JUDITH MARKICH - PROJECT DOLLWAY AND OTHER EVENTS

Charity Auction - Salvation Army - Earthquake Victims

2008-06-29T16:23:00.001-07:00

I was very happy to be able to participate in a set of four auctions of repainted Ellowyne dolls with OOAK outfits and lots of other goodies. I made this outfit to go on a beautiful repaint by Cindy Lorimer. It is being modelled by my "Red White and Very Blue" before being sent to Cindy for her final destination.

The outfit consists of a halter neck dress with pearl, sequin and tiny bead and embroidery detail on the bodice and has pearl straps.

The skirt and jacket have a delicate floral print and a tiny flower and pearl brooch stitched at the collar of the jacket. Both the skirt and jacket are lined.

Tied loosely at the high waist is a large pale blue silk chiffon tie falling softly at the front of the dress.

The jacket has swing back giving the outfit a sassy profile to match the swing of the skirt. Gathers over the shoulders of the sleeves and the neck hugging collar give the outfit it's Edwardian overtones.

The outfit is completed with pearl earrings and a reversible pill box handbag (non working). One side has the fabric of the skirt and jacket and the reverse side has the embroidered chiffon with pearl trim drops from the centre. Blue satin separates the two sides with a pearl trim.

As it is common for Ellowyne to have a poem this model is no exception. :-)

Hope you like her as much as I enjoyed creating this outfit. It is such a good cause.

Click on the images to enlarge them

Dollz in Oz- "Mardi Gras Mystique" Convention

2008-03-03T19:28:00.001-08:00

The Dollz in Oz "Mardi Gras Mystique" Convention held in Sydney on 1st and 2nd March was a huge success and everyone went away with swags of goodies. There were raffles, giveaways and prizes awarded to everyone just for being there:-)
We had talks from the Integrity team and their Convention doll "High Gloss" Agnes was introduced (pictures left and below). Doug James gave us the latest news on his Gabby and CED dolls, Josef Szekeres filled us in on his journey with the Elizabet Bizette line of dolls. Pat Henry showed a film on Hollywood Costumes. It was great to meet her after all this time with Project Dollway.
It was a fun filled 2 days and we were sorry to see it come to an end. I now have MANY more dolls to dress. Before PD I didn't have one doll smaller that 16" now it seems they have become part of the family and dressing them doesn't seem quite so frightening any more.
Below are the pictures of the 3 dolls I dressed for the Convention to be sold in a silent auction. They raised lots of money and are now settled in their new homes. It was great to be able to help The Aids Foundation with my work.

These photos and more can be viewed in my webshots albums http://community.webshots.com/user/airess20

Click on the pictures for enlargements

"VA VA VOOM"

Encompassing the colors of Mardi Gras this outfit is beaded from head to foot! Ru Paul is the perfect model. The dress is strapless and made of black dupioni silk and then fully beaded with vintage glass beads and tiny sequins. It is lined with the same silk as the cape.I think the gown speaks for itself. The cape is also black silk and lined with bright pink silk. The stripes radiating from the back neck morph from one color to the next on a bias tape. The curled ribbon "sleeves" are attached to elastics that slip around the arm and hold the cape in place. Black beads on nylon thread cascade carelessly from the curls. The centre back of the cape is embellished with an applique butterfly with another applique of gold on top to match the butterfly in the mask. The cape can be removed to allow the gown to stand on its own in its simplicity for more restrained occasions :-) The neck piece and bracelet are made of unusual vintage silver beads sewn in a triangle pattern to fine tape and given it's sparkle with tiny sequins. Her hair has been plaited and beaded and finished with a black silk headband also beaded and sequined with two bead tails falling from one side. The finishing touch to this outfit is the sceptre holding the mask. The mask is gold with beads and ribbon peaking from one of the wing tips. The sceptre is finished with silver thread twined up the length and bead trims at the top and bottom. This costume is now in a private collection.

"MYSTIQUE" - The Spirit of Mardi Gras

This outfit takes its inspiration from the history of Mardi Gras, combining details from different periods into a costume that embodies the overall feel. She hides many tales behind the mask!

The costume is made up of a jacket, pantaloons and cape. The jacket has puff lace sleeves lined in deep red organza with cream braid and diamante trim. The deep neckline and sleeve and jacket hems have a tiny organza frill trim. There is a silver ribbon trim around the armholes with a bow finish at the shoulders. The same bow trims the front of the jacket where it fastens.The jacket is finished with a black and silver belt with a silver crescent moon buckle with a chain and bead trim looping under it.The pantaloons have the same effect as the sleeves with the organza filling the pantaloons the give them fullness. They are 3/4 length with silver cuffs sitting over the black boots. There is a buckle trim on the front of the boots.The back of the pants has a large silk bow attached making it impossible to see she is wearing pants from the back and giving the outfit its feminine side.The cape is black with a silver lining and silver butterflies adorning the outside. It has a long hood with tassle that cascades down the back when hanging and provides the air of secrecy when worn. It is attached with a silver chain. "Mystique" is now in a private collection.

"PERIDOT"

This outfit is made up of a bubble mini dress witha cut net trim on the underskirt.

There is a tiny black bead finish on the sweetheart neckline and black ribbon ties criss cross through silver loops at the sides and tie at the waistline. Matador pants are worn underneath with with stretch fishnet inserts at the sides to achieve a tight fit. A stretch lace edging finishes the look with tiny gold beads. Gene wears a bicorn hat with a rosette of dress fabric and ribbon and net trim. She holds a mask with curled ribbon and a single bell on a silver chain for effect. Round her neck she sports a net ruff with a tiny hidden sequin trim that glints in the light. The outfit has black fishnet mittens to achieve an overall "Mardi Gras" vision. She is now in a private collection.

