Caught Between Heaven & the Deep Green Sea

Simple outline drawing of Angel carving from Venice

A More detailed version

At the end of my research project, my title changed or rather evolved, pretty much like the project has all along. I chose caught between heaven and the deep green sea as my project's focus kept being drawn to the roof top features in Venice, in particular the statues or saints which adorned these roofs, along with the tide lines and sea. 

For my research however, I tried my hand at drawing the outlines of the building that I was using as inspiration and none quite sat comfortably with the surface pattern design I was aiming to produce. Today I was just looking to the roof tops again for designs to aid my laser cut work and came accross a carving I had not quite remembered before. This billowing Angel I have drawn in sketch form rather than the embroidered form of my research may enhance my design further and save on the encumbering nature embroidery has on the fluidity of a garment

this is part of the sampling I did in my past research file

I previously painted a robed god so this is just a natural progression to acheive the desired design

Sketch of Scuola de San Marco complete with embroidery detail

The new old

Good quality vintage finds are becoming harder and harder to find and, as a result, prices are soaring, added to this the drastic change of shape our bodies have undertaken over the last 50 years or so, when the ultimate find does come along, chances are that it does not fit. Many brands sell ‘vintage style’ clothing however, often these are poorly made with incredibly short skirts.

Here at the Vintage dressmaker, I look to recreate and enhance dresses of yesteryear with each garment having a high quality, hand-sewn finish, all made to measure the clients body to ensure the fit is faultless. 

With a track record of surface pattern design, you needn’t worry if you are unable to find a fabric of choice for your hand made garment as it is possible to have me design your fabric too. With a full consultation on colour and a comprehensive range of all the pantone shades, you can have a design, colour pallet and fit that is as individual as you are.

For any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at deborahrachelashworth@gmail.com    

Vintage style dress handmade by The Vintage Dressmaker

You may recognise the fabric as being one of my designs i've had printed onto dupion silk and silk organza. The dress is hand made by yours truly for a special birthday i've got coming up.

As always the dress is custom made to measure with a calico toile made in order to perfect the fit. The design is reminiscent of Dior's 1950's 'New Look' with nipped in waist and full gathered skirt. The neckline is just within the bounds of decency as it would be a shame not to 'enhance' and flatter a few curves! Finally, the broach is a vintage find from a lovely shop near Waddington

My Fabric Designs Finally Arrive!

Acque Vive - eau de nil in dupion silk and organza

Sample pieces, Neromare on the left and monets garden to the left

This was a very simple computer manipulation of a photograph I took in Venice.
This was due to become a satin cushion however now it's printed it may be a more winter version of my original design

Original Photograph

Neromare printed onto silk satin, fluid and rippling

Acque Vive - Eau de Nil

This dress has been on a lusted after list, its off one of my favourite music video's, The Killers, Mr Brightside

Its about location and dressing ...photo shoot inspiration

Molyneux pre-New Look evening dress c 1946

Vogue

Dior tenth anniversary collection, 1957

Lillie Langtry in Worth - the Degenerates

Yuval Hen for Tatler 2012

Yuval Hen for Tatler Feb 2012 

Vintage Passion

Dior Cotton & Tulle ball gown 1947

Antonio del Catillo

Dior c 1947

Dior c 1947

Elizabeth Taylor

Lanvin

Antonio del Castillo

Ive just been taking pleasure in looking back at some vintage Couture by the great designers as part of location and design research for my last collection while being a student and just had to share these images. s most know I have a passion for the post war new look and these are just simply stunning gowns

The Marie Antoinette Moodboard - Final Collection for Uni

Condensed Mood Board

The Full Mood Board

For this final project, structure, shape and folding, representative of architecture, embellishment or laser cutting to emphasise the buildings ornate detail, fluidity to represent the sea, candy colours to represent the buildings rendering and finally collars as a nod to the period will all encapsulate this final collection..well that is the idea today, who knows where my sampling may take me....

Acque Vive Collection

This collection is derived from a watercolour of the sea I painted. The pastel ice cream tones will play a significant part of the collection I hope to produce for my final intergrated assignment for uni.

mint sea

Pink Soda sea, clashing elements

adding intensity to the colours

more muted tones which are in keeping with the vision

soft sherbert lemon

darker tones for more drama

simple water colour which was the starting poin of the design

Vetrate Collection

I am very happy to present my Ventrate Design Collection for fabrics. These have been inspired from the sea around venice and the church windows, both reflective in property, not only in a physical sense but also a spiritual one