When I found this dress, it just screamed 1920’s to me! I have had it in my raw materials stash for awhile now, waiting for further inspiration to strike and the right accoutrements to show themselves. On a recent trip to a unique and special fabric store ( www.darrellthomas.com ), I found an amazing cotton fabric that was printed with panels featuring ladies of the 1920’s. There were ten different panels in all before the pattern starts its repeat. The images, colour palette and quality of the fabric all added up to – I have to have some of this….and, I know exactly what I am going to do with it!!!
I knew immediately that the fashions, hats and other accessories that the ladies were wearing in each panel would be perfect for embellishment with beads, sequins and other sparkly bits. I could make them come to life with added detail and texture, not to mention providing unique flair to the garments to which each panel would be appliqued!
The elastic loop for one of the center back button closures was missing when I purchased the dress so I decided to do away with it all together in favour of adding a raw silk bow as a new and much more saucy closure. The second button further down the center back of the dress was changed from plain black plastic to one with a bit of sparkle, which still closes with an elastic loop. I also chose to use another fabulous flea market find, two beaded motifs in shades of muted silver and gold, to accent the back and front of the dress to bring in even more of that jazz era bling to the dress design.
This dress was inspired by Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of The Great Gatsby author, F. Scott Fitzgerald. Dubbed by her husband “the first American flapper, she was renowned for her beauty, fashion and high spirits and was also a novelist and painter. Just putting this dress on, makes you feel feminine, sassy and ready to Charleston the night away at a 1920’s themed wedding or event. Perhaps with even a few feathers in your hair to complete the effect!
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