Not Your Grandmother's Lace

A number of years ago, in order to encourage our members to sew, and create for our annual fashion show, we began having sewing challenges for our Haute Couture members. It's always fun to see what everyone creates. 

This year's show is shaping up to be fun and exciting. If by chance you are in Chicago the first part of May, we would love to have you attend. The show will be on Sunday May 7, 2017. More info on the location and show in another post.

Our next challenge is entitled, "Not Your Grandmother's Lace." Participants are welcomed to make anything they wish from lace, but it doesn't need to a traditional version of lace. Our fashion show chair is encouraging everyone to think bold. 

Since we all love to sew, create, and be inspired, I thought I would do a lace post not only for our members, but for anyone who happens to pop by the blog :)

I lost the link to this jacket, so if anyone knows the designer, please let me know. I love the idea of appliqued lace and velvet over tweed.

From Turkish designer Yildirim Mayruk, the unexpected interior lace accent on this coat makes for a spectacular presentation.  

Not so much out of the box, but just a touch of lace along the bottom of this skirt really makes the look a complete ensemble.

From Bebe, manipulating lace to form a pattern makes a simple silhouette eye catching.

I believe the designer of this jacket is Armani. A twist on a princess line seam with the inset lace makes this jacket so special. 

I was unable to find a credit for this lace skirt. The see through length of this skirt makes it drop dead sexy and yet the wearer is completely covered.

From Pamella Roland, an entire jumpsuit of lace. This could be paired with a denim or linen jacket and worn in a more casual fashion.

Love the lacy shoulder and how it was pulled together with the extension of the sleeve.  

Another Pamella Roland design. Macrame sleeves make this jumpsuit really pop.

Although not traditional lace, the weaving on this Thakoon design invites the eye to focus. 

From Monique Lhuillier, this simple lace dress really pops with this fabulous jacket.

What a spectacular combination from Dior, suede, lace and fur!

Give a trench coat an unexpected twist with a lace skirt.

For something very unexpected, a sweatshirt made of lace. Love the lace extensions on the coat too!

                               

I was unable to find the designer of this skirt, but I love the twist on a granny square!

I don't think that many of us would be so bold as to wear this piece without something underneath!!! From Lanvin, this crocheted and interlaced top is truly unexpected.

From Jean Louis Sabaji. Lace leaves created in various sizes give the illusion of leaves falling in fall. 

Another take on the same idea from Giambattista Valli.

If you would like to give the leaf idea a try, HERE'S an easy way to create leaves with 3-dimensional design fabric paint. 

And finally, lace and feathers from Chanel. Talk about an unexpected top with a pair of jeans!

I'm looking forward to seeing what our members create. The challenge won't take place until March. So for those of you in Haute Couture, fire up those machines and get creating! Hopefully I've inspired all of you to think a little differently about lace as well.

Have a wonderful day!
Rhonda

Monday Morning Inspiration

The August issue of Vogue is a great issue. Lots of great articles and some interesting fashion. As I went through the issue, I noticed quite a bit of fringe. Of course the cowgirl in me did a double take. Although the layout is all photographed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and is really pretty hardcore cowgirl, we can all add an element of fringe to our wardrobe as you'll see at the end of the post.     You can see more of the Vogue layout here.

The fringe detail in the skirt below is done with leather and feathers. The skirt is from Marni.

The coat in the picture above is from Burberry Prorsum. You can see a video and more of this fabulous collection here.
The skirt pictured below is from Chanel and features a fringe and grommet trim.

                 
The skirt above is from Micheal Kors and is the same skirt that was photographed for the layout. I love it paired with a cabled sweater.

A simple fringe detail gives this skirt a little added interest. Angela Wolf has a cute pattern for a fringed skirt that you can find here.

Row after row of fringe detail. Love it!

Here's a tutorial for making crepe paper fringed garland. Why not take the same idea and do it with fabric? You could do a few rows or an entire skirt as above.

Or, if you just want to try a touch of fringe, add a fun bag to your wardrobe. The fringe, studs and chain bag above is a lot of fun, but if you would like something a little more toned down, here's a fun little bag that you can make, http://transientexpression.com/how-to-make-a-fringed-leather-bag/.

Hope something inspires you to add not only a little fringe, and a little fun to your wardrobe.

Have a wonderful week!

Rhonda