Although I still have more swatches to gather for Spring 2014, here is a start. One of my favorite parts of designing clothes is choosing the fabrics, in all their colors, textures, and patterns. Oh, the possibilities! Seen here is a mix of cottons and silks mostly, though there are a couple of lightweight wools intended for outerwear. Is this going to be a fun spring, or what? Design sketches will be posted in the next couple of weeks. Stand by.
Rather than generically referring to my new collection as “Spring/Summer 2013,” I have decided to give it a name. The word “jungle” implies adventure, possibly even a little danger. The word “flora” is appropriate because this collection is inspired by the endless variety of jungle plant life, in all its sultry green and vibrant accessory hues of reds, yellows, and blues. Above are the fabric swatches. I will be working with sheer cottons (mainly voile), sheer silks (georgette), and silk satin, also known as silk charmeuse. The bold color palette, combined with these notoriously difficult fabrics, promises a real challenge ahead. I’ll release the design sketches soon after my Memorial Day break. Don’t go far.
I was feeling uninspired by a couple of looks in my proposed Spring 2012 mini-collection, so I decided to revisit them.
The first image below replaces the original Look#1, which I decided was too boring since the design of the skirt was simply a repeat of the silhouette seen in the two dresses; in addition I felt the blouse was bordering on “dowdy,” even with the sheer layer. So I’ve added some design interest to the skirt in the form of two panels of tweed that are layered like shutters over an under-panel of the coral sateen. (For a reminder of the fabrics I’m using, click here.) The blouse now features a cut-out neckline and I’ve sketched it worn loose instead of tucked in, which is more comfortable and youthful:
This next image replaces the original Look#3, which simply wasn’t developed beyond the sweater. I’ve rescued it by adding a pair of knickers which take inspiration from my latest project, but were prompted by my good friend Becki who asked that I please bring my knickers to Charleston for our Memorial Day weekend trip. Since wool knickers would be much too hot for Charleston in May, I decided to make another pair in summer-appropriate cotton — thank you Becki for the idea! The knickers are slim cut with a front closure reminiscent of sailor pants; they have button down cuffs:
I hope you find these design revisions more inspiring. Certainly they will be more fun to wear!
Check back this weekend for pictures of a muslin sample of my Spring 2012 coat.
