Aug 5, 2011

Cathy models the strapless 50's cocktail dress!



Friends, at long last, the cocktail dress photo shoot.

I know there was some drama involved in this project and undeniable differences of opinion with many of you, beloved readers, but I like to think that, in the end, it only brought us closer. 

As always, my talented cousin proved herself a true pro, handling yards of tulle, a boned bodice, and multiple layers of crinoline with aplomb, and even submitting to the indignities of a Maidenform "Control It!" Waistnipper brief.  The summer evening couldn't have been more lovely, gentle breezes blowing through Cathy's soft hair and carrying her tulle wrap aloft.  It was all very dreamlike.

I hope you'll enjoy this slideshow, which includes a special guest appearance from my wonderful photographer, Michael, as well as a number of other unexpected cameos.

As always, to see these photos full-size, please click on any image and in Picasa, choose the album name, and then, in the upper left hand corner, "Slideshow."



I'll admit that I wasn't quite sure athletic Cathy could pull off the strapless look, but I think she does this dress justice, don't you?

Is there a strapless cocktail dress in your future?  

Have a great day, everybody!

P.S.  Remember how it all started?

53 comments:

  1. Cathy is adorable, as always. Gorgeous dress and photos!

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  2. It's a *beautiful* dress and she looks smashing in it. Congratulations!

    Alexandra

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  3. Cathy is stunning and that dress just makes her shining star burn even brighter.

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  4. Wonderful dress and Cathy looks amazing! Keep up the good work, Peter. :)

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  5. Au revoir, Cathy. You are très belle as always.

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  6. How I wish I'd been wandering through Central Park at just the right moment... Superb!

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  7. GOR-geous!!! LOVE the fabric for the dress, it's perfect.

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  8. A triumph! The white gloves were just right....

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  9. Cathy looks amazing! And I love seeing all the people in Washington Square Park looking on as she models her fabulous new dress.

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  10. Dress is gorgeous, Cathy looks gorgeous in it. Photo shoot looked super fun and I am totally jealous!

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  11. Dress looks good. Me Strapless Cocktail! Never as it isn't part of culture in this part of the world, but i don't mind making one for people who love wearing it! My Darling Daughter (4.5yrs) loves her strapless dresses (elasticated ofcourse!) may be she will grow up and wear a glamorous version to a night out!

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  12. Lovely dress, stylish styling, handsome fashion photographer. I didn't think the dress could possibly look like the envelope illustration, but I was wrong. Just shows what a professional model and a good crinoline can do for a dress!

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  13. That dress is spectacular! The slideshow is very moving, as always.

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  14. The print is so 50s. The tulle wrap just makes the outfit. And the gloves top it all off. Best photo shoot yet!

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  15. Cathy looks stunning, and that crinonline is amazing. I fear that she may be smitten with that young man in the leather cap, though. And he looks like a rough type. Please advise her to be careful!

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  16. What a wonderful dress, a wonderful model, and a wonderful slideshow story.

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  17. i am so glad you made those crinolines! they really pulled the whole outfit together. the entire photoshoot is perfection - cathy looks lovely in her new gown!

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  18. Bravo... you did an excellent job on the crinoline and dress and love the sideshow!

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  19. Oh Cathy, You look so elegant in your rose print cocktail dress and such a natural with breath taking poses. I must have that dress! I will wear it with pride as I sip my vodka martini hold the vermouth and double on the olives.

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  20. Thanks, guys! Laurie Lou, you and Cathy must hang out.

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  21. Beautiful!! And those shoes really are just *perfect* with the dress! Also, I love the shot where Cathy is smelling the roses.

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  22. Those "experts" are plain old garden variety men! An experienced model like Cathy knows what they are, and clearly can handle them with aplomb.

    That dress was a 5-alarm fire.

    Perhaps our fashion plate will one day have her own "Cathy Lane Day", where her fans/admirers/hangers-on can meet her and wander the garment district together.

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  23. Perfect. Just perfect. Everything came together beautifully. I hope Cathy will forgive me, but I am so freakin’ jealous, you have no idea. The dress doesn’t need the bolero. The wrap is better, I think. So much more romantic. And the crinoline gave the skirt just the right amount of puffiness. The length is just right. As I said, perfect!!
    I like the idea of a Cathy Lane day that was suggested. I am looking forward to MPB day!

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  24. Nobody, but nobody does joie de vivre like Cathy!

    Excellent fun!

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  25. Absolutely wonderful, I wish I had been there to see Kathy during her photo shoot!

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  26. The tulle wrap is exactly the right touch-- what a lovely ensemble!!!!

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  27. Outstanding!!! So much fun.

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  28. It turned out fabulously in the end! Cathy models it like a pro. :]

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  29. It's women like Cathy that make me want to stay home and just watch cable all day and pout. As for Mr. Rough Stuff-now I feel like Mary Kay Latero.

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  30. Fabulosa. It's the only word that could do Cathy justice. She's so lucky having such a dedicated seamstress and photographer, but I guess you guys feel lucky to have such a stunning muse...

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  31. breakfast is champagne???

    ;)

    great job!

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  32. What a lovely dress. Hope she wears it somewhere suitable for such an elegantlook.

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  33. Lovely dress, Givenchy could not have done it better. The accessories were perfect, too.

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  34. You hussy! A proper lady wouldn't be caught dead with out her panty hose!

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  35. Divine!!! The tulle wrap is inspired, and Cathy truly is the next great American model...

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  36. Yeah! She's gorgeous. I'm glad you skipped the bows, and the pink gloves are much better.
    Love the shots with the public participating :-). Not to mention the photographer wrapped in tulle, that's a good use for tulle.

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  37. Oh Cathy you take my breath away!

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  38. A beautiful show. I really like how you integrated the historic photos with Cathy's poses and the public setting.

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  39. What can I say....Cathy once again takes flight in the Big City and gives it all she has. Love the whole ensemble.

    P.S.Can Michael come take photos of me? I have no one inspired to help me out. :)

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  40. God, the petticoats really made it! I am envying Cathy's gorgeous arms. And that hair style, love!

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  41. I think this is a real triumph! Cathy looks divine. These days - thanks to Michelle Obama - toned arms and shoulders take center stage.

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  42. Wow it looks great! The petticoats make the dress look so elegant. And the tulle really makes it. I think 21st century fashion needs an injection of this sort of thing. Cathy was very bold, I would be far too shy. She's rather inspiring!

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  43. What I want to know is did anyone try to steal this lovely creation from Cathy?! (Becuase I know I would! There--I said it! Plans to pilfer one of Cathy's dresses!)

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  44. This shoot looked like a ton of fun & Cathy looks radiant!!! I'm glad that floral print made such a beautiful dress. You're skills are amazing for such a short amount of time as a sewist. You've really given me something to aspire to. Thank you so much for sharing your process with us :)

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  45. Cathy has truly elegant shoulders / clavicle area and arms. Excellent work!

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  46. un seul mot : fantastique !!!!

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