Put a Bow on it: Red Dress Part Three (TBT)

Hello all! Wow, the Red Dress show is already this weekend. Soo...in two days. I can't believe it. It seems like it was just the show from last year! I am nearly finished the dress...just a few more stitches here and there and it will be good to go. I can't wait to see my model dressed up in my design and What On Earth jewelry. I will take one more look back before the show the weekend to when I made my first jacket :)

This one was a challenging one...one I almost said no to because I was scared. But, the little voice inside me said, "how will you ever grow as a designer if you don't try?" I am so glad I listened. I do however, wish I had paid more attention in tailoring class lol. Nonetheless, I taught myself using notes from years ago and a trusty book to guide me along. I also listened to audio books to keep my mind from wandering into the realm of doubt. Did I mention, the jacket was for Serena Ryder? So...a little scary bc she would not be available for a fitting...day of only and fingers crossed!

Coming up with a good design was a challenge. I was working with her personal stylist who of course, wanted her to be dressed a certain way...duh that's her job! And I wanted the design to still have a touch of moi in it...which in the end, it did. I also didn't want to go over board with a complicated design because I was also making a dress for Kendra Gale that year....and working full time!! But alas...I tend to want to go above and beyond because otherwise I would not expand my knowledge in the realm of construction and design techniques. Anyhow, we agreed on a design, all via email, which I would not recommend...in person or over the phone or even face time would have been much easier. Next, choosing the fabric....ugh, what a pain. The selection around here is not really that great, especially when you have a material in mind...and then finding a fabric agreed on by both parties...even tougher. However, after a few back and forth discussions and mailing of swatches, we had chosen one we both liked. I also ordered some red leather...something I had never worked with before. I wanted it to feel a little "Rock and Roll", if you will :)

Now, for the Adrienne touch. Most of my designs are somewhat simple in style and appearance...I like plain fabrics, usually in black and white or both and/or a solid colour. I therefore like to have fun with the interior of the design. Fun printed linings!!! And so I did just that. The best part was, it paid off; Serena loved the interior touch and expressed it during the show!

Needless to say, it was an amazing experience and I'm so happy to have done it with such a great talent and person. When she tried on the jacket..on stage, during rehearsal, in front of everyone...yes I was terrified. Her reaction was "I f*&^ing love it". Wow! Did I ever feel good! Anyhow, she made this designer feel like a trillion bucks for her hard work . She, like I mentioned, spoke of the design while on stage. I am somewhat shy...and don't necessarily like the spot light. So, when she asked me to stand up, I almost didn't lol . She was wonderful. I'm so glad I said yes to making her something. I'm also glad that my parents were both there to see my work on stage. It meant a lot to me that they see what I love to do.

Here are a few photos of my construction process and detail of the jacket.

The following are photos by Denis Duquette. I forgot about these and have never posted most of them! PS I made my outfit too!!!

Her boots were awesome and matched the red on the jacket so well!

I actually didn't know Denis had caught this on camera. I'm so glad he did. I also designed and made her a pendant at work (What On Earth). It was a silver pendant in a mandala style with hearts. On the reverse it said "Live Love Laugh". She was touched and told me that was something her mother always said.