Fashion Frocks The Little Black Dress

Lois
Demps

Fashion
160

October
21, 2015

Resource
Report – 2

**Famous Frocks – The Little Black Dress**

**By Dolin Bliss O’Shea**

“In
order to be irreplaceable one must always be different”.  Dolin Bliss O’Shear’s favorite quote by Coco
Chanel.

Dolin
Bliss O’Shea is the author of “Famous Frocks”, which is a detailed reference
book on the creation of the little black dress and how that has been
interpreted by style makers through the decades.  O’Shea acquired her technique and skill in a
highly competitive and first rate companies.
She is the designer for Lulu Bliss and creates textured apparels and
(knit garments and crochet), sewing patterns. Her responsibilities there include
making sure all garments fit and garment details are uniform. Over two decades
of Dolin’s work history includes employment as technical designer with name
brands such as Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Gymboree.  Her educational credentials include a degree
from FIDM in San Francisco. Currently she is a technical designer for Loud
Mouth Golf.

There
are several ways to keep up with what is happening with Dolin.  She has a web site **called LuLu Bliss**, A twitter page, **“@dolinbliss**”  and a Face
book page, ”**Lulu Bliss Patterns**”.   All of these venues give news on current and
upcoming events in her business ventures and life.  Dolin serves as a technical editor for craft
books with Chronicle Books.  Famous
Frocks, also published by Chronicle Books, is her first published book.

The
layout of Dolin’s book is dramatic, creative, clear and precise.  The table of contents is linear and
brief.  Part I is sewing tools and
techniques.  Part 2 are “The Frocks” and
icons with corresponding page numbers.  The
book has a black and white cover lined in bright red.  The cover inside panel and envelope contains
dress patterns and variations for twenty garments. The “cover” of the actual
book is black and white with “Famous Frocks” in red lettering.  You can immediately tell this is a person who
understands design elements and how to capture the public’s eye.  Some of the Black dresses highlighted belong
to fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Mary Quant, Liza Minelli and
Kate Moss.  The book tends more toward a
reference book than something than requires reading cover to cover.  What was really interesting is the first 40
pages of the book describe in detail, general sewing instructions.  Many of the garment techniques she outlines
are techniques we are learning in class.
She gives instructions on grainline, slipstitch, blind hem, seam
binding, sewing knits, notches, pivoting, princess seams and more.  All instruction comes with detailed diagrams
on the same page. The projects presented are well designed and cover the early
(30’s) 1900’s to the present.  Many of
the dresses look very contemporary and the variations Dolin creates are
colorful and fresh. The only criticism I would make on the layout is the print could
be larger.  I can read it but I think
some people would be challenged.

The
book division follows the table of contents.
A picture of the icon and the iconic black dress is shown at the
beginning of their section.  The pictures
demonstrate the essence of the icons charisma and style.  Following are pattern layouts and sewing
instructions.  A variation of the “style”
designed by Dolin ends each section. The photographs and text equally
contribute to the comprehension of the classic style;  how it could be adapted to contemporary
fashion and practical applications for making the “Frock”.

The
writing style is very informal and chatty in the introduction. She explains her
purpose for writing the book which is to offer a range of styles/choices for
the little black dress.  With this Dolin
hopes to demonstrate the versatility of the LBD over the decades.  O’Shea goes on to share her love of vintage
clothing and why and how the book is divided. Her ultimate goal, as stated, is
to encourage readers to sew.  Very, Very
nice introduction.  From there the books
gets more academic but there is lots of white space between definitions, instructions
and diagrams. The colorful garment variations with lookalike models make the
book breath.  At the end of each icons section
are suggested fabrics, materials and tools.
Page 172 lists sewing blogs that she reads frequently and recommends. This
book is for someone who is willing to commit time to learn the techniques.  An elementary seamster could find his way
through the book, but someone who is in a rush will not find this book comfortable.

I
totally enjoyed this book.  It was a wake
call to see duplicate information from out class sessions.  Reading about her work and accomplishments is
encouraging.  The fashion world is so
huge and O’Shea has found her niche and she is working it. She works as a
technical editor for the same company that is publishing her book.  There definitely is a lesson here about
excellence and networking. The book cost $20.00 and I am buying a copy…yes it
is worth the price.  I would suggest
people go to her Facebook page and website to learn more about her.  She recently got married and she’s a cutie,
(talented cutie).