1. Anita Stoklosa

Theme: 2.5

Originality: 3

Creativity: 2.5

Construction: 4.5

Shane:

Your dress is beautifully made and very pretty but I think it’s far too simple to fit the theme well.  It feels more like a 1970’s fashion than a rich cocktail fashion for the early 1960’s where fashion was sophisticated, detailed and made with rich fabrics.  I find the red of the lace over-blouse to be too jarring for this look.

Theme: 4

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 3.5

Construction: 4

Diana:

A chic look in classic colors, and I appreciate what was done on this small scale.  I found the red lace a bit large, however.  Great purses! 

Janet:

Beautiful fit on the little black dress, although I think the white ribbon accent took it away from the 'cocktail hour' and brought it into luncheon.  Is the hat handwoven?

Theme: 3.5

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 3

Construction: 5

Judith:

Nicely devised design, however I think it would have presented more to theme without the hats. They don’t say cocktail. Very appropriate dress but the red lace top seems to overpower the complete outfit.

Theme: 2

Originality: 5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 5

Steven Fraser:

Great versitility but not really a cocktail outfit

2. Kathrin Eseryel

Theme: 4.5

Originality: 4.5

Creativity: 4

Construction: 4

Shane:

This is a beautiful fashion.  I think it’s a close fit on the theme.  Yes, I agree that the little black dress experienced a resurgence in popularity but a theme set in the early 1960’s also gives us an opportunity to explore a wonderful plethora of rich and colorful fabrics that I think would have served you a bit better for this challenge.  Overall, your dress is very well constructed but it looks like your tension was off when finishing your seams.  I see an awful lot of loopy thread for a doll to catch her fingers in when dressing.

Theme: 5

Originality: 4.5

Creativity: 4

Construction: 4.5

Diana:

Very, very couture.  I was glad for the close up, which showed the different bodice fabric.  Also, the tiny details really made this – all those buttons up the back, the superb purse and even the graduated pearls in the necklace.

Janet:

Bravo on the perfect fit!  Lovely choice of doll to accentuate  the dress.

Theme: 5

Originality: 4.5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 5

Judith:

Stunning silhouette! Very sleek and elegant and perfect for the theme. Black is always a winner for cocktail wear. Beautiful in its simplicity. Love the pill box hat.

Theme: 5

Originality: 5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 5

Steven Fraser:

Great use of fabrics (combinations etc), very classic

3. Denise Beaudin

Theme: 3

Originality: 4

Creativity: 4

Construction: 3.5

Shane:

I think this dress misses the theme.  It feels more like a summer day dress than a cocktail dress.  I can see that the style of dress would be very pretty but it has a few issues.  The fit at the chest is a bit big; the gathering at the waist looks slightly heavy and the inverted pleat is causing the dress on this particular doll to look more like a pair of culottes.  This final problem may be caused by the stance of the particular doll chosen to model the dress.

Theme: 4

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 3.5

Construction: 3.5

Diana:

My only sorrow with this ensemble is that some of the interesting design work got lost in the polka dots.  A lovely ensemble.

Janet:

I think some of the finer details were lost between the dots but I like the ruching in  the bodice.

Theme: 3.5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 3

Construction: 4.5

Judith:

I don’t see this outfit necessarily at a cocktail party. A smaller spot in the print might have made it more formal. I think the back design outshines the front of the outfit. There seems to be too much fabric in the front bodice taking away from the cocktail aspect of the back.

Theme: 1

Originality: 3

Creativity: 3

Construction: 3

Steven Fraser:

Pretty but not really formal enough for a cocktail party

4. Breck Sullivan-Carpenter

Theme: 4.5

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 3.5

Construction: 3.5

Shane:

The concept behind this dress is great and I think it fits the theme well.  The colors are beautiful.  I think the biggest issue with this dress is the silk organza.  It is too stiff and that along with the embroidery causes some puckering and it doesn’t allow the overskirt to hang well.

Theme: 5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 4

Construction: 4.5

Diana:

A bold color combination – blue and grey.  But I think that's what really captured the 60's look in this outfit.  It looks perfectly finished inside.

Janet:

The organza overlay was a nice, well-researched plus.  The embroidery hampered the drape ever so slightly, but was still nice.

Theme: 5

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 4

Construction: 5

Judith:

Beautiful handwork and suitable color choice that works well with this design. I think perhaps if the shawl had been in a sheer to match the base of the lace fabric the overall effect would have been more dramatic for the dress itself.

Theme: 4

Originality: 4

Creativity: 5

Construction: 4

Steven Fraser:

5. Emilia Nieminen

Theme: 4.5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 5

Construction: 4

Shane:

Overall I think this is a fantastic fashion with great accessories.  The brocade is the perfect choice of fabric for this theme.  I have one issue with it – it’s far too low cut exposing too much of the breasts.  Cocktail dresses in the early 1960’s would have been very fitted at the breast but they would not have exposed nearly so much skin.

