Tessuti Awards 2010

About my Linen and Lace

• Pattern Used: My own design
• Fabrics Used: Tessuti Creamed Butter Lace and Tessuti Linen Rice Zin
• Time To Create: 3 -4 Weeks and 3 days for photo shoot and editing
• Dress Influenced By: Following the brief ‘Everything old is new again’, for this dress I drew inspiration from the traditional Japanese kimono and Japanese flowers. Drawing elements from the kimono, I created a high neckline and focus at the back with embellishments and a low back neckline. With influences from Vera Wang I added a modern twist to the dress by creating fabric embellishments that add femininity and softness. Print designs on kimonos tell stories and I wanted to portray this through my dress. The layers of lace detailed on the hemline represent water, the detailing around the waistline represent budding flowers blooming into the full flowers around the top back neckline. Influences from Chloe and Stella McCartney played part in the short dress length which balances out the high neckline creating a modern, fresh and pretty look.
• Additional Information: I was inspired by the lace to create different textures and looks to compliment my dress design. I created fabric flowers out of the lace by cutting out flower shapes in the lace, gathering the centre and sewing it together. I created texture around the waistline by cutting the flower shapes in half and pleating them. And finally I created interest and depth around the hem by cutting wide panels in the lace and layering them on top of each other. The dress construction consists of French seams for the side seams and an invisible zip at the left side. Finally I would like to thank my beautiful friend Cathy for modelling my designs and my super talented friend Katie for her amazing photography skills.

About Me

• Name: Sarah Lee
• State: NSW
• Sewing Since: Over 10 yrs
• My Experience: I’ve always had a passion for design, textiles and all things fashion. I started sewing in high school design and tech class and continued my studies of fashion and design into university. I’ve worked in various fashion design, production, merchandise and buying jobs within the industry. My ultimate favourite things to make are dresses and I especially enjoy creating unique textiles out of fabrics. I love designing and making dresses and have made many bridesmaid dresses for my friends and even my own wedding dress.
• My Sewing Goals: I would love to continue learning and experiencing more within the fashion industry and continue to be inspired by designers local and international. Ultimately I hope one day I can create my own dress label, make beautiful dresses and have women all over the world wear my designs!
• Additional Information: I’m passionate about fashion, mainstream to luxury. I am constantly inspired by designers and their beautiful creations. And of current, I am totally passionate about my new born son. I’ve absolutely loved the opportunity to design and create my dresses through this Tessuti awards experience as it’s my first fashion project since the becoming a fulltime mum. It has been a challenge doing both, but so fulfilling and it has reignited my passion and love for beautiful fashion.