CLASSIC DRESS

I was just wondering what you think of this dress. It´s one of the first dresses I made. The layered skirt is made of silk-organdy and the corset is made of a silk-brocade.

I always try to keep the design pretty simple and use interesting fabrics and colors, instead of some elaborate design, that fades in time.
Does it still hold up or do you think it looks dated ? Do I keep it or not?

Model: Trine. Photo: John Frantsen

THE STYLE GALLERY

"FASHION FADES, ONLY STYLE REMAINS THE SAME"

                                                                                         Coco Chanel

THE STYLE GALLERY - Is the name of our coming workshop/showroom situated here in Odense.

As I have mentioned before, it will be a place where you will be able to find something special that you won´t find anywhere else.
We will offer our new collection of unique pieces, measure made designs, art and photography. Take a look at The Dress Archive to get an idea.

In the making we are also looking for other creative people, that for the amount of 500,- per month, can sell their creations - it can be fashion- and Jewellery design, Accessoires, Art etc., that fits our concept. Maybe you know someone ?

We are of course looking for Style Sponsors and -Contributors too. Sponsors who believe in our concept and wants to support a business like ours in the making. . .
There will be different levels of contributing, so that whatever you choose to contribute with, you will always get rewarded somehow:

Amounts up till 200,- will always be deducted your next purchase. 

If you want to contribute 500,- or more, there will be benefits on top of the deduction, like invitations for special events.

For even bigger contributions, you will get a discount on every purchase you make.

Another way of getting benefits, is to sign up and become a true Style-Member for 500,- yearly, you will be the first to know about special offers and events, by a monthly newsletter.

Please comment if you have any questions.
Sign up and become a Style Contributor via contact.

Update! April 2018. This project no longer exist, due to different circumstances.

NEW BLOG LAYOUT

Photo credit: Karl Lagerfeld for Harper´s Bazaar 2011,

 reworked in Photoshop

I have changed my Blog layout - Let me know what you think.
Here on top, there is now a menu that describtions About me, what I can offer. . . like Customer service, Dress Archive, Consultations and classes etc.

In addition to that, I have decided to offer Personal Consultations, that suits you. If  you want discretion or you don´t have the possibility or time to pay me a visit, I can offer to pay you a home visit.

Orders are very welcome, but I can also offer you assistance in Pattern-making, Sewing Technics and fittings.

I wish you all a very nice weekend and hope you did like my new Lay-out and can only encourage you to explore all the new features.

Update! - the Lay-out has changed a few times since this post.

VELVET DRESS PROGRESS

The Gala-dress for my niece is progressing. The first fitting went very well and she was happy.

As you see, finally I choose the effectful dark turqouise-green velvet for the dress. Next step is to hem and line it. I hope to show her wearing it eventually.

THE BRIDAL CORSET

As promised last week, here are a few pictures from the happy bride, in the laced, creme-coloured bridal-corset with black lace on top and sleeves.

She had a wonderfull day and everybody liked her dress. It´s always nice to get feedback like that. Don´t you think she looks radiant in her very personal weddingdress?

UPDATE!

Last week I finished the latest commission - a laced bridal corset in creme-colour with a black lace on top  and sleeves. It took a few fittings to get it right, but the bride was very happy with the result. Hopefully I can show some pictures when I get some. . .

Apart from that, we have had a few days with fabulous weather here in Denmark; around 30 degrees. So the weekend was mainly spent in our garden, relaxing and fixing a few things.

Next is to finish up the new wedding dresses that I´ve been working on lately. . .

SPARKLING SEQUINS

Another eye-catching dress, could be made out of this draped piece of fabric, bought locally. 

The fabric has a snake-print on top of sequins, which makes it stand out in a crowd. It´s just waiting for the right customer. Maybe it's You?

 

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.

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.

COLOR-BLOCK MATCH

Recently my 15 year old niece found these amazing color-blocked shoes and I told her, that I had done an outfit for her mother in the exact same colors years ago.

She went home, tried the silk-corset and dark blue organza-skirt of her mother on and the outfit fitted her perfectly. So, of course she wore it at my parents anniversary party.

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.

ROMANTIC BRIDALGOWN

Take a look at the gown I have been working on, next to the orders I had recently. It is part of my wedding collection. 

Are  you a romantic Bride-to-be? Just imagine, wouldn't this very romantic gown be perfect for your spring-/summer wedding. The cut is pretty classic, but the nice fabric sets it apart, I think.

The gown is made out of embroidered shantung-silk and underlined with silk organdy and about a size 8/38, just waiting for the right bride, to be lined and finished.

Photos: John Frantsen

ON REPUTATION

-Is so crucial. Do not underestimate reputation, especially when you are working in the fashion world.

I´m always making sure that my customers are happy and satisfied when they leave, telling them to come back, if anything goes wrong with the garment they purchase.

It is a matter of professional pride and a way to secure a good reputation, hopefully. 

It always pays off to take good care of your customers and give them more than they expect. Because you never can tell what one unhappy customer can cause. Often one is enough to give you a bad reputation.

It´s always a great satisfaction, when I get good response from a happy customers and that´s usually how a good reputation spreads.

Never the less, I am always open for feedback in a constructive way from customers or people I know. It gives me a chance to improve.

WEDDING FRENZY

Tomorrow is the day all royalists have been waiting for.

As I wrote in an earlier post about a month ago, the anticipation and culmination of all the media frenzy for the Royal English wedding is coming closer.

Hopefully the couple will be able to enjoy their day, despite all the attention.

Of course I will have a look as a professional, to see how the wedding-dress turned out and who made it.
It surely will mean a great deal, acknowledgement and demand for the creator. I just hope he or she is prepared for that.

If you feel inspired for your own wedding-dress, I can accommodate most wishes. Just get in touch.

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.