Le Modiste: Titanic Dinner Dress done! A success!

The dress was completely done a week ago, yet, I had to finish the detailing and made some minor changes to the neckline and sleeves.  With that said, I was hand sewing up till about noon on the day of the event!  I didn't feel rushed but I really wish I would get these planned event gowns or ensembles done ahead of time so I can relax.  Ha. Ha, Ha!

Detail:  Bodice neck outlined in velvet picot ribbon.  Sequin/beaded applique center front.  Embossed Velvet butterfly where strap meets the bodice.

Tassel and button tab on over-skirt hem at the sides where it dips towards the ankle.

Close-up of butterfly applique with added seed beads.

Belt Front detail.  This is totally different from the original idea but worked well.

Belt Back detail. 

 The over all look was just as I had envisioned it with some minor changes for the better.  My hair also came out like I wanted it to.  I have chin length hair so getting the  1919 look was going to take some hair manipulation and hair pieces.  So, this is the result:

I waved the front from a side part.  The ends were tightly curled then fluffed out at the ears.

The bun was a wrap of a false braid and pinned to a fair-thee-well to my head.  The headband came from Target 2 years ago!

The event itself was beautiful!  It was held at the Bellevue Club in Oakland.  The rooms are very Edwardian Rococo.  The meal was a version of the actual last dinner on the Titanic, in the 1st class dining room.

Here are some images from the event - Enjoy!

Le Modiste: Titanic Dinner Dress - Nearly done!

The dress came together rather well.  It isn't completely done yet but I am getting there.  I have one week to finish it!

Of course the results never match my initial 'sketches' or plans.  I tend to work with an over all look in mind and flesh it out as I draft or manipulate patterns, go shopping in my stashes and pick up other materials.  Also, as I was putting this together I was watching my DVD's of Downton Abbey 2.  Lavina's dinner dresses fast became my inspiration for the final structure and details.

The overdress has an uneven hem that dips to a point on the sides and rises to below knee length front and back.

The bodice front has a shirred center front at the bust.  One of Lavina's dresses had this detail.

Simple square back.  I am thinking of putting putting some sort of decoration where the straps meet the neckline front and back.  Not sure yet about that.  What do you think?

The sketch evolved as I said.   (See previous post). The ribbon work samples at the bottom are my inspiration for the belt. These images are from one of the Dover books on Ribbon Work.  (See below).

A close up of the belt ideas.  I want to do a belt like the one in the upper right but the bow will be like the one to the left set vertically.  What do you think?

I played with my hair last week while I was on vacation.  I think even with my chin length hair I will be able to put together a look where the front is waved and curled at the ears and then I can arrange a false braid/bun in the back.  Now the question is, tiara or go with a more 1919 bandeau?  Given I only have a week left and I am not done with the dress, it may be 'tiara'.  Love my tiaras!  :)

Shoes!  I didn't have time or the extra cash to order the beautiful shoes that American Duchess has produced - Astoria - http://www.american-duchess.com/edwardian-shoes.  However,  I just looked at the website and they won't be ready till May anyway.  Sigh.  They would have been perfect!  So, I will be in search of shoes this week.  In the end, I may buy a pair of Capezio dance shoes - you know the good ol' Mary Jane shoes often do the trick.  Or find a pair of pumps.

Lots to do, so I better get going!  Keep checking in for the final installments on this project.  I hope to provide pictures of the gown in situ - at the event.

Le Modiste: A dinner dress for GBACG Titanic Event

Hello!  I have been on Spring break a week and I just got an opportunity to post something.  Between catching up with house work and other long forgotten things to do,  I have been working on a dinner dress for the Greater Bay Area Costume Guild's Titanic Dinner event.  Of course as we know the Titanic was tragically sunk in 1912.  Many of my friends who are attending will be wearing that era silhouette.  However, I made the conscious decision to go with 1919.  Why?  Well, I am not very fond of that particular part of the pre-teen fashions, I am not thrilled about how it looks on me.  With that said, I prefer Teens fashions and have been using Downton Abbey as my inspiration.   Additionally, I do more Art Deco events than pre WWII events so that sold me on going 1919.

The design I started with was 1912 and I kept wrinkling up my nose each time I sketched different designs.  I will confess that my favorite is the Janet Arnold 1909-10 evening dress in black silk net over a ivory satin under garment.  But, that is for a very small busted person who slim.  Me?  Well, let's just say that is not my figure.  Sigh.  But!  My choice of design will work well and will - though not period to the Titanic - look more fashion forward for an uppty minx like me.  LOL!

Here is my preliminary design:

I am planning to use the brocade for the over dress and no sleeves at all.  The under dress (skirt) will be velvet.  I have a burn out velvet for the straps. 

I hope to give you all an update soon.  Cheers