A VERY Busy Time!

Well it has certainly been a very busy and exciting time over at VG!  August was quite quiet with many people away for the summer and spending time with their families and friends. September made itself known with a flood of people all coming back at once. 

First there was The Eclectic Wedding Event (or EWE for short) to start getting organised for.  This promises to be a unique event, worth coming to even if you are not getting married (or already are) as this is no ordinary wedding show, the suppliers (aka the Baad Ass Mother Flockers) have been chosen and invited based on their personalities, the quality of their products and the fact that they offer something unique. White linen covered trestle tables are discouraged and hard sells are banished; we want you to come along, have a drink and a good old natter to the Mother Flockers that catch your eye. The Mo Flos are being challenged to create stands that are totally unique and interactive. As well as having awesome Mo Flo’s at the show, we will be running some competitions, having a fashion walkabout/ramble and organising a treasure hunt. Prizes will include free photography sessions, makeovers and styling, free cakes, accessories and big, BIG discount vouchers.
On the subject of which Victorian Gothic will be offering 10% off the total price of your gown vouchers ONLY at EWE!  Discounted tickets at only £3.00 each can be purchased here: http://allaboutewe.co.uk/#/tickets/4565007238  At only £3.00 for a few hours entertainment on what will probably be a grey sunday in Birmingham, what have you got to loose!

Hot on the heels of being invited to exhibit at EWE, was a phone call inviting VG to be part of the December issue of Brides Magazine cover mounted CD ROM Bridal Directory. Our gowns will be featuring in the 'Very, Very Vintage category as well as profiled in the National directory part for our bodices. The artwork designed by Atlantic Publishing's  Ricardo Guimaraes looks amazing.

If this was not enough I had a lovely phone call from the very talented Heline Bekker Phography http://helinebekker.co.uk/blog/  Who is going to be using some of my gowns for a photo shoot in October.  Speaking of photo shoots I will be having one on the 17th October to capture the new range of VG's gowns, more to follow on that later!

 

Well, lots to do, including a rather special wedding dress together with a 'trash the dress' to almost match!

My First Wedding Fair and other things.....

Amongst the many things that pop up in my inbox I was/am very excited to have been invited to take part in the Eclectic Wedding Extravaganza (or EWE for short) on Sunday 4th November 2012. Jo the designer at The Couture Co and Rawhide corsets, along with Sassy from Assassynation photography and Vikki from Liliia designs can all explain it from their website much better than I can! http://allaboutewe.co.uk/#/behind-the-scenes/4565002558 This wedding fair will be supported and featured in many wedding magazines and blogs as well as each person who is taking part has their own page on the website, here is VG's http://allaboutewe.co.uk/#/victorian-gothic/4567544212

Eclectic Wedding Extravaganza – It’s all about EWE!!

Sunday 4^th November 2012 in Birmingham

 

What happens when three slightly mad wedding suppliers come together? They hatch a crazy plan….that’s what!!  When Sassy (Assassynation), Jo (Couture Company) and Vikki (Liliia) got nattering over a glass of wine (standard)  they decided  that they would put on a Wedding Extravaganza with a real mix of suppliers

“We want to put on an amazing wedding extravaganza (aka fair) that would be exciting for both the suppliers and  couples alike, so we hatched a plan  “A-team” style (Hannibal Smith would be proud).The idea is that we want people to shake off the shackles of what is considered ‘normal’ or ‘traditional’ and to take their own personalities and loves and  stamp them on their weddings ,so we have picked suppliers who can help ewe do that!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is no ordinary wedding show, the suppliers aka the Baad Ass Mother Flockers have been chosen and invited based on their personalities, the quality of their end product and the fact that they offer something unique. White linen covered trestle tables are discouraged and hard sells are banished, we want you to come along, have a drink and a good old natter to the Mother Flockers that catch your eye.  The Mo Flo’s are being challenged to create stands that are totally unique and interactive. As well as having awesome Mo Flo’s at the show, we will be running some competitions, having a fashion walkabout/ramble and organising a treasure hunt! Prizes will include free photography sessions, make overs and styling, free cakes, accessories and Big BIG Discount vouchers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 So we are putting a call out to all you gamers, goths, geeks, rockabillies,  psychobillies, off the walls, mods and rockers, steampunks, new punks, old punks, flappers ,happy clappers, hipsters and hell-raisers, bohemians, folks who are inked and pinked, or if Ewe just want YOU to shine through.

