Designing Kate's Wedding Dress

I felt mixed emotions when my friend Kate asked me to design her wedding dress. I felt honoured, excited and even a little anxious. Sure, I had designed my own wedding dress but it was the first time I'd designed one for another person, let alone a friend. Designing a wedding dress is a lot different to designing a collection. I see it as selecting every perfect piece of clothing from the persons wardrobe that they love and feel good in and including it in their wedding dress. Now it wasn't going to be difficult for Kate to look incredible as she is an absolute beauty and would look good in a paper bag. It actually made my job a lot easier.
In this post I will share the entire process involved in designing Kate's wedding dress. 

http://oceanphotos.blogspot.com/

  The wedding was taking place in  Byron Bay which meant the dress had to be appropriate for a beach wedding and Kate didn't want to look too formal. Kate initially came to me with three dresses that she loved; Kate Hudson's famous yellow dress from the movie 'How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days,'  Rebecca Twigley (now Judd) in her  J'Aton wedding dress and finally Mila Kunis wearing the incredible lavender  Elie Saab dress from the Oscars. Each of the three dresses are so different however small elements from each were used to help finalise Kate's dress design. The simplicity and elegant low back line from Kate Hudson's dress, The french lace trimming with soft draping and neckline in Mila's Elie Saab dress and the elaborate, detailed lace on Rebecca Twigley's wedding dress. 

 I always believe before you get a wedding dress made it's essential to go and try wedding dresses on. You may have always dreamt of wearing that simple elegant strapless empire line dress on your wedding day but then find that the shape is not right for you. Kate tried on some dresses at Collette Dinnigan and found a shape that worked well on her as well as the fabric that she liked. She found she loved soft flowing silk.  Then I asked Kate to try on my wedding dress (which of course finished at her knees due to the slight height difference..ha ha!) My dress was made with hand beaded french lace on the bodice and this inspired Kate to consider the idea of using beaded lace.

Below are some initial sketches. Here I experimented with shapes and details. Without the final selection of fabric it was a little challenging to make a final sketch because I find as a designer, fabric often inspires my designs.

 INITIAL SKETCH IDEAS

Kate did some fabric shopping in Sydney where she is based and I did some in Melbourne. She really wanted an Art Deco themed lace and not floral. That became quite a challenge as there were few laces without floral details. 

After many MMS and emails Kate fell in love with this incredible Art Deco style French Chantilly Lace shown below.

 Once the fabric was in my hand I had some fun draping on my mannequin. This made me realise that the fabric was so beautiful it really needed to stand on its own and just rest on the body and shine.   Below are some photos of draping throughout the design process.

After draping I was able to come up with this sketch which took on the base shape of the final design:

I had suggested the idea of putting a brooch on the back to help finish off the dress but nothing really stood out  to us until the actual wedding day.  Dustin and I were having breakfast the morning of the wedding and the cafe happened to be next to Mimco where I discovered this beautiful white brooch in the shape of a rose.  It was the perfect finishing touch to the dress. It looked like a match made in heaven when we put it on the dress. You wouldn't have guessed it was bought a couple of hours before the wedding. 

http://oceanphotos.blogspot.com/

 After working closely with my amazing dress maker we finished the dress and Kate looked absolutely incredible.

Here's the final piece! 

http://oceanphotos.blogspot.com/

http://oceanphotos.blogspot.com/

http://oceanphotos.blogspot.com/

http://oceanphotos.blogspot.com/

http://oceanphotos.blogspot.com/

Thank you so much Kate for inviting me to share your special day. I had so much fun working with you.
Kate's wedding was absolutely perfect. I had the most incredible time. I will never forget this experience.

xox


Kate used amazing photographers on the day.
 Andrew McIntosh (Ocean Photography) and Dean Mansbridge. 
Check out their websites below: 
 http://oceanphotos.blogspot.com/

http://www.zanzo.com.au  

Happy Australia Day!!!!

Happy Australia to you all!!! Today provides us Aussies with the opportunity to celebrate and be thankful for the beautiful country we live in. I wish you a fun and relaxing day with your close friends and family. 

Below I've styled my fun Aussie bikini tank with my vintage high waisted denim shorts and Nine West shoes. And what better setting to shoot this look than in front of a beautiful gum tree. 

Also check out some fun Aussie themed outfits I've styled below. Each item is referenced with its online shop for you to purchase. 