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Now that this Convention is over I am hoping to get onto my own range and update my website with something new and exciting.

Watch this space :-) .................................................

Judith

PROJECT DOLLWAY - Challenge 10 - "The Covers" Collection

2008-01-14T21:32:00.000-08:00

When Ted told me I was one of the 3 finalists in Project DollwayI was thrilled, but then it hit me. I had to ACTUALLY produce a collection! It's one thing designing a garment with an idea of what the collection would entail........ it's another issue to GO THERE! I started by collecting all the fabrics I thought would be a possibility together and laying them on the table. I gathered all my magazines, sketches, and other reference material I had drawn on for Gabby and started sketching an overall representation of how I wanted the collection to appear. Well that changed..... and changed .....and changed :-) This was a daunting task. I wanted to please everybody but stay true to the "voice" within me. The end result is my compromise between the two. I have tried to combine just a little theatre into a wearable collection. Below are some rough sketches of intended designs. You will notice there are styles there that got lost along the way :-) I decided on a name for my collection because it makes me feel closer to my "vision" . This meant each design also had to have an identity.:-) I have used "COVERS" as the title of the collection because the accessories of sunglasses, umbrella, hats & masks are all part of that vision. (and I liked it LOL)

Now, a few notes about my collection. None of the outfits on Ted's runway show my earrings because it wasn't possible to get them on under the wig and Christina's ears aren't pierced. As the whole doll wasn't available until Ted started dressing her no one knew this would be the case. You will see them all on my models. In some cases they are an important accessory to the outfit as it is the only jewellery. I will note this on these designs. The composite pictures at the beginning of each design are the Christina body but I have photoshopped a head onto one model to get the effect of hats and jewellery. The single pictures below are my Tonner dolls dressed up to the nines and veeeery happy :-) As you can see the outfits are just as impressive on both body types.
I hope you enjoy my collection as much as I enjoyed the challenge it presented. The show begins with Gabby, followed by the notes on my overall vision for the collection. Then sit back, relax, and hopefully enjoy viewing and reading about each design. After the final gown is presented you will see the accessories "on parade" in a single picture. That is followed by 6 mix and match outfit examples taken from the range. I didn't have time to dress the actual dolls before the collection was sent so I have represented them using my old friend Photoshop. :-) As you will see the collection is very versatile.
When you have finished here you may want to visit my Webshots album. I have uploaded photos taken during the manufacture of the collection. You will see outfits that didn't make it to the runway and designs in progress. It was a challenge narrowing the collection down to just 12 outfits and retaining the continuity as most collections are much larger and flow more naturally.

http://community.webshots.com/user/airess20

I think that's all the housekeeping :-)

ENJOY!

“THE “COVERS" COLLECTION”

This collection takes its lead from the initial design I presented for the Gabby Challenge. It can best be described as feminine chic with clean line silhouettes. The fabric choices include silk dupion, silk chiffon, lace, delustred satin and a semi-sheer spot.
The styling ranges from elegant daywear through to cocktail chic and encompassing full length evening wear.
I have used continuing elements to different extents to ensure smooth transitions throughout the collection. Each design has been produced as a standalone outfit within the collection.
The design elements that appear throughout the collection include
· Pleats
· Lace trims
· Reverse strapping
· Skinny belts
Other design details appear to slip in and out without an obvious continuation but give the collection a closer bond. These include:
· Shawl collars
· Frills
· Panelled bodices
· Tiny bows
· Bubble sleeves and skirts

There is a definite mix and match ability incorporated into the collection for commercial viability.
The order of each outfit on the runway has been specifically designed to follow the style and color detailing but presenting variety with the appearance of each model on the runway.
The hats, handbags and jewellery are important accessories and are used to complete the outfits that feature them.
The umbrella, sunglasses and masks are for RUNWAY PRESENCE .
I have used different fabrics and textures to produce the necessary variety within my collection. This allowed me to keep my color choices simple, but effective.
My collection is young, sophisticated and chic with feminine detailing. It could easily be transposed into different color combinations without losing the effect of the styling.
A collection with a vintage feel and a contemporary vibe!

Introducing the "Covers" collection.

Click on all pictures for enlargements

#1 - Bathed in Blue

Dupion silk dress and jacket with matching hat and handbag. The bodice is a black and white mini spot polyester tied down with silk at the bust. The spot is carried through to the crown of the hat and as trim on the handbag. The shoulder straps are fine elastic doubled through a tiny loop and joining at the back of the neck. The hat has a silk bow trim at the back and a fine net over the eyes (remember "Covers" :-) The lower jacket sleeves are circular cut and "bubbled" back into a spot lining inside the sleeve. This silk is perfect for this style and shape. The lining of the skirt has a lace trim peeping below the hemline. Our model wears a pendant around her neck to finish the ensemble.This outfit personifies the elegant theme of the collection and so is first on the runway

#2 - Butterfly Effect

Broad brimmed straw hat above a black dupion silk jacket with a shawl collar emulating the jacket from the first outfit . Again we have lace trim but this time on the bottom frill of the skirt . The same spot fabric is used in the skirt which is introducing frills that will play a small part throughout the collection. The frills fall from a fitted hipband to reduce any bulk and keep a clean silhouette.There is also a lace trim inside the neck of the collar. Our model carries a handbag that gives this design it's name :-) I have dropped the blue from this outfit and featured the spot to add a contrast between the styles either side on the runway. I wanted to maintain a variety without compromising the collection. Each outfit shouldn't be dependent on the one before or after for impact. I ensured each design contained the connecting styling or fabric elements to make the collection cohesive but versatile. Silver hoop earrings complete the jewellery.

