Monday, 10 September 2012

Burberry inspired DIY studded trench

Whilst admittedly we are thankfully headed towards warmer weather, classic garments are timeless and attached to no season. A few months ago I stumbled upon the Burberry studded tench coat of the Fall 2011/2012 collection. Being a big fan of studs myself this season, I instantly knew this was my new project to tackle and perhaps revive my blog with. I dug out an old floor length trench coat of my mothers which she claims is '10 years older then me', tailored it to my height challenged length and set out to find some hardcore studs. Unfortunately this was harder then expected. As I ventured all over Cape Town in pursuit of sharp and shiny metal (to no avail) I eventually settled for an online order from London. 5 weeks later instead of the  promised 3 and Murphy's law laughed at me. My studs finally arrived on 1 Sept - the first day of Spring and what a glorious spring day it was. Despite my welcoming of the warmer weather, I decided to stay in Winter denial knowing well and true that Cape Town wouldn't deny me one last cold front. 


Burberry Studded Trench Fall 2011/12


Emma Watson



Whilst spikes and studs may seem like a fashion fad, Burberry is one of the few fashion houses renown for its timely classics.  This beautifully crafted traditional trench coat has a twist of studs and spikes embellished all over. Having been seen publically on the figures of Emma Watson and Kim Kardashian and retailing for a couple of thousands, this jacket is a definite DIY must that will served the test of time over seasons to come.

You will need:
1)   A trench coat preferable made from a thin viscose material allowing for the easy penetration of spikes.
2)   Craft knife
3)   Assortment of studs and spikes preferably with backings. The studs I used were square like in shape and had sharp insertions that allow to be folded in behind the material. The spikes used were circular in shape in a pin like form that came with backings to pin the material in between.




 Instructions:
1)   Start by mapping out a design plan for the spikes and studs making sure that the spikes will be in a comfortable position and not sacrificing mobility.
2) Once a plan has been mapped out, use a pencil to make small dots as to where each spike will go. 3) Using the craft knife, make a very small incision through the material and push the backing through from behind. Screw the spike top in.
3) With the studs, depending on their size and shape measure and fit in accordance to the area of the jacket. Repeat where desired until desired look is achieved making sure that all studs and spikes are symmetrical to the other side of the jacket. 






Monday, 9 May 2011

The LBD

The fall 2010 collection of Herve Leger by Max Azria has taken a refreshing twist on the classic bandage dress - case in point, the Black Vivien Cutout dress. Whilst of late, the Leger Resort and Spring 2011 collections have received mixed reviews, I consider Herve Leger to be one of my favourite designers. I respect his creative direction towards fit, fashionable females opposed to innovative and at times un-wearable couture. I first and foremost believe that a fashion designers' objective is about making a woman feel fashionable, comfortable and beautiful, and there's no doubt that Herve Leger caters effortlessly to that market. From Kim Kardashian to Michelle Obama, women across the spectrum have found new friends in their Herve Leger designs.

In terms of the little black dress, fashion lovers across the world know of its value to any seasonal wardrobe of any decade. The Vivien Cutaway dress is a mix between sexy, seductive, fitted and constructive design. When I saw the dress I knew I what my next project would be. However, instead of the complimenting $955 price tag, I constructed my own pattern and design for under R40.



The dress is made of a black cotton
blend stretch material.

The front and back are symmetrically
designed to replicate the famous Herve Leger bandage
dress look.
I refrained from inserting the slit on the side out of fear of it looking a bit to dominatrix and over designed? I had the intention of finishing the dress and then deciding whether or not I should incorporate the slit??
jury is still out on this one...
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