Monday, May 6, 2013

Dazzle for Christy

 The design meeting for this gown for petite and trim Christy was an easy one.  Christy wanted something with substantial sparkle.  She wanted thick white fringe, and she wanted white and nude, or as we talked, white and gold.
 I showed her nude fabrics and she decided on a metallic gold mesh instead, and we embellished that, rhythmically, in Light Topaz AB, in contrast to the random application of the Crystal AB on the opposite side of the gown. 
We discussed color blocking as a trend in Latin gowns, and then created soft body-sensitive blocks to help define her curves and rhythmic action.  The fringe is thick as requested, accomplished through the application of three layers of long white tactel. 
We finished the back with a triple diagonal strap detail, and echoed the combination of the three delicate straps against the chunky, jewel encrusted gown, with a cuff and three bangle bracelets.
Christy was a delight to work with, and we hope she will be back in our studio again soon for a new gown for her smooth dances.  And we wish her the best at her upcoming Arthur Murray showcase.

5 comments:

vespabelle said...

Simple elegance (if something with a million crystals can be called "simple") It definitely feels just right.

What size crystals did you use? (and how many if I can ask. I don't know if that's a ballroom dancer secret or not!)

Marsha Wiest-Hines said...

Hi Vespabelle, and thank you for your kind comment. There are 55.75 gross of Swarovski flatback crystals on this gown. A gross is 144, so the total number of stones is 8,028. Just over half of them are ss20 Light Topaz AB on the gold side, and the rest and Swarovski Crystal AB in sizes range from ss12 to ss48, plus about 130 sew-on pear and navette jewels. It took 24.25 hours to apply them all to the gown. We apply between 2 and 3 gross in an hour, depending on layout. Thank you for asking!

Unknown said...

This is so amazing! It's so perfect for Christy - I can't wait to see her dance in it! Once again, you've done a perfect job making a beautiful dress to match the client.

Marsha Wiest-Hines said...

Cathy, thank you so much! I really have to create a post about your rhythm gown, which somehow, I never quite got to!

vespabelle said...

Marsha, thank you so much for your info! I appreciate it. (and am I glad that we don't need so many stones for skating dresses!)