# 3 - Uptown Swing

Back to the blue silk and this outfit takes the shawl collar from the last design and the pleats from the first outfit and introduces the skinny belt which will play an important role throughout the collection.Under the coat is the skirt from the next style on the runway.There are slot pockets in the front panel seams leading to the pleats. Our model is carrying a black suede bag with blue silk backing behind the punched holes to carry the spot theme. There is a pocket at the back which holds the magazine. (essential reading :-) She carries the umbrella in case anyone decides to" rain on her parade" LOL

# 4 - Class Act

Now the spots get their moment to shine. :-) This outfit is a two piece skirt and top. The bubble sleeves are a progression from the first outfit and the broad brim hat is back.The top crosses over and gathers into the sideseam with a lace trim on the hemline.The skirt is bias cut and again has the lace edging, following the hemline silhouette of the first three styles.Skinny ribbon ties are introduced on the sleeves. Another suede handbag with holes punched.Our model wears a matching earrings and necklace set.

#5 - Cocktail Candy

With this style we move from daywear to the cocktail hour with a design in a combination of blue and black silk with lace frills. It's hard to see the detail on the skirt but it is much softer in reality as the lace frilling is sheer on the black silk base. This is where the strapping from the Gabby outfit is reintroduced threading through tiny silver rings at the neckline with a diamante trim. We have a crossover bodice as seen in the last design and a corset style fit. The waist is trimmed with tiny ribbon ties from a silver and diamante adornment at the front waist.The evening bag is black silk with a matching rose on the front and ribbon trim. It has a silver clasp and a tiny diamante set like a dewdrop in the centre of the flower :-) Our model wears large hoop earrings as her only jewellery.

# 6 - Rendevous

We are now at the half way point in the collection and at this stage I am introducing an evening gown taking inspiration from the first five designs. This progresses from the previous cocktail outfit and displays all the feminine chic displayed in the collection so far. The gown is in silk chiffon with fine lace panels and lace trim. The bodice is taken from the first outfit with diamante trim at the front neckline and a bead and silver chain halter strap joining with a clasp at the back neck, emulating a necklace. The beading configuration matches the earrings. The same corset style bodice is used and the ribbon trim at the hipline is the same as the previous style. The jacket is also in silk chiffon. It is the same style as used in the first outfit(without the shawl collar) It has filmy bubble sleeves and tiny ribbon trim.The back of the dress has tiny beads down the opening.The gown is lined with blue to make a focal point of the pattern in the lace and blending it to the chiffon panels. Christina's accessory for the runway is my liitle piece of theatre in the mask she carries. :-). From here we head in a slightly different direction but taking many of the same elements with us. We go back to daywear and introduce burgundy to the colour palette. The powder blue silk transforms into a more muted shade in a soft satin back crepe. Both surfaces of this fabric will be utilized in the second half of the collection.

# 7 - In the Bag

Back to daywear and pants are next onto the runway. Black silk carries through here and burgundy silk is introduced. The Gabby strapping will be predominant throughout the rest of the collection with blue and black reversing. Here we have a similar bodice to our cocktail dress with a lace trim round the hem. A tiny black belt finishes the waist. Black neck straps thread though a tiny silver ring and travel over the shoulder in blue. Our model wears a cap with blue brim lined and stitched in black with a lace crown tying at the back in a knot.She carries a black suede shoulder bag with insert strips of blue and burgundy. It closes with a strap and buckle.She wears silver leaf drop earrings.(The burgundy is a much brighter shade as you will see when you reach the final design.)

# 8 - Cool ..............

The next three outfits present themselves as a set within the collection. They just seemed to flow from one to the next in a natural progression. They all utilize black silk in the bodice and the crepe surface of the blue fabric in the skirt. This style has the reverse strapping through tiny silver rings at the straight neckline. It is a separate bodice meeting the skirt at the waist. The skirt is a wrap style with a small pleat at the waist for texture. Under the skirt is a separate stretch black lace petticoat for modesty but the skirt could be worn without it:-) The hat has a black crown and a blue stitched brim with black underneath. It is bound in black with a burgundy organza flower trim at the back. I must say I loved the way the handbag turned out with this outfit. It is made of faux leather and suede with bead and buckle trim. I liked the unusual shape I was able to create. This model wears a silver pendant, and,as with the next two models, is wearing sunglasses ("Covers" Collection :-) )

# 9 - Calm .....................

The second in the Cool......Calm.......and Collected set! This design is made as a dress but could just as easily have been done as a skirt and top as in the previous style for mix and match purposes. The strapping on this outfit is the same as the last style but the black and blue are reversed with the blue going round the neck. The bodice is almost a sweetheart neck but more subtle and the skirt harks back to the first half of the collection with frills lined in the fine lace from the evening gown and a slip with a lace trim peeping from below the hem. A skinny burgundy belt is sported at the waist. This hat has a wide brim with blue on top and black underneath with a stretch lace binding. It has a black crown and the same burgundy organza flower trim. The handbag is black suede with burgundy ribbon trim and featuring my little bit of theatre :-) Our model wears large silver hoop earrings with a silver disc dropping in the centre. I think they are important to the overall appearance of this outfit. Sunglasses wrap up this outfit for our model's day in the spotlight!

