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I just recently came across the above left photograph of Christina Hendricks. Isn't it breathtaking? I've never really been one for the whole Herve Leger bandage dress trend, but she wears this one so well. (Of course, it doesn't hurt that she's a GODDESS.) I just love the slightly edgy neckline detail. In fact, I've had this dress on my mind all week, wondering if there was a way I could adapt it to my style. And then I found the 60s sheath pattern (pictured on the right), and a new dress inspiration was born. Isn't there something so similar about the essence of each of these dresses? But I love how the bow gives a sweet vintage touch to what otherwise would look like a rather modern design.Here's the pattern envelope (bought from Booty Vintage, by the way). I added it to my collection even though the neckline details would be easy enough to draft on one's own and add to a standard sheath dress. Sometimes I like to buy a pattern just to study construction details and such - sewing geekery at its best!
I think this would be just smashing in a clingy doubleknit for ultimate Joan Holloway curviness - fitted rather snugly, of course. I'm thinking a deep plummy red like Christina's dress above, or maybe even basic black.And so another dress is added to the queue! Isn't it funny how inspiration strikes from out of nowhere sometimes - in the form of a dress just begging to be made? If only there were more time to sew . . . Story of a seamstress's life, right?
31 comments:
Its because that 60's dress has a bow on TOP of everything else, right? Considering your recent obsession with bows now you get the best of both worlds.
DEAR GOD. That pic of Ms Hendricks almost made me choke on my wine mid-sip. Oh, to be so gorgeous...!
The neckline of the dress pattern on the right is quite 'chaste' really, but I know what you mean about the edgy. There's always something rather naughty about a cutout, even if it doesn't reveal much- do you remember the dress Demi Moore wore in Indecent Proposal? It was quite dramatic at the time.
[IMG]http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee287/Loveng/993IPR_Demi_Moore_062.jpg[/IMG]
Sweet lord, she is more gorgeous every time I see her! Great pattern find, what a match!
No, there just isn't enough time. But even if I could sew 24 hours a day I wouldn't have enough time. My hands are simply not working as fast as my thoughts.
wowee, C.H. looks so knockout gorgeous! The cutout vaguely reminds me of that black dress Demi Moore wore in Indecent Proposal (if memory serves)... OH, wait, just saw EmilyKate noticed the same thing ;)
She IS a goddess. Such gorgeousness. And yes, inspiration comes in the most unlikely moments. Plum red or black sounds perfect, but I thing a more eggplant-y color (or cranberry) will work, too.
What a knockout! Can't wait to see your version of the dress!
I Love her character on Mad Men...she is a goddess.
I can't wait to see the finished dress. It is gorgeous!!
I love it. I am new to vintage patterns and it has become an obsession. I love also that C.H. is bringing the curvey figure to the forefront and making it sexier than ever..but alas I am stuck with my 32" bust.
WOW. I literally gasped when I saw that picture of C.H. It's great that you show us your whole creative process, from initial inspiration to pattern search to garment creation to modeling the finished product.
YOWZA! What a dress! I'd wear either one, if I had an hourglass figure...sigh. I can definitely see you in this, Gertie. The color of Christina's dress is perfection, but I think anything in that color family would work very well. Can't wait to see this one!
Beautiful dress. I love the mix of the modern cut with the cuteness added by the bow. Personally, I would go for a version in salmon or coral red instead of black (too strict).
Oh, my word! That is a drop dead gorgeous dress. My jaw dropped open when I saw this. Like you, I love how the bow adds a bit of sweetness to it. I'm thinking this should be moved to the top. What do you think?
I think the thing I like best about her dress is the detailing under the bust and the way the bustline is draped. I would love to see how to add in details like that.
I've loved that dress since I saw that photo of her too, despite my not-craziness about bandage dresses. Definitely do a double-knit for maximum bombshell factor!
The neckline detail kind of reminds me of some of the options of the American Apparel Le Sac dress--which is a huge sack, just about the polar opposite, sewing-wise, of doing these fancy neckline cutouts the "right" way... but features lots of different ways of draping and tying the ribbons for interesting effects.
e.g.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a2YvhfunkdY/SI-LLPcyvlI/AAAAAAAAAmg/9CRpZ6Z99R0/s400/Le%2BSac%2BDress.jpg
Don't you think she's wearing some kind of really powerful girdle under that, though?
Nice find! It's always amazing when you find a close pattern match to what you're picturing in mind, isn't it?
Anonymous, I don't know what she's wearing under her dress, but it doesn't change the inspiration for me!
Gertie - this would look lovely on you but I see you in a deep green, deep purple or turquoise color - jewel colors! I think you would be stunning and stand out in one of those colors...but that's just my opinion! :)
Whoa, that dress is gorgeous, can't wait to see your version.
That dress is amazing on her and I'm sure whatever you make in homage will be great too!
I've been wanting to make something derivative of a very similar Herve Leger for a while now, but though my sewing experience runs fairly deep, my drafting skills are not up to it. What a great find on the vintage sheath dress. I wish I could borrow it for a while ;)
CRAZY gorgeous! I want to throw away everything I own and wear only THAT DRESS.
Definitely rocking the shapewear under that (those bandage dresses were deisgned for women with no boobs or fake boobs) Hendricks' are clearly not man-made wonders, they are all natural (and awsome) and are bound to need a little support.
Ms Hendricks' dress is stunning! She looks beautiful, oh to have that dress *fist shake*. Well done on the pattern find! Snaps for you!
Oooh definitely a Joan dress, that's fab! I think a deep red colour is the way to go, black might make it a bit more basic...can't wait to see how you get on :D
Anonymous, bandage dresses like that are basically one big girdle.
If you are looking for more cut-out looks, check-out evadress.com. In her 1940's collection there are two dresses with cut-outs. They are more drapey then fitted. I prefer the one on page 4 "1946 Frock". I bought this pattern a year ago, cut out the fabric but have yet to assemble. You've inspired me to return to it!
yeah, i don't know. i think the very top of CH's dress is trashy. like you wouldn't get much wear from it being that... conspicuous. gertie, i think you're better off with the neckline of your pattern, though i don't know if you were going to add sleeves...
Sigh... she's just so gorgeous! But I bet you'll look just as great in your version! The pattern look like a very nice match, and covers you bow-love... I would also say it's a little more modest, and thus easier to use? I agree with Stacy, the fact that you share your research/creative process, from inspiration to final product! Hope this project is high on your to-do list!
Lovely dress. It emphasizes your curves well.
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