As I mentioned in my last post, here are the other two dresses I did for the Shabby Apple design contest.  One thing I certainly learned during this process - fashion drawing is HARD!  Putting on paper what you have in your head is NOT easy.  And while I like the more artistic drawings (like my first one) I foundd myself more inclined to try and draw the dress on a realistic figure to show how it might truly look.  Seriously, I need practice!

Presenting my second dress design for Shabby Apple dresses -

Details:  A sheath dress for all seasons!  Form fitting but not tight.  Slips on thanks to a side zipper.  Features a mandarin stand-up collar and front walking pleat, both with contrasting lining. The walking pleat is a true pleat, not a slit, which is why it begins higher on the dress.  It has enough lining to allow easy walking and a nice splash of color! Sleeves end above the elbow, hemline ends just below the knee.  A double row of topstitching down both sides (a shade or two darker than the dress) would provide a nice visual detail.  Some ever so slight ruching along the torso would give the dress nice shape. 

Fabric & Color:  I would love this dress in a super lightweight stretch wool.  Just a hint of stretch for comfort and shape.  For all my dresses I consulted the official Pantone Spring 2010 Color Guide.  I wanted this dress in a neutral color and loved the dark, taupy Tuscany.  I think the tiny pinstripe in Pink Champagne would be perfect.  Silk lining in Dried Herb would give the perfect pop of color for the inside of the collar and walking pleat.

Design Inspiration:  I adore a retro silhouette!  Too many sheath dresses today are sleeveless, which for me makes them unwearable so I definitely wanted to conjure up a dress solving that problem. Like many designers right now, I was inspired by the style on Mad Men.  Buttoned up with a touch of sexy.  I also love Asian styles so I incorporated the Mandarin collar but made it more curvy and opened the neckline to be more flattering.  I wanted a neutral dress that could become a canvas for any woman to accessorize and still have enough detail and savvy to stand on its own.  I think this would look great with a thick or thin belt, boots or sandals, layered necklaces or simple earrings. 

Presenting my third dress design for Shabby Apple Dresses...

Details:  A supremely comfortable maxi dress - with sleeves!!  Slips on with an elasticized empire waist.  Features kimono-style sleeves with an armhole closed enough to prevent underarm peek.  The deep V-neckline features a built in contrasting panel with delicate embroidery that is echoed in a line of detail stitching that follows the neckline over the shoulders to the back, which ends in a higher V.  Gentle gathering under the empire waist provides a lovely drape down to the ankles. 

Fabric & Color:  Perfect for a soft, lightweight, cotton/rayon/spandex blend.  This dress would work great in neutral colors but for the design contest I really liked the vibrancy of  Violet and Turquoise in the Pantone Official Spring 2010 color guide.  They're just so perfect for spring!   

Design Inspiration:  My main inspiration was the site of so many sleeveless, strapless, and halter-necked maxi dresses I saw running around this summer, with t-shirts underneath them to provide coverage.  Not a good look, in my humble opinion.  I found a maxi dress similar to this one but had to tweak the sleeves and always wear a camisole to provide coverage.  I wanted something you wouldn't have to layer or modify and with more details to help dress it up.  It can be thrown on with sandals and be comfortable all day but also take you out at night, depending on the accessories.