Monday, June 10, 2013

The Dita Dress

I've loved this toile Vivienne Westwood dress worn by Dita von Teese for aaaaaages. When I stumbled upon this amazing toile quilting fabric called "Midnight Pastoral" by Alexander Henry (yes, those are skeletons in the print!!) I knew I had to make it! I originally planned to wear this to Comic Con in July, but I decided to make it in time for my bridal shower this past Saturday. 

The bodice was taken right off of my 18th century stays, but with straps added and very little waist reduction. There are tiny hip pads, which of course I can leave off for "every day" wear. But the skirt is balanced to be even when worn with the hip pads. The back laces up and the straps attach at the front of the bodice. It is boned with cable ties.

(I wish I had better pictures, but my camera is awful... It is SO old and junky...)








    
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12 comments:

  1. AnnelieseJune 10, 2013 at 10:06 PM

    Dear Samantha,

    Wow, that's just gorgeous! The periwinkle pattern, heels and tilted hat, perfectly combined, as always!

    Anneliese :)

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  2. UnknownJune 10, 2013 at 10:28 PM

    I love Dita's dress and I love yours as well!! You look stunning as always.

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  3. Laura MorriganJune 10, 2013 at 10:37 PM

    Wow, that looks amazing! I am really regretting not getting that pastoral print I saw a while back on sale, although it wasn't as nice as yours!

    I never thought that hip pads could work in a modern dress, but I guess that's the magic of Vivienne Westwood! I love her stuff so much, but of course, I could never afford it. I really need to get more practice sewing so I can make clothes like this!

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  4. VirginiaJune 10, 2013 at 10:41 PM

    I have always loved that dress of Dita's! Actually I think you pull it off better than she did...you look like you belong in it :)

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  5. Gabriela June 11, 2013 at 2:35 AM

    I adore this dress! You look better than Dita, you look so wonderful..! Ah, I love it! :)

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  6. SkyeJune 11, 2013 at 3:10 AM

    Love it! I've always adored that dress by Vivienne as well. :)
    And lovely fabric as well! Nice little detail, with the skeletons.

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  7. GwenyverJune 11, 2013 at 10:42 AM

    I absolutely love it. I've wondered for years what project would best suit those toile fabric I love so much at the fabric store and I think I have found it. Can we see a close-up of how those hip pads work/look?

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  8. Cation DesignsJune 12, 2013 at 12:09 AM

    This is such a gorgeous example of modern-fashion-does-18th-century! I love that you kept the conical torso shape from your stays and even the faux-panniers. Even your hat is like a less-overwhelming Gainsborough. Any chance we can see the back?

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  9. One More StitchJune 17, 2013 at 2:19 PM

    Cation Designs said it all - fabulous!!!!

    Would also love to see the back.

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  10. UnknownJune 19, 2013 at 10:19 AM

    I just discovered your blog. I want to play dress up with you. You are a talented seamstress!

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  11. M'ladyJuly 13, 2013 at 4:59 PM

    Oh wow! That's amazing. What a clever idea.

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  12. shittysouthApril 18, 2018 at 9:02 PM

    Hi Samantha,

    Any chance I could pay you to make something similar to this for me ? Please contact me to discuss.

    Many thanks,
    Steph

    ReplyDelete