Australia Day Look 1

Justin Wool Felt – Taupe, $85.00   http://www.gargyle.com/kakadu-justin-wool-felt-taupe.html

Alice In The Eve STRIPE SHIRT WITH ROUND COLLAR, $69.95, http://www.generalpants.com.au  

Sambag Sambag Peach Sunnies  $125.00  http://www.thegrandsocial.com.au/product/sambag/eyewear/sambag-peach-sunnies  

77 Skinny Braided Canvas Belt, $15.88  http://www.ae.com  

Neon Hart Dip Dyed Denim Shorts, $79.95 http://www.generalpants.com.au/store/womens/shorts/dip-dyed-denim-short-1000036092.html

Madewell The Suede Zipcode Boot, $188.00, http://www.madewell.com

Australia Day Look 2

Abelly Hat,   $74.00,  www.supertrash.com

Subtitled Striped Collar S/Sleeve Shirt, html  $59.95 http://www.generalpants.com.au

Red Audrey Sun Reading Glasses, $27.00  http://www.awin1.com

Care Bear Tote Bag, $46.50  http://www.zazzle.com.au/care_bear_bag-149332894223502466  

Monsoon Fusion Sally Stripe Skirt  $52.00, http://www.monsoon.co.uk

Womens Vans Authentic Trainers – Red, $52.00  http://www.urbanexcess.com

Australia Day Look 3

Avezzano Hat, $28.00  http://www.shopfriiscompany.com

RED VALENTINO embroidered top, $295.00  http://www.farfetch.com

Stella McCartney Sunglasses  $250.00 http://int.youheshe.com

Koala with baby travel backpack bag,  $18.95  http://www.australiasouvenir.com/products/Koala-with-baby-travel-backpack-bag.html   

J Brand Denim Cut-off rigid-denim shorts,  $135.00  http://www.net-a-porter.com  

B Store Janis4 Shoes, $200.00 http://www.gargyle.com/b-store-janis4-red-denim.html   

Australia Day Look 4

Illesteva Leonard 2 Sunglasses – Blue, $245.00 http://www.gargyle.com/illesteva-leonard-2-blue.html   

Australia themed tank top $ 28.66,  http://www.wordans.com.au/geography-t-shirt-marketplace/australia-australie-103933

Monsoon Red Square Scarf $12.00 http://www.monsoon.co.uk

Bag - Clutch Glomesh Australian Flag,  $60.00  http://www.rawspace.com.au/product.php?productid=2338&cat=125

French Connection Arte Wool Pleated Skirt, Red, $80.00  http://www.johnlewis.com/231387999/Product.aspx?source=54836

Blue peep toe platform court shoes, $41.00  http://www,debenhams.com

Happy Australia Day!!!

Let Vintage Take You Back In Time...

Happy New Year to you all!!!! I hope you've had an amazing start to the year. I'm sorry for being a phantom over the past couple of weeks, we opened up our frozen yoghurt bar 'Yo Pop' for summer again and we have been extremely busy although, I haven't forgotten about you all!

I wanted to share with you my newest vintage purchases that of course I bought from my favourite vintage shop 'Friperie.'  I was fortunate enough to be asked to design my dear friend Kate's wedding dress late last year (which I will share with you in a future post) and I wanted to wear something classic and elegant. I love how wearing vintage can make you feel like you are escaping into a past era. I came across this gorgeous 1960's vintage gown in a perfect dusty pink colour with detailed pearl beading around the neckline and waistline. I was a little uncomfortable wearing a long gown to a beach wedding in Byron Bay so I had the dress cut just above the knee and left the train at the back. It added a modern twist to the vintage dress. I know Martez the owner of Friperie vintage was  sad to hear I would be cutting her amazing vintage find but I assured her I would photograph the dress in its original form and post it on Dusty Petals before doing so. I'll share the reconstructed version soon.

I have selected some vintage dresses available through Etsy at the bottom of the post. Don't be afraid to make small alterations with your vintage items like removing the sleeves, shortening the hemline or changing the neckline.  I encourage you to go back in time through vintage, it is so much fun!!!

