Dal Lowenbein
Challenge One
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Challenge Two
What "best" fabric for style and elegance than the classic leopard print. I used it minimally in the custom sculpted shoe glammed up with sequins, pearls and glittery copper curved heels. I wanted the shoe as "hero" to the flirty 2 layer satin skirt ruffled in matching sheer animal print. I topped the party skirt with a semi-sheer asymetrical rough edged baby doll top with puff sleeves trimmed with tiny rhinestones that match her earrings. Her geometrically styled top ties into a small flower at her waist. I also glittered up her sunglasses and added a shiny vinyl headband. Now my girl can step out with her BEST foot forward!
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Challenge Three
The epitome of "Perfect Embellishment" to me is the: "Robe de couronnement du Sovereign" (Coronation Dress of the Sovereign).
If Lady Diana had been coronated the Queen of England, I believe she might have worn something like this.
The gown begins with an inverted pleated, dupioni silk embroidered skirt embellished with crystals and vintage pearls then wrapped at the hip with a gold netting embellished with crystals and sequins. A sheer scalloped hem panel of same netting flanks the ivory skirt that is edged in a string of vintage pearls. The gown is topped with a gold and ivory brocade satin bodice embellished with a pearl collar that has been "handed down through the ages" as well as 4 strands of long pearls and further embellished with smaller strands at the front of the skirt. Her gown is adorned with the customary gold silk tassels that denote; the passing of time, worn since the 15th century and further developed in 16th century France as the art of "passementerie". A dark gold satin brocade "longcoat" has oversized sleeves embellished with gold seed beads.
The purple color of the Coronation surcoat (also called the robe of estate or imperial robe) has historical importance. It is emblematic of the imperial purple of the Caesars, adopted by the Byzantine emperors, and possibly the Holy Roman Emperors. Lady Di might have chosen to leave Queen Victoria's surcoat in the Museum of London where it is stored and have a new one designed to reflect a simpler, less ostentatious time.
She might have chosen a new robe color in dark, rich turquoise, to reflect; love, healing, generosity, individual responsibility, self reliance and independence. A lighter turquoise appears in Princess Di's long gloves which are reminiscent of the "royal" light blue sash with the "badge of gerter" worn in 1839 by Queen Victoria. Her surcoat is festooned with elaborate but economy-conscious dark turquoise sequined trim and the customary white fur. Princess Diana might have requested faux ermine, with no real ermine tails, that would emulate the historical fur of the Sovereign. Her crown is embellished with turquoise crystals instead of diamonds with one solitary pink and white diamond to replace the badge of gerter.
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Challenge Four
For "On the Fashion Edge" challenge my inspiration comes from Cirque de Soleil. I chose a a grey silk felted fabric to create a unique balloon skirt that is custom pleated with crescent shaped panels. The high waisted bodice is in matching grey dupioni silk edged in black scalloped pleather. The same pleather is used as a mask and tiered gloves. A circus inspired diamond print appears on Antoinette's front and repeats in her custom made silver metallic leggings. Her booties are also custom decorated with scalloped pleather and matching diamond trim. To finish her casual "look" I have designed an austere wrap made from a fun black and white silk knit I found last year at Mood fabrics! Her hair is wrapped high and festooned with sheer netting and a ribboned bow.
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Challenge Five
Innoquii is a 2 time Oscar nominated star. She prefers to stay out of the limelight and won't give interviews and may be why her fans stay intrigued. This mystery girl is a favorite of the Academy this year for her role as: Devereax, in "They shoot Sybs don't they?" Innoquii's gown is all about movement. She don's another doll-designer-gone-runway's creation in greyed lilac silk Devoré (also known as burn-out silk velvet). Her one shoulder gown dons a curled strap trimmed in tiny beaded and sequined lace. Perfectly matched to the devoré silk are chiffon pleats and a side ruffle that flows from her side. A black and copper corset cinches her tiny waist and a sheer net and silk black wrap keeps her hair tidy even when soft winds swirl about her. |
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Challenge Six
Like a black and white photograph, not only did fashion look like art on Audrey Hepburn, but her eyes, face, hair and body became part of the overall design.
I wanted to emulate this in my design so I chose contrasting colors and textures for my model but also contrasting forms.
Tiny ruffles frame my model's face in a creamy white waffle weave silk jacquard with an extra set of ruffles circling her waist for a pert peplum look.
A black and white embroidered skinny ankle length pencil skirt is slightly flared to mimic the capelet's wide shape, with pleats at the back hem. The creamy white capelet ties with a black belt with rhinestone buckle that reflects Audrey's subtle tailored elegance.
I was struck by the amazing hats Ms. Hepburn wore throughout her life and how they always finished her ensembles perfectly. I chose a closely fitted felt hat in red for additional contrast, trimmed in the same satin black and white checks as her custom made bag. I painted the soles and heels black of the borrowed Top Model Barbie boots and gave my model short black gloves.
Model: Twilight Fiancé Momoko
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Challenge Seven
My outfit is called "Pink Squirrel" (the pink 60's martini).
My Inspiration for my MadMen Challenge is the red headed office manager, Joan Holloway, in an earlier episode when she is conniving to have an affair with Roger Sterling, a partner at the Ad agency they both work at.
In my mind Joan has been invited to a Holiday Cocktail party where the spouses have been invited to. She decides she must look professional and "discreet" but underneath her coat she wants to exudes glamour and sexual desire, hopefully Roger's!
Joan has chosen an orange dupioni silk coat (cut right on my model with no side seams), and gauzey chiffon hat sprinkled with sequins to make her grand entrance. When she strips her coat off, all eyes are on her. Underneath she is wearing a sequined pink, orange and gold metallic cap sleeved top adorned with a small pink bow that matches her gloves and shoes.
Her skirt matches the lining of her coat and coat sleeve trim. When she feels comfortable, she removes the chiffon of her hat and ties her hair back to show off her pink pearls that, you know who, bought her. She's a sassy gal who likes to match from head to toe. Even her pumps are custom made to match her outfit to finish off this kitten's ensemble.
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Challenge Eight
Cara Día-Noche lives in London and is Britain's newest fashion designer.
She flew in to attend Barcelona's Fashion Week's high profile Dinner to Ban Bullfighting along with retired matadors and the brightest Spanish runway designers.
Upon Cara's arrival in Spain, she is notified that her carry-on tote with her dinner outfit is on it's way to Hoboken but she's not worried because she is wearing her newest design innovation: a reversible micro-fiber travel raincoat. The trench is perfect for traveling from London's cool, rainy weather with it's double breasted pockets for storing jewelry, makeup and travel documents, but it is the reverse of her black trench that is the star of her ensemble. It turns into a gold dupioni silk metallic embroidered matador styled dinner coat!
Cara thinks if she removes the long fishnet tee she's layered over her skirt and leather bustier it will work as a more elegant look under her lavish evening coat. She tucks the bustier under the skirt to reveal a dressier high waisted custom pleated silk skirt. She uses the net scarf that was under her plaid wool cap and uses it to create a sexy one shoulder look by knotting it and pinning a gold flower she had stored in her trench-coat pocket.
She removes her bunched nylon knee highs (she wears to be comfy once her heels come off in flight) to reveal sheer stockings and patent leather heels. Cara then wraps her furry scarf on her head to resemble a matador's cap.
She is ready in minutes to reveal the mastery of Bullfighting but not in the arena, but in fashion, as art.
model: Tonner's Kir Royale Carrie.
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