At our March meeting, we will be thinking spring and hoping the weather gets the hint sooner rather than later. We can make spring happen early – inside our meeting room at least – with lovely colorful dresses perfect for a garden party, tea with royalty, or other special daytime event. For this challenge ,the judges are looking for dresses in the colors found in flowers that will help us recreate the garden of talking flowers that Alice found in her journey Through the Looking-Glass. Think solids, gradations of color and abstract prints,rather than floral prints. Look for inspiration in the yellows found in buttercups, daisies and sunflowers; in pinks ranging from the tropical heat of hibiscus to the soft pastel of tea roses; in the purples and blues of the iris; in tulips of all hues with their rich green leaves; and in roses in all their glorious varieties.

But remember, there are a number of other segments where a floral theme will fit in beautifully. In upcoming posts, we will take a closer look but here's a short list that will get your creative gears moving!
*Which Dreamed It? / Vintage with a Twist
*Who Stole the Tarts? / A Runway of Red and White
*The Queen's Croquet-Ground / Surface Treatment
*Queen Alice / Eveningwear
Below you will see everything from exotic evening gowns to lovely everyday looks. 

Although the dress below is a wedding gown, how pretty would it be to have an unexpected lining on a full skirt that tempts the eyes as the skirt moves around the body?

Poppies that are so ethereal and seem to be growing towards the models head. Notice how they seems to fall gracefully to ground on the lower portion of the skirt.

A bride that one would expect to see in a fairy tale.

From the Ebony Fashion Show collection, another floral vision.

How about doing a little painting to create your look of fantasy?

Border prints or embroideries will work beautifully in creating a lovely gown that would be perfect for Queen Alice's court.

Another idea for creating your own look of fantasy would be to embroider your fabric and tie in a lovely bright color.

A fun everyday look can be created by using 2 different fabrics.

Another fun take on creating contrast and interest.

Did you now that their are flowers that bloom in the dark? 

How about using black as a background for your blooming fabric?

An sheer embroidery placed over a bright solid is always eye catching.

Whether it's vintage with a twist or a red and white confection, this dress is both fun and flirty!

As you prepare for the runway, remember that we are creating not only garments, but a show! To help you as you think about the elements that make a fashion show really pop and sing, take a look at this short documentary about what made the Ebony Fashion Shows such a hit. 

Time is ticking!!!!! So get those sewing machines roaring or you'll be like White Rabbit and crying........

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late,for a very important date!!!!!!!!!
And we don't what that!

A simple shape and some added fur trim will give maximum impact. If you would like to know how to draft a simple cape, check out this tutorial,  http://rhondabuss.blogspot.com/2011/08/fabulous-free-pattern-fridays.html 

A cape with an added hood adds a sense of mystery.

The fashion show is all about adventure and fantasy. How about a feather cape?

Butterflies don't have to be relegated to the Garden of Live Flowers , they can float down, become a cape, and help you fly through your adventure! 

From  Balenciaga, a beautiful cape perfect for an evening at the opera or just dinner out on the town. Look for an upcoming post on how to simply draft one for yourself.

Another beautiful example of the Balenciaga cape.

A simple shape that can be drafted from a circle. Simple, but high impact.

From Donna Karan. A long a sweeping cape really sets off the dress.

Why go for a conventional cape when you can tie one around your neck?

A cape can be part of a garment, like this lovely vintage pattern from  Decades of Style. You can find the pattern HERE.

Or use this tutorial to create a top and a cape combination.

For a bright and exciting garment, think about using an African wax print.

A cape that Alice herself would love to wear. A piece of double faced wool, some appliques, a little embroidery and a crochet trim makes this cape absolutely adorable. 

Maybe take a hint from Ralph Lauren and do an over sized cape and pair it with a pair of matching tights and killer boots. You just might see the Mad Hatter's hat fly right off his head!!!

And finally, if you would like to create a true fairy tale cape, how about this pattern from Islander Patterns

Or this pattern from Folkwear Patterns

A cape can be easy to make, but adds maximum impact. They are perfect over a coat for an extra layer against the elements and they are also perfect for days when you just need a little something over your shoulders. A cape is an accessory that can be coupled with a garment for year round comfort, or just a stroll through Wonderland! 

In The Garden of Live Flowers
Alice visits a garden where the flowers are animated and quite chatty. HCCmembers
sew colorful dresses that are perfect for a garden party or outdoor wedding.
The colors echo and complement those found in their favorite flowers. To
complete the look, they wear a floral fascinator or feather flowers in their hair.
On the runway, the moving fascinators bear a striking resemblance to the
talking flowers Alice encountered.

A special segment of the show has been designated to over the top floral and feather fascinators that are paired with bright, colorful dresses. Take a stroll through this lineup of inspiration as you contemplate your magical designs.

As you think about your designs, remember to incorporate wide horsehair braid, ribbon, and netting to create added interest.

Floating feathers are a must!

If a little more understated look is for you, how about embroidering your own leaves and wrapping them around your fascinator to create dimension and drama. 

Wired cords add another dimension of fantasy.

Feathers can create drama and seduction! 

Feathers can also create whimsy as in this feather daisy.

Flowers and coordinating feathers can be built to create vertical drama.

Or you can combine one well chosen bloom with stems and buds.

Every beautiful garden has butterflies. You can have one beautiful specimen.....

or you can attract a head full of Monarchs!!!!!

Garden Party Dresses are the subject of the March Challenge. 
Members will have the opportunity to  learn how to make a special fascinator in a workshop taught by Rhonda Buss on March 14th. Please see the newsletter for more information.

An over the top tea cup or huge roses on top of a beautiful confection will make anyone want to be a part of the tea party! 

Maybe top off your confection with a larger than life strawberry!!

Why suggest just a flower when you can have one blooming out of your head????

In Wonderland gloves aren't just for your hands.

A flower that would tempt the Cheshire Cat to play!

For those who feel that a little camouflage will help them navigate through Wonderland, take a look at these hats. 

As you create for your trip through Wonderland, have fun and remember that everything in Wonderland is about fantasy. This is your chance to have lots of fun as you accessorize your creations.
In our next post, we'll take a look at pretty fascinators.

Our 2015 fashion show committee has been hard at work. We now have a title and it is wonderful,
Through The Looking-Glass
Adventures of the Haute Couture Club of Chicago  
We will be taking a whimsical trip inspired by Alice as she toured Wonderland.
Save the Date 
May 3, 2015
In upcoming posts, we will discuss the segments of the fashion show and there will be lots and lots of inspiration to help you create garments that will make all feel that they have truly visited A Haute Couture Wonderland!