Couture Portraiture: New Fashion Art Prints available...

Dear Friends, Available now! I have just released the first set of prints made from my photographic endeavours! All the Aristocratic Apocalypse you can handle!

Click HERE to see them! For a limited time only, buy 4 and get the 5th free.. Ciao For Now, KM

Diary of a Dress..PT 2 Kathleen Marie Couture's John Galliano~Christian Dior Couture Tribute Gown

Dear Friends,

I have tried to document the process of making a masterpiece!
This gown is dedicated to John Galliano and the House of Dior... He was such a huge inspiration to me as an artist and designer.

Inspiration: Dior, my ballet pink portieres from my new studio, Haute Couture
and the grandeur there of...

As seen in the previous post, I sketched a facsimile,
of the silhouette I was hoping to create.
As you can see by the sketch, the gown has a corset style bodice with ornamentation,
full tulle skirt, and sleeves.
I then added miscellanous styling details...
( please refer back if you need to).

Now, On With The Show!!!

Figure 1- Assistants and Support Crew!



You MUST have the right assistants. This is imperative! The have to be loyal, supportive,
sweet, yet independent. Please meet my two assistants. ( who are anxious to get started!)
left- Mr. P right- Princess Lulu



Figure 2- The right materials!




I like to stockpile materials. Like ammo. Its your best weapon against mediocrity.
I find it helps negate that 'contrived' feeling, that you can always pick out in
mass market gowns, and even at NYC fashion week shows!
This is HAUTE COUTURE Hudson Valley Style, so let's Bring It!

1- Vintage French velvet ribbon in red and redder
2- Vintage 'antique satin' in dusty peach pink. These were old 'portieres' ( draperies)
and I washed and distressed the fabric
3-Black medium weight 'siri' woven interfacing. Great for backing and supporting fabrics for more body and strength.
4-White medium/heavy weight 'haroform' woven interfacing. Very stable, sized interfacing. Again, great for structure and support, esp of corset style bodices.
5-Netting. Stiff 'diamond' net. I ended up using an entire ROLL of this for the petticoat, which I pleated.
6- French Alencon Re-Embroidered Lace, re-embroidered and beaded. With a touch of
gorgeous ballet pink to it. For ornamentation

Not pictured- My 3 bolts of tulle for the over skirt, and the dusty pink Bengaline
I used as the petticoat.




Figure 3- Pleats Please.




Pleating the Petticoat. Since I wanted an 18th century pannier style fullness,
I did not place ruffles all around the petticoat. I focused the volume on the sides.




Figure 4- I Stand Alone Amongst My Contemporaries.


Yes, The petticoat has around 50 yards of ruffles. And Yes, It stands up by itself !!!


Coming soon... Part 3 Diary of a Dress with Kathleen Marie Couture!!

More Versailles Finery: 18th century wigs by Kathleen Marie

Dear Friends,

I have 2 more wigs to share this evening...! ( Maybe I should change my name to Leonard?
Was that not the name of Marie Antoinette's wig-maker and hair-styliste?)

The first Blonde Confection is another House of Bourbon style. She is going to Denmark and will be featured with this lovely Polonaise dress By Bjarne Drews.




Polonaise Gown Image courtesy of Mr. Drews.
What a gorgeous combination! I am so excited to be a part of such a beautiful orchestration! Thank you Mr. Drews!







The second Violet Confection is a new style... La Falonne, the exquisiteness of Versailles Courtier Style! My newest Rococo Dandy inspired wig, and my absolute favourite!
I think it would be a good androgenyous style also,
George Sand anyone?
This style comes in all colours, but I chose a lovely pale violet with white powder.
This wig is now available in my etsy store.

Much more work to do, ( including the Wonderland dolls, and more wig orders..)
Off to drink some tea...

Fleurishes!
KM

The 'Orlando' Photo Shoot.. plus work on Wonderland Dolls.!

Dear Friends,

Sunday nights seem ideal for my blog updates; I have rested and relaxed enough to report on the weeks' activities. ( With the help of a little French Rose' wine..

Firstly, I would like to present the gorgeous shoot I directed and shot with
model Falon.

Falon is not only one of my best friends, but also somewhat of a legend in NYC nightclub circles. She is well known for her gorgeous androgenyous model-esque appearance, elaborate costuming, (which I have the pleasure to help with),and method go-go performances. She is also an amazing web designer and graphic artist.
Her site is here...F A L O N . C O M
We had a lovely time together, and produced some sincerely beautiful shots.


I wanted to showcase some of my 18th century wigs on a real human instead
of my 'Antoinette' mannequin head.

So I decide to wear all the hats! MUA, wardrobe stylist/ designer, hair/wig stylist, lighting designer.. and...

The shoot turned out quite lovely! I wield a camera nicely!, and
I am currently studying some photography books on how to make my photographs even better ( including buying a digital slr with Uncle Sam's tax kickback this year).

Of course, my little assistant Pooh B. ( Pookie Bear officially) was nearby to assist
with the styling! ( see photo below)

I have picked back up on the Alice in Wonderland dolls after a little 'Haute Couture doll' break. I will be completely documenting the costume process of the Queen of Hearts doll starting this week..

I look forward to another week of creative costuming, and working on my Haute Couture Wonderland.

Fleurishes,
K. Marie