Sunday, December 9, 2012

Steampunk 3: Silvery Moon

The final ensemble (but not the final post) was for the formal ball, themed to our weekends "Trip to the Moon".  There was a grand Civil War era brass band playing while we walzed, polka-ed, did the Virginia Reel, and so much more.  This is where my skirt lifter became absolutely necessary, clipping the long train up so I could dance.  Though I did manage most of a waltz with it down!
The gown was based on Worth-style gowns of the late 1880s- particularly the infamous red one from Vintage Textile.  I am wearing a full length, very large bustle underneath along with an extra ruffly petticoat.  The base skirt, which is completely covered, is light blue silk taffeta.  Over that in front is a piece from a sari which I purchased six months ago and designed most of the dress around, keeping a starry sky in mind.  The back bustle and bodice are silk satin with a slight iridescence (the wrong side is mint).  Finishing off the bodice and peeking out from the skirt is changeable silk chiffon.  The jewelry is all family antiques- all starburst shapes.  I made the fascinator from coque and biot feathers which I found in the absolutely most perfect colors to mimic a crescent moon shape.  This was all meant to pair with Gwendolyn's Dark Lady of the Night gown.



The bodice lower edge is finished with piping, the interior flat-lined to a sturdy silk weave with bones on each seam.  The back spiral laces shut with silk cord and the drape hooks to the other side to hide the top.  The skirt hems (both under and top) have deep facings from cotton.  I stiffened the outer one with gum tragacanth, which I can't recommend enough.  There's also lace gathered onto the taffeta underskirts hem facing.  I'll eventually do a post detailing the insides and under structures of all of my outfits.
From here down there is no more text.  Gwendolyn and I went out to a local antique store called Charlies and spent quite some time taking pictures (be sure to check her blog for more!).  So much fun and the perfect location.  And, yes, that is a weeping angel.












21 comments:

Sandrine said...

Gorgeous!! Reminds me of a photoshoot one could see in "Vogue". :)

Laura Morrigan said...

This dress is a dream! This is why I want to sew, so I can make things like this one day! The pictures are all wonderful too! Truly breathtaking! Thanks for sharing this!

Laurie said...

Fabulous! I'm interested to hear how you put this together.

Fanny said...

Goooooooorgeous!

Carmène said...

You're so beautiful , and the gown too :) ! <3

Lauren Stowell said...

Absolutely awe-inspiring!

evette said...

Fantastic!Amazing work!

Unknown said...

Stunning!

Unknown said...

Amazingly beautiful!

Zach said...

I love what you've done with the sari! It complements the dress so nicely. Awsome work!!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Nicole!

Augustintytär said...

You look so beautiful! Stunning dress!

Isis said...

That's a stunning dress! I'm all silvery with envy!

womens coats and jackets said...

Beautiful and gorgeous dress. Great shot.Loved your dress.

Caroline said...

Hi there! I have passed on to you the One Lovely Blog award for your beautiful blog and photos! Thanks for sharing the loveliness :)

Sorry it's taken me a couple days to let you know! Cheers!

http://dressedintime.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-lovely-blog-award.html?m=1

Tayler said...

This is an absolutely gorgeous dress (and photo shoot)! Could I have your permission to pin this on Pinterest?

~Tayler

ColeV said...

Thank you! Certainly, Tayler. I think it's already making the rounds on there somewhere!

Tayler said...

Thanks so much!

~Tayler

Little Mothball said...

This dress is wonderful! I love the bodice! Was there a pattern you used for it?

ColeV said...

I almost never use pre-made patterns. Occasionally for 20th century day wear, but that's it. The rest I pattern or drape myself, sometimes based on diagrams taken from original garments.

Georgiana said...

The dress is divine! <3