SIMPLICITY

-Never goes out of style.
If you have been following me here, you may have noticed that lately I have been on a quest to simplify designs where ever I can. It usually starts with some inspirations, that generate an idea and some experimentation during the pattern-making.
Maybe a reaction on all the elaborate, extravagant and outrageous fashion that is going on these days.

As an example, here is one of my latest creations.

Design and photo by John F. Clément

I like the color-combination of red and bordeaux. It is unusual, but quite dramatic.

I used a nice underlined bordeaux silk-duchess, for this dress with a built in corset.
The fitted and boned foundation-corset is supporting and holding up the dress. The skirt has several layers of tulle; not quite enough though. The dress is about a size 8, should you be interested. 

Though it is very gratifying to produce and execute these designs, it is very time-consuming, when you are doing everything yourself. 

 
I'm seriously considering going back to just design and having things made by someone, that specializes in that.

LOUNGE WEAR

Long time, no see. I have been quite busy launching our new blog - DESIGN GALLERIET - and preparing for our pop-up Blog events at Cadenhead´s Whiskyshop here in Odense.

By the way, our GIVE AWAY is soon running out. So go there to support us and have a chance to win one of our asymetric Cloaks.

Apart from that I just wanted to bring you a little inspiration for Christmas parties coming up soon. I hope to post at least few times before that, so stay tuned.

Design and photos: John Frantsen

Model: Sofie

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.

THE AMBASSADOR OF QUALITY FABRICS

Tonight I had the pleasure to attend a speak by Ulrik Hvidberg from the fabric store I.W. Hvidberg, founded 1780 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The event took place at my old school here in Odense and the subject was of course quality. Because the quality of the fabric means everything for the final product. The message was: "Don´t compromise", it al-ways pays of to use the very best quality.

Ulrik talked about his approach, the origins and displayed quite a few samples from his stock for us to get tempted.
Besides it was nice to meet and talk to fellow colleagues too. I definitely have to pay the store a visit soon.

You can check out the store if you explore a little !

A VINTAGE DRESS

Another vintage dress that could be an option for the coming Holidays. I purchased it long time ago, because of the unusual color-combination and woven fabric-pattern. In the front, it has a special empire cut and a small bow to emphasize that.

I will estimate it to around late 1960, but if you know better, let me know. The size. . .is about a 10/40, but can of course be adjusted to your size.

The label says: Nilaco - Danish Design

If you are tempted, don´t hesitate to contact me.

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.

VINTAGE DRESS

-Er meget oppe i tiden. Vintage er ligesom god årgangs-vin. Det er som oftest design-klassikere, der dukker op efter en del år og som stadig holder. Vintage udmærker sig ved et godt og gedigent design i en god kvalitet.

Det handler ikke om nutidigt design. Det er ikke noget man designer nu og her og sælger som vintage, som jeg har set at flere modefirmaer gør. Det vil jeg faktisk kalde en form for falsk varebetegnelse. Mere derom i kommende indlæg.

Du kan se nogle gode eksempler på hvad vintage egentlig er, hvis du clicker på Vintage couture Label herunder.

Denne Pierre Cardin-vintagekjole fra starten af 70´erne, vil jeg tro, er et arvestykke. Det er en plisseret jerseykjole i paneler med lange ærmer og fine detaljer i et særpræget flamme-mønster. Den er en størrelse 31 og i sin tid købt hos hedengangne Eliné i Odense.

Hvad mener du? Er du den lykkelige ejer af ægte vintage ?

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

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.