In showing you this dress, I am reminded of Lorelei Vashti's coming of age memoir Dress, memory. It recounts the dresses worn for significant events over a decade, every dress with a memory stitched into it of the events and people involved.
This dress was made for a happy occasion, my niece's wedding. However, etched into its stitches are both happiness and sadness. Tragically, my much loved brother-in-law passed away the night before the wedding. He had been gravely ill for three years. In Jewish tradition, the wedding went ahead and was a beautiful celebration of his life and the positive hopes for the future for his daughter and new son-in-law.
The dress is also a reminder of the wonderful holiday I had in Italy with my daughter. The silk panels were bought for many Euros in Rome.
I've used Burda Style 9/2012 134 - A Matthew Williamson design. The only change I made was to raise the v-shaped back as the original was not bra friendly.
While I've employed couture techniques, including silk organza underlining and hand stitched bemberg rayon lining, I'm not sure I can bear to wear it again.
It will hang in the back of my closet, and every now and again I'll touch it and remember my brother-in-law and close friend.
Gorgeous dress and fabric Gail!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful dress, you look amazing, Gail! Maybe you'll return to it in a few years. It will certainly never go out of style! I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. My heartfelt condolences.
ReplyDeleteThat is very special , thank you for sharing that story. The dress is lovely and what a lovely way to remember you brother in law .
ReplyDeleteThis dress has such o mobing story stitched in that I can understand it is hard yo wear. Gorgeous fabric as always with you . This pattern is on my to do list for 2015.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress!
ReplyDeleteVery moving story. The dress is striking.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful dress.
ReplyDeleteIts also a happy dress - a wedding, a trip to Europe and the celebration of a life of a friend. It is a beautiful dress and you look lovely in it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful dress that you look wonderful in. Thanks for sharing your memories.
ReplyDeleteBefore I reached the part about your BIL's death, my first thought about the dress and fabric print was of a phoenix rising from the flames. My condolences on your loss.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful dress - my thoughts go out to you and your family during such a difficult time.
ReplyDeleteThis is a stunning dress. Hopefully, one day you will be able to wear this dress with peaceful memories of the friendship and time spent with with your brother in law.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress - so sorry for your loss, take care.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress.... I am sorry for your loss
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful dress and hopefully you will be able to wear the dress with the good memories it holds.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress. I hope you can find it in yourself to wear it again because it is lovely and deserves to be shown off.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress, You found the perfect pattern to showcase the panels. Sorry for your loss. It was uplifting to read that the wedding included a celebration of your BIL's life.
ReplyDeleteTake it out in a few years and wear it as a celebration of his life. Do the mourning first. It's a stunning dress and the fabric! the fabric!
ReplyDeleteSpot on Carmen, this beautiful dress is full of precious memories and a celebration of his life and friendship. Thank you for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is certainly a stunning dress and you should keep it to preserve the memories it brings you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss Gail. Your dress is so beautiful, and I think it's absolutely appropriate that a garment so special triggers the memories of someone very special to you as well as bringing back that wonderful holiday with your daughter - your dress is much more than fabric and pattern.
ReplyDeleteThat must have been a day of very mixed emotions. The dress and fabric are absolutely stunning and I hope that in time you will be able to wear it again.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress... celebrating beautiful person and joyous times. It is a testament.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss and happy for the newly wedded couple. Your dress is outstanding. Perfect marrying of pattern and fabric. You are absolutely gorgeous.
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