Theme: 5

Originality: 4.5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 5

Diana:

I loved the details of this ensemble, and for me, the fur just 'made it happen'.  Interesting work in the front detailing, too.

Janet:

Beautiful choice of design, exceptional work on the accessories.  I love that fox stole, and the variation in color.

Theme: 5

Originality: 4.5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 5

Judith:

Fabulous color palette in this very elegant and quite theatrical outfit. This woman would turn heads at any party! Love all the accessories. I would have liked to see the neckline just a little higher for the period. Just a note on the photo. The brightness of the background detracts from the outfit making everything appear overly  busy.

Theme: 3

Originality: 5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 5

Steven Fraser:

Beautifully done  but a bit too modern for the 1960’s

6. Dal Lowenbein - Winner

Theme: 5

Originality: 5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 4

Shane:

You absolutely nailed the theme.  The late 60’s was a time when matching from head to toe was the way to go.  You’ve used bright, rich colors, texture and a touch of gold and sparkle – perfect!  I see what appear to be some slight flaws in the construction on lining things up – the back hem at the split and at the coat collar, etc.  Don’t I know how hard it is to get these things perfect when even 1/8 of an inch can show.

Theme: 5

Originality: 4.5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 4

Diana:

The coat is the star of this show.  It's high 60s drama and the color combination reminds me exactly of the cocktail it was created for. 

Janet:

This is a lovely color combination and the more you look at the pictures, the more the detail comes across.

Theme: 5

Originality: 5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 5

Judith:

I love the originality of this design. The detail and color palette are perfect for the period with a fantastic use of texture. Beautiful tailoring.

Theme: 4

Originality: 5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 5

Steven Fraser:

Great use of colour

7. Louisham Osman

Theme: 3

Originality: 3

Creativity: 4

Construction: 3

Shane:

This fashion doesn’t fit the theme well, mostly because of the silhouette.  It feels more like a 50’s fashion than early 1960’s.  There appear to be some issues with the fit and the fabrics chosen.  The dress looks like it is too big at the waist because of the way it gathers with the tied bow.  At this small scale, getting circle or partial circle skirts to drape well is very difficult.  Only certain types of fabric tend to do it well.  Lining the skirt and using the stiff organza petals only exacerbates the problem.

Theme: 4

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 3.5

Construction: 4

Diana:

The silhouette is striking but I wished for a bit finer detailing on this dress.

Janet:

Well made, with a nice color contrast.  This dress if very much what they would have worn, and your model makes it pop.

Theme: 4.5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 4

Construction: 4.5

Judith:

Sparkly and sexy, this outfit would have the men queuing and the women seething. I think perhaps there might be a little too much fullness in the skirt for the size of the doll and the bow could have been just a tad smaller.

Theme: 3

Originality: 3

Creativity: 3

Construction: 3

Steven Fraser:

Nice crystal work but not really 1960’s cocktail

8. Cassandra Coleman

Theme: 3.5

Originality: 3

Creativity: 4

Construction: 4

Shane:

I think your little black dress is pretty and I like the fact that you used a patterned fabric.  As I’ve mentioned in other feedback, that while the LBD was certainly a dressing option in the early 1960’s I would have really liked to have seen you go with more colorful and rich fabric options.  The jacket distracts from the quiet elegance of your dress.  Finally your dress armholes seem a bit too long for this fashion.

Theme: 4.5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 4

Construction: 3.5

Diana:

Very elegant and I liked the vibrant purple lining of the jacket top.  Yet the jacket had an odd echo of 'Quaker' about it.

Janet:

I would have liked a bit more description.  The overlay/sleeves was a bit distracting; I found myself questioning their purpose.

Theme: 4.5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 3

Construction: 5

Judith:

Love the fabric used in the dress! Perfect styling for the period. Not sure about the style of the jacket. I would have preferred to see her with a sheer wrap to show off the elegance of the dress. Is the armhole shape cut too far into the front bust for the style of the dress?

Theme: 5

Originality: 5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 5

Steven Fraser:

Love the sleeve/collar wrap, very unique

9. Sandra Walker

Theme: 2.5

Originality: 2

Creativity: 3

Construction: 3.5

Shane:

This is a nice holiday fashion but I just can’t see what it has to do with the theme.  It does not look like an early 1960’s cocktail fashion in design, colors or fabric.  It does not look particularly well fitted.

Theme: 3.5

Originality: 3

Creativity: 3

Construction: 3

Diana:

I liked the holiday color theme but the wide green satin at the waist undermines the chic effect of the dress.

Janet:

This is a simple design that struck me as a bit too 'young' for the challenge.  It appears to be more 'Christmas Concert at the school' than 'cocktails.'  But the plaid is lovely.

