I've been in hiding over the last year or so: felt a bit drained, still took on commissions mostly through my FB page, but, really lost my creative drive. It's disheartening when that happens, isn't it?
I took a break from the pressure and focused on other creative endeavours, started training in ballet, worked on my day job show and forced myself to absorb All The Art I could find. The result? I'm excited about creating again. Oh joy.
So, I've done a double-punch of awesome; after nearly TEN years of being in business, I've established a website. We're finalizing some content and then I'll publish it here for you all. I also participated in my first ever runway show. It was an amazing and very valuable experience, considering I was showing 10 looks (4 bridal), and had less than 2 weeks to prepare for it (I was stitching the morning of...I literally just got back from New Zealand and didn't realize the show was actually happening!). And now, I feel back in the saddle! :)
Please check out the attached photos of my show for Fashion Thursdays, in Toronto. It was a wonderful event and I'm very happy to have had such an amazing hair, make-up and creative team helping to bring it to life!
Lattice silk overbust with silk satin ruffled ribbon detailing.
Silk satin longline overbust with antique chantilly detailing.
This piece is from the same 'family' of design, antique chantilly, blush corset.
with the skirt, tulle overlay with handstitched antique chantilly (I was handstitching the morning of...), blush silk underskirt.
"white swan" overbust with sheer cups covered in antique bridal chantilly lace... this is where the ballet inspiration sort of came out hehehe :)
And my finale piece: the Swan Princess bridal gown! over 4 yards of goose feathers handstitched onto the train, and hand-placed onto the bodice! SO much work, but I love how simple it is.
I was very happy with how the show turned out, despite running out of time to complete all of the looks. I am excited to have a goal to work towards this year and am looking forward to spending the time to bring it to life! I definitely learned a LOT from this experience (ie. invest in a steamer...) and would highly recommend participating in fashion shows to anyone with a nice, cohesive body of work. The most valuable thing this experience taught me was to look at my work as a body instead of each individual garments. While I do pride myself on my strong visual aesthetic and style, it was really great to bring it all together and consider how everything WORKED together. I quickly learned when to put the embellishments DOWN and focus on cut, for example.
Anyway, for those of you who remember me, it's great to be back! For those of you who have no idea who I am, hi!