Category: Gowns

competition · Couture · Design · fashion · Gowns · Sewing · Uncategorized · unconventional fashion challenge

Ode to my first love… painting (a.k.a my Unconventional Fashion Challenge entry)

erinnlarsen3 Comments

I’m done and fairly happy with my entry for the Unconventional Fashion Challenge. The process of creating it was really reminiscent of the painting process for me, probably due to the familiar materials I was using more than anything else. I started out planning for one thing, made some unexpected discoveries, adjusted due to some…… Continue reading Ode to my first love… painting (a.k.a my Unconventional Fashion Challenge entry)

Down to the final hour
competition · Couture · Design · fashion · Gowns · Sewing · Uncategorized

Down to the final hour

erinnlarsen1 Comment

After seeing the competition pieces turned in by my classmates, I honestly debated whether to even spend the time finishing up my dress. They’re just all SO GOOD. But here I am, down to the last long evening. I have no good reason, aside from self-doubt to give up. Since self-doubt is not a good…… Continue reading Down to the final hour

The Unconventional Materials Challenge, part 2
competition · Couture · fashion · Gowns · Sewing · Uncategorized · unconventional fashion challenge

The Unconventional Materials Challenge, part 2

erinnlarsen3 Comments

So, I’ve spent the last week assembling my paper dress. The watercolor paper is surprisingly tough to work with, and I had to reach back into the depths (a few times) to recall information from my bookbinding class in college. I would hug that teacher if I could! In contrast, the rice paper works up…… Continue reading The Unconventional Materials Challenge, part 2

competition · Couture · Design · fashion · Gowns · Sewing · Uncategorized · unconventional fashion challenge

The Unconventional Materials Challenge, part 1.

erinnlarsenLeave a comment

Well, I’ve gone and done it this time. I swore up and down (and left and right) that after the last fashion challenge at school, I was going to pass on the next one. And I would have if it weren’t the… Unconventional Materials Challenge. ~sigh. I was done for with those three words. It…… Continue reading The Unconventional Materials Challenge, part 1.

Corsets · Costuming · Couture · Edwardian · Embroidery · Fashion History · Gowns · history · Sewing · Uncategorized · underpinnings · Victorian · Wedding

The fates align

erinnlarsen2 Comments

Sometimes things just work out. Perfectly. A few months ago, an acquaintance alerted me to an exhibition of 50 (yes 50!) Victorian gowns. “Sounds great”, I replied, “Where is it?” “In Saco, Maine”, came the response. Gasp! “That’s a little over 3,000 miles away, but thanks for thinking of me!”, I replied and quickly filed…… Continue reading The fates align

Corsets · Costuming · Couture · Fashion History · Gowns · Sewing · Uncategorized · Vintage

Christian Lacroix

erinnlarsenLeave a comment

Christian Marie Lacroix was born on May 16, 1951 in Arles, France. He studied art and costume history at the University of Montpellier, and after graduating with his arts degree in 1973, Lacroix went to study at the Sorbonne in Paris, hoping to establish a career as a museum curator. After moving to Paris from…… Continue reading Christian Lacroix

Fashion History · Gowns · Sewing · Uncategorized

Norman Hartnell

erinnlarsenLeave a comment

Norman Hartnell was born on born June 12, 1901, in London, England. While neglecting his studies at Cambridge University he instead focused on his work as a costume designer for the school’s drama club. During a production of “The Beggar’s Opera” in London his creations attracted the attention of the press. After being deemed the…… Continue reading Norman Hartnell

Edwardian · Fashion History · Gowns · Sewing · Uncategorized · Victorian · Wedding

John Redfern & Sons

erinnlarsenLeave a comment

John Redfern, was born on November 11, 1820. His father, also named John Redfern, owned a specialty clothing shop in Cowes, Isle-of-Wight, England. Young John spent his early life learning tailoring and draping techniques. John Redfern set up his tailoring business in Cowes High Street following his marriage to Harriet Beazley, and between 1847 and…… Continue reading John Redfern & Sons