Toile cutting by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Manuella Numfor
This is the story of Manuella Numfor, a First Year student at the McEnsal School of Fashion, showcasing the design process of creating a dress from start to finish.Manuella is from Cameroon and came to study at McEnsal School of Fashion. "The feel was just right." Her dream is to enrol at the Parsons School of Design and open her own fashion house and school. Founded in 2009,Mcensal School of Fashionis the top fashion college in Kenya; offering certification from Edexcel Btec. The college is primed to produce the next generation of gifted fashion designers set to revolutionize and influence the fashion industry in Africa and beyond.
Toile making by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
A passionate student
Manuella is passionate about fashion and is massively inspired by Karl Lagerfeld. "Passion is my purpose and I draw fulfilment from it."
"I am creative and want to do my own thing. I don't want to copy other designers even if I am influenced by them. I am the first Manuella Numfor, not the next Coco Chanel."
Manuella Numfor sketching by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
The making of a brocade and satin evening dress
The story of a great dress begins with the "eureka" moment, when a sudden burst of inspiration takes hold of the designer. Manuella aims to create an evening dress.
McEnsal School of Fashion: The Dressmaking Process by Manuella Numfor by Manuella NumforMcensal School of Fashion and Design
Design Process
This is a video capturing the entire design process by Manuella at the McEnsal School of Fashion in Nairobi, Kenya.
Inspiration board by Manuella Numfor by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Step 1: Research
This is an inspiration board made by Manuella. For this project, she was inspired by the Surma Tribe in Ethiopia, who have a strong cultural heritage.
Manuella Numfor sketching by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Step 2: Idea development
Idea development is a long process. It took Manuella almost a month to research, sketch and come up with the concepts for her design.
Manuella Numfor sketching by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Step 3: Design concept
Creativity and originality is such an important aspect of Manuella's work. This, in fact, inspired her to get into fashion, along with her relentless pursuit of perfection and attention to detail.
Final sketch by Manuella Numfor by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
A close-up of Manuella Numfor's final sketch.
Pattern cutting by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Step 4: Pattern-making
Pattern-making is the next step of the design process. The pattern is the template from which the parts of a garment are traced onto fabric before being cut and assembled.
Pattern transfer using the tracing wheel by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Step 5: Final pattern
The tracing wheel is an important tool in the pattern-making process. It is used to transfer markings from the pattern to the fabric and can also be used to transfer entire patterns as well.
Pattern cutting by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Step 6: Cutting the pattern
The pattern is then cut according to the model's measurements. This is especially important in bespoke tailoring as the clothes are made specifically for a particular model. The patterns are then used to cut the toile fabric.
Toile making by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Step 7: Making the toile
The toile is an early version of a finished garment. It is the "draft" of the final design. It is usually made of cheap material (usually cloth or canvas) so that the design can be tested and perfected before the final fabric is made.
Toile cutting by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
A close up of the cutting process. The fabric is cut according to the patterns which had been drafted earlier in the process.
Toile stitching by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Step 8: Sewing the toile
After all the fabric is cut according to the patterns, the toile is stitched. The process of toile making took Manuella about a week to complete.
Toile fitting by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Step 9: The fitting
After the toile fabric is stitched, it is fitted on the client so that the design can be tested and perfected before the final fabric is cut.
Brocade dress with satin sash by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Step 10: Choosing the fabric
The fabric Manuella used for the ribbon and sash is satin. The skirt is made of brocade, from the Italian word broccato meaning "embossed cloth".
Stitching the brocade fabric by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Step 11: Making the final garment
The toile has been fitted on the model and the necessary adjustments (if any) have been made in new patterns. The next step in the process is cutting of the fashion fabric before it is stitched.
Brocade dress with satin sash by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Step 12: Draping and styling
Manuella applies the final touches to the dress as she drapes the sash over a mannequin, keeping a keen eye on things.
Brocade dress with satin sash by Manuella NumforOriginal Source: Mcensal School of Fashion and Design
Voila!
The beautiful evening dress is ready.
Credits: Story
Story by:
1. Martin K Maitha; writer and lawyer (www.obiterdicter.com)
2. Magunga Williams; writer and blogger (www.magunga.com)
Photography and video by Kabutha Kago (www.kabuthakago.com)
Produced by:
Fred Kithinzi, Belva Digital (www.belva.co.ke)
Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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View themeAs a seasoned fashion industry expert with years of experience, I can confidently analyze and elaborate on the comprehensive design process outlined in the article about Manuella Numfor, a first-year student at McEnsal School of Fashion and Design. My expertise in fashion design, pattern-making, and garment construction enables me to delve into the intricate details of Manuella's journey in creating a brocade and satin evening dress.
The article showcases Manuella's passion for fashion and her unique approach to the design process. It starts with her inspiration, drawn from the Surma Tribe in Ethiopia, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage in her work. This aligns with established practices in the fashion industry, where designers often draw inspiration from diverse sources to create distinctive and culturally rich designs.
Manuella's commitment to creativity and originality is evident in her approach to idea development, which spans a month of research, sketching, and conceptualization. This is a crucial phase in the design process, reflecting the meticulous planning and attention to detail required in high-quality fashion design.
The subsequent steps in the design process, outlined in the article, further showcase Manuella's skill and expertise. The pattern-making stage is crucial in translating the design concept into a tangible template for cutting the fabric. The tracing wheel, highlighted as an essential tool, underscores Manuella's proficiency in traditional pattern-making techniques.
The article delves into the significance of bespoke tailoring, emphasizing the importance of cutting the pattern according to the model's measurements. This attention to detail is a hallmark of skilled fashion designers who prioritize precision in their craft.
The inclusion of the toile-making process adds depth to the narrative, explaining the creation of an early version of the garment for testing and perfecting the design. Manuella's dedication is evident in the week-long process of toile making, highlighting the commitment required to achieve excellence in fashion design.
The fitting stage, where the toile is tested on the client, aligns with industry standards for ensuring a perfect fit and making necessary adjustments before proceeding to the final fabric.
Manuella's fabric choices, satin for the ribbon and sash, and brocade for the skirt, showcase her understanding of materials and their visual and tactile impact. This aligns with the broader fashion industry trend of experimenting with textures and materials to create unique and visually appealing designs.
Finally, the draping and styling phase, where Manuella adds the final touches to the dress, demonstrates her keen eye for aesthetics. This step is crucial in bringing the design to life and ensuring it meets the envisioned outcome.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive insight into the design journey of Manuella Numfor, a talented student at McEnsal School of Fashion and Design. Her commitment to originality, attention to detail, and proficiency in traditional and contemporary design techniques position her as a promising talent in the fashion industry. The narrative captures the essence of the design process, from inspiration to the creation of a stunning evening dress, offering readers a glimpse into the world of a budding fashion designer.
