Ecouturier Challenge: Found Vintage Dress + Curtains = Couture Wedding Dress!

flea market finds. forty dollar dress. victorian. old curtains. free. save money for canine charity. upcycling. full skirt. layers. theatrical. movement. dancing. sand. mexico. grandmas necklace. beautiful neackline. delicate shoulders. show off boxing back. great new friends. party people.

Fittings...........

Before...............!

Three Couture Pieces/ Western Inspired (Eco-Linen and salvaged trims)

WESTERN INSPIRED DRESS w/ buttoned front panel (detachable)

 Inspiration: Californian Grandparents (top left) Western Film Director (L) & Equestrian lover (R).

 Old School yolk panel pointing down spine

 Hand- stitched trim resting on the hips

Back in Palm Springs where we used to collect wood for Grandmas sculptures as kids.

 AVANT GARD COAT:  Joshua Tree

 SHEER COWGILR SHIRT w/ silver embroidered yolk detail, mother of pearl buttons and linen collar and cuffs........

Thanks to Katerina Tana Collection for providing Linen. 

Trim and sheer fabrics saved and salvaged with love from LAOpera Costume shops rubbish bins!

The Selvedge Collection: Red, Blue and Green Fabrics all rescued and reclaimed.

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3 pieces made of 3 fabrics with selvedges too good to Chop off!

Green Italian Suiting (Selvedge Collection)

Jacket - Italian light weight wool in green/ blue with orange selve edge reading:

A RELIANCE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT TO EUROPE 

Collar - Featuring the selvedge the collar is reinforced at the base and then folded in a consatina style. The with an adapted costume technique for shaping this neckline its then handstitched to the body of the jacket to flatter the jaw and neck line. A biker style neck strap fastend with buckles found in a saddlery supply store, reading 'made in italy' on the reverse side. 

Lining - Upcycled cotton with red/ white floral print, only half lined to suit the californian heat.

Centre Back and Front - Brass equestrian buckle and loops featured and used as fastenings. Front falls well open or closed.

Cuff - Sitting elegantly just below the elbow, the cuffs also use the querky selvedge.

Dress: Navy chiffon with pin tuck detail down centre front and vintage green embroidered trim and turquoise jersey stretch lining.

Fabrics: Sourced from designer remnant fabric warehouses, Downtown LA, CA.

Photographer: Elijah Star

Model: Emily Graham Handley