One thing I love about winter time in New York city is the opulence of fashion— richly hued silks, luxurious brocades, Matelassé silks and cottons, sequins and embellishing. Today I have proof that if you cut a classic pattern from an opulent textile, you something new + fresh—read on to see what I mean!
Metallic jumpsuit: Cut from a soft and stretchy metallic jersey this jumpsuit goes from ho-hum to hello! in seconds—how fun would it be to wear on new year’s eve? Brocade jacket: Splurge on some richly embroidered brocade and make yourself a statement jacket. Make sure to find a brocade that you’ll be able to press and sculpt into sharp lapels. Satin pencil skirt: Find some nice thick satin with crosswise stretch and make yourself a pencil skirt. Try black and pair with a festive top—or get a gem toned satin for a richer look. Gold trousers: If you’re fashion daring, find yourself some gold pleather or microsuede and make yourself some solid gold trousers. Pair with a basic button-down or frilly blouse in a neutral color. Button-down dress: A simple button-down dress can be transformed into a party dress with one simple twist: the fabric. Find some sequin jersey and you’ve got the ultimate party dress. Leopard satin blouse: Hello tiger—if you want to spice up your bland winter wardrobe, get your hands on some leopard printed satin and try this frilly blouse. Brocade wrap trousers: If you’re looking to make an avant-garde holiday statement, cut these wrap trousers from a rich and silky brocade—paired with our Matelassé jacket: A cute and stylish jacket which can be worn to add a bit of structure to your silhouette, Matelassé means ‘ornamented by means of an imitation or suggestion of quilting, the surface being marked by depressed lines which form squares or lozenges in relief; as, matelassé silks’.
Want to learn more about fabrics? Check out my posts on Brocade + Damask, Choosing Fabric, Liberty of London, and Recycled + Reclaimed Fashion.
Dec 12, 2011, 02.59 PMby caribbelle
I’m on the search for a lovely gold brocade fabric…what can I say that’s my flashy side lol
Dec 7, 2011, 05.29 PMby reneevk311
I like them all, actually, with minor tweaks here and there, but I couldn’t really see myself wearing most of it. I did make a bronze shorts romper last summer that was really fun!
Dec 7, 2011, 12.50 PMby amyxandra
The jackets are nice but the rest of these are just plain cheezy. The skirt and gold pants look ghastly; the shiny fabrics are unforgiving in showing any constructions flaws. The wrinkles and twists in the fabric make both garments look homemade. The wrap pants are hideous and the dress looks like a costume from the King and I. I love the King and I but it’s a tough took to pull off – even on festive occasions.
Dec 7, 2011, 01.04 AMby allrainbowsend
This is probably one of my favourite sets! I love the two jackets and will probably attempt one as a holiday project :)
Dec 6, 2011, 10.15 PMby debrarae
I’ll do the pencil skirt with one slit. Two slits looks cheap.
Dec 6, 2011, 09.52 PMby jaie
I was really hoping late 70’s 80’s disco fashion would die a natural death.
Dec 6, 2011, 12.12 PMby Artamisia
Okay, making that pencil skirt in a gorgeous jewel tone! Giving the jumpsuit a miss… :P
Dec 6, 2011, 09.35 AMby Podbod18
Wish I was the right shape to wear that satin pencil skirt…sigh
Dec 6, 2011, 05.54 AMby nouvellegamine
okay, the brocade wrap trousers would be so amazing in a pinstripe wool.
3 Replies
Dec 6, 2011, 12.45 PMby ichigogirl
I’ve been considering making them in a simple but nice black wool, I think the unusual cut would be prettier in a simple fabric than in this opulent one!
Pinstripe might be even nicer.
Dec 6, 2011, 11.13 PMby nouvellegamine
@ichigogirl~ right? i think the pattern is too complicated to show a brocade well :)
Apr 26, 2012, 12.21 PMby nateski
I’m of exactly the same mind. Same as ichigogirl, a plain wool too…