Zuhair Murad

Now, I'm not one to like things all glitz and glam and embelished. It's like a 3 year old finding some glue and going to town with glitter. But there seems to be a fine line where it can look less costume/kids craft and more elegant and structured in the right hands.

These photos below are some of the stand out gowns from Zuhair Murad's Haute Couture Fall/Winter 09-10 collection shown in Paris.

BUT.. what i loved most about Zuhair, was the embracing and accentuating of curves!! THANK GOD! Waists and butts are back. Those bag lady and baby doll styles did nothing for the average figure.

-Keep in mind that these photos aren't doing justice to the garments. Seeing the gowns move and drape, to see each bead and crystal and detail of each dress makes them so much more impressive.

These were my favourite. Left: This back Fabric is amazing! It reminds me of a tiger fish or the like. The back was the feature - you can see half of it but it was a zig-zag crystal strap - Way cool!

Right: This fabric looked like it was one weave chiffon and the other metalic thread. With the wash of colour over the fabric it emphasised the detailing of the dress and made the band of crystal and beads under the bust, a subtle but effective belt.

Left: If this dress had sleeves and was a little longer, the siloutte and details would be 1- amazing and 2- less slutty. ...Still, Very Pretty.

Right: These gold bands draw the eye up the body, lenghtening the legs and highlighting the bust and waist.

Left: The effective angles and draping of the skirt gathers, Creates volume over the hips and makes her figure look more shapely than it is. (all you sticks out there, take note: Simple on the waist and keep details at the hips and or bust.)

Right: This gown looks so much better in 3D but anyways.. The subtle draping across the hips was REAL purdy! again giving the illusion of curves.

OOOOooo Keep an eye on this designer :)

Design Concept -Sophie 09

My cousin Sophie found this dress online and is in LOVE with this fabric. I am making her a very similar dress for her ball on august 15th.
She is a petite little thing with a shapely waist so this dress will look amazing on her.

We have found a similar chiffon fabric from spotlight. It is just a little tamer then fluro orange, with tie dyed tones blending in and out of white and orange. One edge next to the selvage is a watermelon red.

The detailing under the bust will be a combination of red and white braided ropes, plaits, bands and ribbons.

They have used jems and beads for the details pictured, which suits this dress as it have high lights and low lights with the varing shades of colour. The fabric we have chosen, is a flat base shade so does not suit shiney things at all.

I am excited about making this dress - its going to be hippie Glam! We have had the first fitting - 5 weeks to go.

Lets get cracking..

Jen's Wedding

My oldest sister Jennifer got engaged to Joe earlier this year! They are the cutiest couple.

Next March she will walk down the aisle, lead by 3 bridesmaids- myself, middle sister Heather and one of her best friend, Jennie Stenhouse.
She has asked if I will make each of these dresses for her special day.

The ceremony will be held at the Botanical Gardens and Reception at Mac Brewery on the water front. WAY EXCITING :)

So I've looking around at ideas, and neat little things as i get into wedding mode :)

She wants a flower in her hair and or on the neck/shoulder of her dress.

Still undecided of the siloutte, length and style of the gown, we are looking for inspiration anywhere and everywhere.