JUDITH MARKICH - PROJECT DOLLWAY AND OTHER EVENTS

When Ted told me I was one of the 3 finalists in Project DollwayI was thrilled, but then it hit me. I had to ACTUALLY produce a collection! It's one thing designing a garment with an idea of what the collection would entail........ it's another issue to GO THERE! I started by collecting all the fabrics I thought would be a possibility together and laying them on the table. I gathered all my magazines, sketches, and other reference material I had drawn on for Gabby and started sketching an overall representation of how I wanted the collection to appear. Well that changed..... and changed .....and changed :-) This was a daunting task. I wanted to please everybody but stay true to the "voice" within me. The end result is my compromise between the two. I have tried to combine just a little theatre into a wearable collection. Below are some rough sketches of intended designs. You will notice there are styles there that got lost along the way :-) I decided on a name for my collection because it makes me feel closer to my "vision" . This meant each design also had to have an identity.:-) I have used "COVERS" as the title of the collection because the accessories of sunglasses, umbrella, hats & masks are all part of that vision. (and I liked it LOL)

Now, a few notes about my collection. None of the outfits on Ted's runway show my earrings because it wasn't possible to get them on under the wig and Christina's ears aren't pierced. As the whole doll wasn't available until Ted started dressing her no one knew this would be the case. You will see them all on my models. In some cases they are an important accessory to the outfit as it is the only jewellery. I will note this on these designs. The composite pictures at the beginning of each design are the Christina body but I have photoshopped a head onto one model to get the effect of hats and jewellery. The single pictures below are my Tonner dolls dressed up to the nines and veeeery happy :-) As you can see the outfits are just as impressive on both body types.
I hope you enjoy my collection as much as I enjoyed the challenge it presented. The show begins with Gabby, followed by the notes on my overall vision for the collection. Then sit back, relax, and hopefully enjoy viewing and reading about each design. After the final gown is presented you will see the accessories "on parade" in a single picture. That is followed by 6 mix and match outfit examples taken from the range. I didn't have time to dress the actual dolls before the collection was sent so I have represented them using my old friend Photoshop. :-) As you will see the collection is very versatile.
When you have finished here you may want to visit my Webshots album. I have uploaded photos taken during the manufacture of the collection. You will see outfits that didn't make it to the runway and designs in progress. It was a challenge narrowing the collection down to just 12 outfits and retaining the continuity as most collections are much larger and flow more naturally.

http://community.webshots.com/user/airess20

I think that's all the housekeeping :-)

ENJOY!

“THE “COVERS" COLLECTION”

This collection takes its lead from the initial design I presented for the Gabby Challenge. It can best be described as feminine chic with clean line silhouettes. The fabric choices include silk dupion, silk chiffon, lace, delustred satin and a semi-sheer spot.
The styling ranges from elegant daywear through to cocktail chic and encompassing full length evening wear.
I have used continuing elements to different extents to ensure smooth transitions throughout the collection. Each design has been produced as a standalone outfit within the collection.
The design elements that appear throughout the collection include
· Pleats
· Lace trims
· Reverse strapping
· Skinny belts
Other design details appear to slip in and out without an obvious continuation but give the collection a closer bond. These include:
· Shawl collars
· Frills
· Panelled bodices
· Tiny bows
· Bubble sleeves and skirts

There is a definite mix and match ability incorporated into the collection for commercial viability.
The order of each outfit on the runway has been specifically designed to follow the style and color detailing but presenting variety with the appearance of each model on the runway.
The hats, handbags and jewellery are important accessories and are used to complete the outfits that feature them.
The umbrella, sunglasses and masks are for RUNWAY PRESENCE .
I have used different fabrics and textures to produce the necessary variety within my collection. This allowed me to keep my color choices simple, but effective.
My collection is young, sophisticated and chic with feminine detailing. It could easily be transposed into different color combinations without losing the effect of the styling.
A collection with a vintage feel and a contemporary vibe!

Introducing the "Covers" collection.

Click on all pictures for enlargements

#1 - Bathed in Blue

Dupion silk dress and jacket with matching hat and handbag. The bodice is a black and white mini spot polyester tied down with silk at the bust. The spot is carried through to the crown of the hat and as trim on the handbag. The shoulder straps are fine elastic doubled through a tiny loop and joining at the back of the neck. The hat has a silk bow trim at the back and a fine net over the eyes (remember "Covers" :-) The lower jacket sleeves are circular cut and "bubbled" back into a spot lining inside the sleeve. This silk is perfect for this style and shape. The lining of the skirt has a lace trim peeping below the hemline. Our model wears a pendant around her neck to finish the ensemble.This outfit personifies the elegant theme of the collection and so is first on the runway

#2 - Butterfly Effect

Broad brimmed straw hat above a black dupion silk jacket with a shawl collar emulating the jacket from the first outfit . Again we have lace trim but this time on the bottom frill of the skirt . The same spot fabric is used in the skirt which is introducing frills that will play a small part throughout the collection. The frills fall from a fitted hipband to reduce any bulk and keep a clean silhouette.There is also a lace trim inside the neck of the collar. Our model carries a handbag that gives this design it's name :-) I have dropped the blue from this outfit and featured the spot to add a contrast between the styles either side on the runway. I wanted to maintain a variety without compromising the collection. Each outfit shouldn't be dependent on the one before or after for impact. I ensured each design contained the connecting styling or fabric elements to make the collection cohesive but versatile. Silver hoop earrings complete the jewellery.

# 3 - Uptown Swing

Back to the blue silk and this outfit takes the shawl collar from the last design and the pleats from the first outfit and introduces the skinny belt which will play an important role throughout the collection.Under the coat is the skirt from the next style on the runway.There are slot pockets in the front panel seams leading to the pleats. Our model is carrying a black suede bag with blue silk backing behind the punched holes to carry the spot theme. There is a pocket at the back which holds the magazine. (essential reading :-) She carries the umbrella in case anyone decides to" rain on her parade" LOL

# 4 - Class Act

Now the spots get their moment to shine. :-) This outfit is a two piece skirt and top. The bubble sleeves are a progression from the first outfit and the broad brim hat is back.The top crosses over and gathers into the sideseam with a lace trim on the hemline.The skirt is bias cut and again has the lace edging, following the hemline silhouette of the first three styles.Skinny ribbon ties are introduced on the sleeves. Another suede handbag with holes punched.Our model wears a matching earrings and necklace set.

#5 - Cocktail Candy

With this style we move from daywear to the cocktail hour with a design in a combination of blue and black silk with lace frills. It's hard to see the detail on the skirt but it is much softer in reality as the lace frilling is sheer on the black silk base. This is where the strapping from the Gabby outfit is reintroduced threading through tiny silver rings at the neckline with a diamante trim. We have a crossover bodice as seen in the last design and a corset style fit. The waist is trimmed with tiny ribbon ties from a silver and diamante adornment at the front waist.The evening bag is black silk with a matching rose on the front and ribbon trim. It has a silver clasp and a tiny diamante set like a dewdrop in the centre of the flower :-) Our model wears large hoop earrings as her only jewellery.

# 6 - Rendevous

We are now at the half way point in the collection and at this stage I am introducing an evening gown taking inspiration from the first five designs. This progresses from the previous cocktail outfit and displays all the feminine chic displayed in the collection so far. The gown is in silk chiffon with fine lace panels and lace trim. The bodice is taken from the first outfit with diamante trim at the front neckline and a bead and silver chain halter strap joining with a clasp at the back neck, emulating a necklace. The beading configuration matches the earrings. The same corset style bodice is used and the ribbon trim at the hipline is the same as the previous style. The jacket is also in silk chiffon. It is the same style as used in the first outfit(without the shawl collar) It has filmy bubble sleeves and tiny ribbon trim.The back of the dress has tiny beads down the opening.The gown is lined with blue to make a focal point of the pattern in the lace and blending it to the chiffon panels. Christina's accessory for the runway is my liitle piece of theatre in the mask she carries. :-). From here we head in a slightly different direction but taking many of the same elements with us. We go back to daywear and introduce burgundy to the colour palette. The powder blue silk transforms into a more muted shade in a soft satin back crepe. Both surfaces of this fabric will be utilized in the second half of the collection.

# 7 - In the Bag

Back to daywear and pants are next onto the runway. Black silk carries through here and burgundy silk is introduced. The Gabby strapping will be predominant throughout the rest of the collection with blue and black reversing. Here we have a similar bodice to our cocktail dress with a lace trim round the hem. A tiny black belt finishes the waist. Black neck straps thread though a tiny silver ring and travel over the shoulder in blue. Our model wears a cap with blue brim lined and stitched in black with a lace crown tying at the back in a knot.She carries a black suede shoulder bag with insert strips of blue and burgundy. It closes with a strap and buckle.She wears silver leaf drop earrings.(The burgundy is a much brighter shade as you will see when you reach the final design.)

# 8 - Cool ..............

The next three outfits present themselves as a set within the collection. They just seemed to flow from one to the next in a natural progression. They all utilize black silk in the bodice and the crepe surface of the blue fabric in the skirt. This style has the reverse strapping through tiny silver rings at the straight neckline. It is a separate bodice meeting the skirt at the waist. The skirt is a wrap style with a small pleat at the waist for texture. Under the skirt is a separate stretch black lace petticoat for modesty but the skirt could be worn without it:-) The hat has a black crown and a blue stitched brim with black underneath. It is bound in black with a burgundy organza flower trim at the back. I must say I loved the way the handbag turned out with this outfit. It is made of faux leather and suede with bead and buckle trim. I liked the unusual shape I was able to create. This model wears a silver pendant, and,as with the next two models, is wearing sunglasses ("Covers" Collection :-) )

# 9 - Calm .....................

The second in the Cool......Calm.......and Collected set! This design is made as a dress but could just as easily have been done as a skirt and top as in the previous style for mix and match purposes. The strapping on this outfit is the same as the last style but the black and blue are reversed with the blue going round the neck. The bodice is almost a sweetheart neck but more subtle and the skirt harks back to the first half of the collection with frills lined in the fine lace from the evening gown and a slip with a lace trim peeping from below the hem. A skinny burgundy belt is sported at the waist. This hat has a wide brim with blue on top and black underneath with a stretch lace binding. It has a black crown and the same burgundy organza flower trim. The handbag is black suede with burgundy ribbon trim and featuring my little bit of theatre :-) Our model wears large silver hoop earrings with a silver disc dropping in the centre. I think they are important to the overall appearance of this outfit. Sunglasses wrap up this outfit for our model's day in the spotlight!

#10 .....................and Collected

Number three of this set hits the runway! This is a dress but, as before, could just as easily be produced as a skirt and top. It has a different treatment at the neckline leaving way for a reverse strapped halter. This makes the back straps blue on one side and black on the other. They are finished off with tiny ribbon bows. Back to the bubble effect with the skirt but not too full. The lining is cut shorter to allow for a small pouch and give the skirt its shape. A wide panel at the hem is trimmed with narrow ribbon and a bow and there is a lace edging. Another skinny burgundy belt.The hat combined with this outfit has a burgundy crown with the same fine lace overlay. The curved brim is blue on top and black underneath with a stretch lace bind as an edging.The same burgundy organza flower trim sits in the dip of the brim. The handbag is made in the same fabric as the skirt with black suede trim and blue buckle. Silver grey chain finishes the look and matches the silver grey ball earrings with a mesh cover. Nearly all the handbags are workable and this one is no exception. The shoes have black stretch lace over the front with tiny silver rings holding the elastic straps and silver toggles at the back of the ankles.Again our model is incognito:-)

#11 - Crossing the Line

We are nearing the end of the collection and it's time to present the evening wear. This gown consolidates the fabrics and elements present throughout the collection. All the colors are used and brought together in a dramatic vista of style and panache.The single skinny band starts at the back armhole and crosses the front neckline, attaches into the sideseam before crossing back under the bust. The bands are burgundy on one side and the other side is made of the shiny satin surface of the crepe. Silver rings enable the band to reverse as it it tavels down the bodice criss crossing to maximum effect. The rings are held into the sideseam with tiny black ribbon loops.The back neckline finishes in a "v" with a zipper leading into a burgundy panel (you can't see :-( ) overlayed with the fine black lace cut into a circular panel inserted into the seam. It has a small train and lace edging. Our model wears burgundy and silver drop ball earrings to great effect and carries a burgundy clutch purse with the same banding trim and tiny bow feature. A little bit of drama in the mask :-)

# 12 - Belle of the Ball

The finale in the collection goes to this evening gown with a difference. I wanted it to be feminine but maintain the sleek silhouette and fit. I chose to go right back to the beginning with the jacket styling. I have evolved the look into a chic evening jacket with a small shawl collar and a wide lace trim to frame the neck. The jacket is almost a halter cut but retains the armholes to make the feature back dominant as our model turns on the catwalk. :-) It has diamante buttons and buckle on a tiny black satin belt. The diamante pin on the collar matches the two belt trims used in earlier designs. The triangle cutout in the back has black lace trim to frame the elegant highlight of this jacket.(The color in the closeups of this design is the closest to the true shade of the burgundy. It is a vibrant color not obvious in most of the pictures. ) The skirt to this outfit is made on the satin side of the fabric giving it a silver sheen appropriate for evening wear. The bubble skirt is cut very long on a full circle and then darted all around the hem to give a bell effect. It is then gathered onto a lining in an A-line shape and cut a lot shorter than the satin. Both were cut longer at the back to attain the slight train. The effect I wanted to achieve from this is evident in the way the skirt falls. It sits out nicely and moves and poses really well. It is incredibly full and I was happy with the result. There is no bulk at the waist so I was able to retain a fabulous silhouette. The clutch bag is black velvet with bead and diamante trim and a diamond -;) clasp. Our closing model wears a diamante necklace and carries my final thread back to theatre, the mask.
Below this last design you will see all the accessories dispalyed together and six mix and match outfits I have put together as an example to show the versatility of the collection.