Finished....albeit a little different

The creative mind has a path of it's own.  While digging through some of my older designs for the top and skirt, here it is....an old Geoffrey Beene design.  So this begs a word or two about the master designer. 

Once while in NYC I treated myself to a visit to the Geoffrey Beene salon in the lobby of the Ritz Hotel.  It was unbelievable.  I had admired from afar for a long time, but to try the clothes on and see how they fit was even a bigger surprise. 
                                        
All those inserts and seemingly design details were not just inserts, they had fitting darts in there....that sly little devil, Beene, had so subtly put in darts to shape that dress while passing off as what seems to be mild-mannered "contrasting" pieces.
                  
All of a sudden Beene's clothes became even more intoxicating and fabulous.  Even though Beene's designs at his boutique were mostly sized for the Pat Buckleys and Nan Kempners of this world, these designs would look equally as fabulous on a more "normal" shaped woman.  These designs are totally timeless, innovative, attractive and flattering on most women.  The Black above has that particularly attractive belt.

                                          

This isn't my first foray into the world of Beene.  This is my family tartan done in one of Beene's more simpler designs.  Basically the fit all comes through that waistband.  It works really well, but I did put in a side dart to add extra definition under the arms - to prevent  the dolman sleeves from overtaking the bodice.  Since this is wool (and it's lined as wool isn't a favorite next to my skin), I wear this with a black cotton turtleneck to help my spiny neck from being so bare - especially for winter-time.  This is one of my favorites for Thanksgiving.

                  

OK - back to the subject - I always bought all the Beene patterns that Vogue issued, and was deeply sad when he died, however I do have a wealth of Beene ideas that I've collected over the years, and they are still not out of style.  So when I ran across this pattern, and realizing the lack of time (one day to make a gorgeous gown for a formal Saturday evening wedding), this was the best.  It calls for two buttons - one at the top and one at the waist, which would be smashing, but the closure here is actually a zipped closing.

                   

Look at what happens with a fold back of the top lapel?....a nice asymmetrical interest.  You can see the beginning of the zipper.  This would probably be best done in a fabulous, light-weight tweed or wool, but I did have a lot of fun making it out of the silk from the upholstery shop.  This turned out to be the best silk of all as it had a little more body than the dressmaking silk I usually deal with.  But the color was the best.

                         

Even though I've worn it, the trim does beautifully with this design, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that I would put this on to make an even stronger evening/cocktail statement.

As it was I have an elegant silk charmeuse scarf with a Chantilly lace trim in ivory that works beautifully with the dress, and protects me from the summertime (and very humid - OK has had record rainfall this spring/summer) air conditioning.

I still have enough fabric to do a wonderful jacket, and of course the gorgeous organza motif to do an elegant jacket. 

But for now I also have a wonderful dress, and even though it's not as versatile as a skirt and top, there is an elegance to a dress that no top or skirt can match!