Final presentation

Yesterday was our final presentation for our clients. Besides this Blog, Twitter, Facebook and the actual space we made two books. In these books we documented the process of creating [wərkˌsh äp] and the story of [wərkˌsh äp]. For this presentation we chose to do it in [wərkˌsh äp] itself. We explained our process and the set up of the books meanwhile we browsed through the books.

 We want to thank Prontoprint in Duiven for printing the books of [wərkˌsh äp], http://www.pronto-print.nl/

Note: there is just one week left to make an appointment to visit [wərkˌsh äp]. Last day is June 29th 2011. If you are interested, please contact us via workshop.master@gmail.com

 

[workshop] - follow up

Two weeks has passed since the opening of [workshop]. We all had really great time. If you're interested in visiting [workshop] and receive guided tour please send us an email: workshop.master@gmail.com and 0263530910.

Since Tuesday we are busy with the new project - Fashion Odyssey. We are working on it together with students from Berlin and Rochester.

If you're interested in finding out how fashion capital changed its meaning please follow http://theglobalvillage.tumblr.com/

Fashion house of cards: EVENT / ['werk, sh äp] Opening

Fashion house of cards: EVENT / ['werk, sh äp] Opening: "Last Wednesday the Arnhem Mode Biennale kicked of, this entire month Arnhem will fully concentrade on it's fashiontalent with runwayshows, e..."

Fashion Addicted: Opening ['werk, sh äp]

Fashion Addicted: Opening ['werk, sh äp]: "In Arnhem there is a fashion month, called Arnhem Mode Biënnale. I am going to a lot of exhibitions, pop-up shops, workshops and a lot of ..."

Just ring the 'ground floor' bell and you are very welcome to visit our [ ˈwərkˌ sh äp ] experience!

Today we are open from 12:00 till 18:00, Kortestraat 27
Hope to see you there!

Kind regards,

[ˈwərkˌ sh äp]

Opening of [wərkˌsh äp]!

After months of brain storming, discussions, experimenting, talking, laughing, crying, sweating and up building [wərkˌsh äp] has opened today. 

making of - building [wərkˌsh äp]. days #4 and #5

5 days of hard work are over, so is the main part of construction. We are all feeling more than happy and extremely enthusiastic about the opening of [wərkˌsh äp]. Looking forward to see you there on June 1st from 16 p.m. to 19 p.m.!

making of - building [wərkˌsh äp]. day #3

The farther we go in the construction process, the more exciting it gets to see the actual result of our work. We are all enjoying team work and the cheerful vibe of [wərkˌsh äp]. So, almost the only thing lacking is you, our friends and guests!

making of - building [wərkˌsh äp]. days #1 and # 2

We have been building [wərkˌsh äp] for only a couple of days so far. Now we can feel that [wərkˌsh äp] experience is made up of solution-making, team work and having fun, of course! We want you to have a look at how good we are at construction. Maybe you would like to help us?

Inspiration Antwerp - Stockman's

In Antwerp we walked into an antique store were they had some nice old Stockman's. The one's on the left side were even adjustable!

The Interiors

We had so many visual ideas to convey the atmosphere of our [workshop] to our guests. Now it's time to see how stimulating the interiors will be when we realize our ideas, as we begin building our space.

Unravel - MoMu Fashion Museum Antwerp

Today we went to Antwerp to see the beautiful exhibition Unravel at the Antwerp MoMu Fashion Museum.  A very inspiring trip, not only because of the beautiful garments, but also because of the materials they use for the interior … 

Fashion Museum : Unravel - Province of Antwerp

[Workshop] in a workshop

Sometimes [workshop] needs an actual workshop to do some tasks for the shop. Last week we were preparing the material for the flags. We are using different techniques to make the flags. In just a few weeks these flags will hang above the windows and announce the exact location of [workshop]. We hope you will walk into the Kortestraat and take a look in [workshop].

Almost coming to an end....

