Black & White Evening Dress

This year, I made myself no new dress for Christmas. Instead, I wore an old dress which I had not fitted in for years (so I put on a couple dozen pounds…), but now do because I lost 25 pounds! (*Applause*).

This dress I had originally made in May 2002 for a Film Study Gala at the end of my first year of University, but everyone in my family happened to forget their cameras that night, so I have no picture of me wearing it at the time. The evening was to showcase the short films done by us students, and out of the two categories my team’s film was entered in, we won both! I still have one of the Trophies:

"Remstar" Jury's Choice Award, University of Montreal Film Study Gala, May 2002

Although most students attending were wearing jeans and t-shirts, the ticket called for “Evening Wear” and I followed the dress code. I used pattern Butterick 5367, which I had bought in 1999 with a couple others while looking for a pattern for my dream Prom dress.

Butterick 5367

The bodice is made of imitation white silk shantung and the skirt is black satin. I would love to tell you that I choose the colours in homage to Black & White movies, but really, it is simply that I love that colour combination.

Gwenyver wearing her Black & White Evening Dress, Christmas 2010

My dress is sleeveless like the pattern, but the back opening, which you can’t see in this picture, has been raised a little to hide my bra. In this picture, I am wearing a bolero, bought at L’Aubainerie, because this dress was made to be worn in May and I wore it here in December. This picture was taken at my parent’s house, on December 25 (and I should mention that my parents strongly believe that heating a house is for wusses – 16°C in winter is a fine temperature inside the home).

Of course, I was once again over dressed (my uncle was wearing jeans and asked when he saw me why no one had told him it was a black tie evening), but I don’t care. I can currently fit in it, so I am going to wear it!

The Austrian Ball of Montreal

Have you ever seen images of Debutantes at Viennese Balls? All the young girls wearing white ball gowns, with their partners’ black tie attire contrasting like night and day… I remember seeing such a seen in a travel documentary about Vienna and it made me dream.

The Vienna State Opera Ball

I know these are supposed to be old tradition and that their purpose is to say loud and clear that the young woman being presented is of noble blood and is eligible for marriage. But I’m a girl, and I love princess stories; even modern ones.

To my surprise, I have discovered that there is a Viennese Debutante ball, right here in Montréal in November of each year by The Austrian Society of Montréal. And check this out, debutantes have to be younger than 30 (plenty of time for many of us to be one).

Edit: I can no longer confirm that information on their website, but I'm sure I saw it before. So, age unconfirmed.

Montréal Austrian Ball Debutantes, 2009

When you are a debutante, you must wear white. The colour is reserved to you and other debutantes for the evening. While debs in other places might be free to get which ever white ball gown they want, the Montreal Debutantes must all rent the same dress. They are also expected to dance a traditional waltz (dance lessons are included if you are chosen as a debutante).

Of course, I will probably never be a debutante at any ball; I am not Austrian, or single, or of high society. But I could still attend a ball and wear a gorgeous ball gown, in any colour except for white. In Vienna, during the Ball season (between November and June), there are about 300 public balls. Anyone is welcome! All you need is your ticket and evening wear. And perhaps some dance lessons.

Now I have another reason to visit Vienna (the first being to eat Sachertorte – the world’s best Chocolate cake!).

Gum Wrapper Prom dress

Did you hear about the Junior high school girl who made her prom dress (well, the corset part of it anyways) out of hundreds if not thousands of Gum Wrappers? And not just any gum: Wriggley 5 – for the colour of its wrappers. Now that is what I call DIY fashion!

Elizabeth Rasmuson's Gum Wrapper Prom Dress

Elizabeth Rasmuson of Garner, Iowa, got the idea when she heard hearsay of another DIY fashionista who had made her Prom attire out of Duct Tape. Liz got her friends involded too; she bought the gum, distributed the pieces around and gathered the wrappers. Since such a project requires planning, she started right at the beginning of the school year. And so her date wouldn’t feel out of place (or clash, which would be worse), she made him a matching vest.

Elizabeth Rasmuson and her Date

The technique for weaving wrappers is fairly easy and it can be applied to other materials such as magazines and chip bags. All you need is to cut pieces measuring 2” by 4 ½”, fold them a certain way and begin weaving.

