Portfolio Coat

Salut chéries!  I am submitting my portfolio tomorrow and I finished my coat the other day.  It doesn’t have a lining in it yet and also I haven’t added the belt yet.  It’s a little different from my original design, a little smoother but I love it!  My mom is modelling it here.

Front View

Closeup of cuff and chest

 

As I said before I used a Vogue pattern and I found it was pretty good, but a little confusing at times.  However it was altogether pretty easy to follow.  The reason it’s not as full around the bottom as I had imagined is because I found that anytime I tried to adjust it too much from the pattern it started to not look right.  I think it’s because there are so many panels and seams that everything just starts to bunch and not look right.  So I’ll have to keep playing with it and working on it to get the fit just right.  I’m not giving up on my original design just yet so I will keep you updated!

xxoo

Kate

Halter Dress

Happy end of exams darlings!  I can finally relax and breathe!  And tell you about this dress..I made myself a new dress awhile ago when I found this gorgeous fabric but I haven’t gotten around to posting it because I had to take the pictures and I’ve just been so busy with exams that I haven’t had time!  Of course now that exams are all finished I have finally found the time to show you all mycute little sundress.  I just have to say that this pattern was extremely difficult to follow and the material was sometimes a little difficult to work with, but mostly it was the pattern.

The fabric

 

The pattern is New Look 6902 (2009) with several different elements to mix and match and make a lot of different dress including maxis and short dresses.  There’s a lot of different bodice and necklines to choose front and even pockets.  I think I’d like to try a different dress, but a maxi this time and made of a jersey knit.  Maybe it will turn out even nicer now that I know the pattern a little better, and what I should and shouldn’t do!  I can learn from my mistakes!

Front view of the dress

Back view of the dress

 

Hope you like my new dress! And has anyone else tried this pattern?  If so I’d love to hear your opinions about it!

xxoo

Kate

Infinity Scarf DIY

Salut chéries!  I decided to make a couple scarves for my mum.  I found some leftover fabric from who knows what, but I just knew that the print was so her.  I looked up several tutorials online and tried two different ways to make them.  Now one did not turn out at all but I will get to that later.

This first one I made was 30 inches by 60 inches and I started out by folding it in half so it was 12inches by 60inches.  I then sewed it to make it a long tube and turned it the right side out.  I then somehow managed (And it is still beyond me how I managed to do this) to flip the edges of the tube so the right sides were together and sewed all the way around until there were several inches left un-sewed.  I then flipped the edges back to the right side out and sewed that last little hole closed.  I know, I know it is super confusing and I really don’t know how to explain it any better.  I am so sorry for that.  I followed this tutorial here and maybe their instructions are a tad more clear than my own.  I also found those instructions a little confusing so I don’t even know if I took them the right way.  The way I described it is the way that I took it.  Anyway, I am rambling on and probably just making everyone even more confused so I will just show you a picture of the finished scarf.

First Infinity Scarf (30×60 inches)

Close-up of the print

My second scarf was a little longer: 30 inches by 80 inches.  I decided to try it a different way so I started out by sewing the fabric into one large circle, so the two ends together.  I then went around and sewed the 80 inch side until there was about 6 inches left open.  I thought that it would be easier to sew but when I turned it the right side out it was not an infinity scarf!  It was one long tube the length of my arm!  I still have no idea how or why this happened so if somebody could please tell I would be so grateful! (Please help!) I ripped out all my seams and did the same process as I had done for the fist scarf and it turned out great again.

Second scarf (30×80 inches)

Close-up of the print

I hope you attempt this project and I hope you understood my process.  If you have any additional questions or need clarification on something, I don’t mind if you ask.  In fact I would be happy to help.  By the way, my mum loves them and wears them both a lot.

xxoo

Kate

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Review: Ralph&Russo

Why not finish of my reviews of Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week with one of the newest designers welcomed to the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture: Ralph&Russo.  New but no less wonderful, I might say.  I wasn’t as stunned with Ralph&Russo as I was by the veteran houses of haute couture, however I did enjoy the collection.  I found that the draping and fabrication of the garments were very nicely executed and looks lovely.

I particularly liked the classical appeal of this simple dress.  I also really liked that hat and I kind of want to add it to my wardrobe.  I find that the fabric was manipulated in beautiful ways to create the subtle effect on the bust and the very full skirt.

