Formal Clothes - in Color
For a change from my brides and debs, I get to do some colorful things. Not only is the color welcomed, but the design is too.
My client and I worked more closely on this design than I usually do. She is very definite about what she likes and what looks good on her. After re-working several variations of this design, this is the one we liked the best. This client has an excellent figure, and wants to show it off. She felt best in the more architectural feel rather than a fluid feel.
The fabric here is very interesting. I had found a gorgeous silk organza fabric with woven metallic design in the organza. When we put that over a red silk charmeuse, the fabric sang. For a border/accent, I used a satin-faced black organza that is a little less translucent than the typical organza. At the seam between the two, I applied two trims, one is the "pewter-ed gold" and the other a black soutache, which is much shinier than the satin-faced organza or the black/gold organza.
One of the things that made this fabric so interesting is that I could match it in back. It's not an exact match, but enough of a match that this "kissing" seam in back worked. These are one of my favorite details as they do not scream couture or custom made, but you never see ready-to-wear like this unless it's custom or couture! Check it out next time you purchase something with a print or plaid (something that all dressmakers know must/should be matched), and most ready-to-wear isn't matched. In addition, notice the back seam of the sleeve - it also matches. In this particular design, I did do a two-piece sleeve, however the other seam is almost directly underarm, as I knew it wouldn't match.
Details, details, details. Design, line, style, cut are all very important, but details can ad that extra touch that makes a custom made ensemble really pop. My client and I both loved these buttons, and to make this look symmetrical, which was in keeping with the design, I "invented" this loop/Chinese knot type button loop. It works beautifully - you can't tell which button is the looped button and which is not.
The final look - what a gorgeous dress for a fabulous event. It fits her body, but her lifestyle, body style and her personality style. Not only does this work as an elegant evening suit, she has the option of wearing formal velvet or satin pants with the jacket, a beautiful long black or red skirt with the jacket, black camisole or fabulous black turtleneck sweater with the skirt. The sweater may tend to be a little more casual, but with the right jewelry, it can really sing - it's that quiet quality look that reeks elegance.
