Channeling Dior: My Journey Replicating Haute Couture Techniques
Journey of replicating Dior's 2022 shift dress using timeless couture sewing techniques. Includes pattern.
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Atelier Blog
(previously CelebrityDressmaker.com)
Discover the couture details of each garment
Gallery of Finished Ensembles
The British Red Cross Uniform by Norman Hartnell
Hartnell-designed British Red Cross volunteer uniform pattern released for the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
Part III: Deciphering the Coronation Robe Through the Toile
Technique of creating structure with shoulder line darts, invisible herringbone armholes, catch-stitched collar & modifying patterns
Part V. Mastering Key Couture Concepts: Creating a Coronation Dress by Norman Hartnell
Using a Norman Hartnell coronation dress pattern from 1953, we explore key couture techniques that were used to bring this design to life.
Part IV: The Perfect Foundation for the Coronation Gown
The reader will learn key couture concepts on how to create a boned underdress for a couture gown using whalebone and cotton net fabric.
Part II: The Toile - The Process Behind a Historical Hartnell Dress Recreation
Making the toile for the Coronation gown. There's no petticoat. The volume is created by using horsehair braid.
Is Galanos the Dior of America? Constructing the McCall's #4045 Dress
Recreating Galanos' interpretation of the popular "New Look" that Dior initially introduced to fashion in 1947.
Constructing the c. 1955 Jean Dessès Gown, V1313
Construction process of the Haute Couture gown designed by Jean Desses, Vogue 1313, V1313
Crahay of Ricci, Construction and Finished Dress Vogue #1017
Construction details of the famous Crahay of Ricci dress, using steel bones, millinery wire, and a petticoat to provide its shape.
Madame Gres Elegant Afternoon Dress, Vogue #1411
Showing the construction techniques used to recreate a Madame Gres afternoon dress.
Ricci's Dress Recreation & Completed Photos of #V1388
Completed dress with construction photos of Nina Ricci's 1957 Vogue 1388 sewing pattern.
The Mystique of the Corselette: Ricci Vogue #1388 Inner Corselette Construction
Unraveling the mystique of the corselette and explaining the materials used to construct the Nina Ricci Vogue 1388 bodice
Patou’s Method for Creating Volume and Shape
Creating an unusual crinoline to create volume and shape under a 1950's skirt.
Horsehair Braid - Patou’s Method
Explaining what the house of Patou used horsehair braid for, and where they inserted it.
Recreating a Patou Bodice with Fastenings and Fitted Lace: #V1350 Vogue Paris Original
Introducing the next project, another Patou! #V1350, and discussing how to get into this difficult ensemble.
Making the V1389 Patou Coat
Discussing what material to use for the back stay for the V1389 Patou coat
Why You Must Pre-Shrink Hair Canvas
Hair canvas shrinks when water touches it. Pre-shrink to avoid an unusable garment.
Bias Magic
In sewing circles, the conversations around bias are largely focused on the beauty of its draping, but rarely focused on how it can be...
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