Saturday, April 2, 2011

Anne Rocks a Spanish Look!


Ok, so this is not a photo of Anne.  As I write this, she is debuting her newest Made for Movement gown at the American Classic showcase tonight.  And she came through for me with a photo from the event as requested!


When we began work on this gown, her ideas were "rock and roll" and "Spanish influence." Because she dances in formation with Karen, who owns a black gown, she wanted her dress to work with Karen's as well.  We chose the pink addition to the black because it is very important to be visible on the floor and all the men are already wearing black, so black gowns must either be super sparkly, or have a color accent.  That hot pink and black combo seems very "rocker" to me as well.  The sparkle is achieved with black sequin cloth and will be supported by jet Swarovski crystals on the lace, which Anne will do for herself, (with my guidance, but she's had lots of experience on several previous gowns and does a great job!)  keeping the cost of her look more resonable.The lace gave us a subtle Spanish feeling and Karen's black gown is primarily lace, so it's an additional tie-in for formation dancing.  Do you see her ideas reflected here?

I enjoy working with all of my clients, but Anne is a special favorite. She is very trusting and collaborative and enters into our process with gentle ideas about what she wants, while allowing me lots of space in which to work as well. I think that is part of the success we have together.   We met twice to design this gown, the first time got us close and the second meeting changed placement of components around to better serve the fabric use,  The bow and lace godet developed as we worked together through fittings.  Her relaxed trust and self confidence really allow us to stay fluid and try ideas as we go.

I am thinking she needs a pink rose for her hair!

For me, the best thing about this gown is the trendy skirt hem. I am seeing lots of beautiful, curly edge details this year in ballgown hems, and I am really pleased with this one. I kept spinning the dress form and being HUGELY pleased with the movement at the bottom. The pink organza underskirt is 4 times more full than the black satin chiffon over skirt, and the look is amazingly eye-catching. Fortunately, I think Anne uses her feet well as a dancer, so when the focus is on them, as it will be in this gown, the results will be flattering.

I'm also really pleased with Anne's necklace.  This is the first demi-choker I've done for her, and it really works beautifully on her neck, and adds a touch of elegance to the look.

According to my records, this is the 8th custom gown I have created for Anne, and I am going to decorate this post with a few shots of some of our earlier projects.



That's Tom, Anne's partner and husband, and I also made (or to be more accurate, my partner Michele made) the suit he has on.  The genesis of this gown was a shirt Anne owned and liked.  And this one (below) was a personal favorite!


And here is one last gown, a more recent collaboration, with some details I really love!


This beautiful blue gown should be for sale soon, so if you are interested, give me a call and I'll see if I can have it ready for you to try on!

23 comments:

Enchanted Beads said...

What a great profession you have, Marsha! You are so talented! I love all your work!

Ileana

Marsha Wiest-Hines said...

Ileana, THANK YOU!

Rosita P. said...

Beautiful. I love what you do, it is so unusual and unique.

Marsha Wiest-Hines said...

Rosita, THANK YOU!

Cindy said...

OMG So Beautiful! I feel like I'm looking at Dancing With The Stars gowns.

Marsha Wiest-Hines said...

Thank you, Cindy!

Daniella of Daniellart said...

The most beautiful ever !What a shame I am not dancing anymore ,I would have loved to wear your amazingly beautiful costumes !

Marsha Wiest-Hines said...

Thank you Daniella! I am sure I would have enjoyed working with you. :o)

shibori girl said...

Oh, I do love the glitz and glamor of ballroom dancing! Your designs are stunning, and I can see the influence in your beautiful jewelry pieces.

Kate

Pouran said...

Marsha, you are an artist! that is for sure but also you have incredible taste of mixing colors and the styles. I really enjoy the new Ball Gown of Anne. I think she looks gorgeous in it. I was wearing one of your art last night in my show case. Even though it was made for me but I got tons of compliment on it. And, by the way nice job with Jeannie's new costume! she wore it last night. Looks very pretty on her...Thank you for all the nice work...Pouran

Pouran said...

Sorry, I meant that the gown was NOT made for me originally...typing errors!

BadBadBeads said...

Beautiful! Love the dresses and the jewelry. Next step Project Runway... you really should.

ArtfulAr said...

The gowns shown are my new favorites. I am impressed by your beautiful workmanship and choice of colors. Outstanding!

Sandy Spivey said...

Marsha, you have my dream life! I have always loved costumes and have, in just the last year or so, thought how much I would have loved to do what you do! You are a true artist.

Unknown said...

OHHHHHH! WOW^_^

Callie Mitchell said...

Oh, my goodness - what artistry! All this, and gorgeous jewelry too!

beadsofaquarius said...

Wowwwwwwwww! Marsha! really gorgeous! congrats!

Mary T Designs said...

Awesome costumes Marsha! You have a great sense of design. No wonder I an totally in awe of your beadwork!

Crimson Frog Designs by Kinga Nichols said...

Oh Marsha, it's so very nice to lay eyes on your dresses finally. You create the most beautiful jewelry, and I always thought that your other creations must be equally breathtaking as well. How wonderful to see them finally. Keep them coming please! Anne seems like the perfect client for you, your joined ideas seem to blossom into beautiful things when put together, how wonderful it must be to see your art in action, her bringing it to life.
Congrats!

beadsandblooms said...

I think I've told you before, but you are Such an Inspiration! I am looking forward to following your blog to see more of your amazing artistry!

Marsha Wiest-Hines said...

Ladies, THANK YOU so much for helping me launch this blog. Your support and firnedship mean so much to me!! AND,you know Kinga, that is my greatest pleasure, getting to see the gowns animated through dance. They really are "made for movement" and I sometimes feel like I get to ride along through my costumes.

Melissa Joy said...

Oh Marsha, these gowns make me wish I was still dancing! You need to design for that show, "Dancing with the Stars"!! Looking forward to following the blog, great start already.
Thanks
Melissa

Marsha Wiest-Hines said...

Oooo Melissa, that is a very long story. Someday, I promise to tell it here!