FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
The Taste of Red
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
My world embodies gothic horror under a veneer of surrealism. It’s a sumptuous ensemble in monochromatic reds, dripping with sensuality and armor inspired strength. My universe is a collector’s dream with a timeless creature holding onto styles found over centuries. This design feeds my desire for an eclectic mix of sharp amid soft. It’s influenced by historical eras from the late 1800s, though the 1940s. I was most lured by Eiko Ishioka’s designs from The Fall, Dracula, and The Cell. I was similarly enthralled by the costuming and ambiance of the film Crimson Peak. The look entices with glittering beadwork, supple satin textures, iridescent silk, and delicately draped chain. I challenged myself with more complex patterning, construction, fabrics, and finishes. I’m infatuated with the aura of the finished outfit.
Outline the construction…
I love creating wearable separates that come together as a striking design.
The waist cincher is an 1890s pattern with 3 pieces and no instructions. I removed the sash and bow, for a more armor-like look and adjusted the fit. It has an interfaced cotton canvas interlining, encased boning channels, and horsehair braid on the bottom edge. The outer fabric is a color shifting (red to blue) silk. Those layers are sewn at the waist then hand beaded with faceted glass beads and a braided gimp waistband detail. Its lining is hand stitched in poly satin.
The blouse is from VIkiSews on Etsy in a red poly satin. I altered it for a puff sleeve and narrow shoulder with a slit at the arm cuff. All edges are concealed in facings, cuffs, french seams, or bias tape. It has button loops with red buttons.
The trousers are Simplicity S9715 in a poly crepe. It’s adjusted for a side seam pocket and an added 3 inches to the waist for extra height and sitting room. All edges are overlocked.
All garments have a custom printed logo tag.
My complete vision includes jewelry. I created a harness necklace with faceted glass bead chains, gold chains, and teardrop beads. It’s adjustable at the neck and under the arm. I finished the look with matching hair pins as well as beaded earrings.
Beautiful, that jewellery piece is my favourite, it really brings the look to new highs, loving the monochromatic red vibe.
Beautiful design, and impeccable construction and finish – really lovely work!