This dress was created by me to be worn to the 10th anniversary party for my church, Capital City Bikers Church in Ottawa.  I felt this milestone of Biker’s Church demanded something special and fun. Regardless of whether anyone else was dressing up, it was a party and to me parties of that kind of importance could mean only one thing…… Party Dress!

I was inspired by Tim Burton’s use of black and white, Betsey Johnson’s infamous party dresses as well as an amazing book from designer Mary Adams called The Party Dress.  She does amazing work and her book and overall beliefs instill in me a sense of fun, individuality and daring.

This design is titled Black Rose. The “dress” actually consists of a corset, underskirt and overskirt.

The corset is made from a heavy black and white striped satin, is fully lined and contains coiled steel boning.  It laces up the back with grommets and black satin ribbon. I am very skilled at corset/bustier creation and would be most interested in more custom work in this area, especially for you curvier gals out there!

The under skirt was created from a thrift store find – a full black taffeta skirt,which I shortened and made fuller and more “rustley”  (that sound is so feminine and betwitching to me!) with layered tulle underneath.  A panel of sheer black velvet skull and roses glitter fabric over white fabric was then placed on top of the center front of the black skirt.

The last layer, the over skirt, is also a thrift store find – a floor length, shocking pink, silk ball skirt.  The ball skirt has been made shorter by using ruching, pick ups and a bustle in the back.  Silk is one of my favourite fabrics to work with.  It is luxurious, comes in different textures and hands, is a dream to sew and the myriad of available colours is endless.

Embellishments in the skirts include the addition of black lace to the skull and roses panel hemline, black lace and organza trim to the entire hemline of the pink silk skirt, black velvet ribbon bows and ribbon roses, black beading, black satin bows at the side of the silk skirt and skeleton hands “holding up” the side pick ups on the silk skirt.

This outfit was very satisfying for me to make as it incorporated the best of both worlds – making a new garment from the ground up (the corset) and combining it with two upcycled garments (the two skirts).  I can’t wait to wear it to the party this Saturday night (Jan 21st) and see what kind of response I get.  Positive or negative, I will feel like the belle of the ball that night and will enjoy every minute of the evening.  Well, at least until the clock strikes midnight.  Oh well, on to the next event/project then!