We hope to offer you some things that are really EWEnique for your weddings.

Our Motto “Don’t be a wedding sheep…it’s all about EWE!!! “

Our venue, Fazeley Studios, was chosen due to the fact it is such a gorgeous space (and yes they do have weddings there) with tons of natural light to show off our Mo Flo’s work in the best possible way. 

Have a ramble round the website, register and get your tickets early at a BAAAAArgain price of £3 YES !!! EWE heard right…..only £3 !!!!

 www.allaboutewe.co.uk
Photos from top
http://allaboutewe.co.uk/#/restoration-cake/4566037688
http://allaboutewe.co.uk/#/victorian-gothic/4567544212
http://allaboutewe.co.uk/#/beautiful-bird-creations/4567072141
http://allaboutewe.co.uk/#/love-illustrated/4568537992
http://allaboutewe.co.uk/#/ava/4567470739

I'm very busy working on client commissions as well as samples for the wedding fair and also an up and coming photoshoot.


 

 

 

A Catch-Up at Victorian Gothic

This week has seen two samples almost complete. I hope to finish them later on today. Both of them are white, one based on an 1860’s example of a wedding dress, the other on an evening dress with removable train of 1882. Just wish the weather would hurry up and improve so that I can take some photographs of them in lieu of a proper photo shoot with a couple of models which I am planning on doing around the end of August. Any would be models out there, do get in contact. Samples will fit bust 36-38, waist 26-30.

New sample books to add to the ones that I already have will also be arriving in the next couple of days. These include: Brocades, bodice and waistcoat designs of European and U.K origin. Colours available include ivory, pastels and darker colours including 3 silk jacquards.  European Embroideries/Sequinned/Crystalled These embroideries come from Austria, France and Italy. They are on a variety of base fabrics including tulle, chiffon, organza, dupion and velvet. Some qualities are available with Swarovski crystals or sequins. Mostly they are finer more detailed designs than the ones from the Far East. Motifs, a range of embroidered designs, many with hand beading and crystals. Colours offered include Ivory, White, Black and Champagne and Dress Accessories which includes buckles, brooches, clasps, chains and pearl and crystal buttons. Some items are with Swarovski crystals. Most pieces use either pearls, crystals or both.

A tiny selection of just some of the new items that I will be offering (yes, rather excited as they do look really beautiful with so many uses.)

 

Bridal season is in full swing with a visit from a bride for her final fitting this week, which went very well. No adjustments were needed to the bodice and the skirt was just set at the correct length, dress is now in the post and should be with her by the time most of you read this.  Bride number two this week had her fitting for her 1950’s style dress which again was a perfect fit and so flattering on her. I’m looking forward to her Rock ‘N’ Roll bikers wedding (we’re going to the reception).

The coming week see’s work on two bridal dresses, finishing the 1950’s one, making a jacket bodice mock up for another, plus hopefully completing two more dress samples ready for a brides visit on Saturday. I think I’ll be burning the midnight oil this week!

I'll leave you with a final thought......Two 1950's famous pin-ups Bettie Page & Marilyn Monroe, but with the current vintage styles in fashion right now, could they have looked like this if they had been born 60 years later?

A Poke at Fashion, Victorian Style!

Whilst taking a break from samples and commissions these I found quite amusing. Things haven't changed much!

'New contrivance for lady's maids adapted to the present style of fashion.'

Czar Kolokol, King of Bells, Moscow,  Queen of Belles, New York,  City Hall Bell.

Arabella Maria. "Only to think, Julia dear, that our Mothers wore such ridiculous fashions as these!"

Remarkable convenience of hoops for young mothers in the country.

This is a satiric image based on a comic from Punch magazine. It's part of a comical stereoview series making fun of women's fashion at the time.

'Suggestions for Novelties in Sleeves'

Fig. 1 Cricket Bat Sleeves (with splice for married ladies), Fig. 2 Balloon Sleeves, Fig. 3 Scull and Paddle Sleeves, Fig. 4 Saddle Sleeves. Fig. 5 Racket Sleeves & Fig. 6 Gun Sleeves.