Theme: 3

Originality: 3

Creativity: 3

Construction: 5

Judith:

I think perhaps this was the wrong fabric choice for a cocktail party. The design is cute but the waist sash is a little too wide and the bow in the hair is much too large. The satin trim in black might have been a better alternative and made the check work for the occasion.

Theme: 1

Originality: 0

Creativity: 1

Construction: 0

Steven Fraser:

10. Vicky Lujan

Theme: 3

Originality: 2

Creativity: 3

Construction: 3.5

Shane:

This is a pretty dress but it is not detailed or sophisticated enough to fit the theme very well.  For an early 60’s fashion the bodice needs to fit very tightly.  Your hem of the skirt is rolling a bit and I would have used matching green thread instead of white to finish the raw edge.

Theme: 4

Originality: 3

Creativity: 3.5

Construction: 3

Diana:

A simple design that called for 'more' to happen.  Yet on a full size woman it would be perfect.

Janet:

More interesting fabric or more design details would have added a lot.

Theme: 5

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 3.5

Construction: 4.5

Judith:

Very sweet outfit. Simple in style but follows the theme. I think a hand sewn hem might have provided a better finish to the skirt and the buckle appears a little “sporty”. A buckle with some pizzazz would have given the outfit a point of difference.

Theme: 5

Originality: 3

Creativity: 3

Construction: 3

Steven Fraser:

Pretty colour

11. Dot Festeu

Theme: 3

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 4

Shane:

I had to debate with myself on this fashion but in the end I decided it felt more contemporary than early 60’s cocktail.  I think you are on target with the satin, shimmer and beading but the asymmetrical neckline seems off to me.  The dress could be better fitted at the waist.

Theme: 4

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 3.5

Construction: 4

Diana:

Perhaps the detailing was lost in the glitter of the silver, but I felt this ensemble needed some more for it to be truly exciting.  However, I do appreciate what you've accomplished on a small scale!

Janet:

The design is well thought out, but it would have 'read better' if the detailing had been easier to see.  Chic, though.

Theme: 4

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 3

Construction: 5

Judith:

The basic shape of this outfit is great for theme but I think a little too short for the period. Love the bag and shoes  adding a complimentary final touch. The front and back neckline are very well shaped and the sheath adds interest.

Theme: 3

Originality: 4

Creativity: 4

Construction: 3

Steven Fraser:

Not really 1960’s

12. Pauline Lyngard

Theme: 5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 3

Construction: 4.5

Shane:

I think in terms of theme and where you were going with this fashion, you are right on target.  The use of the rich vintage metallic fabric with chiffon and fur is perfect for the time frame.  I don’t think the high color of the metallic fabric goes particularly well with the off-white paleness of the fur and the skirt.  Overall your fashion is very well constructed.  The one issue I see is that the chiffon skirt is too full and bunchy at the waist.  Your hem on the chiffon looks perfect!

Theme: 4

Originality: 4

Creativity: 4

Construction: 3.5

Diana:

The hat has a starring role in this show!  I admire the 'wispy' effect you've created with it. 

Janet:

The metallic fabric was a good choice for the era; I really liked it.  However, the uneven gathering in the chiffon skirt took away from the whole effect.

Theme: 5

Originality: 4.5

Creativity: 4

Construction: 3.5

Judith:

This design shows personality and fits the given description extremely well. Lovely choice of fabrics and nice mix of textures. Normally I would say the hat brim is too wide for a cocktail party but in this instance I think it works well and adds to the overall effect. My only problem is with the skirt. It’s not falling evenly and is too bulky at the waist.

Theme: 3

Originality: 4

Creativity: 5

Construction: 4

Steven Fraser:

13. Fay Popejoy

Theme: 1

Originality: 2

Creativity: 3

Construction: 1

Shane:

I feel like there is no effort here.  The dress does not fit the theme except that it is little, black and lace.  There is no finishing at all.

Theme: 3

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 3.5

Construction: 3

Diana:

This is definitely a 'later 60's' design, created to astonish the status quo.  It's a surprising look, but nicer finishing on the lace edges would have helped to take it to the next level up.

Janet:

This appears more 'go-go girl' and for that reason I don't think it met the challenge well.  I agree with my sister about the finishing on the lace.

Theme: 2

Originality: 2

Creativity: 2

Construction: 2

Judith:

This outfit is the right styling for a later period and inappropriate for the style of this theme. The design of the lace is too large for this small doll and none of the edges have been finished.

Theme: 0

Originality: 1

Creativity: 1

Construction: 1

Steven Fraser:

14. Jen Eugley

Theme: 3.5

Originality: 5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 4.5

Shane:

An absolutely gorgeous dress and so early 60’s.  I love the collar design!  My only issue is that I see it as a day dress and not a cocktail fashion.

