Final Report

This project was based on researching and analyzing the brand Miu Miu in terms of colour and applying colour theories in order to develop and forecast fashion trends for a Fall/Winter collection.
Initial research was carried out to gain a deeper understanding of the brand, its identity and its philosophy. Gaining background knowledge helped establish key concepts and characteristics of the brand and thus giving meaning and reasoning behind choice of style, colour and themes used in the collections. Identifying the main principles of the brand acted as an aid for direction in terms of designing the collection and choosing colours. The key findings for Miu Miu are that it targets a younger demographic to that of its sister brand, Prada, taking on a playful stance to fashion with childhood inspired elements and the brand has a multi-faceted nature, which is illustrated through its unnatural colour combinations.

Analysis of previous Miu Miu Collections was carried out to identify a common pattern in colour scheme and see what formula of colour is commonly applied, so that the future collection could adhere to the same formula to create brand consistency. What inspires Miu Miu collections was also explored for ideas.

In order to make sure that the theme and colour palette for the Miu Miu collection follows on from what is currently in fashion, research was carried out to see what themes and colour groups are currently on trend. Indentifying the colours currently on trend can then be developed and evolved into suitable colours for the next season. A process of selection was also carried out, in terms of drawing inspiration from the right colour palette, as not all the colours and themes on trend will be suitable for Miu Miu.

After identifying key themes of the season and analyzing inspiration of themes from Miu Miu’s previous collections, a point of inspiration was chosen. An art movement seemed most appropriate because it linked in closely to with the current trends in terms of shape and colour, as well as Miu Miu’s brand philosophy, where inspiration is drawn from culture and social issues.
Taking inspiration from Miu Miu’s previous collections, current trends and Cubism, an initial colour palette was created and tested on a sample of designs. With a focus on colour combinations, critical analysis was carried out and conclusions about successful and unsuccessful colour combinations were made. From this, the best colour combinations were explored and developed further, and a heavier focus was put on proportions of colour, keeping in mind the proportions that Miu Miu commonly uses.

To give the collection a better sense of direction, a more focused theme was established, with the aid of a mood board and looking at forecasted themes. From this, the choice of colour palette was altered, tested and then defined to give a final colour palette most suitable for the brand and theme.
After establishing the main blocks of colour, patterns were explored. Using inspiration from Cubism and aspects from the theme, patterns were tested and developed. Previous Miu Miu collections were analysed to identify the main proportions that Miu Miu uses for pattern.
Further trend research was carried out give direction for the shape and silhoutte of the collection. This research was base on existing trends and the theme was taken into account when selected trends that would be best suited for the Miu Miu collection.

The final collection: the concept that the final collection is aimed to deliver to the consumers is one that reflects the theme of Cubism. Colour has been used as a tool to create a subvert of ‘form’. As Cubism explores the concept of making objects 2D, a similar principle has been applied in the collection. Colour and lines haves been applied together to rearrange and distort contours.