Saturday, March 31, 2012

Local exposure...

On Saturday 27th March, my local paper - the Geelong Advertiser - dedicated its art/fashion/lifestyle supplement to the resurgence of handmade, art markets, op shops, and vintage.

I was lucky enough to be included in the supplement.

 

The newspaper took photos of several of my favourite dresses, and wrote a couple of hundred words about what motivates me to dress in this way.

It was a really cool article, and great exposure for me (as a fashion student).  The photographer was really nice, especially because i felt totally out of place perched on the edge of my cutting table for photos!

The Geelong Advertiser prints over 40,000 copies of its Saturday edition...even my parcel deliverer read it!
 

Friday, March 23, 2012

Mail Order 4566...

I am still in love with mail order patterns...so here is another one.

 

 

I made this dress especially for my trip to Bendigo, in country Victoria, to see the Grace Kelly exhibition.  The fabric is vintage, and I made the corsage on my left shoulder using vintage buttons and wire edged ribbon.  The hat is vintage also.

The mail order patterns seem so reliable to me, this one went together beautifully, and the fit is great.  The dress has a very elegant look, and I felt I could channel just a little of Grace's style.

The exhibition was beautiful - there were many gowns, accessories, and an Oscar on display.  The haute couture garments were varied, and stunning.  They demonstrated Grace's ability to remain stunningly elegant whilst staying very current in her choices.

Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga were just a few of the amazing designers on display.  Her two wedding outfits were displayed, and many garments from her movies.

Well worth the trip!


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Marian Martin 9289...

Recently I have been making quite a few mail order patterns, the fit seems just right.  This dress, postmarked 1959, is fast becoming one of my faves.


I made the dress using vintage (36 inches wide) rayon from an op-shop, and modern white linen...there was not enough of the rayon to complete the garment.  I had to choose between sleeves or "self" fabric front bodice.  I also mistakenly cut two back bodices instead of one on the fold, and due to the fabric limitation I needed to be inventive...so I added a back vent in the white.

Once again, the mail order pattern was a dream to put together, my only alteration being the removal of the large front pleat, and inclusion of a side zip.  The "shirtwaist" is purely visual in this instance.  My piece of vintage rayon was so limited, I had to minimise any excess.  I also added a small kick pleat at centre back for ease of movement.

I team this dress with red patent leather belt and shoes, and feel like a million dollars!  This is one of those dresses that is really easy to put on and accessorise, but looks like I've put in way more effort than I have.

BTW - I am going on a school excursion today to the Bendigo Gallery to see an exhibition of Grace Kelly's gowns...I am so excited, and have made a new mail order dress to wear - photo to come.