Have you noticed how much the quality of the photos on my blog has improved recently? This is the result of an encounter with two talented co-workers, one of whom happens to be an amazing photographer and the other, a make-up artist. Even though all three of us work in tech, we each aspire to more creative expression of our inner selves. We have decided to meet together from time to time and work on different photo projects, thus helping each other to improve and evolve artistically. I don’t know how long we’ll carry on working together, but so far it has been a very inspiring union.
For this project, I was determined to sew the Xerea dress, because just a few weeks before Pauline, from Pauline Alice patterns, gave me me both of her latest patterns as a present: Xerea dress and Sorell trousers. The style of the Xerea dress reminded me of my, literally worn to pieces, Louis Vuitton dress: the 60’s silhouette, comfort and playfulness.
I got in touch with my ‘creative team’, showed them my dress and they came up with many great ideas for a shooting session ‘60’s reinvented’. And here it is!
Now, a little bit more about the dress. When I just saw the preview of the Xerea dress, I immediately thought about using my Moomin fabric, which has been waiting for a perfect dress pattern for the last two years. I bought it at Cocca, a concept shop in Tokyo, selling fabric, clothes, haberdashery, umbrellas and small house decor objects. It turned out, they also produce textile, including some Moomin fabric collection! Since I purchased only 1.3metres of the fabric, I went for the sleeveless view A.
Prior to cutting the precious fabric, I made a muslin, because I remember from my previous experience with the Ninot jacket, that Pauline’s patterns incorporate seam allowances. Personally, I prefer when patterns I work with do not include seam allowances, because I find it easier to focus on stitching lines, and 0.5cm seam allowances give me enough room to sew. Since the Xerea dress includes 1.5 cm seam allowances, I removed 0.5cm from the size 38.
So, first, I sewed the muslin together, then I applied a couple of modifications and, lastly, I removed 0.5 cm from the altered toile’s seam allowances. My first modification was to raised the bust darts by 2cm up. Second, I took off some fabric from the under shoulder blade area, creating a dead dart along the seam attaching the yoke to the back.
The entire process from sewing the dress to coming up with a theme for the photos to the actual shooting was hard work, but also lots of fun. It is not the same when a photographer tells you what to do, how to turn, how to look versus you taking your own picture. This is by far the toughest part of working with professionals. In the future, you may expect a few more ‘serious’ photo sessions and few frocks. Meanwhile, I am off to Iceland. And you? Any holiday plans?
love the dress! and, omg moomin fabric!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great shape - I love the pockets. And that fabric is just fantastic. So much fun!
ReplyDeleteFabulous. I love the fabric on this make and the photography is so professional! I hope you all continue to enjoy collaborating, as it's worked out brilliantly so far xxx
ReplyDeleteMoomin fabric, how amazing!! Your dress looks brilliant & the photos are so good, what a great collaboration! I'm off home to scotland for 2 weeks holiday now - can't wait to see my family!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you and your creative team, these photos are fabulous, and show off your new dress perfectly. Keep those great posts coming!
ReplyDeleteFabulous dress, what a great fabric! So special that it's actually a scene, and not just Moomins all over. And you look gorgeous! You know who you rond me of here? Keira Knightly :)
ReplyDeleteКлассная ткань! И образ такой стильный, футуристичный! Почти "Пятый элемент" )))
ReplyDeleteHow great that you have such talented friends! You look fabulous and the Moomin dress is very cool.
ReplyDeleteI love this dress. You have inspired me to make one of my own (to be blogged soon!). It's great to have the opportunity to be directed by a photographer. When my husband takes photos of my sewing he never notices if there's a wrinkle or I'm standing awkwardly. I would love some proper direction!
ReplyDeleteYes! I love it when a treasured piece of fabric transforms into a winning project! And I bet your days of taking blog photos in a photo booth in Tokyo feel like a long time ago right now?! Stunning
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mokosha!
ReplyDeleteThe pockets are my favourite feature!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marilla! I've no idea how long we'll be working together, since none of us is Irish and none of us plans to stay in Dublin for long.
ReplyDeleteI love Scotland! Hopefully, I'll be able to go there for a few days this summer. Enjoy your holiday!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrea! I'll try to get full advantage of this collaboration!
ReplyDeleteI also like that fact that the fabric depicts a story!
ReplyDeletehaha :) I should try to dye my hair orange "-)
ReplyDeleteСпасибо, Надя! Мы старались :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! In fact, the girls are working on creating their own portfolios. So it's a triple win situation!
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more with you! Usually, I take all pictures myself and the only thing I care about it to show my garment, some details, without worrying about make up, pose or light. Working with the girl brought this entire process to a completely different level! Offer your husband a subscription to a photography course for Christmas! He may like it ;)
ReplyDeleteCome over, Sophie! They are creating their own portfolios and are desperately looking for models!
ReplyDeleteThanks! X
ReplyDeleteGoodbye photo booth!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lot of fun! I love the lines of this dress! The fabric choice is a lot of fun. And the kombi in the background - martini olive! Same colour as my sunny boy we discovered whilst renovating him!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun dress and shoot. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love the new photos, great cooperation! *^v^*
ReplyDeleteThe dress in not my shape and style but the fabric is to die for!.... A bought myself a Moomin tshirt in Uniqlo when I was in Japan last year but the dress with Moomins would be a dream come true. *^o^*
Nice boots, too!
MOOMIN!
ReplyDeleteThis is so freaking cool- I love this silhouette on you, Inna! You are mod-tastic :D
what an awesome collaboration, and a great way to spend time with friends as well-- you have me scrolling my mental rolodex...
ReplyDeleteAND KICK ASS DRESS.
What an incredible collaboration -- it all turned out beautifully.
ReplyDeleteGreat result and always loving the Moomins! ;)
ReplyDeleteVery very cool. I love the fabric and the way in you styled it up with the jacket.
ReplyDelete