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V9: 1912 “Titanic” Edwardian Gown Design

January 9, 2012

After much deliberation, and some fiddling around with beaded net fabric, I’ve come up with my design.

It’s a combination of these two:

Janet Arnold’s drawing of the Laurel dress, on the left, and an illustration from a 1912 Vogue, on the right.

Click “Read More” to see my design sketch, fabric, and shoes…

Here is my design sketch:

Here is a terrible photo of my fabric.  This is a lovely, drapey, plum-colored net with silver beading.  It was love at first sight, and I especially adore the scalloped edges.  My plan is to use the scalloped edge on both the hem of the over dress and the top of the bodice.

just pinned on over an almost-finished 50s dress

It’s a simple design – silky, charmeuse stuff for the under dress, then the net over it, hanging loose from the waist, but mounted to a fairly structured bodice.  the dress closes at the side by way of hook & eye placket, or snaps, or both.  The sash matches the under dress; the sleeves are the net, with silver claspy somethings holding the joins.

And, of course, tassels.

There must be tassels.

You probably all know what shoes I’m planning to wear, but I want to make my Astorias metallic silver (yee!) using the awesome silver Meltonian spray, or the metallic Angelus paints.

Astorias in silver, please!

More to come!

15 Comments

  • Skye

    January 9, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    This design looks really beautiful!
    I actually had a little question. Maybe this has been asked before but I didn't see the answer right away. Do you make your design sketches on your computer and if so, what program do you use?
    Thank you.
    I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished result of this dress.

    Reply

  • Laurie

    January 9, 2012 at 11:55 PM

    Did you find the drape on e-bay?

    This dress will be fabulous! I looked at some fabric at JA's today at lunch, but nothing like this!

    Thanks,

    Laurie

    Reply

  • Caroline

    January 10, 2012 at 12:18 AM

    That will be breath taking! I can't wait to see it! I've been fiddling with ideas for an evening gown of this era recently, but now beading seems like the only way to go! (-;

    Reply

  • Kathryn Grace

    January 10, 2012 at 3:03 AM

    Beautiful! I would be in heaven if I could find some pre-beaded fabric similar to this! We are having a Titanic Ball in April and I still have to decide on a dress design. Can't wait to follow the progress of your gown!

    Reply

  • Lauren R

    January 10, 2012 at 4:55 AM

    Thank you all.

    Serafine – I use Photoshop and a pen tablet (wacom) to do my design sketches. Sometimes I draw them from scratch, like this one, and sometimes I use a photo of an existing dress and paint over it. I got this question on Facebook too, so I think I will do a blog post about it.

    The net fabric came from a local shop called "Mill End Fabrics," that's been around foreeeever. This was hiding in the "special occasion" section, where they keep the prom and glittery-dress fabrics, lots of sequins and embroidery, that kind of thing. I bought all of it, couldn't resist!

    I need to get back to the store to buy the fabric for the under dress, so until then I'll be posting about the other bits – corsets, hair, and of course shoes 🙂

    Reply

  • E. Waterman

    January 10, 2012 at 6:00 PM

    You are going to look like you just stepped right out of DA, Missy. I cannot wait to see this, the fabric is very beautiful, and I wager will make those lovely eyes pop.

    Reply

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