JUST BAGS !

Here is a little special collection of bags for different occasions, as inspiration.
They are all One-of-a-kind. If you like them and want something similar, I do special orders too.

Let me know what you think. Have a nice weekend out there everybody.

Design & Photos: John Frantsen

NEW FASHION FABRICS

As promised here are the new fabrics, that I purchased in Montreal. I draped them on a mannequin to make you imagine what could become of them.

This beautiful silk-piece would be perfect for a woman who is not afraid to stand out.

This neutral, but effectful silk-organdy could even be used for a short wedding- or cocktaildress.

Last, but not least this "burned-out"-piece could be a nice choice for a premiere or an evening out.

If you would like to be dressed in one of them, please don´t hesitate. There is only enough for one-dress-of-a-kind and you will not see anybody else look-a-like.

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.

THE BAND SHIRTS

-Is a brand new assignment, that I´m quite excited about. It´s a vocal group that needs shirts for their new tour.

After a meeting in Copenhagen last friday with their stylist, I brought home a full bag of clothes, that I have to costumize as their temporarily outfits, until the real shirt-fabric is here.

If possible I will show the result when the shirts are all done.

Basix

THE BLACK SUIT

I have just finished the last commission for now, so it´s time to catch up posting here.

Meanwhile I hope you have explored some of my previous post.

The order was a complete black wool-suit for a disabled woman. It took time, because I have a hard time to compromise on the fit and execution.
It has to be perfect inside out. Here is a few pics from work in progress and how it turned out. The customer was very happy with the result.

Next up, is a few of my own projects and more post will follow the coming days. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by everyone.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - ON THE GO!

Gala dress, photo by Steen Donsby, Model: Trine Bolander

Why limit yourself ? -I mean, with the internet there is no limits.

Clients abroad is of course an option! Especially when you live in a small city/country like Denmark, you have to think outside "the box" when you want to succeed.

That is why I´m offering my service to future clients, when I´m traveling locally, nationally and abroad.

If you can´t find the time, but still want to look the part, without compromising design, fit and quality, don´t hesitate to make an appointment. That is, if you like the idea and what I do.

Currently you have the chance to make an appointment, if you live in San Francisco or Montreal, since I´m staying there during the Holidays.

Feel free to contact me or follow the blog to stay updated. For further information, take a look at the menu.

Photo: Daniel Clément, Exhibition 2010

"SAY YES TO THE DRESS"

-Is a TLC reality series which follows events at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. 

-And "What Not to wear", are programs  I have been watching while in Montreal. But now TLC appears here in Denmark too, as a program you can select, after a free viewing period.

It´s funny to watch as a professional, because you get a glimpse of how things works over there.
Watching the first one from the famous bridal shop today, made me wonder about how woman shop for their wedding gowns.
 

Women wants to feel very special on their wedding day. So, a One-of-a-kind dress should be their first choice.
But I guess most women wants a big selection to choose from and that is what Kleinfeld´s is offering. They have the largest and finest selection of designer wedding gowns in the world. Of course that´s great, except when you don´t know what you want. The bigger the choice, the harder it is to choose.

In case you didn't know, I can make The One-of-a-kind wedding dress, if you know what you want. Just give me a call and make an appointment without any obligation.

CUSTOM-MADE FASHION

Fashion, is a fascinating field to work in.

 

But, like any other creator you would like to put your own signature on the clothes. It can sometimes be a big dilemma, because often you have to make compromises to keep the customer happy and satisfied.

Usually the customer  have a certain idea of what they want and that is a good starting point. But the view of the designer is equally important.

The designer or dressmaker can often tell if the idea is suitable for the occasion and maybe suggest improvements or alternatives. Sometimes it takes an effort to convince the customer about that.

Christian Lacroix by Valerio Mezzanotti for New York Times

To stay true to your ideals is important, but not always possible.

As you can see in my previous post, I don´t think the Wedding-dress of the century had the signature of Alexander McQueen. It could have been any designer or Fashion House who did it.

But obviously you don´t decline an assignment like that. The attention you get in a case like this, is far too valuable.

KEEPING IT UP!

Working on a commission with famous fashion quotes in the background.

I am still here, in case you were wondering. Even though I have been busy with other things as you might know from my facebook-profile. 

 

Never the less a few things are coming up. 

Contributors as I looked for in the previous post is starting soon. I´m very happy about that, because things take time and it can be difficult keeping it up sometimes. You can be one of them. Just sign up and suggest me something.

Regular posts will also appear again soon.

THE STEPS TO INDULGENCE

One-of-a-kind Gala dress made of silk-taffeta, backed with silk-organdy.
Only available in size 8/38. Photo and Design by John Frantsen

The Procedure always starts with an appointment, where we take the time to find out what you want and how I can help you.
When we have agreed on a model and a price-range, I am going to take your measures and we´ll make a new appointment.
In the meantime I am going to make your personal pattern, to cut it in silk-paper and make a Muslin/ calico. The Muslin/calico is a basic model used for the first fitting.

At the following appointment you have to try on the Muslin/Calico, so I can make the adjustments. We discuss the details and what kind of fabric could be suitable and you´ll have to pay a deposit, for me to use on materials.

The third appointment is the fitting of the Calico with all the adjustments or the final fabric, if the first fit were a success.

