Get your Hollywood on..

In preparation for the Met Ball, happening tomorrow, I am sharing this Hollywood- inspired gown today.

This gown was for a lovely lady called Lyn. She was to be the bridesmaid at her sister's wedding, and the theme was Hollywood Glamour.

Lyn's sister's brief was "not Black, please", because Lyn is a good Melbournian, and enjoys the delights of all colours from black, through charcoal, navy, serge, dove and slate grey. And yellow.

So my challenge was to create something wedding-appropriate, and yet still connect with Lyn's tasteful, restrained aesthetic, and her penchant for neutrals.

She gave me a series of amazing "inspiration" photos, including, you know, some Eli Saab, that kind of of gown. Nothing too spesh. Or difficult.

Elie Saab Spring/Summer 11 Haute Couture

Elie Saab Spring/Summer 11 Haute Couture

Lyn loved the classic line and bell-shaped skirt, so I went in search of interesting fabrics and colours that would make the bride and Lyn happy..

I found this ace printed nylon net in the Fabric Store (Brunswick Street),

which really inspired me and eventually also inspired Lyn, once we had a whole design worked out. 

Design for Lyn, © Ellen Christian, all rights reserved. 

The top is made from silk crepe de chine, lovely, and very flimsy. 

I really liked being able to achieve a layered, exciting, textured skirt, that is not too conservativly "glamourous", and has a quirkiness that suits Lyn. 

We also added a yellow velvet belt in the end, to sass it up a bit.

The hip portion of the skirt was made in panels of bias-cut crepe de chine, layered with the net over the top, and draped down the centre front.

Skirt layered in triangular 'kerchiefs.

Silk crepe de chine gown with layered net skirt and velvet belt.

And here are a couple of pics from the wedding day - thanks Lyn!