FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Tatiana – The Fairy Queen
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
As soon as I knew this year's theme I immediately knew what universe I wanted to approach.
It had to be a pleasant, welcoming world where one wanted to take refuge, a world of reverie and enchantment. My attention is focused on the character the Queen of the Fairies, Tatiana, that of Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream”. I was very touched by Arthur Rackham's illustrations. I was also influenced by Art Nouveau through the feminine representations inspired by nature which manifests itself in illustration, painting, photography and also through the magnificent dresses of this period. I wanted to make a light, fluid and vaporous dress with more elaborate details that could evoke nature and flowers. A dress for a queen with a light and airy foot which would also mark the importance of delicate nature.
Outline the construction…
I tested the draping technique to have a fluid and airy effect.
I designed a pattern based on a Victorian-style train skirt (which I had already patterned, taking inspiration from models I had seen on the internet) to which I added height to drape for the bust . By carrying out various tests, I found that a few folds decorated with support from the belt was the most aesthetic. The belt became the central element, it maintains, structures and adorns the outfit. I embroidered a pattern from the 1920s which I reinterpreted with beads, ribbon and chiffon applique.
I then made the pair of cuffs in the same spirit.
The silk chiffon tunic above is a simple model made from a commercial pattern.
I saw this one on Instagram and was immediately in love with the embroidery on the belt and cuffs. The whole thing is just so elegant and looks deceivingly simple while still being intricate.
The delicate, airy drape of this gown contrasted with the structure of fthe belt and cuffs is perfect! The embroidery and beading is exquisite and looks so delightfully vintage!!
That belt and that bow in the back! It’s just so breathtaking. The colour combination, the subtle shapes and the embroidery everything is just so very well put together. I love this so much.
This is so perfect! Everything about this dress is in such a wonderful harmony, I’m totally in love with the draping and lovely details… Seems to me as if an Alfons Mucha painting came alive.
This is an incredible design, and your construction and draping is lovely!