The Edit.
OK, so I had tons of croquis sketches, what next?  The edit.  One of the most important steps in designing your collection.  One of my teachers at Parsons used to say that knowing what not to do is as important  as what to do.  After going through all the croquis sketches, these are the final looks I was most pleased with.  So, for the presentation I did a more detailed final sketch of each look in pencil. Try to think about the layout of each page and how the figures relate to each other.  See if each layout can communicate a story to add depth to your presentation.

Ok, so to be honest getting inspired was probably the easiest aspect of preparation for this competition.  As soon as I heard there was a design competition involving the use of cotton madras plaid, I knew exactly what I wanted to design.  Claire McCardell is one of the reasons I chose to pursue a career in fashion at Parsons.  Her clothes are that perfect balance of effortless elegance that is so flattering.  She is particularly well know for her use of cotton plaids and stripes, and matching the lines in perfect mitered seams.  She loved natural casual fabrics and transformed them into the chicest ensembles.  Modern women's sportswear will be forever in debt to this innovative designer.  While the mainstream still followed European couture Claire McCardell was more concerned with the practical needs of the modern woman, but she never compromised elegance.  Her timeless designs are still some of the chicest around!  Don't you agree?