Once Upon a Time
Classically feminine colors and textures tell a romantic story about the wearer. The Once Upon a Time collection indulges fairytale desire with fantastical fashion sampled from throughout time.
The textile patterns include a plaid weave and damask inspired print. The damask print includes motifs of the Tudor rose and a version of the heart with crown symbol dating back to the 17th century.
The fiber and fabric choices were made to reflect the luxury nature of the garments. All natural fibers were used because of their quality and their use in the clothing I was inspired by.
The color palette is used to evoke fairytale. While remaining very feminine, the hues are bright & bold.
This tea-length dress was inspired by styles from the 1850’s. It features a button closure at the center back, side bust darts, and a pleated neckline that sits just off the shoulder.
The print is a pastel plaid woven in 100% silk taffeta.
This medieval inspired overdress has the characteristic of a surcoat by exaggerating the armholes to create a mostly sideless garment.
Made from bleeding heart 100% silk velvet with a clover trim.
This gown takes inspiration from 18th century corseted gowns, while mixing in current trends for evening gown necklines. The skirt created a classic princess effect by using the silhouette of the mantua, popular in 17th century France.
It includes a lace-up back closure, off-the-shoulder sleeves, boning, and lace trim at the skirt & neckline. Made from 100% silk taffeta and 100% silk charmeuse.
To accompany the lace closure gown, this camicia underdress was created. Like the inspiration, this dress is made with 100% flax linen.
With an elastic neckline, empire waistline, and a bell sleeve variation. The entire garment is gathered for maximum fullness and shape.
Using the damask print in the marigold colorway, this mock neck long sleeve gown is made from 100% cotton jersey.
It serves as a perfect layer for under the surcoat inspired overdress.
Inspired by the Robe à la Française this gown includes watteau pleating at the center back neck, creating a beautiful train effect. Trimmed at the hem and waist with handmade, blackwork embroidery.
The dress features princess seams in the torso and an invisible side zipper.
I developed unique embroidery patterns for this collection through hands-on experimentation.
This trial shows a section embroidered to reflect the cuffs on Jane Seymour’s Holbein portrait.
In the ranunculus colorway of the damask print, this 100% cotton dress is inspired by renaissance lace closure gowns.
The dress includes front v-neckline that mirrors the back, lacing closures on both sides, and a six gored, full length skirt.
