Unveiling the "X" Factor: A Unique Approach to Fashion Event Poster Design

Designers Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar and Ling Lee Redefine Fashion Event Poster Design

The designers' inspiration stemmed from the repetition of the number '10' in the context of the event. This led to the idea of using 'X' - the Roman numeral for 10 - as the central motif. The challenge was to design posters without showcasing the actual student’s work or typical fashion elements. This led to the innovative concept of representing the impact of fashion on the human body through the marks left by clothes, depicted in the form of an 'X'.

The posters were created using a combination of photography and graphic design. The images were enhanced in Adobe Photoshop, with event details added subsequently. The same images were also used for E-invites and brochures, ensuring a consistent visual identity across all promotional materials. The E-invites were sent out a week before the event, allowing guests ample time to RSVP. The brochures, meanwhile, provided detailed information about the event schedule and the participating fashion students.

Technical specifications for the design included printing the brochures in 297 x 420 mm size and folding them in half, while the posters were printed in a larger 841 x 1189mm format. The design process, which took place in London, UK, spanned from the end of September 2017 to October 2017.

The design faced several challenges, particularly in creating the 'X' marks on the model's body using ribbons, clothes, and rope. The marks faded quickly and were not easily visible in the shots, necessitating quick and clear photography. Despite these challenges, the final design successfully captured the essence of the event and the unique concept behind it.

The 'X' marks, representing the impact of clothes on the human body, not only symbolized the tenth anniversary of Kingston University's fashion school but also served as a unique visual metaphor for the transformative power of fashion. The design was well-received, with the posters and brochures displayed at The Design Museum of London and the E-invites sent to a wide audience. The design's success is a testament to the designers' creativity and innovation, as well as their ability to overcome challenges and deliver a visually and conceptually compelling design.