I have always been in love with this 1780s French gown from the Met, one for being a gorgeous gown, but because of the way the photograph was styled with the little dog mannequin:
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| The Met, 1780 |
To me, the little greyhound-like dog mannequin has always represented Avi, my dearest companion who passed away this time last year. I had always intended to make this dress and take pictures with Avi, but never got around to it, though Avi participated in many costumed photo shoots over the years.
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| Avi and I posed together a lot in photo shoots for American Duchess. She would sit herself in the center of the backdrop and refuse to move, so we just went with it. 🙂 |
When I was in LA last week, I found this embroidered silk taffeta and instantly thought of the picture from The Met, and this gown. The fabric was a bit of a splurge for me, but I knew I had to have it, and that even though I’ll never be able to take the picture with Avi, it will remind me of her every time I wear the dress. So I bought the fabric.
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| It’s not a match, but it reminded me of the 1780 dress fabric, so I couldn’t pass it up. |
Luckily the Met has a lot of pictures of this gown, and I want to be true to the design. I’m hoping to have it done for a trip to Williamsburg in June – I better get stitching!
You can see more angles, and larger images at http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/84611
14 Comments
Unknown
March 26, 2015 at 7:43 PMA beautiful gown, and a fitting tribute to your lovely girl.
MindLess
March 26, 2015 at 8:20 PMA lovely memory and one that you can wear as well! THE FABRIC LOOKS SO LUSH1
Samantha
March 26, 2015 at 8:55 PMcan't wait to see it–and you! YAY! 😀
Kelly
March 26, 2015 at 11:30 PMWhat a lovely way way to memorialize a beloved pet.
Marti
March 27, 2015 at 12:18 AMA beautiful tribute to Avi. I bet your local shelter has a dog that would love to pose for all of your future projects. What kind of fabric is it?
Lauren Stowell
March 27, 2015 at 8:37 PMWe actually adopted another dog of the same breed very soon after Avi died, so we're back up to four in our pack. Her name is Lexi.
C
March 27, 2015 at 1:06 AMThat is so sweet! And that fabric… wow. Very, very fitting for such a great furry friend.
Gina
March 27, 2015 at 2:57 AMAwe!! This post made me happy and sad at the same time. The loss of a family pet/member is always such a sucky thing. I can't wait to see your new gown that will hold such a wonderful memory of Avi!!
Blessings!
g
PinhousePlaymate
March 27, 2015 at 5:27 AMThe fabric looks lovely!
Avi was a very cute dog, such a lovable face 🙂
Madame Berg
March 27, 2015 at 9:01 AMI'm so sorry about Avi, I didn't know! I remember so fondly how she won the "Cutest sewing pet" competition years ago, much deserved (though my kitten still disagrees, of course). <3
Lauren Stowell
March 27, 2015 at 8:38 PMI wasn't public about it, and it still hurts a year later, but I have very fond memories at least, the Cutest Crafting Pet thing one of them 🙂
Caroline
March 28, 2015 at 4:42 AMOh this will be so lovely! I got to see that particular exhibit when it was at the Met. I'll never forget how beautiful it was in person!
Aw, but I'm so sorry about your dear dog. I almost lost my Harlow last year. I can't even imagine 🙁
Linda
March 30, 2015 at 6:16 PMA gorgeous dress, and Avi was adorable. 🙂
Anna
April 1, 2015 at 2:57 PMI didn't know Avi was gone either…so sorry to hear that. I lost my own "historical dog" Honey (at least, she wouldn't have looked out of place in a London street scene) four years ago and it still really hurts to think about her being gone. So you have my deepest empathy, and I think it's so lovely to still be thinking of Avi with a new project.