I found this a blog on the subject, Wrapper Purses - Made completely from recycled potato chip wrappers. There is even a tutorial to make a hand bag from woven chip bag and I have to say, I am loving this idea. Finally, something I can do to recdycle my weekly bag of Lay’s!

But back to the Gum wrapper dress, I looked into it and a pack of Wriggley 5 contains 15 pieces and costs 1.26$ CAD before taxes: that means to get 1000 wrappers, it cost her 84$ (CAD), not including dentist fees for cavities and jaw problems developped from chewing all that gum. Not bad for such an original bodice; plus, she made it to Tele!

Chocolate Fashion Show

As we all know, the French know and love chocolate. (Incidentally, I am of French descend and I love chocolate.) As we also know, Paris is an important Fashion Capital.

That is way every October, the Salon du Chocolat, an event mixing both these passions is organized: the Défilé Tendances Chocolat. Renowned designers pair up with important Chocolat houses to create edible, wearable art. These creations are presented in a Fashion show where they are worn by French Stars; all proceeds from this show goes to a children’s charity.

Julie Ferrier at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat

Anne Richard at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat

Faustine Bollaert at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat

Daphné Bürki at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat wearing a chocolate studded dress, designed by Marithé & François Girbaud and made with the help of French chocolate maker La Pralus

Virginie De Clausade at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat

Dominique Magloire at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat

Daniela Lumbroso at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat in a Turandot-inspired creation made by chocolatiers Philippe Pascoet et Christophe Guillarme

Lara Fabian at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat

Corinne Touzet at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat sporting a chocolate creation designed by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada with a handbag from chocolatier La Maison Bonnat

Coralie Clément at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat

Marie Fugain at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat

Carole Brana at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat

Laetitia Rey at the 2009 Défilé Tendances Chocolat showing off a chocolate outfit designed by Eva Rachline and made with the help of French chocolate maker Magnum

Interesting designs! Not something you can wear in the summer heat, but hey, you can't always get everything in life!

Hmm... Now I'm hungry!

Veggie Dresses

Didn't your mom ever tell you not to play with your food? Good thing the people responsible for this PETA campaign didn't listen or we would not have these gorgeous evening dresses... made entirely of vegetables!

Okay, so I know the campaign in question isn't new, but in case you missed it, I wanted to showcase it here. The outfits made from these greens are incredible.

Note: this is not an endorsement.I'm all for humane treatment of animals, but I am a proud omnivore. These creations are presented here only for their originality.

Alyssa Milano for PETA

Have you noticed how the corset part of her bodice is made of asparagus?

Cloris Leachman for PETA

Is that what one might call a Cabbage Patch Granny? Love the pretty colour though!

Elizabeth Berkley for PETA

I wonder if it is possible to walk at all in these things? And how do they hold in place?

If I could find or make some silk cabbage leaves, you know that I would want to make myself one of these (but in durable and washable format), right?

Costumes on the Red Carpet: 82nd Academy Awards®

As you all know, Sunday night was my favourite award show of the year, the Oscars®. (If you didn't know, where the heck have you been living?) Oscar Night® is to me what the Super Bowl is to most men: I sit down in front of the tele with snacks to watch all of the pre-pre-pre show shows.

The awards are nice, some of the speeches are interesting, the hosts are funny, but really, what we want to see is the dresses! I've picked out a few to present here. Of course, you all know by now that if I show something here, it's because it caught my eye, and really, that is their purpose: ugly or not, the stars want you to remember them.

Here are the categories for this year's Costumeholic Oscar Red Carpet Dresses:

Blush

There is a trend going on in the fashion world for Nude tones and Blush pinks. Personally I look washed out in such colours (maybe if I left my basement once in a while instead of writing this blog - kidding!), but sun kissed skinned stars seem to wear them beautifully.

Anna Kendrickon on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

As beautiful as any Olympian Goddess!

Demi Moore on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

It's the return of the Mommy! Okay, I'm just being silly, but really, that was my first thought when I saw that bandaged looking bodice. Love the skirt though!

Pleats Please!

No, these are not Issey Miyake dresses, but they are covered in pleats and ruching. The dresses from the previous category could also have been included here.