1- 1960s Silver Metallic Embroidered Formal Cocktail Wedding Party Holiday Dress with Ostrich Feather Trim, $85.00  

http://www.etsy.com/shop/daisyandstella?ref=seller_info

2- Cotton Candy Pink Vintage 60's Chiffon Party Dress, $138.00 http://www.etsy.com/shop/Planetclairevintage?ref=seller_info   

3- Vintage 1960s Nautical Living stripe baby doll summer dress,  $48.00  http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplicityisbliss?ref=seller_info

4- DAINTY 1960s vintage Peachy crochet skooter dress, $48.00  http://www.etsy.com/shop/nicolavicius?ref=seller_info

5- 1960s Navy and White Nautical Sailor Themed dress (Size Extra Large XL)  $69.00  www.etsy.com

6- Vintage 1960s dress floral cotton mod sun dress  $28.00  

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NodtoModvintage?ref=seller_info

1- Vintage 1950s Baby Doll plaid cotton swimsuit  $184.00  

http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplicityisbliss?ref=seller_info

2- 1950s vintage floral silk cocktail wiggle dress  $245.00  

http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplicityisbliss?ref=seller_info

3-Vintage 1950's Dress Floral Print Garden Party Cocktail Dress (small) $116.00  http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheVintageStudio?ref=seller_info

4- 50s Flocked CHIFFON Petticoat Dress, $220.00 http://www.etsy.com/shop/GoodEye?ref=seller_info  

5- 1950s Nude Peach Organza Woven Floral Lace Formal Cocktail Prom Wedding Party Dress,  $300.00 http://www.etsy.com/shop/daisyandstella?ref=seller_info

1- 1980s Vintage Dress with White corset / gold star rhinestones , $128.00 http://www.etsy.com/shop/aiseirigh?ref=seller_info

2- 1980s Vintage 80s Ball Gown in Periwinkle Blue  (Size Small) http://www.etsy.com

3- Vintage 1980s Pink Beaded Cocktail Dress by CONTINENTAL COUTURE Art Deco Style Design,  $89.00 http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwirlVintageCo?ref=seller_info

Have a wonderful week! See you soon. 

xox

Glitz Up Your Wardrobe!

Party season is here and what better way to shine and celebrate this festive time than to wear some sequins. You may have noticed designers and boutiques have added sequins to their collections. Sequins have been added to all items of clothing. For example in shorts, jackets, dresses, hats, shoes and even full length pants! When Topshop opened its doors this week in Melbourne, the first trend to sell out was all things with sequins. It's exciting to see the young and old embracing this 80's comeback trend.

Like any trend there are  some rules to follow.  To avoid looking like a disco ball combine a sequin statement piece with something plain in shades of black, grey or white. This way sequins  can be worn for both day and night occasions. 

I have selected some expensive and inexpensive sequin items for your reference.  I hope they inspire you to go a little glitzy this holiday season.

Below I went all out to help celebrate this new trend. I discovered this vintage 1980's sequinned dress with feather sleeves in my mum's wardrobe. I quickly lifted the hemline while trying to create a gathered finish. I added a vintage belt with my favourite Harajuku Lovers shoes and voila, I created this fun look!

ALL GLITZED UP LOOK 1 

 

 All Glitzed Up Look 2:

Below I've styled a vintage top with a sequins jacket. I bought the jacket from Target 2 years ago. I've styled the very glitzy top half with black shorts. My clogs and clutch are both from Nine West. I used a cute flower ring as an accessory for my hair. 

GLITZY JACKETS

1-    Sass & bide Times Like This sequined jacket http://www.net-a-porter.com  $345.00

2-    Marc by Marc Jacobs Sequined Hobbes Cardigan  http://www.mytheresa.com   $505.00

3-    Champagne sequin jacket  http://us.dorothyperkins.com  $74.00

4-    Mango Sequin Jacket  http://shop.mango.com  $175.00

5-    IRO Black Cuzia Sequin Jacket http://www.my-wardrobe.com  $840.00

6-    MICHAEL Michael Kors Sequin Boucle Jacket  http://www.michaelkors.com  $190.00

7-    PATRIZIA PEPE Sequin Two Way Dress/jacket http://www.flannelsfashion.com  $230.00

8-    Relaxed Sequin Jacket   http://www.isabellaoliver.com   $155.00

GLITZY BOTTOMS

1-    Robert Rodriguez Sequin And Bead Embellished Silk Skirt  http://www.theoutnet.com  $270.00

2-    3.1 Phillip Lim Drawstring Sequin Shorts http://www.mytheresa.com    $245.00

3-    Lucinda Sequin Shorts  http://usa.frenchconnection.com  $195.00

4-    MICHAEL Michael Kors Two-tone sequin-embellished mini skirt http://www.net-a-porter.com  $230.00

