Gold Corset dETAILS
September 10, 2021
After watching a few period piece films and TV shows, I decided it was time I time I make a corset of my own! While it was a great learning experience for me as a sewist and designer, I definitely struggled making this. In fact, I had to make two samples (or muslins) before making the final piece you see before you.
Created with a reflective gold taffeta textile, it features some boning to give it that traditional corset structure and gold grommets and black ribbon for closure. Now that I have finished my first corset and plan for the next, I have a few tips for myself and anyone else planning on making an item like this. 1) Make a smaller size! This will give the corset that cinching, structured effect. 2) Create two "openings". My corset only has the grommets and ribbon in the back and no other place to open it up which means I have to lace and unlace it every time I wear it (which is definitely a bit of a hassle). 3) Have fun with the sleeves! Especially if the textile is simpler, a poofy tule sleeve would be a lovely touch. I know this won't be my last corset so let me know your suggestion for the next one! |
Recreating Dynasty
September 4, 2021
Many who watch the CW’s Dynasty are captivated by the drama. I can’t help but be distracted by the incredible fashion. The drama is a part of the background for me, a nice added bonus to a show with the most opulent fashion I’ve seen in a show. I have spent way too much time than I am willing to admit on the @dynastycloset instagram page fawning over items I cannot afford to own Well, lurk on Instagram no more! I will put my sewing skills to good use this summer and create some of my favorite pieces from the show.
Before I go on, I think it’s important to provide some context on what the show is about as it also provides context for the very opulent fashion. The CW’s Dynasty is a modernized take on the 1980s soap opera Dynasty about an ultra-wealthy family, the Carringtons, “feuding for control over their wealth and children” against the also ultra-wealthy Colby family. With astonishing amounts of wealth comes astonishing access, including unparalleled access to the world’s best fashion (in my humble opinion). The first item I had to recreate is an elegant dress Fallon Carrington wore to a not-so-elegant dinner party at her fiancé Jeff Colby’s home. This was a rare occasion in which the character actually described the item they were wearing as a part of the script. In her own words, the dress was made of “silk velvet” and that “some poor worker went blind hand-sewing these feathers”. Unlike the poor worker, I luckily still have my vision. I instead made an off-the-shoulder top using a black jersey knit with detachable feathers, that way if I’m not feeling feathers for the particular occasion I can switch it out with another trim. I’m thinking a pearl or crystal trim should come next.... Now it’s time to do your part and invite me to a fancy dinner party so that I have an excuse to wear this top. Thank you in advance! Now what to make next from Dynasty… |
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