preparing a gown for a shoot

Recently Sam sent off a few of her collection gowns to New York Magazine.  Twice a year, they have a special issue ... devoted just to weddings.  One of the dresses ended up being shot!  We don't know yet if it will be in the issue, but this is already pretty exciting.

Before sending the dress off to the shoot, we wanted to make sure each dress was perfect.  This meant checking each gown for a tag, loops, and finishing touches (even on the inside) to make sure nothing had come loose or was missing.  Here are some photos of the gown I worked on!

 Creating some loops for hanging (just make 4 loops of thread, tightly secured and not too loose, and blanket stitch across them).  These are handy for hanging strapless garments - the hanger loops used to hang them alone cause the front of the bodice to fall forward.  Place two loops in the front of the dress (like along a princess line) and slide the hanger loops through them.  Hangs nicely!

Sam and I have the same tags!  Mine are black with white writing.  (Good job mom!)

 Lining the bust cups with lace for a pretty, vintage finish.

 Adding a grosgrain ribbon to the edges.

 Check out the beautiful waist stay in the corset of the gown - used to keep the dress from sliding up or down the waist.

All ready to go!

internship day 1

This is going to be an amazing summer!  In case you missed my earlier post, I am interning with Sam Walls Beasley of Samuelle Couture.  I cannot wait to see what I learn and experience!

To keep a long story short, today I beaded some beautifully delicate lace flowers for samples in Sam's portfolio.  The flowers are part of two different dresses.  In the first photo, you can see the swatches next to the illustration - this is where the beaded flowers will be. 

See the dresses hanging on the door?  Those are the sample gowns - over the summer Sam will be working with two brides who are requesting the far right dress, with some of their own creative modifications.  I will go into the Garment District on Wednesday to find swatches for them!

After lunch I created a front and back bodice block for one of the brides.  Since Sam is from the UK, her pattern book used the metric system - and I can't say how much easier this system is!  Dividing measurements into tenths makes so much more sense.  I don't think I'll ever go back.  Sorry, US, but you just need to make the switch already. 

On Wednesday I will also get the chance to see the McQueen exhibit.  I will take tons of photos!

RACHEL IS GOING TO NEW YORK

I will be interning for bridal designer Samuelle Couture this summer in New York City!  Check out her porfolio - her work is beautiful.  She greatly stresses the desires of the client and then puts a unique spin on it with hand-dyed tulle, beading, beautiful pale colors (my favorite), and outstanding silhouettes and details.  I am so excited!

Coming up for the blog this weekend: some updates on my illustrations, corset and graduation in-progress pictures, and an overview of my top picks and trends from Rosemount Australian Fashion Week for spring 2012!  (Once the server from Blogger lets me upload pictures again, that is.)