Gradient Gown

This dress started as a sketch I did on the back of one of my powerpoint handouts in one of my classes. Rarely do I hang on to the designs I draw while I'm doodling (When I really should be paying attention!) But I kept coming back to this dress. It wasn't until a couple of years later that I decided to make the gown. Unfortunately the ombre satin I picked out for the skirt was not enough for the original fishtail skirt design, but I like what I ended up with!

Construction

Bodice

The bodice is made out of a grey polyester taffeta (the same taffeta as the pintuck gown) and lined in dark blue denim. It is boned with plastic cable ties and has an invisible zipper up the back. All the seams are piped with a satiny silver piping. The back of the bodice has a pleated back panel styled like a Watteau pleated panel seen on 18th century gowns. The straps are embellished with two rhinestone buttons and silver celtic knotwork trimming.

Skirt

The skirt is basically a large wrap around skirt. The outer layer is an ombre satin and the inside is a navy blue satin. It ties with a ribbon waistband. 

 Photo credits to Brian DeMello!