Saturday, March 22, 2014

Customer Photos- Jayne Mansfield, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe

Today I was sent three customer pictures, as i have said probably a million times I love getting pictures. I rarely get to see the people i sew for anymore, I just work from numbers so seeing the final product on the person it was made for just makes me smile.  They purchased these outfits through my Etsy shop Morningstar84

Above we have the ''Girl Cant Help It'' Dress worn by my lovely customer. This time made in black instead of the usual navy blue to make finding accessories easier, i used a medium weight stretch black cotton sateen with black satin bows in the back and as the underlining for the collar. You can check out my original post about the first time i made this dress here 


Second is the  Audrey Hepburn ''Breakfast at Tiffany's Fringe Dress'' which just so happens to be made using the same fabric, the stretch black cotton sateen. Scoop neckline dress with  an attached tie belt and two rows of rayon chainette fringe. Somehow I forgot to blog about this dress! I will have to remedy that soon ;-)

And last but never least! One of my lovely Marilyn impersonators sent a picture wearing the Gold Lame Dress. this was the sample I posted about earlier here. As always I am posting these photos with permission from each individual shown and may not be re-posted or shared without their consent. Thank you!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Red Sequin 'Little Rock' Dress- Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

 Styled after the famous red sequin dress designed by Travilla for the film ''Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'' and worn by Marilyn Monroe. My version of the dress is made using a stretch sequin fabric with a swirl pattern and lined with a stretch satin, it gives it a more snug fit but still allows the wearer to move. The front panel is a stretch mesh with a nude lining behind it. I hand stitched two rows of rhinestone trim the the sleeve. The back zipper unfortunately is black i haven't been able to find red invisible zippers that are long enough. I used a 6'' V shaped bra wire for the front of the neckline, that is what is keeping it from pulling and the midriff flat, I also added boning to the front darts and side seams to eliminate wrinkles around the middle. I like this fabric a lot more than the costume sequin fabric, those glued on sequins really gum up the sewing machine. All in all I am happy with how it came out :-)

Friday, March 14, 2014

The Audrey Hepburn Oscar Dress-Custom Variation





This was a custom request based on the Oscar dress worn by Audrey Hepburn. She chose an ivory linen fabric and a lovely cotton embroidered mesh lace fabric. The lace bodice was made as a removable jacket with sleeves. Fully lined in fine tulle with back button and loop closure. So the top could be worn for the ceremony and removed for the reception. I used a vintage buckle kit to make the waist belt which also has the lace overlay. you can check out the original version listing through my Etsy shop Morningstar84  ''Audrey Hepburn Oscar Dress''

The Annabel Swimsuit-Styled After Marilyn Monroe



 Styled after the bathing swim suit worn by Marilyn Monroe in ''We're Not Married''
Made using a stretch satin fabric with lace up detail in front and sides. I used bra foam cut to suit the shape of the bust instead of using pre-made bra cups. Elastic legs, scoop back with invisible zipper. I did small button holes for the lacing and narrow straps that tie at the shoulders. I am taking order for this suit on Etsy i do take custom measurements, you can check out the listing here Morningstar84


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Somethings Got To Give-Sarong Dress-Green Taffeta



 Styled after the black and white sarong dress from the film ''Somethings Got To Give''
Custom sized dress made using green taffeta with green cotton underlining, matching bolero made to go with the dress. See the post for the black and white version here http://morningstar84.blogspot.com/2013/06/somethings-got-to-give-marilyn-monores.html


Sunday, March 2, 2014

Betty Draper Polkadot Hostess Dress




Based on the dress worn by ''Betty Draper'' on the show Mad Men, this satin polka-dot dress features a yellow and blue chiffon midriff, scoop neckline with gathers along the top edge of the neckline, narrow straps, full gathered skirt with a white chiffon over lay. I had the hardest time finding extra large dot fabric that was light weight enough for this style dress, see below what i ended up using. I did the white chiffon over layer because i thought the satin was a bit too loud for this dress and could end up too costumey if not toned down a bit, see below the fabric.