Une Tres Magnifique 25th!

For my 25th, my family took me for two days to beautiful Paris! I hadn’t been for years. My previous trips included me, ten years old, screaming about meeting Mickey Mouse, then six years later hauling around a heavy sketchbook for my IB Art Class. Now I was going to embrace the Paris everyone wants to enjoy-the fashion capital of Europe.

Oh, and did I mention that this all happened during Paris Fashion Week? 

Our hotel was right by some of the greater names’ flagship stores. Hermes, where we could barely get near the scarf section because of the all fashionistas demanding to see everyone single scarf the shop currently had, Channel, and my beloved Dior! 

No, I didn’t actually wanna buy anything. But I had to admit, the whole experience was awesome-the service, having the clothes brought to you, the excitement in the store every time some Fashionista walked in. But mostly I wanted to be inspired! 

And actually, I did get quite a few ideas for upcoming projects. For example, in this shop window, how a long pencil skirt when crunched up made a ruffle effect. 

Next, these shoes in Dior-I was instantly taken by their cute yet sophisticated look. But I couldn’t helping thinking if I got a simple pair of satin heels, a certain trim and black lace how I could tweek those shoes up. 

The same goes for a clutch I spotted from Dior’s latest collection, in a gorgeous splash of neons and blacks. Get a simple clutch in a basic color-grey, beige, quilted the outside, then spray painted some of your favorite colors, you’d have not only a very personal but edgy clutch. Maybe now in that cool camouflage effect, but more of a Pollack-perfected way?

Catwalk Without a Collection

Last week when I volunteered at the current Fashion in Motion event at the V&A, I was expecting to assist the models before the shows, to be checking what they’d be wearing, pressing and mending where needed, that kinda thing. So you can imagine my surprise when I was told that, even with only five models, that dressers wouldn’t be necessary.

The entire event surprised me. First, when I heard they were using older models, considering how models age like dogs, I thought 28, 30. I never expected the runway to be filled with women well into their fifties. At first I was a little startled by their skinny figures, but later I learned one silver-haired beauty once graced the cover of Vogue a couple of years ago!

And finally, the biggest shock-when models strode along the catwalk, clad only in their own simple leotards. Only in the final quarter of the run did they stride out in black sheer fabrics, which the designers labeled ‘shadow clothes’. Indeed, that was the intent of the show-the emphasis a models’ job, displaying clothes but without an actual collection. But I was inspired by the sheer blackness of the fabric, its texture, and how from the audience it seemed to have very little physicality. I think I’ll play around with that concept if I’ve ever given another chance at styling.

Crimson with Frustration

Well, I was true to my word. This weekend I dyed my bodice what the packet said would be ‘dark brown’. I was worried, considering how this was my first attempt at fabric dying with the supervision of my amazing friend Lordes. 

Maybe it was the fact that the original color in the bodice leaked out, even after several washes. Maybe it was me being a bit quick about setting the water to the right temperature. Maybe it was just the fact that the dye wasn’t really as dark brown as it said it would be. Whatever it was, the results really weren’t what I had in mind.

Well, the good thing is the bodice isn’t fire engine red anymore. 

Instead its more of a burgundy. 

Yeah, not quite the rich chocolate brown I had in mind that blended in with the black. I started draping some trims, and instantly it became border-line Renaissance-wannabe. 

Maybe I’d try dying it again. Maybe I’ll figure out some way to tweek it up. I dunno-think I need a break from this project for now.

Until after my 25th!!!!!! 

And guess how I’m spending my 25th? First, will be working backstage at a show at the V&A. So excited! After working overtime in my admin job, I need some fresh air.

And will be going overseas for my birthday was well this weekend...will give details next week. Until then, a hint-bon voyage!

Make It Work. And Finish.

Omigod. This week, I rekindled my love of Project Runway-and since I haven’t seen it for two years, I have soooo many episodes to go through! What I love so much about this show and seeing the different routes taken by each designer, and the randomness of each challenge. 

I can’t begin to express the joy I feel right now! And doing it now not with the pressure of my class last fall, but because I’m just doing my thing.

And yes, I know, I should be better about finishing projects I start-I swear, the bodice and Elphie dress will be done. Really. I mean it.

