Cathy Models the Pink Tweed Couture Suit!

Friends, is there any more luscious fabric than pink wool tweed?

And speaking of luscious, is there any more delectable model than my identical cousin, the ever-youthful, effortlessly soigné Cathy Lane?  I was so delighted when I found out that Cathy would be stopping in New York City for a few days on her way to visit daughter Simplicity at boarding school: evidently there have been some behavioral problems and Cathy is required to visit in person rather than merely text.

Anyway, Cathy agreed to model the project I've worked on all semester in my Haute Couture Construction class at FIT, taught by none other than Kenneth D. King.  We all used the same pattern in the same size but we were able to choose our own fabric.  I opted for a raspberry pink wool tweed with flecks of other colors as well -- I believe this is generally referred to as Donegal tweed.

Luckily the skirt and jacket fit, otherwise we would have had to make alterations--not to the outfit, mind you, but to Cathy.  She can hardly bend with that boa constrictor-tight waistband but it certainly keeps her standing up straight.

As you can see, the jacket is dramatically shaped, echoing the New Look silhouette.  It's fully interlined with horsehair canvas and the front and back neck facings also have multiple layers of hair cloth and quite a few shaping darts.

We do try to keep things interesting, so I made sure Cathy had a change of shoes and hat, for a slightly different look.  Below she's wearing a burgundy angora tam and beige slingback sandals.

Cathy prefers a bit more lift, however, so we switched mid-photo shoot to her favorite pink satin open-toe slippers.

I made Cathy a turban hat from a remnant of the skirt and jacket lining fabric from a late Forties Vogue pattern (see it here).  Isn't it chic?!

It was all I could do to convince Cathy to go easy on the bling: she'd have a cocktail ring on every finger and probably a few toes if it were up to her.  We pared accessories down to the minimum: earrings and a statement pin, simple patent leather handbag, and matching gloves.

I think you'll agree that pink truly flatters my cousin and the strong silhouette gives Cathy a bit more shape.  You probably know by now that she's less of an hourglass and more of a grandfather clock.

In next semester's Haute Couture Collection class I'll be creating three separate garments from scratch; I think you can guess who my muse is likely to be!

Happy Holidays everybody, from our family to yours!

(All photos by Michael Hanko)