One of the things I loath about making things as a professional, is being asked to copy other people’s work.Not only is it degrading, bordering on insulting, that you are not required to put your own artistic input into a project. But, it also goes against a deep rooted disrespect felt in the act of copying anothers’ work, the feeling of being somehow fraudulent. And,... bearing all that in mind I was once asked to make a ’copy’ of the ’Blue Showgirl’ outfit worn by Kylie in her ’Showgirl’ tour. Originally designed by John Galliano for his spring/summer 1997 collection, and made by the ledgendary corsetiet Mr Pearl I decided to go ahead with the project. Not only is the outfit itself a stunning work of beauty and technically very difficult in almost every way imaginable ( as I disovered) I had to make it for a man, and make him look convincing. This project was an amazing challenge in every way, and fully acknowledging it’s original sources off I went and did it.
One of the greatest sources of inspiration for me, is the designer Thierry Mugler.
I think his work exemplifies all the things I love about clothes. For me, his unique blend of drama, costume, corsets and materials are always a surprise and delight.
He is one of the very reasons I’m now a corsetier and I wanted to share my favorite design he ever made. It is the alien feathered queen at the end of the vid. It just blew me away so much, and it still just sends a jealous shiver of delight every time I see it.
Yeah! It’s time for me to start the Brighton Frocks ball rolling! With a couple of years under my belt, fashion show-wise, I’m really looking forward to this one much more than in previous years.
There will be the usual expectation of a Curve Couture show with my unique vision of sassy demoiselles with attitude laced in, hoisted up and strutting their thing down the catwalk.
Oh, yeah - and they’ll be outfitted in my exquisite new frocks and corsets. This year I plan to knock you totally out of your chairs.
I also plan to exhibit my art, have walking mannequins and just generally shout about it for some time to come.
Little Black Dress Exhibition
Current mood: busy
Category: Art and Photography
Little Black Dress Exhibition, Brighton and Hove Museum Until June 1st 2008 Free Admission
Brighton and Hove Museum's fashion department hosts a unique new exhibition in homage to the litle black dress. The Little Black dress has been an iconic item since the 1920's. Before that black had been the staple mourning colour for the Victorian, but with the swinging 20's revived and reimaged for a new era. It's slimming and smoothing effect embraced and adorned in beaded jet and delicate french lace. I was pleasantly supprised at both the exceptional quality of the garments, and the varied styles portrayed in over 50 garments displayed. Thankfully, the exhibit hasn't followed just a historic walk through, which would have both twee and obvious. Hemlines have risen and fallen and styles changed dramatically, but the little black dress has remained as prominant feature of most womens wardrobe for over half a century. It's transforming effect, both cool and confident, making any woman an icon of style.
I hope you all have checked out the fabulous Bat For Lashes at the Mercury Awards. And they are from our dear old Brighton!!!! But, especially, I made Natasha some feather shoulder pieces to wear at the Mercury Award Ceremony. Watch the movie below to get a sneaky peak. Don't blink though!
It's time to move on. I'll miss my little studio that has been the home of my business for four years. People have come and gone, time had added wisdom, and a few wrinkles, I've made so many wonderful projects, had so many fantastic clients.... and I can still remember each and every one of them. So I leave my studio with a mixed sense of sadness and hopeful expectaion for the future of Curve Couture. I will be relocating studio to Duke Street in the fashionable South Laines above the wedding dress designer Paul Milana's studio. Moving means finding homes for my sample work, which is currently on sale at stupid price on E-bay or from my current studio. So, onwards and upwards......
My fabulous peacock feather train outfit has won 2nd place in the costume category of Ostriche's online competition. Copy this link to view: http://www.ostrich.com/general/freecompetition.html
Or see how marvelous a creation it is right here!!!!
I'm currently working on a set of new designs to delight and be desired. I'm enjoying sat amidst yards of luxurious silks, ostrich boa's, diamante, ostrich feathers, metallic laces etc, etc, I've surrounded myself with sumptuous materials to inspire me to create more extravagant corsets, hair fascinators and just about anything else I feel like turning my hand to today.
chill
animated
busy