The last couple of weeks were very hectic. This week only we had two big presentations for the Master of Fashion Design and the board separately. Right now, details are being discussed to finish [Workshop] accurately.

the making of - concept phase meeting in Arnhem

Today we are busy at [workshop] since the morning. Have a look what we're busy with.

the making of - inspiration of DESIGN SALON/ part II

After last visit to DESIGN SALON/ we were really curious what could be seen in the other locations. This time we visited Museum van Loon http://www.museumvanloon.nl/eng/agenda.php?item=item20110501104622.php and Museum Willet-Holthuysen http://blog.willet-holthuysen.nl/?p=570.


Here are some impressions from our visit:

Visit DESIGNSALON/ - Part I

Even though we have been there last week, this week a part of [wərkˌsh äp] have visited Amsterdam again. This time the occasion was to visit DESIGNSALON/ and to take a look at some shops.

We started DESIGNSALON/ route at Moooi. It is one the places you can buy a passpartout for SALON. With this passpartout you can enter the rest of the locations that participate in DESIGNSALON/.

For starters, one of the founders of Moooi – the company - is Marcel Wanders.  Moooi as gallery let you experience the values of Moooi. The first thing you will notice is, when you walk in the little courtyard you will hear a voice that welcomes you at Moooi. The voice reminds us of Alice in Wonderland, or another dreamy story / film.

Besides the experience the gallery exhibits and sells Moooi furniture. These are designs of Dutch and international designers. A few of these designers are Marcel Wanders, Studio Job and Maarten Baas. 

 

The next location was gallery Fontana Fortuna.

making of - [wərkˌsh äp] interior

Just few weeks left till the [wərkˌsh äp] opening, and the work on the interior solutions is in full swing! Getting precious advice, being inspired by the constantly fresh atmosphere of the designers' atelier, keeping in touch with the construction materials sponsors, mixing and matching but still sticking to the concept is what we are up to now.
Of course, to keep our followers curious, we will not be revealing the actual interior concept of the shop for now. However, we would like you to get the inspiring vibe that keeps us going further. So, here are some details we have found bright and [wərkˌsh äp] charged while planning the shop interior.

The Flags

We use our blog, Twitter and Facebook page to show [wərkˌsh äp] to the world. This world is right now only the online world. That is why we want to make flags. These flags will be put just above the [wərkˌsh äp] windows. When you walk in the Kortestraat, you will see the flags. Luckily, we already have the materials. Now we have to make them.

Some sketches for the shape and sizes of the flags

[wərkˌsh äp] sponsoring - Part II

Our previous post was about sponsoring and the difficulties we have to find sponsors. This new post will show the new developments. 

Yesterday [wərkˌsh äp] had a meeting in Amsterdam. In the Public Library Amsterdam we met Isrid van Geuns. She has been working in the Fashion world for more than twenty years now. Again someone we really can learn a lot from. We presented what [wərkˌsh äp] is about and she helped us look at [wərkˌsh äp] in a fresh way. With the new input we can improve [wərkˌsh äp] even more!

[Workshop]-sponsoring

There are only a few weeks left before [Workshop] will become reality. Our weeks consist of even MORE brainstorms and meetings with interesting people of the industry. The most challenging part we are dealing with right now is the sponsoring. Calling and contacting people again and again is what sponsoring is about right now. 

We think it is important to say that [Workshop] can give something back to those who would like to sponsor. So, if you know anybody who can help with regard to the interior and beyond, please shoot.

the making of - [workshop] stamp

[workshop] decided to get our own stamp. To find out how we're going to use it please make sure to visit our space from the 1st of June on. Kortestraat 27, Arnhem.

[work sh äp] wish you a lovely...

the making of - inspiration of an art sapce (part 2)

                                                        workshop. this way please.

Choices, choices, choices...

Experimenting is not that easy as you might think. The last couple of days (and also the coming weeks) we needed to make a lot of choices. How do we want to present this? What item fits in our concept? How does this particular item look? For every choice we make, we need to ask ourselves WHY? The right interior is almost key with regard to delivering the ultimate experience.

So the experimenting-phase is not over yet. But we can assure you, that the trial-and-error process is necessary to help us get [Workshop] to a qualitative higher level!!

Keep you posted..... 

