Steampunk Wedding Dress: Pinning!

[hazliya]

So, I accomplished Step 1: Acquire Base of the dress, as I have challenged myself to sew as little as humanly possible throughout this whole project. I know that if I allow myself to oversew, I'll likely overdesign as well.

So far, the supplies I have:
1 size 16 (!!) hideous polyester bridesmaid dress
1 ballgown petticoat
1 PILE OF LACE
24 yards of faux pearls
3 yards of 2" wide chocolate brown ribbon

Here's my first dilemma: Basic design. I've stripped the bridesmaid dress of a lot of its hideousness, which included ugly as sin beaded flower scarves and many, MANY of the beaded flowers and other tacky little things covering it. Now it's naked and on my dressform over a giant petticoat. Time to drape the lace.

Ignore the lace around the neck, as that's just where I'm storing it for now. It won't end up there, trust me.

Here are my three choices:


The back of the base dress, with some flowers still yet to be removed.


The front of the base dress.


The slightly metallic tulle underskirt.


Pile o' lace!


Front of the dress with the draping. All three designs have basically the same front. Keep in mind, this is only loose pinning, and I mean loose as loosely as possible. It's just stuck in the general shape I want for now. Again, ignore the neckline.


Back of the first design, using thick lace to shape a faux bustle.


Back of the second design, gathering up the skirt in back to reveal some of the tulle. No lace added.


Back of the third design, gathering up the skirt in back to show off a lace underlay. Leaning toward this one, as I like layers.


As soon as I get that down, I can start on things like adding pearls, bows, gears, and quite possibly a white or tan leather underbust corset. Oh, and taking in the dress itself.

So, which do people like? 1, 2, or 3?

Comments

[captainecchi.livejournal.com]

I'm a little confused about what is 1, 2, or 3, just by where the captions are. Is there a picture missing?

But I will say I like how the lace is used as a draped overskirt - very much in keeping with Victorian fashion. I'm not sure the bustle really works, though... not enough bulk, I don't think.

[hazliya.livejournal.com]

The format is picture, sentence. Picture, sentence. There should be eight photos. Is something not showing up?

[captainecchi.livejournal.com]

I'm only seeing 7 photos. These two sentences are right next to each other, with no photo in between:

Back of the first design, using thick lace to shape a faux bustle.


Back of the second design, gathering up the skirt in back to reveal some of the tulle. No lace added.

[hazliya.livejournal.com]

Also, I agree on the bustle. I was thinking of stuffing it with tulle to give it volume, but unfortunately, that trick doesn't work with lace. Especially not heavy lace. So I decided to try to convey the "party in the back!" feeling of Victorian dresses by gathering up the back skirts in a bunchy, bustle-like aesthetic way. If that makes any sense.

[captainecchi.livejournal.com]

I think it works very well, from what I can see. You are so creative :)

[hazliya.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Though the "party in the back" phrase makes me think that I will forever refer to this as the Mullet Dress. xD

Dress

[(Anonymous)]

The lace is luscious and your designs look fabulous. What a great coat . Your work is terrific.
http://fabricateandmira.wordpress.com/

[mariaklob.livejournal.com]

I...I adore number 1. Lots.

And will be in the market for a wedding dress. But I'm indecisive. But it's so very pretty.

Yeah. I like 1.

[hazliya.livejournal.com]

Can you even see the photos for 2 and 3?

[hazliya.livejournal.com]

Also, I would definitely advise you to shop around. While it's nice to find things you like, this dress is going to be covered in gold clock gears and fake pearls and chocolate brown bows.

And another thing is that I don't really see you in this kind of silhouette. I'd totally see you in an old-hollywood style satin sheath (http://img502.imageshack.us/i/sheath1ok9.jpg/).

[mariaklob.livejournal.com]

I could really go for a pseudo-Victorian bustle. But you're right in that I'll probably end up with a simple silhouette.

Also, if I were to go off-white it'd be in the direction of silver rather than gold.

*needs to go make a zillion sketches*