Thursday, November 24, 2011

A very special project.





Photos: Greg Pacek
Kristina is a lovely lady from Toronto who brought to me a family heirloom wedding dress from the early years of the 20th century. Though the dress itself wasn't quite wearable, it was decorated with some exquisite chantilly lace--the kind you just can't get anymore--in a perfect shade of mellow antique ivory. The dress also featured a sweet pearly beaded trim, stitched by careful hands almost a hundred years ago (you can see it making an appearance at the waistband of Kristina's dress). Making the most of two in-person meetings (one in San Francisco, one in Portland), Kristina and I collaborated on the dress you see. I used almost every inch of the original lace to embellish the bodice and an underlayer of the skirt--the smallest scraps were fashioned into flowers with lace and silk organza petals, which were appliquéd on the bodice. The skirt is organza and tulle over silk shantung--the gauzy layers helping to harmonize old and new materials. I truly loved working on this dress, and she wears it beautifully. Thanks, Kristina, and best wishes.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Sometimes, you just know.


It's French (of course), ornamented all over with a twining foil embroidery, and it's the most elusively perfect shade of platinum-y ivory, like it leapt out of the 1920s and into my arms. My little head is a-swim with wild ideas. This will make the gauziest, prettiest gown for a very, very special schoolbook-fairy bride. I know you're out there…I just haven't met you yet.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011


As a secret gardener myself, I love–love–this romantic inspiration board on Style Me Pretty…featuring my Honeychurch gown.