My round trip experience being the first undergraduate from Western Michigan University accepted by the International Textile and Apparel Association was an exciting one. Celebrating the unique, ITAA is one of six leading industry associations that advances excellence in education, scholarship & innovation, and global applications.
In order to submit any application as a non-member to the organization, I had to be sponsored by someone who was. Western Michigan thankfully agreed to sponsor my three design submissions from my latest line, Till Kingdom Come. The application process called for front, back, and detail photos of each submission, as well as an abstract paper explaining the details of the garments aesthetics, contextual review, process & techniques used, cohesiveness, design contribution, and a proceedings article. All requirements went first through my sponsor to ITAA for the judging, and after a long, nail-biting four months, I heard back from them with a congratulations! My dress, Reign, was the submission accepted by the association, granting me with an invitation to the annual conference, and round trip expenses paid for by the university. It was an honor to say the least.
Designed for the alluring woman who wants to feel comfortable and look chic effortlessly in her luxurious life style. This design was a nod to iconic medieval style, embracing a contemporary take on traditional fashion. The late Madeline Vionnet and the early 20th century were the inspiration for this garment, relating to medieval kingdoms and focusing on his and also hers silhouettes. The two-piece look flourishes low key, laid back style. Quirky individualism is the zest secret to its beauty. In the simple effortless chic tradition stood the test of time, classic.
Developing the over all mood of this dress began from sketching and creating story boards with lots of imagery, everything from colors and landscapes to fabrics and silhouettes. Constructed from flat patterns, techniques are executed through temporary and permanent hand and machine stitching. Using ½” seams throughout, French seams and rolled hem on the delicate knit turtleneck. The combination of double-faced and cashmere create cozy corners, constructed with the use of hand stitched ribbon cover seams and rolled hem.
A no boundaries spirit in a pulled together, serious look of classic silhouettes and colors maintain a level of polish in the charming pouf, pleated sleeve dress. Heed hemlines elongate and enhance a small frame. Taking fashion back to traditional yet still contemporary, like Coco Chanel, introducing comfortable clothes for women, allowing an emotional and physical connection for every day living. This design correlates to an enchanted wonderland of medieval romance.
