Sunday, 1 November 2009

Eighteenth Century Corest



It was Halloween yesterday, and I rediscovered my 18th century corset!....I love it! I think the shape is very flattering especially when combined with the style worn during the later part of the eighteenth century. I think a simple line would look fabulous as a bridal ensemble.

Tuesday, 8 September 2009

Beaded Flower Headress




These beaded flowers are made from swarovski crystal with fresh water pearls used for the stamens. The headdress sparkles beautifully, especially when under lights. I also make these flowers singly and mount them on hair grips, so you can dot them around your head....very pretty!

Saturday, 29 August 2009

Ruched Corset and Dress


Shot silk has been roughly draped over an off the shoulder corset. I love the effect it gives and when worn is particularly flattering at the bust! The dress below is a twist of the same technique. I love the gowns of the 1950's, be they evening or cocktail dresses. The dress is made from silk taffeta and finishes just below the knee, i think it would look fabulous as a full length gown.

Corded Corset

This is my attempt at creating a late nineteenth century corded corset. I found the pattern quite challenging but I feel the result is well worth it, especially when I finally get around to doing the flossing. The design is probably not quite right for bridal wear, but I think it would be fabulous worn beneath period costume.



I may try and create a very similar shaped, but much simpler corset that I can use beneath some of my bridal dresses as the shape is so flattering. The majority of the dresses I make are corseted, as it creates such a flattering foundation.

Monday, 17 August 2009

The Purple Dress


A dress looks so different when being worn by someone!

Thursday, 6 August 2009

Corseted Wedding Dress in Shot Silk



I made this gown at the beginning of the year. It is worn over an amalgamation of an eighteenth and nineteenth century corset, giving you an eighteenth century bust with the hip shaping of the nineteenth century. There is a huge amount of fabric in this dress (I got slightly carried away!), so I made it out of a shot silk, which is lined to give it a bit of weight. I love this dramatic colour, but I know it's not for everyone. I think it would look lovely in any colour, as the dress is a particularly sculptural piece. I need to get it photographed properly, as my workroom isn't quite big enough.

Tuesday, 28 July 2009

Eighteenth Century gentleman's wedding coat


I found these pictures of an eighteenth century jacket I made for the fiancé of a friend's bridalwear client. I used to work for a couture bridalwear designer in West Sussex. It gave me an opportunity to make something different and for a man too! This is the first piece of menswear I have made. I am quite proud of the results and it looked very dashing on!