Its seems to be the most trendy term so often dropped on the red carpet these days is "Eco Friendly".  From sustainable fabrics to recycled materials "Green" dresses are in demand. I was challenged by a neighbor to up-cycle an old bridesmaid dress into a modern and glamourous prom dress for her beautiful daughter, a tall blond high school senior.  The original dress-a hand me down from mother to daughter was a size 8 Ralph Lauren silk shantung A-line shape a-la Gwen Paltrow Oscar Dress. The daughter and my new client desired a vintage styled mermaid dress worthy of Marilyn Monroe. After presenting my sketch and idea I went to work transforming an "eh" dress to a show stopper fit for a young lady as well as formal enough to be event appropriate.  I used every bit of the original dressed even crafting a belt with scrap cuts. I purchased additional materials such as nearly 30 yards of tulle and rhinestone belt buckle. The end result dazzles, mother and daughter are completely in love with the dress.  What is old is new again and this dress will certainly be one to remember.

On Saturday, March 10th The Fashion Honors Group at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale hosted a fashion show at Arts Park in Hollywood, Florida. This event was in collaboration with several of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale departments such as culinary, graphic design, animation, and video production.
This fashion show was to create awareness for The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, and is most often associated with autism. We showcased purple themed garments by students and alumni of Ai. The Fashion Honors Group raised about $2,500 towards the cause.  I created two original dresses for the Fashion show. Pictured left a strapless sequin bustier dress with back ruffle detail. Below my heart pencil dress in Purple.

My original design, Steampunk Goddess placed in the Style X Ultimate Rock Star design challenge! Winning designs will be featured in the SXSW music conference in Austin TX March 2012.  Great competition and congratulations to all the winners!


BurdaStyle Contest Winners

Steampunk is the science fiction of the steam age, re-imagined with the advantage of modern hindsight. Drawing upon the wealth of historical technology and the scientific fantasies of the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Following in the footsteps of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells, steampunk authors blend history, science and imagination into a world of wonder that might have been. This movement served as my inspiration for designing this ultimate Rock Star look for Style X (an event taking place at the SXSW annual music conference in Austin TX) .
In its second year the SXSW music conference has expanded into the fashion market pairing hip brands and designers with the top musical acts from around the world attending this annual conference. My design highlights an underground movement known as "Steampunk"  that has started to explode with new creative and inventive sounds, not to mention unbelievable fashions.  What is old is new again with a clever juxtaposition of old world sounds, international beats, a modern edgyness all colliding in this new exciting genre.

A whimsical original design and pattern of my own this dress is a great exercise in stay stitching.  With seaming that resembles an arrow through the heart and a classic wiggle silhouette constructed of a soft tweedy twill.  Pair it with platform pumps and a red lip for a fun flirty date look-Yes please!

 About my collection:
A Crest 3D bright smile is the ultimate must have accessory and I designed a polished collection to go with! Using a monochromatic all white palette adding textural interest with a diverse selection of fabrics and fibers. “Brightening” it up with a glint of shimmer in Chic (LWD) Dresses and tailored separates accented with crystal and pearls. I set out to design a glamorous collection with a modern edge and clean lines inspired by the zeitgeist of the 1970’s and fashion icon Bianca Jagger. I streamlined the silhouettes with architectural seaming and faceted details. Softening it up with polka-dot lace, plush boucle, and the elegant drape of silk crepe.  My modernization of classic silhouettes that will no doubt “Dazzle” on the runway.