This couture gown was inspired by slowly creeping lava and billowing clouds of ash. The gown is hand-dyed, and constructed entirely with couture techniques. The dress features spiral steel boning, a waist stay, and a hand-sewn lining, overlay and hem. To emphasize the drama of the gown, I created a leather corset and hand cut leather headpiece from an upcycled coat.
The final look was featured as part of the Ai Avant Garde show at Portland Fashion Week 2013. This gown is perfect for the woman who wants to feel special in her eveningwear. She is a higher-up in a large corporation, loves fine wines and travel, and takes great pride in her appearance. She has no patience for “bargain hunting,” or fast fashion, and prefers pieces that were made for her to shopping off the rack. This customer is not afraid to take risks, but she is not overly motivated by trends.
