Marguérite

Krissy Knutz, Central Washington University, USA

Keywords: coffee dye, lace, Victorian

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The purpose of this design was to create a garment that represented a correlation between sophistication and a young woman. I wanted to broaden my design ability by adding new fabric dying techniques consisting of coffee dyed lace. By using a deep cranberry textile mixed with a coffee dyed lace, it allows the relationship to go hand in hand.

In order to incorporate the sophistication of a modern woman while keeping the vintage influence throughout the garment, I used the deep and rich colors of the 1890's classic Victorian fashion mixed with the softness of lace and vintage replica buttons. In order to do this, the two-piece garment needed to have flow from one to the other. By having a fitted highwaisted pencil skirt mixed with a long sleeved turtleneck crop-top the concept of Victorian's vintage and a sophisticated modern woman is portrayed.

The garment was constructed through draping a bodice top with a bias-mandarin collar and flat patterning the quarter-fitted peasant sleeve. The skirt of the garment was draped as a two dart fitted skirt. After the draping and flat patterning, multiple samples were fitted to assure the best fit possible on my curvy model. Once the final garment was completed, I was able to hand stitch on the buttons and hook and eyes.

The innovation that this design contributes to the fashion industry is the ability for it to be appropriately worn at a wedding or to a casual evening event. The rich mixture in colors, textiles and notions helps to define the meaning of being sophisticated and feminine while still having a Victorian vintage twist. Due to this the garment can be worn by a wide target market, lending itself to be flexible with both age and individuality.

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