We couldn't have wished for a more glorious first day of Spring.
It was the perfect occasion for my cousin Cathy, still a little jet-lagged from her Paris-New York flight, to model my latest creation, McCall's 9037, the Joan Collins wrap dress.
As always, Cathy proved herself a trouper. She wasn't completely sold on the Eighties look, but when I told her to "think vintage Thierry Mugler," her eyes lit up. The rest, as they say, was a piece of gateau.
As always, this is more than just a photoshoot, but also a journey into the life of a complex, albeit highly glamorous, woman.
If you'd like to see this slideshow full size -- highly recommended -- please click on any image and watch it in my Picasa gallery from start to finish (click "view all" and then "slideshow" in the upper left hand corner). It's a veritable thrill-ride.
You can also read my Pattern Review here.
(Cathy completists can catch earlier adventures here and here.)
Thanks go out to Michael for his wonderful photography -- and his patience.
Happy Spring, everybody!
awesome!! Loved the slideshow, and of course, the gorgeous dress...
ReplyDeleteThat slide show is hilarious. Cathy really channels the 80s in that dress. And I agree the 80s was all about the 40s (at least as the Dynasty looks went).
ReplyDeleteLoved the slideshow...laughed out loud at Cathy's aristocratic pretentions. Those espadrilles are to die for -- I want them. The dress, of course, was amazing.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame Cathy from mother-avoidance. There is nothing comforting about a mother with a devilish intent and hidden agenda....
ReplyDeleteI am glad Cathy was able to engage in some retail therapy - the espadrilles are fantastic - I have a very similar pair - but no Dynasty dress to match them with :-(
I love Cathy and I can't have enough of her adventure.
ReplyDeleteBest slide show to date! Your Aunt looks like a real piece of work, I don't blame Cathy for high-tailing it out of there one bit!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely brilliant. Next time Cathy's in London she should stop by a sale of Angels the Costumiers: http://www.angels.uk.com/retrosalejan10.html. She'd love it!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cathy - sometimes you just can't resolve the whole "Mommy Dearest" thing, at least I never could. Dress, shoes, hat, all - magnifique! So glad to see that Cathy had a lovely day in New York (wasn't it amazing? We will be paying for this for the next week, however).
ReplyDeleteLooooooooooove!!!!! <3
ReplyDeleteLove the slideshow. The dress is perfect for a summer day of looking back. Your mom looks like a real piece of work though. Did she ever give back Rosemary's baby?
ReplyDeleteJeff in VA
Oh, the intrigue, the suspense and drama - played out with such fashion!! Bravo! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the work you put into this posting. You are certainly livening up the sewing blog world!
ReplyDeleteThank you Peter!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous job on the dress, and Cathy looks tres chic as always.
First of all, this was my favorite slideshow story EVER. Secondly, I think I need a dress just like that!
ReplyDeleteCathy rocks that dress better than anything I ever sewed/wore in the '80s. Great job, and very entertaining slide show!
ReplyDeleteCathy rocks. The dress is classic. It's amazing how you were able to re-purpose a bedsheet into a vintage dress. The slideshow was awesome. Great job!
ReplyDeleteFabulous, but Cathy really does need the triple strand of pearls. I'm a bit surprised that such a fashionable gal doesn't have a fully-stocked wardrobe of pearls . . . they're such a fashion essential!!! The slide show was such fun . . . what a delightful day!
ReplyDeleteas always, Cathy looks fab. And I've decided I do like her new hair. Short is so in right now.
ReplyDeleteso gorgeous ... dress, hair, shoes, day, slide show! you reminded me of so much of my trip (last august) to new york: the flea markets, the fancy manhattan buildings, the train, the benches in central park. thanks for the trick down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteThat is the best damned looking sheet I have ever seen. So perfect for a spring lovely dress.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks a lot you shoe enabler. I need a pair of espadrilles now.
I think Cathy needs a little more length on the hair and maybe a touch lighter. But that may be the pattern envelope and bright spring sunshine influencing my visage.
The espadrilles are inspired. I would never have thought to pair them with this dress. They look terrific. Cathy is lucky to have such a talented sewing cousin.
ReplyDeleteAwesome... Awesome slide show. Luv the dress.
ReplyDeleteLove the slide show and Cathy! She, and the dress of course, look fab!
ReplyDeleteLove the photo-novella and the dress!
ReplyDeleteLove the espadrilles! That is a fab dress, the collar/drapey thing is really cool. Fun shoot and story!
ReplyDeleteCathy looks terrific as usual. She has such an innate sense of fashion. It is a privilege to watch such an elegant woman. Hope that someday she will find it in her to resolve her "mommy issues," but I totally understand that it is much more complicated than even we know. Thanks for the update.
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