Modern Vintage Cool
My perception of style is constantly evolving as I grow more aware of what I love wearing. I would never had imagined I would love wearing something with this particular shape.
I was drawn to this dress mainly for the colour and print with the intention of refashioning. Drop waist, midi, long sleeves… Imagine to my surprise once I tried it for the first time, It was like “I cannot believe how cool this dress is… ” I love it. The colour, print and shape captured my imagination. The only alteration was to remove the shoulder pads.
Surely with so many patterns available I would find a suitable sewing patterns to explore this shape a bit further. Oh Hello! Cynthia Rowley 1939.
This dress pattern actually was taken from Cynthia’s 2011 designer collection after a competition hosted by Simplicity. The outfit with most votes was to be made into a sewing pattern. The design process is explained on a series on Simplicity’s blog.
I love the notes between simplicity team and design team at Cynthia Rowley. I wish all the sewing patterns design collaboration would be so open about their process.
I did some research on the original dress dating it around 70’s/80’s based on other designs available online. To my surprise the brand Gina Bacconi is still trading. “Gina Bacconi, founded by Jack Offenbach in 1913, focuses on the modern and elegant 30 woman and covers an array of occasion wear and evening wear…”
The dress doesn’t feel expensive enough for occasion wear but perfect day dress to wear during our spring, when the weather is not warm enough for sleeveless summer dresses. The mint pastel and this crazy brushstroke inspired print just make me happy.
For my version I plan to make a few alterations between the vintage original and the simplicity pattern like; reducing the amount of fabric from the top, adding a french dart, changing to an invisible zipper. I will keep the length as is and will try to find a similar fabric.
