The Little Black Dress has had an impact over many years. Tonight at the BAFTA's the Little Black Dress was a symbol of unity among women against sexual harassment and gender inequality.
I have selected some to share with you. Even trousers got my attention. Julie Walters had a lovely pair on but I couldn't get a picture of her to share too.
To finish off this blog I wanted to share a local exhibition of Black Dresses on in Bangor @ Bangor Castle. A mix of vintage and modern dresses. Well worth a visit, free to attend!! Enjoy.
The Dressmaker or another word in French used is a couturier.
After spending 20 years as a haute couture designer in Paris Tilly comes back to her hometown and brings her Singer Sewing Machine.
She is forced to deal with the hypocrisy of her small county town. She transforms the women and becomes the new popular dressmaker of the town. Critics said the tailoring was more consistent than the storytelling and in some instances delightful in its nuttiness!!
Personally I enjoyed it, so many home truths. If you get an outfit perfect for a client it gives them the power to feel good about themselves and confidence abound. When Tilly dressed herself in red at the football game the men couldn't concentrate on their game and she was able to achieve the score line she wanted for her town.
Always good to make someone feel good about their shape and so often the line, the cut and the design of an outfit is the secret. I love the use of embroidery to great effect. Here are some examples.
Some appliqué work all embroidered in the same tone.
Some colourful embroidered flowers sewn on some lace, very popular at present.
100 years ago today Women won the right to Vote. The spirit of the women who fought for the right to vote was rooted in the revolutionary belief that women were not second class citizens, not inferior to men and should not be subordinate to men. We have come some way. We have women in every walk of life influencing the running of the World leading a fine example.
What interests me more than their politics is what gives them the motivation and encouragement to keep strong. Being comfortable in our own skin is a big part of having courage and commitment. Confidence has to be key and part of that is how we look and how we feel. Your suit of armour is your clothing. Style and personality all important. I appreciate that when a client comes to me for an outfit for a very special occasion the pressure is on me to read the women's personality and create a style that she feels makes her feel at her very best.
To fight for equality always was, and still is, to confront conventions and the establishment. It’s only women’s persistence and solidarity which makes change. So if a women wants something different and unconventional I will listen to her thoughts and feelings. Some days I feel my job is more about psychology than my ability to sew and create for my client. If I do my job right I have a client who once she puts that outfit on it gives her the confidence to go out and enjoy her special day.
We must celebrate the incredible advances previous generations have made. But as we recognise the battles they fought and won, we need to regather our strength and determination for further battles. We can’t stop yet. The job’s not yet done.