Kristen Stewart on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

I thought it ironic that the star of Twilight would wear black: embracing our inner vampire, are we?

Mariah Carey on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Who else is seeing a blue clad Jessica Rabbit here? Raise your hand, anyone?

Penelope Cruz on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Have you ever noticed that every year at the Oscars, Penelope Cruz is always one of the best dressed? How does she do it? Never a faux pas!

Sigourney Weaver on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Sigourney Weaver is the ultimate Goddess in this one shoulder dress. She should not only join Anna Kendrickon on Mount Olympus, she should sit on the throne!

Silver and Gold

If Oscar gets to be clad only in gold, why couldn't the stars wear metallic tones too?

Cameron Diaz on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Have I ever mention I love Oscar de la Renta gowns? They are always of plain good taste, and this one is no exception.

Helen Mirren on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

This star truly must have fell from Heaven dressed like this!

Sandra Bullock on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Dressed in this gold gown, Sandra Bullock was bound to win her Oscar!

Why not?

Remember what I said about ugly or not? Some stars choose to go with stranger styles to get our attention.

Nicole Richie on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Why, oh why would Nicole Richie who is blessed by such a beautiful body, still tiny even after two pregnancies (let's hope it is not due to anorexia) would cover herself up in a caftan? Even a sequined caftan! She sort of looks like a slithering snake covered in brilliant scales. Or like she's living it up in the 70's.

Rachel McAdams on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

This dress is not actually ugly, far from it. I'm not a fan of prints for evening or formal wear, but I also know floral is very much in fashion right now (so I should just go with it). The reason I put it here is that I was instantly reminded of this Wishlist dress when I saw it (making it a costume in my twisted mind):

Moon Coloured Dress, Peau d'Âne, Les Plus Beaux Contes de Perrault, Lito-Paris Editions, Illustrations by Monique Gorde

Do you see it too or is it just me?

Structural

Another Fashion trend seen on this Red Carpet was architectural gowns. From small details to all over structures, there were examples to please everyone.

Charlize Theron on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Here is one way to bring attention to your bust: cover your boobs with huge flowers!

Kate Winslet on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

This dress may look simple at first, but look closely at the detail on the bodice, around hip level: a modern day Barbarella!

Zoe Saldana on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Oh frills! She's carrying a coral reef on her dress hem! Not my cup of tea, but I admire the work required to achieve such an effect.

Jennifer Lopez on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

I had never imagined putting a bustled train to the side front of a dress, but why not? Clearly, the result is beautiful!

Vera Farmiga on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Now that makes a statement! All over pleated frills! I wonder if it is comfortable to sit in?

One of these years, I'd like to organize an Oscar Night® party where everyone has to shows up in evening wear. It would be a great excuse to wear my prom dresses again (or to make something new - muahaha). Anyone I know interested? Of course, that's only while I await my turn to be nominated for Best Costume Design! (One can dream...)

Kimono Dress

Tonight is the Golden Globes; I can't wait to see all the pretty Red Carpet dresses. I promise to come back on them on Tuesday.

In the mean time, let's talk Evening Wear. I want to show you the work of Anna Niponica, an online store that transforms Kimono into dresses. After all, why wear a plain satin dress when you can show off in something that gorgeous! Plus, you know that in my mind Kimono equals costume.

This is what they do: they take an Uchikake or Furisode (recommended for dresses with trains because of the long hanging sleeves), they unfold it and press it before transforming it into a breathtaking gown.

Tube Top Mermaid Dress - Front

Tube Top Mermaid Dress - Back

If you don't have enough fabric, or if you like the look, satin can be used for the bodice.

Tube Top Flared Dress - Front

Tube Top Flared Dress - Back

A custom made dress like those cost over 2300$, and that excludes the price of the original Kimono, the shipping, and many options such as lining and the cute Obi bow in the back.

If you are a decent seamstress, you can always make your own. First, you'll need fabric: you can find a vintage Uchikake for 150$ (or you can pay a lot more).

Uchikake with Cranes and Pine Branches - Yamatoku Vintage Kimono, 270$

But if you are like me, you could never conceive of harming such a beautiful piece (especially at that price!). So I suggest another option: Kimono fabric. Some online stores, such as Kimono Flea Market Ichiroya, sell kimono fabric on bolts.

