flats

If you are a designer, you know that at times flats can be the bane of your existence.  This dress was that moment for me.  Generally, I enjoy sitting back and drawing out flats...but good lord, this was torture.

If you happen to be more of a blue print kind of person, you will definitely enjoy these more than the artistic rendering of Ronni's wedding gown.  If you're looking at these, confused as to why I would even display them, it's because the flats are a vital part of the dress making process.  I sent off my flats to the manufacturer and from there, they can take them and know exactly what I'm thinking and how to create a flat pattern.  I love seeing a flat up against an artistic rendering because both parts are so important for a designer to see the entire vision, it's remarkable how dress makers can take this as well and without me even speaking to them they can understand the direction I am wanting to take.  Yeah for flats!!

final Ronni rendering

preliminary sketches

Designing for a client is never easy.  The restrictions it puts on your everyday aesthetic that makes you a designer prove difficult at times, however, that's the world of fashion until you can tell the world what you know to be fashionable!  Which every designer in the world craves and strives for.

My client this time around was Ronni, a 24 year-old who was scheduled for a August 31 wedding while giving me notice of this blessed event back in May....Eeek!  Madness I say!  But.  I would not deny myself such a challenge, and so I accepted and thus came preliminary sketches and renderings.

       

some preliminary sketches

I knew that she desired a mermaid fitting gown, incorporating lace and sparkle.  All while being effortless, comfortable and breathable as it was a summer wedding in San Diego.  Not to mention my bride wanted a more modest cut while still making her feel sexy, because what bride doesn't want to look sexy on her big day??!  As I sat sketching endless designs that I thought would look regal, stunning and take both the guests and bride's breath away, the idea of chiffon pleats making up an entire skirt came flashing through my head.  The idea of an effortless skirt that breezed in the wind caught my attention swiftly and I knew that I had to act upon the idea, and fast.



What did my client and I decide on??  A gathered organza bodice with lace appliques and subtle beading.  A mermaid silhouette with the entire skirt being pleated organza, a modest v-neck line. For a touch of whimsy and romance while still keeping in her modest restrictions, a raglan cut sleeve made out of the same appliques, a nude lining underneath and the lace to come fluttering off her shoulder as a cap sleeve.  Complete with covered buttons down the back to beneath her bum.  Viola.

final initial sketch