#10 .....................and Collected

Number three of this set hits the runway! This is a dress but, as before, could just as easily be produced as a skirt and top. It has a different treatment at the neckline leaving way for a reverse strapped halter. This makes the back straps blue on one side and black on the other. They are finished off with tiny ribbon bows. Back to the bubble effect with the skirt but not too full. The lining is cut shorter to allow for a small pouch and give the skirt its shape. A wide panel at the hem is trimmed with narrow ribbon and a bow and there is a lace edging. Another skinny burgundy belt.The hat combined with this outfit has a burgundy crown with the same fine lace overlay. The curved brim is blue on top and black underneath with a stretch lace bind as an edging.The same burgundy organza flower trim sits in the dip of the brim. The handbag is made in the same fabric as the skirt with black suede trim and blue buckle. Silver grey chain finishes the look and matches the silver grey ball earrings with a mesh cover. Nearly all the handbags are workable and this one is no exception. The shoes have black stretch lace over the front with tiny silver rings holding the elastic straps and silver toggles at the back of the ankles.Again our model is incognito:-)

#11 - Crossing the Line

We are nearing the end of the collection and it's time to present the evening wear. This gown consolidates the fabrics and elements present throughout the collection. All the colors are used and brought together in a dramatic vista of style and panache.The single skinny band starts at the back armhole and crosses the front neckline, attaches into the sideseam before crossing back under the bust. The bands are burgundy on one side and the other side is made of the shiny satin surface of the crepe. Silver rings enable the band to reverse as it it tavels down the bodice criss crossing to maximum effect. The rings are held into the sideseam with tiny black ribbon loops.The back neckline finishes in a "v" with a zipper leading into a burgundy panel (you can't see :-( ) overlayed with the fine black lace cut into a circular panel inserted into the seam. It has a small train and lace edging. Our model wears burgundy and silver drop ball earrings to great effect and carries a burgundy clutch purse with the same banding trim and tiny bow feature. A little bit of drama in the mask :-)

# 12 - Belle of the Ball

The finale in the collection goes to this evening gown with a difference. I wanted it to be feminine but maintain the sleek silhouette and fit. I chose to go right back to the beginning with the jacket styling. I have evolved the look into a chic evening jacket with a small shawl collar and a wide lace trim to frame the neck. The jacket is almost a halter cut but retains the armholes to make the feature back dominant as our model turns on the catwalk. :-) It has diamante buttons and buckle on a tiny black satin belt. The diamante pin on the collar matches the two belt trims used in earlier designs. The triangle cutout in the back has black lace trim to frame the elegant highlight of this jacket.(The color in the closeups of this design is the closest to the true shade of the burgundy. It is a vibrant color not obvious in most of the pictures. ) The skirt to this outfit is made on the satin side of the fabric giving it a silver sheen appropriate for evening wear. The bubble skirt is cut very long on a full circle and then darted all around the hem to give a bell effect. It is then gathered onto a lining in an A-line shape and cut a lot shorter than the satin. Both were cut longer at the back to attain the slight train. The effect I wanted to achieve from this is evident in the way the skirt falls. It sits out nicely and moves and poses really well. It is incredibly full and I was happy with the result. There is no bulk at the waist so I was able to retain a fabulous silhouette. The clutch bag is black velvet with bead and diamante trim and a diamond -;) clasp. Our closing model wears a diamante necklace and carries my final thread back to theatre, the mask.
Below this last design you will see all the accessories dispalyed together and six mix and match outfits I have put together as an example to show the versatility of the collection.

Accessories on Parade.

Double your Designs with Mix and Match!

Left - #1 dress and #2 jacket

Right - #2 skirt and #4 top

Left - # 7 top and #4 skirt

Right - #5 dress and #1 jacket

Left - #4 top and #8 skirt

Right # 2 jacket and #7 pants

And so ends my collection

Thank you for sharing it with me.

Judith

Challenge 9 - Gabby

2008-01-09T12:45:00.000-08:00

Well here we are at the the last challenge before the final three designers produce a collection. Where to start was my initial dilemma. I think it might have been a color scheme that initiated the process.I decided on powder blue silk, not only because I love the color but because it is an easy shade to wear, no matter what the doll coloring might be. It would certainly suit Gabby's coloring. My complement for this would be black and I used lace to add texture.
With all that sorted I embarked on my perilous journey. :-) What would I use as the ongoing elements in a collection and what would personify this in a single garment? I wanted to give myself latitude so that my final design had enough detail to allow for a collection with a lot of variety.
This was no easy task and not having the doll added to the difficulty! So, with all the fabrics and trims laid out before me I decided on my design detail.
Tiny belt, reverse strapping, panels and pleats, lace trims, silver rings, layers, feature earrings and handbag. A lot of detail but I think it comes together well without being obvious. It had to work as a stand alone outfit, even within a collection.
With all that in mind here are a couple of pics of the outfit in progress followed by the notes on my design and the picture gallery below.

GABBY CHALLENGE

The design style I have used for my collection can best be described as feminine chic with a clean line silhouette. Silk fits this appearance perfectly.
The elements I have embodied to run through the range are evident in the outfit I have elected to represent the whole collection. I have chosen to go with this silk and lace dress as the elements of the collection can be clearly observed within this outfit. I have incorporated a sparingly used contrast of black for a dramatic outcome. A glimpse of lace at the hem to produce a layered effect and add an understated sexiness which will play a more predominant role in additional pieces in the collection.
I envisage the powder blue evolving into silver for some of the styling while maintaining the black for impression. The predominant components of the collection will be: reverse strapping , skinny belts, layering and pleating to varying degrees throughout with silver trimmings. There will be a mix and match ingredient with most pieces showing great versatility.
My inspiration for this collection is a look that is young but sophisticated and chic. A blend of the elegant and alluring, with trim and tailored styling. A range for the “woman” who loves fashion but is not dictated to by it. I want it to have a slice of fun amidst femininity but still comprise beautiful pieces. Perhaps a vintage feel with a more contemporary vibe.

