Monday, September 16, 2013

Keyhole Neckline

This dress was quite the transformation...an A-line, strapless, taffeta number into a flowy, sleeved, chiffon gown. You'd never guess what this dress was capable of turning into.

I didn't get a before picture. I'm really terrible at that. But here is a catalog picture from the designer; the only difference - the one I worked with was white, and didn't have the jeweled applique.
 
The bride's dream dress was chiffon, but she got a taffeta one for a steal, so we basically used the original dress as framework for the final product. The first step...take off the taffeta!
We unpicked the skirt and replaced the taffeta with white chiffon (but kept the pockets), and removed all the pleated taffeta on the bodice and waistband. Let's just say that the dress looked pretty naked!
 
The bodice of the dress was the most time-consuming part of this dress. A lot of small pleats, pins, and a LOT of tacking. The bride also had this amazing idea to put a keyhole in the front of the neckline...gorgeous!
 
 
Who said keyholes always have to be in the back??
 
So after a complete deconstruction and reconstruction of this dress (and thread truly covering my apartment), here is the final product!