Every fashion designer knows that beautiful outfits are not created by accident. Now, an accident might inspire the design, but, deliberate work is put in to make the outfit come out looking breathtaking.
Behind every outfit is a great mind and hearing how they came about these outfits can help other designers in their journey. Previously, we have spoken with various fashion entrepreneurs on the creative process behind the making of different outfits like the customer fave one-strap bridal gown, corset and tulle skirt ensemble, and Ankara ball gown with petticoat dress.
In that same line, this week, we spoke with Rosie Young on the creative process behind the making of the Peach Perfect bridal gown.
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A post shared by Fashion Designer In PHC (@rosieyoungfh) on Jul 15, 2020 at 3:58am PDT
An HND holder in Mass Communication, Rosie Young is the Founder and Creative Director of Port Harcourt based eponymous fashion brand, Rosie Young Fashion House. Rosie Young Fashion House specialises in creating high-end fashion pieces for the classy, elegant and confident woman.
What was the Process of Creating the Peach Perfect Bridal Gown like?
“The Peach Perfect dress took about 2 months to make”
The Peach Perfect dress is one of the outfits from my SS21 Bridal Collection. The collection was created for Summer/Spring which is usually the time we get to see lots of colours, brightness, as flowers blossoming all around us.
I picked up the inspiration for the Peach Perfect dress from a peach rose. Roses generally have lots of layers and that inspired the layers at the bottom half of the dress.
In making the entire collection, I looked at many flowers. For the inspiration behind the dresses, I needed something classy and busy, and flowers did that for me.
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A post shared by Fashion Designer In PHC (@rosieyoungfh) on Sep 20, 2020 at 5:23am PDT
Making that dress took me about two months because the details on the dress needed a lot of attention, time, and precision. We had to pay attention to the details because it wasn’t something that could be rushed in any way.
“The colour of the dress inspired the name Peach Perfect. I could not find any other thing to call it apart from Peach Perfect – I mean, it is peach, and honestly, it was sewn to perfection.”
The process involved, from measuring to cutting and creating the outfit, took a lot. We had to put in major work on the bottom part of the dress and that is what took most of two months making period.
We could not just cut and place, we had to make sure that all the pieces were lined up properly to give the effect we desired.
The Draping
The entire outfit was made out of organza fabric. Since I did not want to incorporate lace or any other fabric into the dress, I had to look for a way to make the top part of the dress stylish.
Because I did not want the top part of the dress to be plain, I came up with draping the entire upper bodice. Achieving the perfect draping of the upper bodice was something that took constant practice, a lot of patience, and time.
The Ruffles
“Every piece of ruffle on the dress was not just a piece of fabric cut and sewn. They all had to be measured.”
Every piece of fabric we used for the ruffles was measured the way a spiral goes, and each had its measurement. The ruffles alone took about 240 yards of organza.
We had to measure, cut, reinforce with stay, and iron every piece of flounce we used for the ruffles before sewing them onto the base of the dress.
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A post shared by Fashion Designer In PHC (@rosieyoungfh) on Sep 5, 2020 at 11:24pm PDT
What Inspires Your Outfit Designs?
Most of my time is spent thinking of my work and things I want to do. I could be walking on the road and see something and get inspiration from it. I have had a design I saw in my dream.
I get inspiration from everywhere, and because my thoughts are occupied by my work, I look for opportunities in everything around me. It could be food, wallpaper designs, bottles or anything at all.
“I try to notice wearable design inspiration that could come out of anything at all. I try to look at shapes and think of what I can make out of that shape that will be wearable.”
Sometimes, fabrics are a form of inspiration. The pattern and design of fabric can inspire a particular design. I get inspiration when I’m in a calm place and based on what I want to do at that time.
What Factors do You Consider When Making an Outfit?
1. What do I want to achieve with this?
I always try to consider what I want to achieve with each outfit before I make them. Do I what to achieve an extravagant look or a more subtle look?
I always consider the effect I want the outfit to have on people and then I portray it in the design.
2. Who do I want to see it on?
The person that will wear the dress is also very important. I ask myself who I am designing for. Am I designing or a bride, wedding guest, runway model, or a pregnant woman?
3. Where will they wear it to?
Finally, I consider the occasion the outfit will be suitable for. To design an outfit effectively, I have to think about the place that outfit is best suited for, where can my client wear this dress to?
This plays a major role in the design of the outfit.
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A post shared by Fashion Designer In PHC (@rosieyoungfh) on Jul 10, 2020 at 12:24pm PDT
What Factors do You Consider When Making an Outfit for a Pregnant Person?
1. Her Comfort
For baby bump dresses, I think majorly of comfort. A pregnant person needs comfort, she has to be comfortable in the dress.
For a woman that is not pregnant, I like to snatch the waist because I like a well-fitted dress, but for a pregnant person, that is not even up for discussion. Her comfort is the most important factor to think of for pregnancy fashion.
2. Her Preferences
Next, I consider her preferences, does she want something gender revealing or not? This will determine the fabric colours I use for the dress.
3. Her Style
Every woman has her style, so, this must be considered as well. When it comes to making a dress for a pregnancy photoshoot, I ask if she wants something dramatic or not. This will determine to a large extent the design I make for her.
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A post shared by Fashion Designer In PHC (@rosieyoungfh) on Sep 16, 2020 at 7:42am PDT
How do You Decide on the Accessories and Fabric Combination to use With Each Design?
Accessories
The style of the dress and the fabric to be used are the major determiners of accessory choice for me. I barely use accessories because I love clean sewing, I like to let the style of the dress show without distractions.
If I have to used accessories, I ask myself, Do I want it busy or something simple? Am I trying to conceal anything? Do I want to draw attention to or away from the fabric? These are some factors I consider.
Fabric Combination
Fabric combination is dependant largely on the colours of the fabric. I have to ensure that the colours go together. I also check to make sure that the colours suit the skin tone of the wearer and both fabrics complement each other.
In closing, she said, “As a fashion entrepreneur, you need to be known for something. You have to carve a niche out for yourself such that when your name is called, something comes to the mind of anyone that hears it. Try to specialise in one area instead of doing everything, so you can be known for one thing you do perfectly.
Be consistent. The fashion industry is fast-growing and if you are not consistent and constantly trying to mature, you will be left behind. If this is something you want to do to make a living, then you have to be very consistent and keep pushing.
Learn the craft well and learn new techniques for doing things, because many new things spring up every day. Learning never stops.”