Click on pictures for enlargements

Challenge 8 - Kish

2008-01-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

Erte has been my inspiration since I started designing for fashion then film. I have designed many films set in the twenties period and his attention to detail has given me lots of ideas for trims and special features that I was able to convert and use in my costumes.
When this challenge was announced I was really excited and set about finding the reference piece I would use as my inspiration for the challnege gown
I have about 15 books of his work and it was with great pleasure I sat down to have a good read :-). There was so much to choose from that in the end it was a hard decision. I like his stark contrast in color and style and wanted to use that aspect of his work. He also uses a lot of silver and gold so when I came across this sculpture I knew it embodied the ideas I wanted to use without turning it into a costume.
Below is my chosen sculpture plus a couple of designs that were a possibility along the way but ended up being not quite what I wanted.

I used black satin for the gown with a silver metallic knit for the binding on all the edges. The hardest part was the inserts of sheer on the bodice. Getting the fit with the tiny pieces meant throwing darts everywhere:-). They are connected by diamantes across the sheer panels. The scarf is very long in sheer black georgette with the same bind on the edges. It has a silver pendant on each end with a crystal and ruby to finish it off. This is then draped over the head and around the arm to give the appearance of a turban and an off the shoulder sleeve. The gown itself is lined with the sheer georgette.
Here are some working pics.

This was one of my favourite challenges and I was so pleased to still be a part of Project Dollway and get the chance to do this gown. Below is the design the way I pictured it to be. As I didn't have the Kish doll I was hoping that it would look the same when Ted came to dress her.

Here she is with her notes. Click on pictures for enlargements

THE ERTE CHALLENGE

Using Erte’s “Pearls and Diamonds” as my reference for this challenge I wanted to create a timeless beauty amid modern aesthetic. The sculpture is done in black and gold but I have chosen to use silver trim to match the coloring of the Kish doll being used as the model. Erte is all about bias and drapery and I have based my design on these features.
I wanted to make a fitted and elegant bodice shape on the bias and combine his renowned draping into the skirt with the fullness in one side only. This allows the split to open during spontaneous movement. I have combined a silver trim on most edges to outline the flowing lines in this gown.
The accompanying scarf has been designed as an ornament of sophisticated whimsy. It can be swathed and coiled to become an apparition of the sleeve and turban in the original sculpture. The fantasy of this is the ability to take on many different guises without compromising the style and grace of the gown (which can also be worn alone with understated elegance ). The scarf has an inserted silver trim and silver pendants suspended each end with crystal and ruby drops.
I chose a soft satin for this gown and everything was cut on the bias. The scarf is in georgette, as is the lining of the skirt. Erte’s work is very curvilinear and these fabrics adapt very well to this styling.
I have embellished the bodice with crystals that appear to join each panel over the flesh colored inserts.
Adapting a gown using Erte as a reference has been a very enjoyable challenge!

Challenge 7 - Veronique

2007-12-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

Instead of the blue tones from a night sky I decided to use the colours that moonlight reflects on the earth. The silvers and golds through to the aubergine of the shadows of the night. The dusty tones of the Lunar Moth. This is my "joie de vivre"- the colors that still remain in the moonlight. I wanted a tiered effect with darker tones progressing through to silver. I figured there was some magic with this challenge and a little bit of fantasy was called for on my part. :-)
Finding the colors I wanted was very difficult and not exactly the shades I would have chosen but I am happy with the end result and I think Veronique would be very happy strolling along the beach at midnight listening to the "Moonlight Sonata" :-)

I had a lot of problems in the construction of this gown but that was mostly because I changed things midstream and ended up with everything being done in the wrong order :-( There is no time for remaking on these challenges! Below are my working pix and the final outfit shots along with my notes for this challenge.

the lunar moth

click on pictures for enlargements

INTRODUCING
The “Joie De Vivre” collection

The Joie de Vivre Collection has a certain “je ne sais quoi” quality, an exclusiveness difficult to describe but exuding an unrestrained sensation of free spirited charisma.
This can be witnessed in the Centrepiece gown, Veronique in “Clair de Lune” . She is the essence of joie de vivre. Passionate, sophisticated, carefree and liberated. In a previous life she might have performed the French Can Can at the Moulin Rouge, swishing layer upon layer of frilly skirts high in the air.
Her gown has evolved into a transforming tone of colored frills to suggest the shades of moonlight cascading from silver ,though gold to the darkest shadows on the bottom frill. The delustred satin shimmers as moonbeams bounce on the frills as she glides along.
Her corseted silk bodice brings a sense of stability to the gown, with silver thread completing the panels. There is added detail with tiny rouleau buds gracing the front and back bodice as if still emerging into life.
The front décolleté has a tiny crystal in the centre of the bud gleaming like a moondrop when the light strikes it. Veronique wears a crystal necklet on invisible thread. The crystals seem fall from nowhere .
She holds a purse made up of rays from the colors in her skirt, and there is a crystal clasp at the top.

The “joie de vivre” collection will truly be a sensory feast for the fashionistas!

Challenge 6 - Alex

2007-11-29T16:48:00.001-08:00

This challenge has been the most difficult for me to date. As a period costume designer I wanted to follow that path, but the choices were so many and I confused myself so much that I decided comtemporary was the way to go.

The choice of Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" came when I started thinking about scenes from movies as opposed to the movie in it's entireity. This was not because I loved the movie but because I thought I could redesign her costume successfully. The jewellery scene just seemed the right way to go, so that's where I went :-)

After 3 days searching for the right fabric (What was the right fabric?) I was left without as much time as I would have liked to produce the gown. This challenge came together as the construction progressed. I was happy with my finished gown. I achieved the results I was after for this scene of the film. My explanation for what I have designed is below.