At the last appointment we have the fitting of the final result and of course the payment.

By now you´ll be the happy owner of a total unique dress that makes you look gorgeous and feel very special. That is what indulgences is all about.

SIZE PERFECT

Sometimes it can be quite difficult to find clothes that fits, unless you are a perfect standard-size. But size perfect is actually your size.
 

The perfect fit is possible even if you are not that standard. The answer is of course made-to-measure if you want to look gorgeous in your own size. 

Made-to-measure is well adjusted clothes, that fits. It is not cheap, but it will last longer.

 

For inspiration, a Pierre Balmain, Evening gown 1957

 

Feel free to make an appointment without any obligation and find out more about the possibilities, prices and what I can offer you.

Treat yourself and get a new experience of indulgence. I´m sure you deserve it.

STUDENT CHIC

-On a rainy day? No! Just dressed up for Student Gala-party. 

 

This is a one-of-a-kind from last summer. The student wished for a green and black dress with a velvet draped top and bare back. 

 

Have you noticed, that the tendencies for gala dresses of students the last couple of years seems to be short dresses. 

THE CUSTOMER-RELATION

If you like me are working with all aspects of fashion, right from the idea/design and pattern-making to the execution of the final product, it is very important to be aware of what kind of customer you are targeting.

My customers are primarily very style- and quality-conscious women, that knows what they want and don´t compromise on quality and fit.

On the other hand, it is also important that the customer knows who they are dealing with and what they will get when they approach me. That is why I am writing this !

My passion is to realize your dreams and fantasies for the big moments in life. By creating something unique, I am putting my mark on and contributing to making your day one to remember.

The foundation for all my creations is my design-philosophy, that I have developed through time. My ongoing creativity via inspiration, that I have got through all kinds of impressions and experiences.

The mark of my creations are conscious design, a perfect fit and good quality, that I find of equal importance, all together to enhance your style and personality.

In reality, creating is a way of communicating and expressing yourself. I am doing what I am, because I can´t help it. Of course I hope that you are able to appreciate and like it.

When all comes to all, it is really a matter of taste, to be conscious about yourself and your surroundings.

If you can relate, you probably found the right guy. I am looking forward to meet you and help you out.

COUTURE SALE

Cocktail-dress and photo by John Frantsen

I have an offer that is worth considering, if you are just missing the dress for the upcoming Holiday- and New Years parties or maybe is getting married the coming year,

If you order a dress here in December, I can offer you 20% off. All you have to do is to make an appointment, be measured and pay a deposit. Then we will find out what you want, together.

Are you prepared yourself and recommend this offer, you can save 10% next time you need something for a special occasion. This offer is only valid during December.

THE MONEY ISSUE

-In extension of my post of the 22/9, you often hear the expression that, time is money. 

How do you rate your work? What is your work actually worth? That is some of the hardest things to determine.
Of course, it depends on what the customer imagines, what kind of dress, the cut, the details and what fabric they want. Last but not least, how much they are willing to spend.

On the official website of the Tailor's Guild you can get an indicate of an hourly salery in their agreement here.

Like I have described in previous post, it takes quite some time to create a unique dress made by measure. By experience I've learned to give an estimate, when the clients ask for the price.

The customer then knows what they have to adhere to and what they can expect. -And I know what I am dealing with and can better organize the work within this framework.

But of course, if money is no object, I really can take care and use all the time needed.
On the other side, one does not always have to make every penny count. When I spend time on customers, I see it more like an investment in the long term, which hopefully comes back again somehow.

Sometimes it even comes back from a completely unexpected side. Maybe that is what you call Karma. 

FABRIC HUNTING IN MONTREAL

Here in the middle of a Heatwave in Montreal, I finally succeeded to find some fabric for "Wedding dresses", that I hope my customers will like. I had these colors as a reference.

-And I found this lovely heavy silk/viscose on Rue Saint Hubert, where there is a big selection of fabric-stores.

-As well as this nice changing silk-taffeta for another customer.

Photos: John Frantsen

DRESS THE PART

If there's a Party, let the Party begin!

I hereby encourage everyone to take the chance and dress the part, when you're invited to a party. It is so much more fun and festive when you dress up for the occasion.

 My very first client, dressed up for a very special event.

Be it a Wedding, Birthdays or a Garden party. To honor the Occasion and show the host and hostess some respect.
It signals that you are prepared and ready to party. Nice and inspiring for everybody to look at. Life is to short otherwise.

A LATINDRESS. . .

- Was my latest commission/challenge. I have to say, designing the Latin dress was the fun part of it.

But dancing-dresses are as you might know, made of some kind of stretch-fabric, which I have to admit wasn´t the easiest material to handle. It has to be overlocked and sewn with a twin-needle and it can´t really be ironed.

That´s why you have to bast it or stich it with a zig-zig for the fitting. On top panties and bra are incorporated into the dress.

For the fitting you have to tighten and adjust it. If the fitting needs adjustments and you have to undo overlock seams, you use an unproportionally amount of time, I had to realize that I had to cancel the order.

 
Conclusion: it was my first and probably also last kind of those dresses. Ideas come easy though, so I would not mind to design dancing dresses in the future. But someone else would have to make them.