Gertrude. "My dear Jessie, what on earth is that bicycle suit for?"

Jessie. "Why, to wear of course." Gertrude. "But you haven't got a bicycle!"

Jessie. "No: But I've got a sewing machine!"

On which note I'll leave you as I must get back to mine!

 

Winter/Fall Collections 2012

Whilst working on my own Winter/Fall collection 2012 it was a delight to see that Prada had taken the victorian gentleman as their inspiration. Click here to see what they are up to.

I've been working on a new style polonaise style jacket with matching bodice and a skirt, overskirt and detachable train, all in ivory taffeta, lace and chiffon. This gown can be worn with or without a bustle and takes its inspiration from the late 1880's. Also, a slight departure for me; an eliptical crinoline/hoops with trained skirt and a bodice dating to around the 1860's and made from soft white cotton lawn trimmed with lace.

Photographs will follow with a preview here soon. Talking of previews I received the proofs of the pages for  'Steampunk Fashion by Samuel Radcliffe  with Graffito Books'







Publication Date: January 1, 2013

Cutting-edge designs from 30 of the top fashion studios working in steampunk
'The global movement that is steampunk has taken the worlds of art, sculpture, jewelry, and now fashion by storm. The designers in this collection represent the most innovative steampunk designers working today, and they come from Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, London, Tokyo, Berlin, Barcelona, Paris, Mosow, Rio, and more. Their offerings range from stunning haute couture to remarkable club looks and punky streetwear. Fantastic images of heavenly and astounding creations are at the core of this book, but it also features detailed biographies of the studios, their sources of inspiration, and their views on the movement. This is an essential resource for all fashion students and everyone on the scene, or for those simply looking for inspiration on how to dress.'

Available to re-order from:
USA http://www.amazon.com/Steampunk-Fashion-Samuel-Ratcliffe/dp/0956028446
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Steampunk-Fashion-Samuel-Ratcliffe/dp/0956028446/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340703309&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Winter Wedding Dress Ideas.

I've always been a fan of winter; the cosy evenings by the fire, snuggling down with a good book, an afternoon working on a gorgeous wedding gown for a client whilst half watching an old black and white movie. So it was no wonder that I chose to have my own wedding in early February.  As a designer and maker of sumptious gowns it went without question that I would make my own dress.

The surprise for all was that it turned out not to be a heavily detailed big bustle affair of the kind that I have become well known for but, a simple crushed silk velvet ivory regency gown worn with a black velvet trained and hooded cloak lined with red silk.  Getting married in Brighton known for George IV's Royal Pavilion as well as in a regency church built by his very possible first wife Maria Fitzherbert my choice of gown design was almost chosen for me! But what options are there for the bride who wants to marry during the winter months, keep warm and show off the dress of her dreams?

Don't feel forced into wearing a coverall just because the weather is cold! A faux fur stole or cashmere wrap will add style and drama to your gown as well as keep you warm.

Chose a dress style with sleeves. Elbow length sleeves trimmed with lace. Sweeping romantic mediaeval style sleeves which you can also snuggle in to.

Long Gloves. Opera style gloves will not only look elegant, but will act as a sleeve to a short sleeved or non sleeved gown.

Chose a heavier fabric or warmer lining for your gown. Battenberg lace for example will keep you warmer than a more delicate type like Chantilly lace. Heavier weight silks, satins and velvets will look sumptious.  Have lighter fabrics backed or interlined (they should be in a bodice anyway!) to add warmth.

 Make a feature of beautiful layered up ball gown skirts. You can still have the fairytale tulle ball gown skirt, but line it or wear a petticoat of warmer stuff.

Faux fur for decoration, cuffs, collar, hat and muff.

For a gown that truly stands out against the snow, choose a style that has plenty of embellishments. An ornately decorated bodice is flattering and fun, while allover shine (like a sparkly tulle ball gown) is fairy tale-worthy. And don't feel limited to crystals - pearls, sequins, and the fabric itself can also add some amazing sparkle.

Colour, whether the shade is a bold departure from traditional white or a more subtle, understated hue, a colorful gown will add drama to your wedding day look.

 

Kensal Green Skirts by Victorian Gothic Photograph by Mademoiselle Chatte at Schwetzinger Schlossgarten Germany.