I have decided that I need to create a Survey to work out what shape society and my audience actually consider as the ideal body shape. I have written a survey
Which includes questions on what the respondent considers their shape to be, what they would prefer to be, what they consider the most ideal shape in society and what influenced their perception as to what the ideal shape is.
This survey will be completed by 18-25 year old women so that it fits with my target audience. I am hoping for 25-30 responses to gain a thorough insight into what the audience I am designing and making for truly think. I hope to create a follow up survey which will use images of the garments being worn to see if my audience believe that I have achieved my project aim.
I have been working alongside the person who will be modelling the garment form me to create a couple of designs that will fit with this concept of creating an illusion through pattern cutting. We have decided to create a top and skirt that could either be worn as an outfit or as individual pieces, and a coat.
Top and Skirt design Viewed from back 
Coat Design Viewed from front
I have also been thinking of how to develop my title, aims and objectives further.
Title : Can creative pattern cutting be used in fashion and costume to create the illusion of the hourglass shape without physically contorting the body itself in the pursuit of the idealistic body shape?
Although there are very few changes I am much happier with this, and have therefore been able to develop my aims and objectives.
Aim – To create the Illusion of the Hourglass body shape through Creative pattern cutting so that the wearer feels they have the desired shape in front and away from the mirror.
Objectives – To gain an understanding through questionnaires, of what women between the ages of 18-25 perceive as their ideal body shape and what has led them to believe that this is the ideal body shape.
-To experiment with various fabrics, interlinings and historical bustles/cages to create the required structure within the garment
-To experiment and critically analyse various creative pattern cutting approaches to develop the required silhouette.
-To research into how the ideal body shape has changed over history and how these shapes were achieved.
-To design and create garments that create the illusion of the shape that is perceived as the most ideal, highlighted in this research study, without physically changing the body itself.
Hopefully these aims and objectives will help me to further the research and more inform the project.
Final Major Project 