Click on pictures for enlargements
VIVIAN
"Do I look okay?"

EDWARD
"Hmm .......... Let's see ........... no, there's something missing"

That's when Edward produces the jewellery box with the diamonds

The original gown designed for this scene was red with white gloves. I have changed both these colors to sea green and black, respectively. I have done this because I feel red was not the best choice of color, as it conveys the trappings of “prostitution” which is the last impression this scene is trying to communicate. I have used black gloves instead of white because they are more subtle and shouldn’t be the centre of attention - white cannot help but stand out on screen. I also felt the change of gown color was a better "fit" with the color of Julia Robert's hair. I was looking for an overall impact when she appeared at the doorway in the hotel.
With the design I wanted to present Vivian as a "princess for the night” with just a little fantasy thrown in, so the gown is very feminine without losing the contemporary style features. She must look elegant and sculpted. I have used a more tailored silhouette with feminine adornments.
I thought the original gown was perhaps a little fussy with fabric falling from the wrong position ( the stomach area). I have kept the frill and rose trim to the bottom of the gown giving a simplicity of line to all close and medium shots with just the roses at the shoulders and necklace for detail. This allows the jewellery to shine but adds interest and movement to the full length camera angles. The décolleté neckline of the gown presents a flattering line and leaves a bare shoulder area for the necklace.
My gown is in dupion silk because this fabric is chameleon in its colors and changes with the lighting, animating the gown within its simplicity.
Some of the jewellery stones match the color of the silk, to pull the outfit together. It is an important part of the concept of the outfit so it was important that the gown and jewellery team together well. They were chosen that way by Edward in the film.

The georgette shawl was included for the scene where Vivian crosses the tarmac to the private jet. This is purely for effect as it will flutter in the breeze and the setting sun will make it transparent.
The sea green color I have chosen will stand out at the Opera amongst the other cast members (men in black and white, women in neutral shades) without being “in your face”, and remain very elegant. Only the language coming out of her mouth gives her away.

That's my "take" on how the scene could be presented.

Below are my pictures.
Click on them for enlargements

"CUT"
"PRINT"

"THAT'S A WRAP"

"PRETTY WOMAN"

starring Alex as Vivian

Costumes designed by

Judith :-)

Susie wins the Home Vote - Awesome

2007-11-28T17:14:00.000-08:00

Thank you soooo much for voting Susie the winner of the home vote. All the designs for this challenge were amazing.

Judith :-)

Challenge 5 - Susie

2007-11-28T13:51:00.001-08:00

This challenge was one of my favorites. I loved "Adaptations" as a subject in Design School so this outfit was going to be fun to create. Right from the start I decided Greece was the country I wanted to use. I love ancient greek costume and Susie from RandD Angel was the perfect model to show off my design.

The outfit had to be white and I decided ALL white was the way to go.I didn't want to introduce a color because I wanted a uniform look. My biggest problem was finding the right scale lace for the hem trim and it didn't happen until late in the day. I had already made up a skirt in a larger scale lace and every time I looked at it I cringed. After days of searching I found what I considered the perfect trim because even the pattern of the lace had a greek flavor! The design itself looks quite simple but there are a lot of different pieces put together to achieve the final effect. I used ribbons, cord, crinkle cotton and embroidered cotton and lace, but I think they all blended together nicely.

Before I started I asked family and friends what "white and pleats" evoked in the way of countries and most of them said Greece, so I went with that as a premise to build on. This is some of my reference material.

Below are pictures of my work in progress. No one has feet as small as Susie!

You can see the difference in the first lace trim and the one I ended up using.

This is how Susie presented herself in Athens and the notes and more pictures are below

Click on the images for enlargements

Angel in Athens

Susie flew into Athens like a breath of fresh air.

Her new outfit is inspired by characteristics of the costumes of ancient Greece.
She borrowed from the ancient flavor:

Pleats

Pure white
Sandals

Layers

Textures

Ribbons and braids

*Her outfit consists of a halter top with ribbon edged pleats and ribbon and cord ties at the neck

*A double layer skirt with crinkle cotton overlay and a lace edged under skirt

*Tiny stretch lace shorts for modesty.

*White sandals

*Sunglasses

*Bead bangle

*Clear plastic bag ( to maintain the "no" color look) containing the essentials for a girl in Greece
Money, map & mobile :-)

And there you have it. My intrepid little traveller in Athens.

Judith :-)

Challenge 4 - Tyler

2007-11-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

The larger than life challenge!

It took me quite a while to decide on which fabrics to use. I even searched the curtain and manchester departments in the fabric store. Most of these fabrics were just too heavy to use on a doll this size, although there were some very interesting machine embroidered pillowcases and sheets.
I ended up with clear bright colors because I thought they would be more effective and have a better overall effect for the finished design. We were given directions to use the silhouettes provided in the photos so that was inhibiting to begin with and as it turns out shouldn't have been because I could have expanded on that and not been quite so literal. That said I went ahead and chose a big black and white spot with red and white accent colors in the applique.

I started off with everything including the kitchen sink and then began removing pieces until I was left with a more wearable creation :-) When I had finally decided on my design it was then time to start the applique. Well, this gown gave me more grief in the sewing department that the first 3 challenges put together. I think my machines decided they had done enough tricky stuff and spat the dummy! Especially when it came to the butterfly crossing from the bodice to the skirt!

The overlocker played up, the satin stitch played up and even the zip broke AFTER I had put it in! The mittens were a nightmare. This little baby was just jinxed in the sewing department.

