The fabulous Andrea Hanks, helped me create these beautiful images last month; so I could have some amazing images for my portfolio for the fantasy tutu I created for Ballet West's fundraiser. I was chosen to create the tutu earlier this year and after a sleep-less night or two to figure out how to sew up that amazing skirt, this is the end result. The model who wore it at the fashion show asked me what inspired me to make the tutu. I was inspired by many things, using what I had on hand, a friends wedding dress I recently altered, Film Noir and I wanted to use feathers, as I was entranced by all the beautiful tutus the costume designer made for the oscar nominated film The Black Swan. Here is the blurb I attached to the sketch I turned in.
This asymmetrical designed two-piece corset and skirt in iridescent red taffeta, and black tulle skirt in descending layers and feather accents is inspired by old Hollywood, and features a playful twist on the classic tutu.
The bodice is ruched with bias strips folded to add dimension, an off the shoulder fan of tulle and feathers nicely frames the décolletage bringing the eye to the mini full circle skirt with it’s descending and angled layers of black tulle.
The tutu got great reviews at the fundraiser, I even got to meet the artistic director (Adam Sklute) and his partner (who particularly loved it) I had a great time meeting all the people involved in Ballet West and it made me miss my time working in the costume shop.
This was a hard piece to let go of. I was really proud of my self for pushing my designing abilities pass the bridal world and created something that had all the right elements.
