Musings

I know it's a Sunday but I couldn't wait to post this. I have decided that every monday is going to be "Muse Monday". This will give me a chance to talk about what is inspiring me at the moment, whatever it may be. I am so excited about what I am currently working on I couldn't wait the extra day. My last post included some mood boards for a collection I was working on based on Dorothy Draper.

Dorothy Draper was one of the first people to make decorating into a business and is responsible for my favorite style of decorating, Hollywood Regency. Her graphic use of black and white,

large floral prints (WERK!),

and bright pops of color have always had me gagging. Her style inspires my living space and so I figured why not develop a collection based on this woman and her legacy. I encourage you to find out more about her. I am currently trying to get my hands on the two books that she wrote, "Decorating is Fun!" and "Entertaining is Fun!" The latter is about being a good hostes, and from what I hear is very dated but still filled with some good advice. Thanks for reading, those of you that are, and let me know if you all have any thoughts, style questions, or questions about me.

Couture Week

Anyone who knows me will tell you that couture week is my favorite! But, this season I was not thrilled by much of what I saw. My top three shows this season were Ellie Saab, Gauliter, and I'm shocked to say, Valentino.

Ellie Saab is always beautiful. While his cuts and silhouettes are usually the same I am always in awe of his ability to embellish.

I am usually on the fence about Gaultier. I always either like it or dislike it strongly. This season I was in love with the deco influenced gowns and tuxedos. Corsets on top of dinner jackets, and conceptual top-hats. It was exquisite. 

Valentino was my favorite fashion house by far before the man himself was forced into retirement. It was always the epitome of elegance and femininity. However, since then I have not been wowed by anything from the brand other than accessories. This season I felt like the design team stopped rehashing pieces from the archives and did something new that still expressed the spirit of the house aesthetic. Chiffon and ruffles abound.

I'm Back, and here's what I'm up to.

I'm BACK! I was going to stop blogging because I felt like no one was reading but I figured someone has to be, even if it's just one person. So, lately I've been working on some mood boards for some portfolio collections I'm conceptualizing:

These two are for my senior collection which I just shot a few months ago. Photos to come as soon as I get them (cough, CAT, cough).

These are for a project I did in Intro to Fashion Design in college. I revisited the collection and made it better/ more current. Done keeping in mind Valentino aesthetic with a roman goddess theme.

 This is a garden party cocktail/evening collection. Very extravagant. Chantilly lace, stones, heavy silks. Sparked by the gown on Marilyn, seen above, and the famous tulle gown with a silk flower bust that Edith Head designed for Liz Taylor.

Lastly, we have the Dorothy Draper inspired collection. Graphic stripes of black and white, palm prints from the Beverly Hills Hotel wallpaper, solid jade greens, and splashes of pink. Vintage KJL jewels and large 1960s buns. Very California, very Barbie.

My Harem Problem

So, several months ago I had decided to enter a contest with OUT magazine in which designers were to create a set of men's pyjamas. I however has some setbacks and since I only found out about this competition last minute I was unable to enter my silk charmeuse harem pants. But, I have recently decided to finish the pants, so very soon I will be posting pictures of some really great chocolate silk pants. I think they will look great and I am hoping I can still find the pattern so I can alter it and make some great casual pants as well. I need something to wear in the summer so I am thinking there will be some new pants and some short shorts in the works, soon!