I absolutely love the draping and fabric manipulation going on here.  I  like the belt that cinches the waist and really pronounces the hips.  I find that the neckline is beautiful and well crafted.  I also enjoyed the simplicity of the whole look, because the craftsmanship itself was what really made this dress wonderful.

Hope you enjoyed the collection and found it was interesting as I did.  I personally cannot wait to see more from Ralph&Russo.

xxoo

Kate

PS. I don’t think I mentioned it before, but all my photos are courtesy of the Vancouver Sun, Oregon Live, Windsor Star and primarily from Fashionologie.com

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Review: Zuhair Murad

It’s the final day of the big shows (sniff sniff) but they were no less amazing than the first day’s.  Zuhair Murad’s newest spring collection looks like it sprung right out of a lush fantasy garden.  How else could the beautiful blooms, vines that decorated the looks and the springtime colours be explained?  There was no shortage of sparkle, lace and glamour on the runway.  I present to you now my favourite pieces from the collection.

I love the classy look of this dress.  Everything from the halter neckline to the peplum waist to the knee length skirt just screams ladylike elegance.  I also love the lace fabric and the gold belt that adorned almost all the looks in the collection.  I mean can I have it please??

This look particularly stood out for me because of the top.  I love that bold pattern because it just really stands out in the crowd.  I like the peplum waist and the lone sleeves with a plunging neckline.  It adds a bit of drama to the whole look, no?
Now for my favourite look of the entire collection.  Yes I know, I’ve been mostly attracted to the beautiful gowns all week, but for some reason I could not take my eyes of this one.  The whole look is so powerful and bold, it’s just beautiful.  For the top: I love the plunging neckline, lace fabric and loose sleeves.  It’s so soft which contrasts with the strong pant.  Again, I love that belt and I just can’t say it enough.  I like the high waisted pants with the gold buttons, since it just pulls the whole look together.  Everything about it is strong, professional and classy.

Is anyone else as sad as I am that Haute Couture fashion week is ending?  I’d love to know if anyone else enjoyed the Zuhair Murad show as much as I did!

xxoo

Kate

 

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Review: Valentino

Valentino’s Haute Couture collection was inspired by the grand opera and it involved intricate designs and details and animal print patterns.  I know that it was inspired by the opera but I also got kind of an African feel from the show.  The suits and the animal printed, tasselled dresses gave off a desert-type feel.  However, I could definitely see the opera inspiration in many of the pieces including two of my favourites from the collection.

I could definitely see the opera in this stunningly detailed gown.  I love how it’s all happening on the skirt with very little on top, just a bit of jewels.  I think it really draws attention to the expertly crafted skirt, which clearly should be getting all the attention.

You can see where I was getting that African vibe from, by looking at this dress.  While tassels on a hem would normally make me think of carpets and Scarlett O’Hara, but not this gown.  I think the fringe actually works really well with the print and the shape of the dress.  I also really love the animal print, just saying.
Finally, my favourite gown.  I love the sheet music print, and let’s face it, this dress is just opera all over.  I love the sheer fabric with the music notes and the very simple bodice and sleeves.  I think it’s very elegant and classically appealing.  I also love the layering of the fabric at the top that makes it seem revealing but classy at the same time.

I hope you all saw the entire Valentino show and if you didn’t it’s all right here.  Please, I would love to hear your opinions on the collection as well!

xxoo

Kate

 

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Review: Jean Pault Gaultier

I can’t say I hated the Jean Paul Gaultier collection but I don’t know if I loved it either, but I do know that it was a lot to take in.  Either way, I can definitely say that it intrigued me and caught my attention.  Isn’t that all they really want though?  For it to catch your eye and make you consider it?  Whether that’s the case or not, that’s how I feel about it: you can hate it or love it, but you have to consider it.  Anyway, Jean Paul Gaultier definitely had my attention with his insanely creative and eye catching pieces.  Plus I was definitely amazed by Dita Von Teese walking the runway as a butterfly.

 

Dita Von Teese is apparently part butterfly now.

 

I really found this piece interesting.  I like the heavy draping going on, as I find it adds so much depth and movement to the dress.  Not to mention I’m really liking that green butterfly fascinator that she’s got going on.  The whole look is so earthy and rich, that I can’t help but really like it.