As I continue to dig things outta my wardrobe for the chucking out pile, I getting more ideas of how to reinvent some of what I have. Most of the designs are party looks-ironic, since I really don’t go out that much at the moment. But for me, my creations are more about the process itself, not the end product. Which is the weakness, since I have a lot of ideas, but always seem to hit a plateau. I could be as close as hemming something before it’ll be done, and simply never get round to it.

Having a brain wave; making myself a time table, and actually map out a project, step by step, and what I’m aiming to achieve at the end of the day. For example, this weekend, I should aim to finish the bodice. 

OK, no time like the present. Here goes;

Project: Crimson Bodice

Deadline: Sunday

To Be Done: Choose and pick up a dye color

Dye fabric

Decide whether or not to shorten hem/remove trim?

Planned day of work: Saturday

Operation Elphaba Top and Crimson Bodice, Phase 1

What else is one do on a rainy Sunday when the muse is upon one? I just felt like cracking on with some of those projects. 

With the Elphie top, I started by cutting off the short puffy sleeves, and ensuring the remaining straps were wide enough to support the weight of the jersey. I’m gonna do some sketching while I still have a blank canvas to work from. So far all I’ve got is the color palette (black on emerald green).

As for the crimson dress, I cut the skirt off, converting it into a top. I reattached the black ribbon trim as on the original design, and cut the hem to be sure I wouldn’t have to alter the zipper. Seeing the results now, I can’t say I’m nuts about the color right now. So to push this project a little further am considering dying the red, but keeping the contrast still with the black trim embroidery on top. So color options presently in debate; purple, or grey. 

Think I need to take a wonder down to Shepherd’s Bush market for some ideas, or my personal favorite Aladdin’s cave of creativity, Barrett Lawson.

Something Old, Now Something New

Whenever I come back from holiday, before hitting the current sales of the season, I go through my wardrobe, tossing out whatever is out of season, unflattering, or overall something I haven’t worn since Top of the Pops was aired. I’ve gotten better about disentangling myself from my ‘pack rat’ tendency of holding onto things purely for their fabric. 

This time round, though, I’ve actually uncovered foundations of several customization projects! For example, my red cocktail dress could totally do with some re-booting. This project in particular derives from one of my favorite episodes of Project Runway, when the contestants are asked to redesign recent divorcees wedding dresses. Since this dress just happens to be what I was wearing the night me and my ex broke up, nothing would make me happier to slice n’ dice it since something fabulous.

That goes too for this navy velvet jacket, that doesn’t fit in with my ‘interview’ wardrobe since it’s cut and color clashes with anything I try to pair it with.

Or this emerald green cotton dress that gives my Alice obsession a buzz with its Tea Party elements, but could still be taken to the next level. I’m already getting ideas of black spots and strips, and seeking inspiration from my favorite musical Wicked, trying to think of this dress as something Elphie would wear.

 So, not one, but now four projects on the way. Not a bad start for the New Year.

The Nymph Top Project

Christmas day; a wonderful ‘haul’ this year! A new iPod-right in time, my old one’ll kicking the bucket anytime now, the gorgeous pair of pajamas I was wishing for from La Senza, among the many delights.

However, the moment me and my sisters all dread are the certain gifts my mother gives which she ‘thought were funny’ at its time of purchase-which, otherwise, has absolutely no significance other than collecting dust (if I had a quid for every notebook and make up bag I’ve ever received...)

Anyway, just when I thought we were clear this year, the purple elephant entered the room...at first I though it was some kinda weird trim or scarf. Nope, it was a minty green v-neck top covered in lace and other tacky trim. Holding it up to my chest, I turned to my sisters proclaiming the one phrase that summed this catastrophe up-‘I’m a nymph’. Add some sparkly wings and a crown, and I’d fit right in with at little Annabelle’s sixth birthday party.

The top is horrendous-the color is hard to wear, the trim too frilly, the sleeve length unflattering, the cotton too see through. But a few days later I figured ‘‘wait a minute-this is a customization waiting to happen!’’  Yep, first project of the year-getting the ‘fae’ out of this fairly grotesque creation, and taking something incredible-a blessing in disguise. Thanks Mom!