5-    Champagne sequin skirt  http://us.dorothyperkins.com  $68.00

6-    3.1 PHILLIP LIM sequinned shorts  http://www.brownsfashion.com   $470.00

7-    N°21 Sequined Satin Trousers http://www.luisaviaroma.com  $700.00

GLITZY DRESSES

1- Low Back Sequin Dress  http://www.janenorman.co.uk   $65.00

2- Sylvie Sequin Short Playsuit   http://www.reissonline.com  $320.00

3- Tall champagne sequin dress http://us.dorothyperkins.com  $110.00

4- Red or Dead Sequin Dress  http://www.bankfashion.co.uk  $100.00

5- Lipsy Shift Dress With All Over Sequins  http://us.asos.com  $135.00

6- Sequin Shift Dress By Rare**  http://us.topshop.com  $100.00

7-  RARE OPULENCE Sequined And Ruffled Tulle Dress http://www.theoutnet.com  $225.00

8-    Mid Neutral Sequin Mesh Dress http://www.oasis-stores.com  $69.00

9- Lucy in Disguise Chaplin sequin bodice dress  http://www.harveynichols.com   $595.00

10- Golden Samantha Sequin Dress  http://usa.frenchconnection.com   $295.00

GLITZY TOPS

1-    Sequin-striped fine-knit sweater  http://www.net-a-porter.com  $200.00

2-  SEQUIN COLLAR SHIRT  http://www.generalpants.com.au  $69.95

3-    Sequin Top Body  http://www.missselfridge.com  $49.00

4-    Vince Sequined georgette top  http://www.net-a-porter.com  $470.00

5-    ASOS REVIVE All Over Sequin T-Shirt  http://us.asos.com  $125.00

6-    Victoria'S Secret Dallas Cowboys Sequin Football Tee  http://www.victoriassecret.com  $96.00

7-    Silver sequin tee http://us.dorothyperkins.com  $54.00

8-    PORSHEA CIRCULAR-SEQUIN TOP http://www.bcbg.com  $170.00

 GLITZY ACCESSORIES

1-    ASOS Gold Sequin Collar http://us.asos.com  $27.00

2-    Coralline Scarf Necklace http://www.anthropologie.com  $390.00

3-    Juicy Couture Sequin Scarf http://piperlime.gap.com  $145.00

4-    D&G Belts - Item 46207520 http://www.yoox.com $125.00

5-    Eugenia Kim Janine sequin-embellished rabbit earmuffs http://www.net-a-porter.com   $255.00

6-    Collection Xiix Sequin Circle Scarf  http://shop.nordstrom.com  $33.00

GLITZY SHOES

1-Zara Sequinned Ballerina http://www.zara.com  $89.00

2- Miu Miu Sequined leather pumps http://www.net-a-porter.com   $875.00

3- Steve Madden Yachtt-Shoes  http://www.zappos.com/steve-madden-yachtt-s-white-sequin  $55.00

4- Dolce&Gabbana Sequin Pump  http://shop.nordstrom.com   $335.00

5- Jimmy Choo "Lagoon" Silver Sequin Sandals  http://www.shirise.com  $560.00

6-Asos Pepper Sequin And Suede Platform Peep Toe Court Shoe http://us.asos.com  $105.00

GLITZY BAGS

1-    Santi Zigzag Sequin Clip Clutch Bag http://www.liberty.co.uk  $255.00

2-    Deux Lux 'Cosmic Love' Wristlet http://shop.nordstrom.com  $57.00

3-    Zara  Sequinned Wallet http://www.zara.com  $59.00

4-    Rock Steady Gym Bag http://www.edgeofurge.com   $87.00

5-    Lulu Guinness Black Sparkle Zip Top Purse http://us.asos.com  $98.00

6-    Leather multi sequin festival bag http://www.warehouse.co.uk  $88.00

7-    Patchwork Sequin Clutch  http://www.alexisbittar.com  $215.00

8-    Bow-Tiful Sequin Clutch  http://www.betseyjohnson.com $62.00

Elie Saab 2012 Spring Collection

One of my favourite designers is Elie Saab. I can spend hours looking through his collections admiring the incredible fabrication and silhouettes he creates collection after collection. Elie Saab's 2012 Spring Collection titled 'Colour Shock' celebrates strong, rich colours as well as sequins! Check out these amazing sequin dresses from his collection!

Thanks for  reading  this Glitzy blog post!