As mentioned in my previous writings, I will be showing my Fall 2015 collection at Art in Fashion 613 in October. I had decided back when the idea for this event was first conceived to show a collection created by upcycling wedding dresses and prom dresses.. I accumulated a very nice collection of dresses and as I did so, the theme and inspiration of things started to take shape. The feel and mood of the collection was further developed by the discovery of two amazing fabrics – an Alexander Henry skull and roses print in soft pink, creams and nude tones with a hint of black and a lush and dramatic roses and butterflies satin fabric from Joanne’s fabrics. The last piece of the puzzle, theme and title wise, fell into place when I found a last one of its kind pendant in the clearance section of Michaels that sent fireworks to my brain. As I rubbed my fingers over its smooth glass surface and noted the colours contained in its design, I knew that was it!
So, Gypsy Soul it is. Next, I needed a mood board, which helps to collect all my ideas, inspirations and colour palettes choices in one place. I can look to the mood board as a tool to help others (models, clients, fabric stores, etc.) see my vision and the direction I am headed in. It also assists me in remembering an idea or plan I had in mind as I go along. It is in an invaluable part of any major creation for me and it also creates a sense of “real” for me when planning and working on a new project.
My inspirations for this collection include flowers, tulle, butterflies, a fierce sense of femininity, skulls, free spiritedness, Cher circa 1970’s, Helena Bonham Carter, Witchy Woman by the Eagles and, of course, the ultimate gypsy rocker – Stevie Nicks! I have been listening to Cher and Stevie off and on for a while now and it just feels right with the fabrics, dresses and embellishments I have collected over the past several months. I am looking to create dresses that can be worn to special occasions, as costumes or just because it’s who you feel like being that day. Each dress will also have a matching and extravagant headpiece or mask.
Originally, the whole collection was going to consist of soft nudes and natural tones but, with the addition of some amazing dress and corsetry finds in black, the collection will now have a common thread to it in the ultimate witchy woman and Stevie Nicks colour – black! Using black as a common denominator also came to be as a result of the first look that has now been completed in the collection – Belladonna.
Belladonna was created by upcycling a black, sleeveless dress with tulle skirt. A roses and butterfly satin and tulle underskirt, sleeve caps and waist cincher with a ribbon lace up back finished the design. The roses and leaves embroidered appliques at the front and back necklines were embellished with distressed skull beads, pearls, red drop crystals and black sequins. I have yet to decide whether this look with have a headpiece or mask. Once that final component has been brought to life, I will share photos of it on my site and Facebook page.
As mentioned, this is the first dress created for the collection and I was excited to reveal it and the theme of my collection with everyone. However, this is the ONLY piece of the collection that I will be sharing prior to Art in Fashion 613. The rest of my designs will be kept under wraps until the fashion show that evening. So, now that I have whet your appetite for more, I look forward to revealing the incarnation of my gypsy soul to everyone on October 17th @ 7pm.
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