Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Flower Skirt Gown :: Sumie Tachibana


This is my latest work that I just completed a few minutes ago!
It's a flower inspired skirt gown for a Japanese editorial shoot.

The main fabric is a quilted cotton velveteen.
The black and white panels are from an Italian cotton mini plaid.
There are 5 flowers made from high-end wool felt wrapped with lambskin trim and black metal chains.
The bottom hem is hand pleated textured cotton velveteen.

Sincerely,

Sumie Tachibana










Friday, May 4, 2012

Etsy Project Bootcamp


Hello everyone!  Instead of doing a style of the day, I am posting pictures of the projects I completed Thursday in Sumie Tachibana's "Etsy Project Bootcamp."  In the past couple of weeks, I have been making small accessories for Sumie's Etsy store and yesterday we each made 6 projects.  The hard part was completing them in 1 hour and 10 minutes!
We each made 1 scarflette, 1 neckerchief, 1 corsage, 1 hair accessory, and 1 tote bag (I made it with a removable pouch).  The scarflette was my favorite because I put in a separating zipper and an invisible zipper pocket.  These will all be for sale at the Midoma Trunk Sale on May 6, 2012.  Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

A day at the Met and Midoma photoshoot

Hello everyone!  The last week and weekend have been pretty busy.  Last week Sumie and I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and I took a few photos of my favorite armor displays.

The first image really caught my eye because of the metal detail on the horse's armor.  The close-up shows more of the detail especially the dragon-like spine on the rump.
This armor inspired me because of the ornate detail on the chest plates.  The cut-outs in the elbow area are also a really cool element that might look awesome re-interpreted in a jacket or top.
The last armor is from the Tibetan Armor exhibit.  I liked how the waistband was pleated and the straps criss-crossing in the front added texture.  

On Sunday I went to my first photo shoot with Sumie at the Midoma Hair Salon in Manhattan.  It was a great learning experience!  The shoot was inspired by art and writing and the models added some of their talent to the back drop.

This photo was the makeup artist giving our model, Jenny, a touch-up.  She was sporting a corset neck collar!
  This photo showed the hair stylist fixing Hannah's hair.  

My favorite part of the shoot was seeing the whole transformation of the models.  It was a pleasure to work with everyone and even though it lasted all day, it was worth it to see the final photos.

Custom Skirt: Deborah



This is one of my latest custom order projects based on another skirt in the Snow White Series.
The materials have been completed altered from the original skirt.

This skirt has high-end faux lambskin, French raised lace, and a beautifully soft stretch cotton.
It is fully lined with a polyester stretch charmeuse.
All of the materials have a little stretch or give to it, so that the wearer has more movement even in a pencil style skirt.
Should she choose to eat dessert, she'll still feel fine in the skirt!

Sincerely,

Sumie


Monday, April 30, 2012

Style of the Day with Tiffany

Monday Style of the Day with Tiffany

Hello everyone!  It has been a week since my last style of the day so we made an exception and decided to add one for today, Monday April 30, 2012, the last day of the month.  With the first day of May tomorrow, hopefully we will be able to experience more wonderful spring weather.  What better way to have fun on a lovely spring day than go to a concert?  Today's look is inspired by a rocker-punk woman that is going to her favorite concert or just going to any event that calls for an edgier look.
The skirt is folded under in the front to create the fullness, similar to a bubble skirt.  The bubble gives the rocker look a playful twist and it is also very comfortable because it is made from denim.  The waistband is connected to a tail coat feature on the back that adds an unexpected surprise to the skirt (check link for multiple views).
Find the skirt here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93609647/black-and-white-folded-skirt-size-28

The bolero jacket helps keep this outfit edgy.  Made from cotton dobby, it has a slight sheen to the fabric.  There is also a double layer cap sleeve that adds to the uniqueness of this bolero.
Bolero: contact studio@sumietachibana.com for information

The jabot adds texture to the outfit and it is made from black velveteen with a silk organza ruffle.  It is adjustable in the back.
Find the jabot here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93606379/black-pinstripe-velveteen-jabot-with

The gloves also add to the rocker-inspiration of this look!  Made from a stretch lace, they instantly add an edgy quality to any outfit.
Gloves: contact studio@sumietachibana.com for information

The high collared black neck corset is the finishing touch to this rocker-punk outfit.  It is unique and will definitely make you stand out in a crowd.  The grey in the neck corset and the grey in the waistband of the skirt keeps the look cohesive while still allowing you to rock out in style!
Neck Corset: contact studio@sumietachibana.com for information or find similar style here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/84577381/high-gathered-black-jacquard-neck-collar

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Style of the Day with Tiffany

Hello everyone!  It is already Wednesday and that means another Style of the Day.
Today's style is all about the jabot.  We've been getting questions on how to wear the extra long ruffled jabot, and I decided to make it easier by showing how I would like to wear it.

Starting with the jabot as the centerpiece, it is made from a high-end novelty polyester knit that would add an unexpected punch to any outfit.
I chose the awesome short-sleeved jacket to go underneath.  Its lambskin leather panel is ultra smooth and has a beautiful sheen that accentuates the tiered jabot.  The black panels are made of a very fine wool twill that is extremely soft.  The oversized red piping on the shoulder is a blend of Italian wool and mohair that adds that extra pop of color I love.

The pencil skirt is also an amazing piece.  There are smooth lambskin panels on the skirt that contrasts with the other panels made from stretch polyester that are embossed to resemble reptile skin texture.  
Altogether, the jacket and skirt textures pair wonderfully with the jabot.  

The gorgeous neck ruff choker is made of a silk/cotton twill and the red on the trim compliments the red on the jacket shoulders.  The wrist cuff corsage puts the finishing touch on this cool look.  Made with cotton mesh, chains, wire-wrapped balls, and a lovely black seashell, the cuff is an edgy accessory that will have everyone asking where you got it from.

Items can be found here:

Tiered Jabot - http://www.etsy.com/listing/74473122/black-ruffled-extra-long-jabot

Wrist Cuff Corsage - http://www.etsy.com/listing/69346059/black-pirates-inspired-shell-wrist-cuff

Neck Ruff Choker - http://www.etsy.com/listing/90876427/mina-harker-neck-ruff-choker

Short-Sleeved Jacket - contact studio@sumietachibana.com for information

High Waisted Skirt - contact studio@sumietachibana.com for information