PPR Challenge #1 – Kat’s Design

For this first challenge the designers were asked to create a spring look that would be indicative of what they would show at Fashion Week if they made it to the end of the competition. Not the most inspiring of challenges, but a good chance to dust off the sewing machine, dig out my mini-Mood and practice on those tiny seams again.

I wanted to play with hard and soft for my look and do a sort of modern garden party dress. The dress is made from a soft washed silk (oh, the shredding on the seams!) and cinched with a patterned suede and leather obi or cummerbund. The top of the dress is a faux wrap, which is flattering to a lot of body types. Because it was spring, I kept long, slightly bell sleeves for cooler days. The skirt comes out from the obi with a few subtle pleats for just a little fullness. The obi gives it the wearer a very defined figure.

I kept my accessories on the softer side, going with an almost nude palette. I could have done a black shoe, but was afraid it would be too heavy for spring.

This is a look that could easily be included in a full collection (which was part of the idea of the challenge). The obi idea could be incorporated into other pieces as could the print.

I don’t think this is necessarily the most inspired look I’ve ever done, but I think it would keep me safely in the middle for this first challenge. It wasn’t offensive like the two shorts outfits in the bottom and not as exciting as the ones near the top perhaps. Hopefully, I will shine in future challenges.