Burda Style For people who sew
“BERNINA 3 Series” Haute Couture Cocktail Dress
Views
1890
Description
I love red. I love dresses.
I love the iconic style of the 1950ies that is still being cited and interpreted by the contemporary fashion houses today. Not only are the dresses, pants, suits and jackets from the 50ies evergreens on the fashion runway, they are also famous for being clear, simple and classic in their design, flattering for the curvy, feminine body, and fond of quality materials like cashmere, silk and satin- as synthetic materials weren’t flooding the market yet.
Ever since I was 16 I had a vague and abstract idea of my “perfect” dress. Having also always been in love with satin, it seemed natural that the “party dress of my dreams” would be made of bright red satin. Finally, in my early twenties – with some amateur sewing instructions under my belt – I decided to splurge and make my dream dress. Marilyn Monroe depicts for me the sexy side of the 50ies, and I translated some of her style and appeal into my design.
Also wanting some hints contemporary fashion in the dress itself, i took a look at valentino and prada, seeing if they had any interesting interpretations of the classic 50ies styles I was looking for. These houses seem to lean on the class and design from that era in times of doubt. I found a foto of Lily Allen wearing a red satin prada dress. Her skirt immediatly fascinated me with it’s asymmetrical curves and puffs.
As I am relatively short I decided to go with a deep “Décolleté” to contrast the wide and voluminous skirt. I accented the shoulders with symmetrical folds in order to have a nice flow down both sides. Also, I chose to make a simple belt with three ties to accentuate my waistline. The green slip flashes from time to time while sittting or dancing.
“The Red Dress” reminds me of the classic little black dress, just with more glam and drama. Every woman should have a red dress in her wardrobe.
Material Notes
highest quality red duchess silk with venezian green lining
Difficulty
Advanced
Categories
8 Comments
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Nov 29, 2010, 09.46 PMby benowtruth
I sa with you on this one. Can we meet now?? Oh, want just kidding! I want you to visit ASAP. Oh, the dress, the gown..??? yes oh so happy to see make and do soon. You do fine red grean to make happy
Nov 29, 2010, 01.19 PMby youjennie
ENCANTADOR….truly
Nov 27, 2010, 05.50 PMby Phillippe Deveinnes
At first I foolishly dismissed this exquisite little number as a coy distraction, strongly stated as it is. And yet only now upon repeated viewings and careful close reading of alisonvw’s text that I begin to note the harmonious interplay of symbiotic expression. I note with giddy delight her mention of Lily’s red dress for als, I too have seen that none too famous picture. Thank YOU, for bringing her HER into the discussion!!!! I’m with you, girlfriend!!! May you sew and sew you crafty so and so!!!!!!!!
Nov 22, 2010, 05.09 PMby shangrow
How festive! I love the green surprise. Bonus points for Lily Allen as inspiration.
Nov 22, 2010, 03.21 PMby phovey
Wow! This is the most amazing dress! The model looks sensational in red.
Nov 22, 2010, 03.05 PMby sing0202
Absolutely gorgeous – I love the flash of green
Nov 22, 2010, 02.42 PMby boatrom
this is spectacular!!! i adore the green as well. you clearly have thought about this project a lot. i’m with you….red is so complete, so wondrous. marvelous ….i’m so very dissapointed with myself. i accidently hit 3 stars instead of 5!! can you just believe it??
Nov 22, 2010, 02.04 PMby groovymama
Wow – you and the dress look amazing. Wonderful pics.