Couture Beginnings

Suzie
Mar 9, 2016
3 min read

I woke up so excited yesterday. I had spent hours the day before perfecting and finishing the first piece of my new couture collection, and "Katie" from my previous collection Floral Frippery. Yesterday was the day I met Heather Paige http://www.modelmayhem.com/513759 who is not only an amazing makeup artist, but also a model!, and booked yet another amazing session in with Steve Osmond: http://www.steveosmondphotography.com/ . We had initially planned to start at one, but changes in the schedule opened up the opportunity to start early. I was there by 10, which was great because I didn't realize how quickly time flies or how much I find I have to say to people who are genuine, and really listen. Heather arrived by 11, and we proceeded to confirm the look and makeup we had chatted about preshoot. I had primarily planned on the new"Katie"dress, but I had brought my new couture piece as an extra. When Heather saw the new piece she was somewhat torn between the product she had brought, and the look we had originally talked about, verses my new and amazing design. After a quick group chat we decided to maximize one look, and save the other for a time when it too, could be given its time, attention and value.

We maximized the Couture look. We went full out with the a set focused around a jacket made of paper. I combined a palet of pales, gold, and black sheer fabric to create a piece of clothing that boarders strictly on the mark of art/apparel. I've been studying fashion lately. I've been completely induldged in the complexity of the designs that have come forward and been pitched to human beings as apparel. I've realized throughout my searches and learnings that mostly anything goes. I found that discovery really inspiring, as it provides me with the opportunity to experiment with the different textures and materials we have or have not yet defined as materials suitable to build clothing from.

Working with Heather and Steve was definitely the A team. The energy was positive and enthusiastic. The feedback was effecient and filled with intention. The project was successful, but with such a great team it couldn't have been any other way.

I had a model come over last week to try on my paper jacket. She handled it with much care as she put it on, she was afraid she was going to break it. I put it on my own body so that she could see the durability of the jacket. I squeezed the belt firm and overlapped the left jacket front over the right side. The jacket changed in size and dimension as I fit it to my body. Each inidividual piece of paper hand assembled by me, held sturdy by the glue which reinforces it to the jacket. I took it off and examined it from a distance. The next morning I added several new inspired elements and fabrics to finish what duplicated my outlook on what Couture means to me.

I matched the bold feature piece with a 1950's 1 piece black bodysuit, a fresh pair of black thigh high fishnets, and my favorite black booty wedged lace up heels. To top and finish the whole look, my full stylized hair was top with one of my newest and boldest head pieces. My only sadness is that I cannot share the entire album with you. This is yet another set that will be sent away for submission as soon as the final edits are completed. HOWEVER, I do have a few very special behind the scenes photos I can share:)

I feel like I have so much to say about this piece, and its exciting to feel that way and know this is only the first piece, the beginning. I have so much gratitude for the great team of people I was able to make this concept a reality with. We've already started planning our next concept..........

Stay Tuned!