Surface Pattern Inspiration...

I am looking at French architect and buildings for surface design ideas for my FMP. I am either going to screen print or embroider it. I want to use it as the back drop for my collection or as a possible print on my garments.

The first building I looked at was the Ferdinand Cheval Palace, France.

This building is very quirky and great for design inspiration. THE STORY BEHIND IT: One day, French postman Ferdinand Cheval was making a walk, suddenly a stone fell at his head. He was OK, picked up the stone and the next day returned to this place, gathered a lot of these stones and was full of eager to create a building out of the beautiful stones. He spent 33 years building this “Ideal Palace” as Ferdinand Cheval called it.

I love how the building is a simple design made up with fascinating detailing and care with each little bit that goes into it. From this you can take away the idea of putting simple things together but layering them also. This can be done with clothing as well. I can also denote some clothing aspects within it such as seeing  flared bottom trousers with in the supports. This beautiful building would be great for use in a surface design pattern by being screen printed.

This would be another good building to screen print, possibly just the silhouette and make it repetitive. I could see this being good layered over one another and changing and playing with the colours. 

Another thing I love from the French architecture is the beautiful balcony railings. The pattern in the railing is so beautiful and definitely fits the Parisian Chic style and could potentially be used for lining in garments such as the cape I plan to make.

The Eiffel tower is a clear main attraction to Paris, France. It's iconic and would suit the purpose of the Parisian Chic. Even though it being a beautiful piece of architecture its a common choice for most people looking into the parisian style. Although I would still like to incorporate in my work somehow.