawstring waist
plastic dipped ends
pole wear COLLECTION aW 23/24
MARA JAMES
pole wear - layer 2 - top & leggings
Freetrain
breathable panels
high waist
Gecko Grip ™
cut out detailing
seamless
subtle branding
pole wear COLLECTION aW 23/24
MARA JAMES
djerf avenue PERSONAL PROJECT I decided to design for the brand Djerf Avenue. I created two collections, the first is a structured collection and the second is set of soft lingerie designs. The brand culture included focusing small moments of happiness and self-care, so I wanted to create a lingerie collection that emphasised these values.
BRAND IMAGE & INSPIRATION
DJERF AVENUE
confidence silk
sun
self care
nature pastels
flowers
details
comfort
joy
LINGERIE COLLECTION s/s 24
peace
linen
MARA JAMES
HERO OUTFIT - intimates
DJERF AVENUE
LINGERIE COLLECTION s/s 24
MARA JAMES
FINAL LINE UP - intimates off shoulder straps
DJERF AVENUE
longline bra
underwear or outerwear
gold components Transparent mesh
bow details front closure
frill detail bustier
thong suspender style design
LINGERIE COLLECTION s/s 24
higher coverage briefs
g-string
MARA JAMES
flowa GROUP PROJECT In this project we worked as a team to create a new brand and pitch it for investment. Our brand slogan was ‘nurturing women through every season of life’. We wanted to create a community that supported women throughout the different stages of their life, from their first period, through pregnancy and childbirth to menopause. In this project, I designed the period underwear collection, and built the designs in Clo 3D to aid visualisation. I also created marketing and social media mock-ups for the brand.
clo 3d
flowa
flowa
brand development
MARA JAMES
period underwear set
flowa
double strap detailing
wireless
adjustable front
bow details
Anti-flush opaque fabric
high waisted
60% bamboo fibres 40% recycled polyester
Anti-flush Lace mesh 10% bamboo fibres 80% recycled polyamide 10% recycled lycra
brazilian
brand development
Metal components 100% stainless steel
MARA JAMES
graphic design
brand development
flowa
MARA JAMES
trend and consumer research
brand development
flowa
MARA JAMES
sustainability
brand development
flowa
MARA JAMES
primark bodysuit - clo 3d garment recreation xxxxx
xxxxx
product analysis
MARA JAMES
primark bodysuit - construction techniques 1 1
3
1 - Bartack - BT
4
4
It is a very strong stitch, and therefore stops any wire from coming out, or straps detaching from the garment.
1 4
1
2 - Lockstitch - LS It is a quick and simple stitch to join together any pattern pieces that are rigid and achieve a neat outcome.
2
3 - 2mm Zigzag - ZZ
4
It is used to attach the elastic onto the lace as it allows the fabric to continue stretching.
6
5
8
4 - 3mm Zigzag - ZZ It is used to attach a wider elastic onto the lace as it doesn’t stop the fabric from stretching.
7
5 - 4 thread overlock - 4 thread OL This has been used in areas where the fabric still needs to be able to stretch a bit, but to stop fraying.
5 2 5
6 - Twin needle wire casing - 2N WC This stitch securely attaches wire casing around the cups, allowing the wires to be inserted easily.
7 - 3mm Twin needle coverseam - 2N CS This has been used as it allows the fabric to stretch and the machine simplifies the binding process.
8 - 5mm Twin needle coverseam - 2N CS This has been used to attach on elastic as it is a quick stitch but covers any fabric edges neatly and prevents fraying.
3
3
2
product analysis
5
MARA JAMES
primark bodysuit - fabrics & fibers 2
1 - stretch galloon lace
3
Gives a decorative finish to the edges of a pattern piece that needs to be able to stretch, and removes requirement to fold over the raw edge.
2 - stretch all-over lace A wide lace that can be used for large pattern pieces that need to be able to stretch over the body
3 - stabilised denier Rigid fabric that eliminates stretch and provides pattern pieces with additional structure and strength.
1
4 - cotton jersey
2
A soft and stretchy fabric used for the gusset to ensure comfort.
2
2 2
fibre composition 90%
Polyester
10%
Elastane
The elastane allows the fabric to stretch and recover, which is an important feature in bodytight clothing to ensure comfort and fit. The polyester is a common choice to knit with elastane, it is quick drying, strong and washes easily. This makes it an effective fibre for clothing.
4
product analysis
4
MARA JAMES
heart hardware - makes garment stand out & looks high quality
bagged out cups ensures comfort inside the bra, so no raw edges touch the body
gold sliders - give the garment a higher quality/more premium finish
extra straps - add detail & interest, make the garment more unique cut-out - follows curve of straps & creates interest at the back
inner denier is not stretchy - may lead to a worse fit of the cups
binded edge - aesthetic way to cover raw edge whilst maintaining stretch & a good shape
straps holding hearts are not elastic - top one ensures that cups stay in the correct position, bottom one may be a bit uncomfortable
uneven side seam - line at side seam becomes warped when the garment is worn
galloon front panel aesthetic finish to the edge of the pattern piece
no boning in front style lines become a bit warped elastic pulls out of shape - appearance is less high quality
product analysis
thong - can be worn comfortably under clothing as outerwear and accentuates female figure
poppers - allow the user to easily put on & remove the garment, but may be a bit bulky and uncomfortable
leg seams - cover seam and then zig zig gives high quality, delicate finish
MARA JAMES
basque - technical pack
technical pack creation
MARA JAMES
technical drawing, design & final outcome g hooks double strap detailing opaque cups
see through mesh
sliders for adjustability triangular cut out
Velvet panels underwire
high waisted bodysuit
g string
g hook for easy removable
additional strapping
leg straps
additional sewing
MARA JAMES
marajames@outlook.com