2012 Tessuti Awards

About My Dress

Pattern Used:
My own design

Fabrics Used:
Linen (3 shades), Cotton Broderie Englaise

Time To Create:
3 days on and off

Dress Influenced By:
My design is influenced by two themes. The first theme ‘Linen and Lace’ screamed out ‘Masculine vs. Feminine’ to me, so I wanted to capture this contrast in my design with a bodice based on a tailored men’s evening shirt with pintucking, wingtip collar and yoke features, and a very feminine flirty two-layered circle skirt, puff sleeves and pearl button detailing. The second theme ‘Everything old is new again’ along with my fabric choice inspired me to create something based on 40’s fashion, where women’s dresses remained quite masculine and covered-up on top but added a flattering cinched waist and full skirt to allow the woman to finally show that she’s a woman! This silhouette and design remains on trend for a sun-kissed Spring/Summer with its soft tonal fabrics, fun and flirty nature ripe for a picnic with the man of her dreams.

Additional Information:
The bodice is French seamed to ensure a clean, tailored look. I initially started with one front placket but evolved into two for a twist on the tailored shirt, with hook and eyes as front closures. An invisible zip closure is on the side of the dress and the linen full circle skirt is roll hemmed. Much care was taken with the broderie englaise to cut out the flowers at the hem of the circle skirt, and to match the lace on the plackets. The wing-tipped collar is held down by chain stitches attached to the pearl buttons on the placket. In the styling and photoshoot I really wanted to bring across the ‘fun’ in fashion and dressing up which really came alive in the 40’s. A big thank you to Andy for the photography, and Lea for the Elizabeth Taylor inspired makeup and hair.

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