Collecting bits and pieces

Gathering the found items we have been collecting in the last days, we now have to decide which ones we would like to include in our product range.

the making of - inspiration of different collections

As we wrote in the previous post it is all about making the right choices and experimenting. For inspiration we went to textile and fabric stores on the Albert Cuyp market in Amsterdam. We wanted to see what is already there, with what can we experiment and what can we [re-]invent. It is all about finding the right items and putting them in the right context. Here are some of the items we were looking at.

It is time to experiment

Our first presentation for our clients was almost two weeks ago. So what is the next step? We need to experiment. We have made a start experimenting with materials, techniques and everything we think we might need for [workshop]. What are we going to do with the windows? What kind of materials we want to use in [workshop]? Even, how will we be dressed when we are working in [workshop]?

For us the experiment is with doing research one of the interesting facets of [workshop].  Tailleurs who work in an atelier use toile for the prototypes. These prototypes lead to wonderful designs. Sometimes just the prototypes have a special vibe. For our experiments – and the outcome – we want that some of them will have a prototype feel.

These coming weeks will with trial and error give more form to [workshop]. There are six and a half weeks to go before [workshop] will open. Hope you will visit us and see how our experiments have turned out to be. 

Pincushions with simple pins. But what can we use it for?

the making of - inspiration video

In the making of our workshop [shop] experience we look at retail and shopping from different perspectives.

Searching for it we found this one from Li Edelkoort. Watching it gives us a feeling that retail really is about the experience. And all of us can be part of building it.

http://vimeo.com/21011588

What do you think?

The Meeting

Last Wednesday we had a meeting with our clients-ArtEZ Fashion Masters, in order to propose them our concept. We also had a speacial guest; a succesful blogger friend of ours, Ivania who will highlight our project on her blog, love-aesthetics.blogspot.com

Then you can see some images from the meeting.

It was a really decisive point for our store project to get a positive feedback. Our customers enjoyed the concept of workshop. All our efforts were not in vain: brainstorming, mindmapping, hours of research and discussion, digging for visuals. We are happy to have received such positive responses and more excited about the outcome now.

Experiencing the Workshop live @ ArtEZ Open Day

We are warmly welcoming our guests at the ArtEZ building in Kortstraat 27 in Arnhem today to meet us and get a first feel of our workshop and our work in progress. Of course we are very happy to answer all the curious questions and are enjoying interesting conversation with potential new students.

Making of - the open day at ArtEZ masters

Today during open day at ArtEZ fashion masters our guests will get a chance to have a look at making of the [workshop]. Curious? We're here from 1pm till 4 pm.

Hunting for fabrics...in Berlin

 Following one of our designers around halls filled with fabric, yarns and other equipment for the creation of a garment was a very inspiring experience. The feel, the tactility, the handling and of course the look of the materials needed to be evaluated as well as its suitability for the designs.

Some textiles could only be used for samples, others need to be dyed and some are just perfect the way they are..

Our first presentation

 Last week we had our first presentation. Afterwards we gave out CDs with the movie about [wərkˌsh äp] to our clients and others who are involved. 

We asked Brown Cartonnages if they want to help us to make the cardboard CD-cases. Luckily, they wanted to help us. 

 

Inspiring Berlin..

Last weekend I was so lucky as to go the German capital, enjoying the amazing Spring weather (27 degrees) and get inspired by Berlin's retail culture.

Hidden in a beautiful backyard in the center of Berlin in Münzstr. 21, Andreas Murkudis has set up his stores for luxurious, conceptual design products.  Men's (AM1) and women's (AM2) fashion are presented in two different stores situated on either side of the yard.

The making of - concept phase almost finished

Next part of our making of workshop. Our research and concept phase are almost finished. Our last meeting we talked about senses and how important they are in our workshop experience. Smell, touch, hearing, taste, and sight. Everyone feels it his/her own way yet all of them are really important for the special and unforgettable experience. Whether we go to a restaurant, see a movie, smell new house or simply go shopping. Workshop wants to stimulate all of your senses. How? We will revel that on the 1st of June.

Making of - loop Open Day

[wərkˌsh äp] focuses on craftsmanship, authenticity and techniques, but there is always room for technology. We are looking for ways to present [wərkˌsh äp] during the Open Day of ArtEZ Fashion Masters on 13^th of April. Can we do something special with the meetings we have filmed? We are making some sketches for the possibilities.  

