The Process of Design: Part 3

In Part 2, we created a complete muslin gown catering to Tina's measurements and showing the elements of the actual design.
In this next step, I create the final gown from the inside out. First, the muslin gown is taken apart and patterns are adjusted to the last fitting Tina and I had. These patterns are now transferred onto the actual silk fabric that will make up the final gown. Once cut, these patterned pieces are put together in a state where we can re-fit Tina again to confirm that nothing has changed, or if there are some more adjustments, they can now be done at this stage.



It is also at this stage that I build the actual under garments into the gown. For Tina, we are creating a corset type foundation, which also gives support and structure to the gown. This silk "base" gown will now act as the foundation for the rest of her pleated and ruffled overlay.
The next stage is the fabrication and application of all of the fine details of her gown. But, for those photos, you will have to wait until after the wedding! We don't' want to ruin the surprise for her fiance and the rest of the Party.

Angie & Joe

My dear Bride Angie, was referred to me through a Jeweler that was in the Pasadena Jewelry Mart across the street from the Salon. She was searching for her ring, when the subject of her gown came up and so the Jeweler actually walked her over to meet me. Angie came with her fiance at the time, Joe, and her sister, who was also engaged. After a brief discussion, they both went home to put together all of their tear sheets and gown inspiration and came back to the Salon for a second meeting the same day. After discussing their idea, budget, and timeline, I signed both sisters on the spot.
Angie also wanted custom gowns made for her sister, who is her Maid-of-Honor, and her best friend who is her Bridesmaid. Being the modern woman that she is, I created a gown out of silk crepe that fit Angie's beautiful figure as well as her own unique style. The bridal party were also given that modern fitted look to compliment the Bride.
Congratulations Angie & Joe!
One sister down, one to go...

Fall 2010 Collection Preview

Thank you to everyone that attended the Collection Preview! It was nice to meet new Brides-to-be, see old friends, and make some new ones. Among some of the attendees were Cynthia and Kelly of Kelly Oshiro Design, Katrina Centeno of Calligraphy Katrina, Noelle Arias of getmarried magazine, Designer - Vanessa Louise Marie, and writer Emily Pedraza.

We also had our special Brides-to-be joining us for champagne and a first look at the Collection before it's reveal to the public. I was overwhelmed by the compliments and very excited on the amount of great feedback that I received for all of the gowns. A very special thank you to David Kim for documenting the evening and all of my gowns. So, without any further ado, here are sneak peek pics of the Fall 2010 Collection...all are now available at the Salon, still individually handmade right here in Pasadena!

The Process of Design: Part 2

Now for the fittings...In Part 1, I designed a gown for my Bride Tina Marie. Now we will move onto the next phase.
The first step is to take the approved Design and create patterns that will be used to fabricate the gown. All of the patterns not only correspond to the gown, but more specifically to Tina's measurements. In total, I usually take up to fifteen different measurements.
Next, I transfer the patterns onto a light weight cotton fabric called muslin. Here is where the physical dress takes shape. This preliminary dress is cut and sewn just as the final gown will be. It is at this stage that the first of the alterations will occur.





So now that the gown is on my Bride, I can truly see how it will fit her. I may also make alterations to the Design to flatter a particular area over another, or maybe collectively we decide to eliminate a part of the gown altogether. In any case, this is the stage where all of the necessary changes can occur.
Now that we have made all of the adjustments to the muslin, I then take it apart and transfer this new information onto the patterns. Once the patterns have been adjusted, we are ready for the next step...the creation of the actual gown from the inside out.

Fall 2010 Collection

Well...here we are! The release of my latest Collection! Inspired by the Garden, sprinkled with elegance, sophistication, modernity, and a dash of sexiness, the Collection speaks to the beauty of the Bride on her special day. Although typically the Preview of the Collection is only open to Bridal Industry, Buyers, and Editorial, this year I will be doing something a little bit differently. I am inviting 5 lucky Brides/Fans to attend as my special guests! I will be pulling names randomly from those that I receive of whom would like to attend, and they, along with a guest, will be invited to the Salon to view the Collection before it is released to the public. I will be there to greet you and enjoy a glass of sparkling champagne as we toast to the new Collection!

Cheers and I look forward to meeting you!

Alina

Adriana & Fernando

My Bride Adriana started out as a referral by Wedding Planner Jeannie Ward, whom I have known now for a number of years. Jeannie brought Adriana to the Salon one day for an appointment as she had many questions with regards to creating her perfect gown. As we started talking, Adriana and I connected instantly. In fact, we even happen to live in the same city! Not only was she looking to have her gown made, but also her Maid of Honor and her three Bridesmaids. As we started to discuss all of the options available to her, she decided to also entrust me with the design of her two Flower Girls and her Daughter's dress as well.

Being a successful, proud Latina, Adriana wanted to incorporate something unique into the gowns that would be representative of her Mexican heritage. So, we used blue and gold in the Bridal Party which represents the bold, vibrant, lively colors that are so abundant in the artifacts, pottery, and paintings found throughout Mexico.

Adriana's gown was a pale pink chiffon over a white silk duchess satin underlay. I also designed her belt and we beaded it with Swarovski crystals. To top it off, we created the cathedral length veil and added smaller crystals to capture the light as the perfect accent piece.
We wanted all of the gowns to tie together, so I used the design of Adriana's gown as a starting point to design all of the other gowns. Each one of the Bridal party had the same rouching detail, and I even designed her Daughter's gown to be a mini version of Adriana's.

The ceremony itself was held at the Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes, and was captured beautifully by photographer George Carranza of Carranza Fotografia.
Congratulations Adriana & Fernando!

Collection Inspiration

Many of my Brides and Clients ask what inspires me when I Design my gowns. Well, my latest Collection, which will launch this Spring, is inspired by nature. I love the way nature embodies classic elements of design...the shapes, the lines, the colors. My Garden Collection, as I am calling it, embraces the beautiful lines of the Calla Lily and plays off of the silhouette of Gardenias. I've incorporated the softness of some petals while bringing the intricate folds of others.

The new Collection will be soft, organic, beautiful, sculptural and sensual. All the gowns will still be maintain the highest design standards and remain handmade...each one truly Couture.