I’d love to hear some more opinions on the Jean Paul Gaultier collection.  I like variety and unfortunately, my sole opinion is not really varied.

xxoo

Kate

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Review: Elie Saab

Elie Saab has once again delivered a stunningly gorgeous Haute Couture collection that made me think the designer was already looking ahead to the Oscars.  I would be absolutely shocked if we didn’t see at least one of the gowns on the upcoming red carpet events.  The gowns were pretty and glamorous, and all seemed to exude lightness and airy delight, even when it came to the heavy prints.  I adore Elie Saab and this collection was no exception.  In fact, it made it difficult for me to pick only a few favourites, but can you blame me?  Have you seen the line?  Seriously if you haven’t, you will understand what I’m trying to say once you have.  Each dress is more beautiful than the last!

I absolutely love the detailing on this gown.  I especially like the way the beading and detailing around the bottom gives such a heavy appearance to the bottom of the skirt, which contrasts with the lightness of the fabric and the rest of the gown.

I know this gown is simple and may be a little standard, but I really love it’s elegant simplicity.  I think that the cool colour and stunning silhouette really lift the dress and make it as complex and dimensional as the rest of the collection.  I like the draping and the unique design on the bodice as well, since I think it adds the extra oomph to the gown.

This dress is like a water colour painting in my opinion.  The gown is so smooth, liquid and light, even with the dark colours.  I also really love the light flowing fabric of the skirt and the sleeves.  I think the sleeves really make it different, because instead of the usual strapless gown, the sleeves add dimension and make it different from the others.  And as well know, these collections are all about being beautiful and different.This gown is absolutely stunning and despite having such a large skirt, the gown seems fresh and airy.  I also love the print on the fabric because it reminds me of an artist’s paint palette; and isn’t that what fashion is? Art?  In my opinion that’s what fashion is, art.  So when I look at this gown and see a paint palette thick with oil paint, mixed with colour, I can’t help but love it.

Hope you enjoyed today’s collections as much as I did, especially the always amazing Elie Saab.

xxoo

Kate

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Review: Giorgio Armani Prive

As we all know, the 79 year old master of design is known for three things: his suits, the amazing things he does with metallics and his understanding of women’s bodies.  He somehow managed to wow us all and incorporate all three of these things in his Haute Couture collection.  As always, his suits for the professionally dominating woman were impeccable, and I could hardly pick a favourite.  I did however find two Oscar worthy evening gowns that caught my eye.

I love the flowing look of this gown and the beautiful colour.  I also really like the pairing of the paillettes and lace to create the shimmering and textured look of the fabric.  I also think that it really gives the gown depth and movement.

I adore this gown because it looks like the fabric has literally been cut out of metal.  The effect of the liquidity of the fabric gives it the most glamorous effect.  I also really like the copper colour with the black lace overlay, I think it just adds much more depth to the dress and really solidifies the metallic look.

I know I said I couldn’t pick a favourite suits but this one really shows the expert craftsmanship that Giorgio Armani demonstrates in the creation of his powerful suits.

Hope you enjoyed Armani Prive’s line and please feel free to share your thoughts!  Can’t wait for tomorrow’s shows!

xxoo

Kate

 

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Review: Chanel

Finally, the one I’ve been waiting for: the always stunning Chanel.  Karl Lagerfeld has once again amazed us with his innovative ideas and fresh take on the trends.  I am thoroughly in love with the Chanel brand and Coco Chanel herself is basically my idol.  But I’m getting off topic…I want to show you two of my favourite looks from the collection presented earlier.  Also, just a quick side note, I am loving this idea of trainers instead of heels.  How empowering is it to see women in comfortable shoes for once.  We can practically see the extra bounce in their step.  I also think it’s such a new direction for fashion, and as much as I adore my heels and I could never give them up, I do love the trainers  on the runway.

This dress was one of my absolute favourites and it really jumped out for me.  I love the tiered skirt and top, but I also love the way it’s separated by a corseted torso.  I just really lengthens and slims the waist, and pronounces the bust and hips.  I really love the effect, plus who can refuse a well placed bow?
This dress particularly stood out for me because it looks like a modern take on the flapper dress.  I love the multi coloured feathery fabric, because I think that it really gives a lot of dimension to the dress.  I also love the detailing at the waist, because it adds a little extra to the dress without causing it to get too busy.  It also helps to keep the feathers from becoming too much, in my opinion.  Without the division she would have started to look like Big Bird going through his funk years.

Hope you enjoyed the Chanel show as much as I did and I would love to hear your opinions on it.

xxoo

Kate