Burda Style For people who sew
Ellis shirt dress - Project Runway Remake Challenge
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30097
Description
My entry in the Project Runway / Rowenta Remake Challenge!
For a while I’ve been wanting to make my own shirt dress, so this competition was the perfect opportunity. Luckily my friend had a great XL dress shirt that didn’t fit him properly, and I really liked the subtle striping. I wanted to keep the original idea of a shirt in mind, rather than just using it for the fabric. To me this challenge meant translating elements of the original garment to something fresh and new.
That being said, I removed and seam-ripped the collar and used that entirely for the midriff section! I kept the button on and used the collar stand for the front and the collar itself as the midriff back. The original cuffs were refashioned into the sleeve bands, and I added pockets using scrap material. With the top button open, I ironed the top to create mini-lapels; but the dress can also be worn completely buttoned too.
As in all projects, an iron was indispensable for this dress (men’s dress shirts just seem to attract wrinkles!). I used mine when creating the pintucks, darts, and sleeve pleats, finishing the midriff and sleeve bands, and pressing all seam allowances.
(Unfortunately it was raining during our photoshoot, but I loved the umbrella!)
Categories
Credits
- Model
Christine Wu
- Photographer
Heather Horbochuk
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Oct 4, 2010, 09.09 PMby squidinc-1
Thanks for the comments everyone! :D
1 Reply
Mar 4, 2012, 08.01 PMby tiinaa
What a great use for shirts. I have a pile I was just about to throw out, but have been hanging on to for the fabric/buttons etc. The re-make is fabulous. I love it so much I’d like to give it a try – would I be able to get your instructions please? A million thanks
Oct 4, 2010, 01.12 AMby Natalia *
I love it. It looks great. I was hoping you used a pattern, so I could make something like this, but it turned out to be just a fantastic remake. Maybe one day Ill be as creative as you, and could make something like this without a pattern. great job!
3 Replies
Oct 4, 2010, 09.10 PMby squidinc-1
Hi Natalia * -
I don’t have any formal instructions, but I could try to write out what I did if you’d like to make something similar!
Oct 8, 2010, 12.52 PMby Natalia *
That would be fantastic. I would love that, if its not too much trouble. :)
Nov 22, 2010, 08.16 PMby Natalia *
Thanks so much for sending over the instructions. It had definitely slipped my mind, but now that I have the instructions, I will give it a try (provided I can find time for it). When I finally get around to trying this remake, I will definitely let you know. Thanks again.
Oct 1, 2010, 06.57 PMby saganaga
lovely results !!
Oct 1, 2010, 09.08 AMby kelerabeus
excellent job!
Oct 1, 2010, 04.25 AMby tradsahm
There’s nothing better than a crisp, white shirt! It looks great!!!
Oct 1, 2010, 03.01 AMby marthahaskins
Great work – very clean – this looks amazing! I love the collar at the waist – great detailing!