PPR Challenge 6 – Kat’s Design

This week the designers when glamping. Oh, I feared for a challenge where we had to create a look from leaves and acorns! Thank goodness we were only asked to create a look inspired by nature. The look needed to be high-end and editorial; it should not be clothes for camping or other outdoor activities. It didn’t take me long to decide on an inspiration, birch trees.

Picture by Joi Ito on Flickr. Click the photo to be taken to the original.

I knew I wanted my look to have the straight, clean, slim look of the trunk of a birch tree and be accented with graphic black. I did not want to create an exact replica of the bark though. I have to say, the final result came out just as I had hoped.

The dress is made from a heavy white stretch fabric and cut to be very fitted right down to the long sleeves. The shoulders are slightly padded to make the look feel strong. The neckline is a demure boatneck which I think keeps it very clean looking. Finally, the dress is embellished with straight black beads which get heavier towards hem. The beading calls to mind the detail in birch bark.

I didn’t feel like this was a look that needed much embellishment from the accessory wall. I keep things simple with black pumps and a ring the called back to the shape of the beads.

I would stand proudly by this look on the runway, it is probably the one I am most proud of this season so far. I really took my time fitting and sewing it and I think that shows. It would have been easy to over bead it, but I resisted the urge and think that was the right move.

Hopefully, the judges would appreciate this look at well. I can see Heidi liking the fit. The dress is quite covered, but it is still really sexy. Nina could probably see using it in photo spreads or on the red carpet thanks to beading. I’m pretty sure I am in this week. What do you think?