Tessuti Awards 2010

Linen and Lace, by Alexsis Starcevich Helen Yu

Pattern Used: My own design
Fabrics Used: Tessuti cream medium linen, Tessuti French chantilly lace
Time To Create: 3 weeks on and off
Dress Influenced By: Our design was inspired by styles from the beginning of last century when dressing was becoming more relaxed and assuming a new freedom and designers such as Poiret and Erte were bringing a new aesthetic to fashion. The garments of this era perfectly reflect the themes of this year's Tessuti awards - simple, fresh and pretty , and everything old is new again.
Additional Information: Our design is a whimsical blend of vintage influences and current fashion details. The 'Directoire' silhouette is updated with a midi length skirt, lace draping and an innovative pleat wrap crossover opening that requires no zips or complicated fastenings. In our original design we planned to cut and stitch the lace to form the bodice and sleeves, however once we unwrapped it we could not bear to cut into the beautiful lace fabric, so we draped the lace around the bodice all in one piece to preserve its beauty and delicacy. We would like to give a big thankyou to Jessie and Adelaide, our wonderful models.

Name: Alexsis Starcevich Helen Yu
State: VIC
Sewing Since: Helen 8yrs old
My Experience: Helen has been sewing since she was 8 years old. After studying teaching, she returned to her first love of sewing and fashion and worked for a number of different fashion companies as a professional machinist. Alexsis studied Fashion Design at RMIT and learned to sew and to make patterns to further develop her love of design. We now work together in the fashion industry. We wanted to be part of this competition to do something purely creative using beautiful fabrics.
My Sewing Goals: To collaborate further to create beautiful pieces.
Additional Information: We are both passionate about beautiful garments that are as innovative as they are elegant. We want to be associated with excellence in everything we create.