Sewing aside, I did enjoy the challenge of using an oversized print to advantage on this gown. I was also able to incorporate some of my favourite selections in design i.e. spots, butterflies, black, red and white in combination and using cotton as a fabric base.

My notes are below with my reasoning behind the design and photos of the finished outfit.

Click on the images for enlargements.

FLIGHT OF FANCY

I wanted to create something that was elegant, striking and audacious. I believe my oversized print presents the perfect opportunity to introduce bright, bold colors. Black, red and white were my choice as I felt they made a wonderful contrasting statement.

The "element" I have used is the butterfly silhouette applique splashed on the bodice and edging onto the pleats of the skirt. I love the essence of liberty and reckless abandon that the butterfly symbolizes. I have combined this image with the soaring wings of the giant white bird, again symbolic of freedom and a sense of adventure without constraints.

The eye mask and mittens add to the overall effect without detracting from the contrast elements in the gown. They are a subtle addition that I feel add a sense of theatre and an air of mystery to the complete story.

I have carefully used silhouette styling to make my statement through color and size, and have adhered to a distinct Japanese flavor mostly through my chosen colors and the use of the butterfly motif.

I have kept my applique to the front of the ball gown as the print is quite large and I believe the back of the gown benefits from the monotones with a surprise "element" observed as the gown swirls and twirls on the dance floor!

I used a simple but elegant cut for my gown to allow the print and appliques to dominate.

There you have it. My Tyler challenge.

Judith

WoW!! Barbie wins the home vote.

2007-11-15T15:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you everybody for your support of my Little Black Dress.

It's so great to get such positive feedback on your work.

Judith :-)

Barbie wins the LBD plus one challenge

2007-11-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

I am over the moon with my win in this challenge. I really feel I have accomplished a lot having not worked with this smaller size doll before. To have your work recognised in this way is the ultimate accolade and to be in the company of such wonderful designers is in itself a huge honor.

Although she is VERY small Silkstone Barbie has a beautifully shaped body that lends itself to great silhouette designing. I am very particular about fit and I found her curves really great to mould the fabric around.The shape and proportion of a doll (along with the right fabric) makes a huge difference to the final appearance of an outfit.

I think all the designers did a wonderful job. Kimberly with the fabulous pleated insert, Mario & Gianni with the amazing detailed stitching, Debbie (cool color choice :-) has a great hem treatment, Karen with her gold accent color, Brenda's unique accessories, Leigh's lovely shoulder straps, Safina with the sheer midriff panel, Brandon I loved the dipped hemline, Jose's unique silhouette and I loved Andrea's neckline treatment and tiny red belt.

I am really sorry to see Safina go. She and Christopher have made some wonderful outfits and it's a shame anyone has to go! I hope you will both stay with us for the rest of the competition!

Ted, thank you for your mentoring along the way. It's good to know there is someone behind you who is there in times of need, even if it is only to listen to a vent :-)

Thank you again to everybody contributing at home. You have made me feel like part of a big family and have been so positive with all your comments for all the designers. I'm looking forward to seeing the home challenge entries and what you have all come up with. Please feel free to add comments here on my blog. I welcome them.

What a wonderful journey this is!!

Judith :-)

Challenge 3 - Silkstone Barbie

2007-11-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

The Little Black Dress plus one challenge

I had a fairly good idea of the sort of outfit I wanted to create for this challenge but I started with fear and trepidation of working with this tiny doll. I needed to reduce the size of my fingers and my sewing machine :-)

Silk dupion was my fabric choice with satin trim on the dress straps and the jacket and lime green for the trim. At least it didn't take too much fabric so I had plenty when it was time to remake the jacket because my sewing was less than perfect. :-(

As I progressed into the challenge I found I was quite enjoying the way the silhouette was progressing. She has an excellent shape for dressing, no lumps and bumps and her curves are in all the right places :-)

I lined the dress in white which I would not normally do but because of staining issues I thought this was a better option.

The dress came together quite smoothly compared to the jacket, which was incredibly fiddly to do. The tiny sleeves had to overlap at the shoulder in a scallop and be set into the satin running round the arm. After a few attempts at this I was happy with the result. I like to play with jewellery along the way and as you can see from the working pictures this changed with the final outfit.
Overall I enjoyed this challenge when the fear of this size doll subsided and I realized she was a great model for any designer.

My notes are below with my reasoning behind the design and my photos of the finished outfit.

Here are some of the details

I have made my notes in point form for this challenge

I wanted a body hugging silhouette for this outfit that was obvious from all angles

I used a crop jacket so that the silhouette was still intact when it was worn
I made the jacket off the shoulder to leave the elegance of the bare shoulders unaltered
I decided on no headwear to make the outfit more contemporary

Leaf green was used as the secondary color because I wanted a more unusual contrast color but still bold

The satin and beaded trim was used to give the outfit texture without complicating the design and structure
I used the contrast in the lining of the jacket to add glimpses of colour with movement - not a static contrast

The main contrast used is contained in the accessories and shoes with the jewellery in a more transluscent shade to avoid an overwhelming effect on the outfit as a whole

There you have it. My Little Black Dress Plus One. Here are the pictures

Judith

Click on the pictures to enlarge

Ellowyne wins the home vote

2007-10-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who voted for my little artist.I really enjoyed this design as I thought the real challenge lay in meeting the criteria set down and still producing an attractive workable solution.
I'm looking forward to "The little black dress" challenge. I had never worked with anything smaller than a 16" doll before. That in itself was a REAL challenge :-)
Judith

Challenge 2 - Ellowyne

2007-10-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

After all the stress attached to the first challenge, and not being entirely happy with what I had produced, it was great to find Ellowyne was to be the 2nd challenge. I had recently discovered her and was enjoying interacting with her character in my creations for her.

