FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Silver Amazon
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
This is the fantasy about a subtle and ethereal but powerful heroine. I allowed myself to mix different eras and recognizable woman characters from Joan of Arc to Arwen Undómiel. Maybe you will have your own insights, but I’m sure there are lots of books about her, both historical and fiction.
Since she doesn’t belong to a certain historical period, her beaded armor is 1760’s Stays, and her blouse is a more late example of Edwardian daywear. The decoration on the Stays is made of round beaded cord. This weaving technique was chosen to create a complicated design inspired by the hussar uniform. The same ornament is reproduced in Luneville technique on the blouse. Tiny buttons embroidered with crystals and sequins on the silk velvet and hand crocheted aiguillettes finish the look.
Outline the construction…
This year I continued staymaking experiments. I modified the pattern to fit the model with an absolutely different body type. Unfortunately my model got sick on the shoot day, so I had no choice and modeled the gown by myself, so the pictures don't demonstrate the proper fit, but life is life. Anyway wearing the Stays felt really comfortable, the way of boning provides a gentle lacing effect.
The Stays are made of two layers of coutil, the outer one is rosebud, the inner one is herringbone. It is fully boned with 5 mm plastic bones, and for breast support 11 mm metal bones were used. The seam lines are covered with soutache. The binding imitates a wrap closure.
The blouse is made of a thin tulle and silk satin. I used silk organza to stabilize the satin before making the embroidery. All seams are executed in French technique, I found it the finest way to work with transparent fabrics. Black pearls act as the buttons on cuffs and collar. The aiguillettes are removable.
I love the text like weave of the trim on the stays and how it repeats on the cuffs and collar.
Thank you so much, that was the idea
The texture is scrumptious, I love how it looks and I cannot tell that you were not the intended model, it looks gorgeous on you.
Awww, thank you for your kind words, I did my best