Graceful Flying Crane Pattern Silk Bolt for Girl's Kimono - Kimono Flea Market Ichiroya, 78$

It probably won't be as embroidered and as patterned, but at least cutting it won't break your heart. Do keep in mind when thinking of the pattern for your evening gown that Kimono Fabric is only 36 cm wide. Length can vary: for a girls kimono, you will find bolts of 8 metres to 10 metres of fabric, where as and adult kimono fabric bolt can have 13 metres of material. Be sure to check this before you order.

Definitely, when I'm nominated for Best Costume at the Academy Awards (or another important Red Carpet Award event), that's what I'll make myself. Guess I have a few years to wait then.

The £1 Million Dress

I saw this in the news recently: "Lottery heiress Hannah Cooper has made a dress that looks a million dollars — because it's made of a million pounds". In truth, it is made of fabric. The fashion design student asked the Bank of England permission to print £20 bank notes on to silver silk.

£1 Million Dress by Hannah Cooper; Modelled by Miss Cardiff Summer Ghanavati

Actually, when I first heard about it, it was on Yahoo and the article said the girl had been given one million pounds by her dad and she had chosen to stitch the bank notes on a dress. Comments said it was either a hoax or a very selfish thing to do. Geesh! Talk about researching your story! Even this humble blogger can do a better job!

But back to topic: it does make for an original dress. Not something I would wear everyday, but still, it's an interesting design. I also love the idea of printing your own pattern on silk: that is not something I have learned in Fashion School, but I would love to know how to do it.

Good luck to Hannah Cooper in her Fashion career!

Edwardian / Titanic inspired Evening Dress

I bet "Office Party" season has began for everyone. I know these past few years, all of us girls began discussing what we would wear before Halloween had even come to pass. So how can you reconcile your love for costumes with fancy diner with co-workers? (In my case, it was a huge party in a reception hall and attires went from Jeans to Prom dresses, so you could pretty much get away with anything).

Last year, I was 7 month pregnant by the time the Office Party came to be. All of my fancier outfits did not fit my belly, so I just HAD to make something new (I have an excuse every year, I know, but you have to admit, that was a good one).

Original "Jump Dress" Drawing, Titanic (1997)

I happened to have a (lab grown) oval sapphire pendant surrounded by (lab grown) diamonds and it reminded me of The Heart of the Ocean. That inspired me to turn to Rose's dresses in James Cameron's Oscar winning movie, Titanic.

Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater, Titanic (1997)

Designed by Deborah Lynn Scott, the costumes in Titanic are beautiful, romantic and dramatic. Of course, I have wanted for many years to reproduce one of them (famous last words), but I guess the next best thing is to make something that has a certain costume feel.

For my dress, I was inspired by Rose's Jump Dress: I loved the red with black lace effect. It's other advantage was that is is en empire waist, which I needed to fit my growing belly.

Gwenyver's Edwardian inspired Evening Dress

I found this beautiful black lace fabric at a decent price, and after hesitating a little (but only a little - I had hoped to go for some bejewelled lace), I go just enough for my dress, and I am glad I did because it came out great. For the red fabric, I had hoped to get satin, but I ended up using this polyester silk imitation that was dirt cheap and actually worked better. As for the pattern, I made it up. It consists of an empire waist bodice with darts, short sleeves and a below the knee gathered skirt. I did originally consider having the lace over skirt be split up the center, sort of like the Jump Dress, but I decided against it as I was afraid it would only serve to outline my baby bump (I know it sounds dumb, but having always been self conscious about my weight and body shape, I felt uncomfortable with the new maternity fashion that really accents the tummy area).

At the time, I wanted a short skirt, but now, I almost wish I had made it floor length so I could wear it as a period dress.

Gwenyver, Seven Month Pregnant, December 2008

So there it is. Guess when I finished it? That's right, the night before. Once it was done, I found that the neckline was a little too high for my taste, but I had been afraid to make it too low. That's OK, I can easily fix it by cutting a few inches away (it would have been much harder to add some had I originally cut too much!).

My co-workers were very impressed. My supervisor kept saying it was just like Haute Couture. Well, I don't know about that, but it is true that it is a very nice dress.