Packing and wrapping @ Brown Cartonnages Arnhem

On Thursday a delegation of us went to Brown Cartonnages in Arnhem to see how we could include their great cardboard works in our workshop experience.

In a very informative and inspirational meeting, we were presented different solutions for packaging our products.  The generic design of the cardboard would fit perfectly our idea of work in process and the look of our workshop.

The keen interest of Brown Cartonnages in an involvement in our project will help our co-operation to a great extent and we are looking forward to the development of our own packaging material, which reflects the identity of our workshop.

What about the window? - The making of... Workshop

The making of - inviting guests and friends to [wərkˌsh äp]

It is simple logic that you have to be invited, before you actually come and participate. So, [wərkˌsh äp] is planning to provide all potential visitors with special invitations! 

They should embody the idea of interaction and touch the senses, so, here are some ideas concerning the form of these invitations.

1)   ruler ( which is great in terms of presenting the [wərkˌsh äp] as the place, where the design professionals are working using all the iconic tools)

The making of - welcome

A store sells products, items, clothing or an experience. But what would make a visitor or guest that visits a store feel extra welcome? Is it the smell of the store? The sound you will hear? Or can a little freebie do the trick? Especially when it has a personal touch.

What kind of freebie could it be? Sometimes a small ribbon – such as the ones you will get as a visitor at a music festival – shows that you have a bond with an event. In our case, that you and me, we all have a band with [wərkˌsh äp].  We are researching if and how we want to conclude a little gizmo, to give to lovely guests of [wərkˌsh äp]. Or if we want to make it together in [wərkˌsh äp].

The making of - brain storm session

We wanted to share with you our discussion and brain storm session to give you the feeling of the workshop. The space, the idea and workshop in progress.

What feeling does it have? What kind of experience is it? What do we like ourselves? How to communicate the best of what we have in order to make unforgettable experience? How to translate our inspirations?

That's just a few issues we addressed. We will keep on researching and brainstorming until we get the answer that feels right for us, and is the experience we want to invite you to and share it with us.

the making of: work in progress

We, as futurists and branded designers in the making, had another productive afternoon, despite the sunny day in Arnhem. [ˈwərkˌsh äp] slowly becomes something real and everybody is starting to feel that. The research-phase is not over yet, but we already envision how the store would look like.  

But, back to research. With the seven of us, we try to finish the research-part as quick as possible (also, to have more time for the execution of the concept). The focus of this week is mainly on the visual analysis. Images are important to show the world what [ˈwərkˌsh äp] is and what can be expected from it. Brainstorm-sessions, making notes and writing stories all help us to produce one coherent concept!  

How and what [ˈwərkˌsh äp] will become? We are as curious as you are. Right now everything is just a work-in-progress. 

Inspiration lies everywhere..

every day is a step forward

Our Masters of Fashion Design know no rest. Every single moment is used for the benefit of their collections. Even breakfast time. The insider was there to spot the process.

the making of - inspiration of the art space

W139 in Amsterdam is a space for contemporary art. With every exhibition the location is transformed. Different colors, installations, settings. It's like a workshop space that is constantly under creative construction. Coming weeks it will be changing even more often. On show, not to be missed, project of Fine Art Master students of the Sandberg Institute called 'We Will Never Know For Sure'. Until 1st of April there's going to be 6 openings. This means 6 different inspirations, 6 divers arrangements of space and a lot of creative and inspiring workshop feeling.

Exhibition No.1 Marieke De Jong

the making of - back in designers atelier in arnhem

The design process of the new collection just started. The Arnhem Master Designers are getting their inspirations and doing first cuts. They were as kind as to share some of the process with us.

Lets have a look.

the making of - the workshop inspirations

Thinking of ateliers and workshop inspirations I had to share with you one of the nicest work spaces I visited recently. Linda Erkens and Guido Rijkse working for their brand Land, made an atelier with a special touch and feeling, which suits their brand perfectly. Simple and clean space yet so inspiring.

For more information you can visit their website: www.landwebsite.nl

And for now: Welcome to Land.