I was honored to be asked to create a garment for the Portland Art Museum's Italian Style: Fashion Since 1945 exhibition. Curated by Sonnet Stanfill for the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, this collection charts the rise of the Italian fashion industry from the tattered post-war period to the thriving present. The museum asked six Portland designers to each highlight a particular technical component of fashion design -- mine was "Dressmaking." The gown below is built on a traditional boned corselet, creating an internal structure that allows the outer layers of the gown to float effortlessly on the body. For fabrics, I used an iridescent embroidered tulle in a crystal pattern that I purchased from the estate of a European bridal designer who closed her atelier in Athens in the 1980s. It's such a special fabric and this project was the perfect use for it. Iridescent organza, tulle and crinoline finish the skirt. This gown will be on display in the museum for the duration of the exhibit. Go say hello!
A girl, a dress, a desert.
I do love a professional photo shoot with styled hair and makeup, lights and props and all the business, but I also like flinging a fair lady out into nature with a fancy frock on. Oh, and some unicorn curls.
Model: Merrill Melideo, shooter: Carol Hannah Whitfield, stylist: Cassandra Quinn
Darcie in Two If By Sea
Darcie attended my Lovely NY trunk show last year, and when this stunning Seattle beauty spied the pale blue petals and waves of "Two If By Sea," it was love! So happy this special dress made its way to such a sweet, spectacular wedding. See more photos over on Green Wedding Shoes.
photos: Julie Harmsen
