Lacroix Inspired…

I love mixing prints. Either in one item or in a collection. And one of my favorite designers is a master at it. Christian Lacroix mixes the unexpected, adds the details of lace, crystals, beads, extravagance galore and creates the most beautiful pieces imaginable. Granted, his designing isn’t to everyone’s taste, but I think it is so romantic and beautiful. I’m saddened that he no longer has his couture house. His designs are always a source of inspiration for me.

 

So I’m trying to use up some of my fabric stash and decided to finally do something with a collection of prints I picked up a while ago. I always had the intention of mixing these together as a little collection, but never knew what to do or how. Sometimes its best to put it away for a while and then when one pulls it out again new inspiration pops up.

Coordinating prints

The first idea that comes to mind is Lacroix! Lets do something with inspiration from some of his older collections.

So I came up with a couple gowns with embellishments inspired by Lacroix.

Applique for gown

My Lacroix inpired gowns… now available in the Madeleine Rose Couture Boutique

Summer Blues…

Ok, it’s been a while, I know.  And so much has gone on I don’t even know where to begin, but I’ll start posting little things from the last several months going forward.

Meanwhile, I’ll start at the present.

Summer! Ah, who doesn’t love it, with it’s sunshine and blue skies, sandy beaches, and cool ocean breezes.  While I guess not everyone has this climate, but living in Southern California, I’m very lucky I do.  And that is one thing that inspired this mini collection.  On one of my last shopping trips to Mood, I purchased this beautiful shades of blue designer silk chiffon.

shades of blue designer silk on far left

I also ended up having in my large fabric stock some other blues that happened to blend in rather nicely.

Shades of blue-from top- light grey silk chiffon, textured blue chiffon, designer print silk chiffon and metallic blue knit.

I wanted to do easy summer dresses, the kind you would just slip on for summer with silver statement jewelry.

The mini collection of Summer Blues-four short dresses, three long gowns and a skirt with bodysuit ensemble.  Available now at the Madeleine Rose Couture boutique

Here are a few of the looks:

Short silk print dress

Knit Tank Gown

Summer Blues print gown

Tribe…

Got a chance to use one of the fabrics I purchased from Mood.  The tribal influenced graphic print silk chiffon.  This fabric is sooo gorgeous, I had a hard time trying to decide what exactly to do with it.  A simple drape neck silhouette won so the print could shine.  The necklace is by Leigh in ME (Asher of New England) and is the Chanel J’Adore inspired necklace.  So beautiful- he does amazing work on these miniature masterpieces. My beautiful Damia (Numina Ajuma by Paul Pham) is modeling.

Tribe LE 2 by MRC

This was made for the Couture Doll Shops yearly special Dolls Fashion Night Out, something I participate in every year.  you can read about it on their blog

http://couturedollshop.blogspot.com/

Until next time….

 

A Commission Finished….Finally….

Well, this one only took me a couple months to do.  For two of those weeks it was blazing hot here in So Cal that I couldn’t even think about sewing.  So glad that the weather is finally starting to feel like fall.  I’m ready to pull out those sweaters and do a little layering!

This commission request was to do a reproduction of my Street Beat vintage kimono jacket I did for BJD’s, only in 16″ Numina size.  I love this jacket.  Wish I had one in my size.  Sometimes it’s hard to sell items you  create when you fall in love with them.  But anyway, I took on the challenge.  I had lots on vintage kimono panels on hand and some colored fur, so it was up to the client to pick out which color scheme they liked.  The finished product:

My Ajuma Numina by Paul Pham is modeling wearing her own pants, Numina bra, goggles and shoes, and necklace by me.

Now onto the next project-a separates collection for Jamieshow dolls for Angelic Dreamz….. stay tuned….

Flamme Framboise….

It’s been a while since I’ve designed anything for a Sybarite. So when I picked up this fabric, Gothica decided no one else but her would have something out of it. And why not? It  suits her coloring perfectly.

Candy Crushing…….

I know, I know.  I said at the year end post I was going to be more consistent in writing, but here it is the middle of the year already and have I written?  No.  For that I apologize.  Life seems to get in the way.  Anyway I haven’t really made too much lately to be able to write about.  I did do a fun little gown at the first of the year- Glitter Disc:

modeling is my new Ajuma by Paul Pham.  She is fabulous- I have to design more for her but she is a challenge to photograph.

I also had been working with Angelic Dreamz on some stuff.  I designed the gown for the special intro Gene luncheon held at the IDEX show.  As well as the little suit for the BJD mixer AD sponsored.

Photo by George G

Now that summer is here I am hoping to get a little more finished.  I cleaned up my sewing area, and while doing it gave away four small boxes of fabric.  I still have one box left if anyone is interested- just pay shipping of flat rate $12.95.

I found this fabric while I was cleaning up and finally decided to do something with it instead of giving it away.  I reminded me of Skittles, so I aptly named it Candy Pop.  I also used Skittles on the ground around it 🙂

Candy Pop

I love the way it turned out.  The fit is amazing, although it will only fit small busted Numina dolls.

Happy Holidays from Madeleine Rose Couture

Les Scintillance de Rouge

A gown designed for the Couture Doll Shops Holiday Happening. I had found this red tulle with swirled ribbons and sequins and though it was pretty but wasn’t sure what to do with it.  So when the holiday happening came up, I thought this would be perfect.  I just happened to have some red silk taffeta that matched perfectly.  I was going to use it for another gown I had planned(but there wasn’t enough fabric).  I love how this turned out- it was a spur of the moment project and most of the time these turn out great.  I even experimented with glittering the mules.

I think I am going to have to try this technique with some more shoes.  I love the result!

Les Scintillance de Rouge (Glittering in Red) resides now in a private collection.

Ah, I was hoping to have it on display here at home for the holidays- but now it’s on to the next project!  And wait till you see what I have in store……..

Till Next Time,

Have a Great Holiday Season!