The Soirée Dress was a piece in my collection for The University of Alabama’s Fashion For Life senior fashion show. This collection was inspired by the Bustle Period, and a fan I found from that era. I wanted this garment to be elegant yet sexy so I decided to make the bodice with a higher cut and have slit down the gown’s skirt. I designed and created this dress though draping fabric on a dress form. For the bodice front I decided to have side darts, and I also created a center panel where I would put an overlay of lace. For the bodice back I put two darts along the mid waist. In order to create the skirt’s voluminosity I decided to drape it from the front’s pannel to the center back, and I gathered the sides of the fabric. Another way I was able to achieve the volume I desired was by adding two layers of tiered crinoline within the skirt’s fashion fabric and lining. This garment was made with red satin faille and black polyester lace, the seams were done by machine and the under-stitching was done by hand. 

I would like to thank the Tuscaloosa Historical Society for letting me have a fashion shoot at the Battle-Friedman House, and Alyssa Rose Vaphiades for taking such wonderful pictures.

Happy Holidays!

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