Breck Sullivan-Carpenter
Challenge One
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Challenge Two
I loved this challenge. The shoes I chose are gold scrunched ankle boots by Sherry Fang and just screamed Steampunk to me. I have never made a hat, or goggles before but all the fabrics, colors, pieces just came together in a perfect combination of Victorian/Gearhead as I worked. The bustle cage isn't even seen, but it was a blast to create! The biggest challenge I have is remembering that not all human scale techniques scale down well to 1/4 scale.
I read the comments from my first challenge and really tried to ramp it up and take it "off the rack" and less safe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Challenge Three
This entry worried me, stressed me and really unnerved me; I don't really do embellishment unless it's a costume sort of piece and I didn't want to do a costume. Ultimately I stayed true to my ideas and what would work for the model.
I used Canadian or Lattice smock stitch to create the waistband of the skirt as well as the neck of the blouse, as well I did a small beaded brooch effect on the neckline. The piping was created by the blouse fabric to tie the two pieces solidly together.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Challenge Four
This challenge was a lot of fun! I was immediately drawn to European tradition "white face" clowns as the basis of my look. During my research, I found Carnivale as well. I already had the fabrics in mind and knew I was going to use pantalones, but I went through about 4 different bodice/doublet designs before I found one that would give the look I wanted without weight. The belt and shoes were just a happy extra! And for whimsy I used a wig for this girl and deliberately left her face lightly veiled.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Challenge Five
Miss DeeAnna Denton arrives at the Tony Awards wearing a teal silk chiffon homage to her award-winning production of Medea. The slung sequin belt is a sharp contract to the multi-layered pseudo Roman gown. Her family's heirloom diamonds complete the simple yet elegant ensemble for her role as presenter of the Best Actress award.(My love of theatre had to lead me to the Tony Awards and the elegant looks seen on their red carpet. The gown is made up of 4 layers of asymmetrical cut silk chiffon, left unhemmed for a deconstructed look, while the bodice is a fifth layer, lifted up and draped across her bust line Jewels by Facets by Marcia, shoes by Joe Tai.)
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Challenge Six
I love Audrey Hepburn and I love her look.I chose to use a different neutral color palette and re-invent Audrey's look for today, keeping in mine the clean lines, low fuss level and elegance of the person who was inspiring me.
I chose Tonner's Euphemia as my model because she had the gamin quality I wanted to achieve for this simple but elegant cocktail ensemble. I used a copper micro-mesh sequined fabric for a simple boatneck fitted bodice with a short bubble skirt. I made the hose from the non-sequined mesh from the selvage. I created her pleated cummerbund sash and clutch of brown dupioni and her soft capelet from pale green organdy ribbon.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Challenge Seven
Happy Birthday, Mr. Draper:
Betty Draper plans a surprise party for Dan's birthday but the surprise is on her when a mysterious woman from his past shows up for the festivities.
DeeAnna Denton guest stars as the unwanted guest wearing a sheath dress of turquoise dupioni overlaid with an embroidered grey silk organza, matching wrap and of course, pearls..
I went all out on my hand work with this one, the bodice is self-lined and the wiggle skirt is lined in a soft cream silk twill. The pearls were strung on a simple cord and the shoes were hand-dyed, first in turquoise then in black to create a slight sheen of color reminiscent of the dress.
My inspiration went beyond Mad Men to The Dick Van Dyke show and specifically Rose Marie's character, I mean let's face it.. this show /was/ the original Mad Men!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Challenge Eight