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October 2011

October 31, 2011
A Natural Form inspired Bustle Gown
 I recently had the pleasure of designing a bustle gown inspired by the Natural Form Era (1875-1883) for a customer in The Netherlands. This gown is for a Victorian Era wedding she will be attending.  The bride has requested guests wear period attire. What a gorgeous wedding it will be!

Here are the details:

This customer was specific regarding the design elements for her gown. She asked for a one piece gown with a cuirass bodice and square neckline, sleeves that ended above the elbow with no puff at the shoulder, and a dramatically draped bustle with a small train.
Initial Sketches
Natural Form bustle dress
She was also drawn to rich, deep hues and said her favorite colors were purple and gold. She also requested a combination of solid and floral fabrics if possible.

Fabric
Bustle fabric swatches


Results
(True color under natural lighting)
Natural Form Bustle gown  Bustle era gown

Details
cuirass bodice  bustled skirt   natural form bustle dress

front swag bustle skirt  bustled train  bustle train ruffle

A couple design notes:
I added the ruffle at the bottom of the skirt to assist the train and add a little weight to the bottom of the gown (allowing it to fall properly). There are stays in the bodice that serve not only as support for the bodice itself but as anchors which I attached the skirt to. I added a little ruffle to the sleeve to balance the ruffle at the hemline. And, I chose to add button closures at the back of the gown because moving buttons is the easiest way to adjust fit if necessary.

Overall, this was a great commission for a great customer. I definitely look forward to making more bustle era gowns in the future!

October 24, 2011
A Victorian Era School Boy's suit
 I recently completed a Victorian era middle- upper middle class School Boy's suit for a customer in Cairo, Egypt.

The suit consists of a pair of trousers, shirt, waistcoat, cravat, and wool hat. Victorian etiquette called for boys (and men) of middle and upper middle class to wear a waistcoat at all times (as to go about with just a shirt and trousers was considered in very bad taste).

Victorian Era school boy

October 19, 2011
New line of fabrics!
 I am very excited to announce I have begun working with a new fabric vendor who specializes in reproduction period prints! Here are three new patterns now available in the studio!

1830s fabric  1830s print  reproduction paisley print
From left to right: Two stripes suitable for 1830s era attire and a lovely reproduction paisley print
Stripes approximately 1" wide
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