PARIS FASHION EXHIBITIONS

 Balenciaga dresses

 If you are into fashion, history- or concept wise and going to Paris this summer, you should take a look at The Christóbal Balenciaga - Collectionneur de Mode. 

 

 

There is also 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 stumbled 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.

A glimpse into the Atelier, Photos: John Frantsen

There are 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.

FAIRYTALE COSTUMES

-Once upon a time, there was a Snow Queen. . . and a Nightingale. -You know how the story goes.

 

 

Costume Design & photos by John F. Clément

 

These were two of three dresses from a past Costume-exhibition, that were inspired by the fairytales of world famous writer, Hans Christian Andersen, who was born in Odense, Denmark.

I put together this exhibition with friend and colleague, Birgitte Ubbe, at The City hall of Odense.  -To celebrate his 200 years anniversary in 2005.

The exhibition consisted of six costumes all in all, three each.

The Nightingale that is shown here, wore a fine silk brocade corset with a peplum and long skirt with tulle and a train. She carried her own empty golden cage in one hand.

The Snow Queen wore a long flared skirt, a corset top with a long triangular train and a bolero with an attached pointed hat. All made in underlined silk taffeta.

The third mannequin wore a black transparent dress with long flared sleeves and a pointed hat, posing as the witch from the Tinderbox. All made in silk organza.

But, I was just thinking, that these costumes also might do as wedding-dresses as well. If you imagine them in the right fabric and colors 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 my previous posts or take a look at Designer- and Wedding dresses in the top menu, for more.

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.

COUTURE SALE!

Some time ago I went through the racks of dresses that have been there for a while. 

 

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

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

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

Silk Brocade corset and silk organdy skirt. Size 40. Before 3000,- Now 1500,-

Dupiony silk underlined with silk organdy. A tall Size 40. Before 4800,- Now 2400,-

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

Silk Brocade cocktail dress. 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.