PARIS FASHION EXHIBITIONS

 Balenciaga dresses

If you are into fashion, history- or conceptwise and going to Paris this summer, you should take a look at The Christóbal Balenciaga - Collectionneur de Modes and Rei Kawakubo´s Comme des Garçons exhibitions at Cité de la Mode et du Design/Fashion and Design Centre.

Comme des Garçons, photo by Pierre Antoine

When you are there you might as well take a look at another Exhibition at Les Arts Décoratifs. It is about the founder Louis Vuitton (1821-1892) and Marc Jacobs, the artistic director of LVMH since 1997.

NORMAN NORELL Vs TOM FORD

1960

Through my research on the American Fashion Designer, Norman Norell on Google, I stumpled upon this picture, where he is posing with some models.
It looked familiar and I remembered a picture with Tom Ford that looks quite similar.

I think it´s obvious that Tom Ford was inspired by Norell ! What do you think? -And which one do you prefer?

2011

ATELIER OR SHOP ?

- Is today's question and dilemma.
I originally started out with a small shop in Overgade here in Odense, that I had for three years.

Since then, I have moved my Atelier home and worked from various locations.

Photos: John Frantsen

There is of course advantages and disadvantages either way.

In a shop you get exposed all the time, which is very crucial when you´re new and want to get noticed.
On the other hand, it limits you, because you are not able to produce new designs at the same time you have to take care of the customers.

I decided to move my business home, to gain more time to design and produce clothes, to be able to pay more attention to customers with an appointment and of course to save some expenses.
The only thing is that you loose exposure and don´t get the same attention, because you are not visible in the same way.

As you are starting out, you´ll have to find out WHO and WHERE your potential customers are, to be right on target. It is as important as the product!

To survive on a limited budget you need to be clever. You need to get some attention somehow or you might as well give up and close down.

What to do if you do not have a shop ? -You have to advertise, be on the internet, write newsletters, participate in events, dress celebrities and so on.

I hope you found these advices useful somehow.

I´m curious. . .
As a customer, what would you prefer ? Do you prefer ready-made clothes and a big selection to choose from or exclusivity and service? Please comment below.

PATTERN-MAKING

Vogue Vintage Pattern Illustration

I have to admit, that I am not a big fan of readymade patterns, though they can be very inspiring.

Because, if you are not a perfect standard size, there will always be adjustments. Besides you never know how much they already added for ease.
Of course you can also drape a pattern, but I think that is a very time consuming process.

I am using the German Pattern-system called Rundschau and prefer to make every pattern based on personal measurements.
Each customer is different and by analysing and measuring their body, I am able to minimize adjustments and get very close to a perfect shape.

If you are a professional, what do you use and what are your experience ?

I am also curious if you readers would like me to post about "How to"-subjects here on my blog ? Wishes and suggestions are welcome.

COSTUME FAIRYTALES

-Once upon a time, there was a Snow Queen. . . and a Nightingale.

These were two of three dresses from a Costume-exhibition I once did together with a colleague at The City hall of Odense. They were inspired by the famous fairytale-writer, Hans Christian Andersen, who was born here.

But I was just thinking, that they might as well do as wedding-dresses. Can you imagine, in the right fabric and colours of course. -For the dramatic bride, who wants to make a statement perhaps.

How does your wedding dress look like? Like a fairytale Queen or more simple or practical ?

Get inspiration from this previous post or take a look at Wedding dresses in the top menu, for more.

MANNEQUINS FOR FREE. . .

-For Followers only!
I´m giving those two mannequins away. The sizes are about 34-36, but they are perfect for window-displays. You just have to be a follower to pick them up !

THANKS AGAIN!

 Sun shining on a bold silk-taffeta Ballgown.

-For your nice comments and for following my blog. I hope you are a little patient, because it might take a while before we reach the goal -100 Readers remember!

On top of my Give Away here, I can offer all followers free advice on sewing-projects, regarding design, pattern making, sewing technics etc. - just ask!

I promise, other Give Aways will follow after this one - so stay tuned.

BARGAIN - OFF THE RACK

Since I have closed my profiles on Facebook, I´m going to show the first 4  "One-of-a-kind" dresses I have on offer here on my blog.

Because I need more room for new dresses, some time ago I went through the racks of dresses that have been there for a while.

All dresses are quite classic in bright colours and special fabrics. But since I want to have more cohesiveness in the selection - they are too different.

They can be yours for half the price, if you are the right size.

Brocade corset and silkorgandy skirt. Size 40. Before 3000,- Now 1500,-

Dupion silk underlined with silkorgandy. Size 40. Before 4800,- Now 2400,-

Red velvet. Size 38. Before 4000,- Now 2000,-

Brocade cocktaildress. Size 42. Before 2000,- Now 1000,-

Notice! -This is just a part of the selection. The sizes are european and the prices are in danish currency.

If you or somebody you know are interested, don´t hesitate to make an appointment to take a look and try them on.