I’ll be shooting my winter knits session this weekend–extremely excited for that. While I had to scale down my original intention for the set, I’m happy with the current ideas bouncing around my head. I need to find a few crucial set pieces, which is today’s project.
creating
Finale
The final look for my mini RAWards collection was actually the second look I dreamed up, hot on the tail of the first look. I knew I wanted Mary Andrus to model it from the get-go, too.
Initially, I envisioned a brocade bust with an extremely full chiffon skirt. I even toyed with pockets.
Paired with the tattered lace collar and the (not-gonna-happen) spats, it looked really cute.
I think I design things that I would wear if I were tall and thin. Because I would so totally wear any of the things in my collection if I were. Sadly, being of the oompa loompa persuasion, I must live vicariously through my beautiful models.
I decided to make the closure for this dress lace-up to accommodate a closer fit that wouldn’t have to be hiked up every few minutes. I switched the chiffon idea over to a beautiful black lace with an attached black mini skirt lining. The back is bustled and the overskirt is longer than the lining.
First fitting:
Mary looked beautiful, OF COURSE. The top did need to be taken in quite a bit, so there was some deconstruction and re-construction in the dresses immediate future.
Walking the runway:
From the pre-show photo shoot:
Clothing by me: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TrappedInTimeDesigns
Hair & Make Up by: Amanda Bravender For inquiries : http://www.ahbweddingandevents.com
Model: Mary Andruss https://www.facebook.com/ModelMaryAndrus
Photography by: Underexposed Photography https://www.facebook.com/brittsmithphoto
Five
My post titles are really gripping lately, aren’t they? I just can’t come up with witty headers for the RAWards looks. Ah, well. You’ll have to settle for little wit, but a whole lotta pretty.
The fifth look is another that underwent a rather extensive transformation from sketch to final product. That had to do with a few things:
1) my falling out of love with the idea of using that grey pinstripe suiting
2) my realization that the original idea for this look was DULL DULL DULL
3) my recent love affair with bustles
So, the (dull) original (dull) sketch was this (SUPREMELY DULL):
The original idea was a brocade bustier, grey suiting mini skirt, ruffle capri leggings, tattered collar & spats.
I realized one day that it was just boring. It just felt thrown together, no real inspiration.
As I mentioned, my love affair had begun with the bustle, and I knew that I wanted to do a bustle in that gorgeous brocade. This time, I decided to do an attached underskirt, rather than just the bustle (as shown in the first look). The brocade made the most gorgeous bustle.
Fitting:
I ended up going with the bustle and a repurposed mens-wear bustier featuring belt loops at the waist, to accommodate a belt if desired. This fit beautifully from the get-go. No alterations needed at all.
The final design walking the runway:
And from the pre-show shoot:
I couldn’t be happier with the look–Marielle really brought it to life, and looked gorgeous.
Clothing by me: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TrappedInTimeDesigns
Hair & Make Up by: Amanda Bravender For inquiries : http://www.ahbweddingandevents.com
Model: Marielle Songy/NolaChick www.nolachick.net
Photographer: Underexposed Photography https://www.facebook.com/brittsmithphoto
TnT Tuesday
Today I’m sharing one of my favorite tunic dresses from my shop.
I had *just* enough of this fabric to make this one dress.
I’d purchased the fabric eons ago as a remnant and could never quite figure out what to do with it.
Then, I was preparing for my runway show a few months ago. I had hit that place, that place where I’d completely lost my vision and couldn’t figure out WHAT I was doing.
I started scrambling about, making random boho-style things, because that was the style I was really feeling at the time.
And, out popped this beauty. I originally intended to include this in the show itself. But that was in the haze of doubt and confusion.
As much as I love the tunic, it didn’t belong in THAT show. And, so, it wasn’t included.
I’m a layering kind of girl, so I love it layered with a tank top, and over jeans.
Don’t get me wrong–it’s cute alone, too.
You can find the listing here, in my shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/127897194/tunic-tunic-dress-tunic-floral-dress?ref=shop_home_feat
Modeled by the gorgeous Hannah (www.modelmayhem.com/795520).
Images featuring her hair up: Hair and Make Up by Amanda Bravender
For inquiries: www.ahbweddingandevents.com
This Week
What I’ve been working on this week:
A full Kahlan, Mother Confessor replica. This includes the full overdress (done), a long skirt (done) and a custom bustier (in progress).
First time through for the bustier–I’ve draped the pattern, altered it, and am now sewing it up. I’m working with a faux leather (yes, I know, but it sure does keep the cost down, and until I have an actual LEATHER MACHINE, I’ll be working in pleather) and cotton twill. I’m excited for the end product–just have to remember to keep good notes, as I do plan to offer this in the shop after this project is complete.
Beginnings of a bustier and ruffle bloomer look for a burlesque number.
Which meant a trial run for some boy shorts–these will be altered, but I kind of love this cut and am thinking of offering these in the shop soon, too. Just need to do a fitting on a model first.
Shipping completed items out every couple of days.
And getting a package returned to me from the post office. Apparently the large envelopes I’ve been using for over 2 years as a flat rate are NOT ACTUALLY FLAT RATE. But, somehow, no one ever picked up on this. *sigh* So, until I get myself a postal scale, I’ll be taking the long way round and bringing all my packages to the post office, paying there, and coming home to note down how much certain things weigh so that the NEXT TIME I can just prepay.
Swing of Things
Sorry for the silence this week. I’ve been busy settling back into the regular routine.
Custom orders are rolling in again.
Ideas are bouncing around my head at all hours. (but that’s nothing new)
I listed a few new items in my shop, including the giraffe print tunic that I mentioned awhile back. (you can find it here, in my shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/126929190/tunic-tunic-dress-tunic-pink-dress-pink?ref=shop_home_active)
I have a shoot this upcoming Monday, and am looking forward to playing dress up with two fabulous models (who also happen to be sisters) as well as spending some time with an amazing local MUA and hairstylist.
Reflecting a bit and re-grouping. Trying to gain focus again. I feel I lost my focus a wee bit in all the craziness of the show prep. Needing to remind myself of my vision and my goals–and understanding that just because they are different than what people may think they should be, they’re still valid–and, best of all, they’re mine.
Have a beautiful weekend!
Beginnings
After my first model casting call yesterday, and meeting some of the sweetest, most fabulous models around, I’m beginning work for my first ever runway fashion show! March 15 is just around the corner, and I’m extremely excited for this opportunity. I have some of the best talent lined up for hair and make up, some amazingly talented jewelry designers creating one-of-a-kind looks to go with my clothing, and I couldn’t be happier with my models. We’re going to ROCK this.