Inspiration: Bustier referencing at Dior

Readers, are you following Haute Couture shows in Paris. Day 2 was no disappointment, with Dior being the most spectacular collection of the day. It's amazing, actually, as the new designer at Dior is Raf Simons who was responsible for the minimalist and linear style of Jil Sander. It seems, Simons surprised everyone, downgrading bias-cut dresses and Kabuki styling of Galliano to a footnote, according to the Guardian's Jess Cartner-Morley.

My intention is not to critique this collection though. I thought, rather, I would look for details that make this show memorable - there were plenty, really! Instead, I wanted to quote another fashion guru, Cathy Horyn at the New York Times, because she captured the essence of the couture:

"His clothes are often so simple that you have to look at them for a while before you see the small gesture or the magisterial way of sleeveless black crepe falls over the body. He gets the most and the best out of couture, and this is just the start.”

 So, here are some of those small gestured that captivated me. I loved how Simmons translated the strapless look (which dominated his first collection) into other pieces. Enjoy!

This seemingly simple dress has elaborate bust shaping, similar to a bustier,
and a yoke that look like as if it covers a strapless dress. Beautiful dress, and with some patternmaking skills...
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Now this looks like boobs talking to the audience on both sides of the runway. Not sure whether this detail directly references something done in the past, but in any case it is very weird. Am I the only one?
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Classic tailoring spiced up!  Love this bustier cups!
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This is a dress I would love to make! Not with glitter but maybe with lace instead. Not sure what it is, but it does create an illusion of a strapless dress. Fun!
Source: {Stylebistro.com}

Again, cup shaping resonates bustier shaping.
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Now, what do you think? Do you think Raf Simons showed a fresh angle on Dior? Does Haute Couture inspire you to add new challenges to your sewing, try new techniques, introduce new styles? 

Flapper style on runways

Being pre-occupied with flapper dress construction, I just could not pass this opportunity and share with you some of my favourite picks from this season's runways. I truly love this trend as many of these pieces are very versatile and can be worn day or night, for work or walk.

Once a turning point in women's wear, flapper style remains highly feminine and very expressive. I believe it still takes a personality to work Art Deco-inspired pieces - so strong is the language of geometry, symmetry and color of that era. And that's a good thing! Why else would we, readers, make our own clothes if we didn't want to express who we are?

RALPH LAUREN

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For a simpler version, embellishing along construction lines will add a beautiful touch, playing it up with a contrasting trim or toning it down with matching beading. 

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I love the styling of this masculine ensemble. Two strands of pearls, with smaller and larger beads. This piece is clearly inspired by Robert Redford's wardrobe in the Great Gatsby, designed by Ralph Lauren himself.

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I like how this intricate embroidered fabric is mounted on organza - very sexy!

CHRISTIAN DIOR

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Hip area is beautiful, with lace peeking through the chevron pattern.

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Another heavily embedded piece in combination with sheers.

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More sheers (chiffon and organza, I believe)

ETRO

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Contrasting hip line devides ethnic inspired heavily embellished fabrics. Select any analogous colors from the color wheel to create similar effect. 

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Too much embellishment for my taste, but I love the double 'skirt' part!

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One of my favorites - I love this simple dress with the matching necklace

ALBERTA FERRETTI

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This yoke transforms any skirt in an instant Art Deco piece

GUCCI

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stunning! wearable?

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This one is number one on my list!!! Very elegant, very simple and very flattering!

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Do you like this style, readers? Are you making any Jazz-Age inspired pieces? 

Boho Skirts Craving

Making the second muslin for my Burda Couture Challenge, I am craving some instant-gratification project that is striking, versatile and easy to wear. So, here I am re-discovering Boho skirts, and I especially love the styling of these YSL SS2012 beauties:

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I am thinking of using paisley Liberty cotton. It is semi-sheer, so I might underline it.

I do have a white shirt to go with it - it makes the whole look so fresh and city-appropriate. Without a shirt it is a beach outfit. The only thing missing is a striking belt - but I have an idea...

What about you, readers? Do you like long skirts? How do (would) you style them? 

Couture refashion: inspiration snaps

I haven't had inspiration posts for a while. But yesterday as I was cruising J.Crew.com site in search for a party dress for my daughter (J.Crew is one of my favourites for kids party clothes), I found a few interesting pieces for adults as well.

See, I got a very boring camel pullover in a desperate need of repair (couple of tiny holes). The color is too pale to suit me, and a pop up of color like on this J.Crew cardigan will give it an instant upgrade, don't you think so?

Source: {J.Crew}

The same is true for a few shirts in my wardrobe, which I haven't worn for months now. So this idea is an option. I don't think I would go for Swarovski crystals (it is a girlier alternative, I feel), but some other embellishment may work.

Source: {J.Crew}

This final image comes from my Pinterest board ( I am now really addicted to it!). A beautiful lace collar (from Louis Vuitton spring collection, I believe) adds a beautiful touch to an otherwise plain cropped pullover. Not my style either, but I love the combination! There are hundreds of beautiful vintage lace pieces on eBay that can be easily transformed for this style.

Do you refashion your clothes? Where do you find your inspiration?