Theme: 4.5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 4

Construction: 4.5

Diana:

I applaud your use of vintage fabrics – and you even found something with the right scale of design.  The look and aura of this is pure 60s.

Janet:

A little more luncheon than cocktail party, but nicely done and well made.

Theme: 5

Originality: 4.5

Creativity: 4.5

Construction: 5

Judith:

Stunning design! Love the use of the buttons as a trim. Interesting fabric choice that works in well with the description given. Understated but very stylish.

Theme: 5

Originality: 5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 5

Steven Fraser:

Beautfiul design

15. Irina Koroleva

Theme: 3.5

Originality: 5

Creativity: 5

Construction: 4.5

Shane:

This is a beautifully executed dress but it feels more like a 1950’s take on a plantation belle fashion than an early 1960’s cocktail fashion.  You have done a fantastic job with the ruching on the skirt.

Theme: 5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 4

Construction: 4.5

Diana:

Oh, this is a confection, and I realize it was done on a small scale – bravo!  My only comment is that the bottom lace was over-sized and detracted from an elegant, frothy silhouette.

Janet:

Very much 'say yes to the dress' bridesmaid style.  Lovely workmanship above, but the lace underskirt was a bit too large of scale.

Theme: 5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 3.5

Construction: 5

Judith:

Spectacular design for a cocktail party. Skillful detailing in the skirt and the bodice. My concern is with the lace petticoat. The scallop is too large in scale and there is too much showing beneath the skirt. The bead work on it is beautiful.

Theme: 3

Originality: 4

Creativity: 5

Construction: 5

Steven Fraser:

Great skirt detail

16. Sylvia Christianson

Theme: 4.5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 4

Construction: 5

Shane:

This is a very pretty fashion.  I think the shape of the fashion is right and I love how the embroidered adornment adds texture which is perfect for the theme.  I would have preferred to see something more colorful.

Theme: 5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 4

Construction: 4

Diana:

The blouson effect of the skirt is well done, but the overall effect could have been heightened with more exciting trim on the bodice.

Janet:

Lovely design and good work on the bolero.

Theme: 5

Originality: 4

Creativity: 4.5

Construction: 5

Judith:

Very pretty outfit that works well both with the bolero and without it. Love the bubble skirt sitting at just the right length. My only comment would be perhaps a touch more red somewhere would have rounded it out nicely. i.e. brooch on the bolero etc.

Theme: 3

Originality: 3

Creativity: 3

Construction: 4

Steven Fraser:

Looks more 1980’s rather than 1960’s

18.Wanda Kinnie

Theme: 3.5

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 3.5

Construction: 4

Shane:

This is a pretty fashion but it just doesn’t come nearly as close in meeting the theme as compared to other entries in this challenge.  I love that you chose to use color and the silver and lilac makes for a beautifully rich color combination.  I think the black bow on the back of the dress becomes a distraction.  I think your dress could have been better fitted through the waist.

Theme: 4

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 3.5

Construction: 4

Diana:

I think that on a full size woman, this would be more ravishing than on a doll.  The fabric is gorgeous but needed more livening up in the design.

Janet:

Simple design but very much that era.  Perhaps a bit more skin could have been shown, in keeping with the cocktail hour.

Theme: 5

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 4

Construction: 5

Judith:

Pretty and elegant and a tremendous choice of fabric. Clever touch with the black bow detail. Dress falls beautifully on the model. I do, however think she should be wearing hose, essential for a cocktail party of the period.

Theme: 4

Originality: 1

Creativity: 2

Construction: 1

Steven Fraser:

19. Amy Nardone

Theme: 4.5

Originality: 5

Creativity: 3

Construction: 3.5

Shane:

I love where you were going with this dress and I think it’s an absolutely perfect idea for the theme.  I do think there are a few problems that keep you from getting all the way there.  I would have preferred your neckline embellishment and sash (and probably your shoes too) were of the same color coordinating with the dress fabric.  Brocade is a perfect choice but it can be very difficult to work with, especially when it is in a non-natural fiber.  In this case, it looks a bit heavy.  The dress could be better fitted at the armholes.  It’s also pretty clear that your darts aren’t matching up as well as they should at the front beneath the sash.

Theme: 4

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 4

Construction: 3.5

Diana:

My favorite 'touch' was the whisper of pink...from the model's lips, to the lining, to the jewelry accents.  That showed a careful attention to detail.

Janet:

A nice design but perhaps not completely in keeping with the cocktail challenge.  A bit more verve would help.

Theme: 5

Originality: 3.5

Creativity: 4

Construction: 5

Judith:

Simple styling but so elegant. Unusual neck treatment that suits the simplicity of the dress. Can definitely see this attending a cocktail party of the period. My only comment would be the armholes look like they need a press to make them sit more smoothly.

Theme: 0

Originality: 1

Creativity: 1

Construction: 1

Steven Fraser: