Below is a project where I up-cycled a coat from the 1980's and created a brand new garment.  The dress is a retro style baby-doll mini dress with a red satin lining and pockets.  Everything used in the dress (fabric, lining, buttons, etc.) was recycled or up-cycled. 

This look, for tennis, is a spandex body suit with a separate knit skirt.  It fits an industry size 8/10 and is made to be functional, comfortable and very flattering. 

This jacket is hand tailored and finished.  It is made of 100% wool with a satin lining.  It features a shawl collar, faux cuffs and real leather detailing.

I had the pleasure of working with talented director Sammy Sarzoza as the costume designer and stylist on his short film "The Red Dress".  I designed and created the iconic red dress pictured below, as well as styled the other lead character, Luke, to create a matched and cohesive acting pair.  The dress is cut on the bias to create a flowing and elegant silhouette in bright red that "pops" against the film's neutral backgrounds.  The film is set to be released in Fall 2012.

I created this dress for a fashion show sponsored by Vitamin Water on July 16th in NE Minneapolis.  I used Vitamin Water labels as well as netting from fruit bags, broken cds and other recycled materials. 

Photography: Kevin C. Walker
Hair/Makeup: Aveda Institute
Model: Ashlee Walker (Vision)

This dress was created out of a fabric I hand dyed using a low immersion water method, to create the slightly uneven background color.  The was distressed a bit to allow for the uneven surface texture to play off the dyed color.  The print was a hand applied block print.  The fit is a classic A-line to allow to be flattering for multiple body types and sizes. 

For this project we were to design a 3 look mini line using Optitex 3d patterning and imaging software.  The line was to be designed to be in the same line as "Rose Sailor" 2011.  I also decided to focus my research and designs on three different body types/sizes: size 4, size 8 and size 14. Below are images of the final designs simulated on body scans and modified avatars. 

Spring 2011

These shorts are inspired by sailor shorts and the color pallet of the last dress, above.  They are made of a twill cotton and have hand cording on the legs, front flap and back pockets.  The pattern was created using OptiTex software and body scans, a very interesting and eyeopening process. 

Spring 2011

This dress was inspired by the brand Free People.  I took their "bohemian chic" and free spirited aesthetic and created this belted tent dress.   It is made of a cotton broadcloth and a sheer synthetic.  The belt is hand braided, and the sheer fabrics feature french seams for a polished look.  The cut of the dress allows many different sizes to wear the same dress and be flattered accordingly. 

"Copper and Fire" This dress was created as a class project "Design for a Difference".  The difference I chose to address was busy business women in high profile jobs attending multiple events in one night and wanting options to wear one dress in different settings and have it be appropriate.  The inspiration behind this dress is a butterfly's opposite wing designs (inside and outside).

Spring 2009

Purple and gold reversible silk brocade.  Sides feature gold cording.  Silts up both sides, mid thigh, allows look at reverse gold fabric.  Back closure with gold frog clasps. 

Spring 2008

This dress was created for a themed party, celebrating the country of Germany.  The colors featured are those of the German flag, in order.  The fit is very secure on top with a flowing bottom to flatter and give an attractive shape to many body types. 

Spring 2008

This look was created out of a woven brocade with trim around the bottom hem.  It features simple fitting for a classic silhouette, that if sized up would flatter many body types.