In the Studio

I can't remember the last time I did a blog focused around my designs. It's way past it's due date in my opinion. The past few days have turned into prime design time for me. Making things I love has turned out to be a great way to channel many of the emotions I'm still processing as well. This afternoon is a busy here as I'll have multiple fittings/design pick ups occurring.

A lot of what I have been working on lately has been dresses. I like to make dresses for the spring/summer. I find them very feminine and a great way to embody self-expression. I never tire from making dresses. I find each incredibly different and unique in it's own ways. My design aesthetic since the beginning for me has revolved around up-cycling & re-servicing. I realize over time that I have not talked about that much. It's always been very important to me, throughout my life, to conserve. "Waste not, want not", living in Haiti for 7 years taught me not to take more than I need.

As I've worked away at building up my portfolio pieces over the years I've done my best to preserve fabric and work with materials of different texture. I've worked for company's that have provided me with resources to acquire materials that would otherwise be discarded. So much has been manufactured and brought into existence, it seems at time we don't quite know what to do with it all. Working in design and on the machine allows me to reform garments from what is no longer suitable to what currently works and looks best.

Pastels have really jumped out to me this past winter. I realize there are certain colors and tones which seem to illuminate the female being in ways that others never will. I seek these colors on my journeys and always have an eye out for the perfect pastel.

With the dramatic mountainous views around and the clear blue skies Calgary/Alberta brings, I try to be sure to create looks that will flatter their environments as well. Being an outdoor enthusiast, I'm usually thinking about nature whilst designing. I like to think about where it will be shot and what will be around. Being able to think about the details before the piece is complete is a huge factor in what brings looks together for me. Sometimes I can see exactly what it will look like in my mind before it even exists. When it comes to it is a replica of what I had anticipated. Sometimes I know it will never be until it is. When it is finished I look at the garment and know inside myself it never could have been or come together any other way.

I completed a lengthy, white, sort of "Lace maiden" looking gown. It was one of those designs that mostly came together organically. Simple yet highly thematic and captivating. I had stepped away from whites for a while and here I am again. I'd love to share the work but sadly I can't right now. It's in a special file that's currently being filed for submission by a photographer that has a lot of experience with that kind of thing. Hopefully by the end of the month I'll be able to start releasing that set. I worked with a photographer I'd met for the first time. Vinxreddervon on Ig, also know is Kelvin... This guy is super talented and highly dedicated to photography. We have more work set up coming into the later part of the month so I'm confident I'll have yet a couple more designs ready to go for that.

For today's photo's I've chosen green things...... It's always nice to start off the day with some inspiration.