I chose to go with Red White and Very Blue because I liked the story behind her poem, and the line"Dressed in my own designs so new" gave me the inspiration for both her outfit and the fact she could be an artist.

Between these challenges I had to travel to Hong Kong on business (after a short Hospital stay), so everything was happening for me :-). The great thing was I found the fabrics for her outfit in a fabulous little fabric shop in a side street somewhere in Hong Kong. I could have filled a few suitcases with some wonderful pieces but was stopped by a very mean husband. LOL

Back home and into the construction of my work of art! My original idea for the smock was to have a white smock with blue and red paint spattered over it but was told (rightly) this probably would not be a good idea if the outfits were being reproduced. Perhaps I'll do one anyway for my own benefit!

The outfit:

The smock is a stripe cotton in the same muted blue as the leggings, beret and dress lining. I didn't want a bright blue. The dress is also muted light blue brodrais anglais with the lining colour showing through the lace. The palette shaped pockets hold the painting rags and brushes.

The dress was not made as a formal evening dress, but an outfit a girl in her late teens would wear out at night. Befitting her age without being overdone. There are pockets in the sides of the skirt for poseability :-) I felt the styling of this outfit followed on from the original outfit Ellowyne is wearing in RWVB. I used red as the contrast only because of this.

I created the painting and the poem (time was running short by then :-) that Ellowyne would have done in her studio during the day.

The poem:

I paint with flair and from the heart,
It's obvious in all my art
My cat Sybil models today,
I think she'd rather preen and play!
But she will see when I am through,

How cute she lookis in red, white and blue

Click on the picture for enlargement.

Her storyline goes like this:

A Brush with Fame

Many critics have labeled my work "melancholy","morose" and "brooding". Well, perhaps they are right! Fruit bowls, sunsets and babbling brooks are of no interest to me.

My paintings portray my moods. They are evocative and unique.

I paint in 3 colors only, red for romance, passion and danger, white for emptiness, a peaceful void and I use blue to evoke melancholy and silence. These are my main themes.

I selected these colors for my outfit as they are the key behind the success of my greatest paintings.

Tonight is most important, and I will be rushing from my studio to the opening of my latest collection of work and I have created a truly memorable outfit for the occasion!

After I shed my painting smock, I will appear flamboyantly sassy in my little lace dress, in contrast to my work being displayed on the walls. "Who is she?" I will hear them whisper when they see me. I will keep them guessing :-)

My "arty" friends will adore my gorgeous handbag mimicking the paint pots in my studio. My beret will do a clever flip to reveal the matching lace and slide further back on my head.

I designed my earrings and had them made by a jeweller girlfriend of mine. How talented she is!

It's all red, white and sooooooo very blue!

The handbag

The earrings

The pockets

Wrong earrings! I changed them because I thought the scale was too large even though I loved them!

I am really happy with the the results of my work for this challenge - win or lose.

Judith

Challenge 1 - The Gene Challenge

2007-10-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

Still in a state of disbelief that I had been chosen as one of the twelve designers to compete in Project Dollway I embarked on the first challenge using Gene as my model. When I begin a design I tend to have both style and fabric in mind and then I head off to the fabric shops. This is where the first problem starts and compromise becomes part of the challenge. I settled on silk, pleated georgette and a shiny patent trim currently in fashion. With brief in hand I started work in fear and trepidation. I made the challenge much harder for myself than I should have. Instead of going with my instinct I thought more must be better and off I went. Well, the skirt changed a few times, the collar went everywhere it could just for fun and the when I finally decided on the skirt style I reduced the amount of fabric in it about 3 times. I should have known that when my outfit started out this way I was never going to be entirely happy with it. From all the designing I have done both in fashion and film the designs I am happiest with are the ones that bring themselves together as I work. They travel their own path and I provide the means to make them happen. Does that make sense? This challenge somehow went off on a tangent but it did represent me and what I am about in design, drama.

Here are some of the many and varied ways I played with this outfit while it was in the making.

It even got to the point where Gene lost her head she became so giddy with all the changes! :-) Ooops

After a few days of mucking around it was time to get serious and decide which way to go with the design. The photos below are how I visualised my design and how it should be worn.

I do however believe that everybody has their own interpretation and the garment should be able to be worn in different ways and still have appeal.

My Challenge description is below with the photos underneath.

Introducing

A SPARK IN THE DARK

When I started my design I wanted Drama. I wanted the gown to maintain depth and a little mystery through intriguing lines, layers and rich color. I have chosen teal, a color worn easily by any skin tone and hair color, and black, as it has always been and always will be a color at the peak of evening elegance. I wanted to create something unique that would float effortlessly and elegantly down a red carpet greeting flashing cameras and adoring crowds, the designer's name on every fashion editor's lips.

I have included Gene's versatile flounce to enhance the theatrical quality of the gown. Curling and winding gently over her back and shoulders, the flounce can be twisted to reveal a beautiful teal wave or reversed for a bolder, more dramatic look with the deep gloss of black patent. The sequin detail presents a sprinkle of Hollywood magic, glittering with her every movement. This flounce is swept neatly beneath the patent belt forming a dainty peplum below the waist. If she chooses. the dress can be worn without the flounce with an equally dramatic effect.

Gene's decolletage is adorned with a flattering halter neck design. It is detailed with an overlay combining teal silk and glossy patent, displaying a delicate centre front detail of sequin and bead work. Her black patent belt sits boldly at the centre of the ensemble, once again, a reference to vintage movie star grandeur.

I feel my design transcends time. I have worked to evoke a feeling of theatrical ambience, with a delicate slice of vintage vogue, fused with 21st century flair!