Fashion Travelogue: Vermilion Gathered Top

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Vermilion Gathered Top 1

Dramatic sleeve with volume in cotton jacquard

Last weekend, I went to The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden. As you may know, I love color and it was the perfect weekend inspiration to kick off spring. The exhibition was beautifully designed and featured both classic and modern orchids.

It was the perfect day to wear my new Vermilion Gathered Top, which I designed in a textured Swiss cotton jacquard fabric. One of my favorite color combinations is a red with a little bit of orange in it mixed with a nice pop of blue (think the look and feel of Jean-Luc Godard’s La Chinoise).

Film still from Jean-Luc Godard’s La Chinoise, 1967

Guillaume and Véronique, played by Jean-Pierre Léaud and Anne Wiazemsky

When I first saw this fabric, I immediately thought “dramatic sleeve” given its nice texture and body. I styled the top with a pair of blue linen polka dot pants this past weekend (I will definitely be packing this outfit for Japan as well.)

Jamie Lau Designs Vermilion Gathered Top 2

Color everywhere in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory

Here are some snapshots of my favorite finds at the botanical garden.

Prayer plant – lush green and full of textural inspiration

Aechmea ‘Del Mar’ – this bromeliad is even more beautiful in person

Neoregelia “Jampa” – some intensely colored leaves

Afternoon sunlight hitting the Wicked “Red Head” orchids

I am in love with these orchid wall hangings

Hop over to the Britex blog for my latest article on how to sew set-in sleeves using this top as an example in my tutorial. Stay tuned for the next installment of Fashion Travelogue!

Fashion Travelogue: Spring Floral Linen-Cotton Gathered-Waist Dress

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Spring Floral Linen-Cotton Gathered-Waist Dress 1

Ready for spring in a Japanese linen-cotton blend Photo by Liz Clayman

Things have been quite busy at the Jamie Lau Designs studio. We kicked off the new year with a photo shoot featuring our new textile designs inspired by the natural environment, travel, and art, with prints based on my photographs. We designed a few custom bridal dresses and also celebrated the opening of our month-long pop-up shop at Makeshift Society in San Francisco, open until the end of this month on March 31, 2014.

In keeping up with the momentum, I’ll be embarking on an exciting textile-filled journey to Japan later this spring and summer (more details coming soon!). In preparation for my two-month trip, I’m starting a new series entitled Fashion Travelogue, with the goal of designing and sewing the bulk of my wardrobe and accessories for my travel abroad (yes, even pajamas!). I’ll be sharing snapshots of my designs on the blog throughout the next few months, starting with this Spring Floral Linen-Cotton Gathered-Waist Dress. (For similar styles, check out my Yabane Gathered-Waist Dress, Electric Cranes Gathered-Waist Dress, and other items in my web shop.)

Anatomy of a dress

As you may have gathered, I love dresses and design, sew, and wear, well, mostly dresses. For this classic Jamie Lau Designs fit and flare silhouette, I chose a Japanese linen-cotton blend featuring a gridded background with a pink, orange, and lush green floral print overlay. And of course, you definitely can’t forget the pockets!

Jamie Lau Designs Spring Floral Linen-Cotton Gathered-Waist Dress Styled

Styled with accessories from two of my favorite designers

This dress is perfect for impromptu picnics and I would totally style it with my Rachel Comey wood wedge sandals and A.P.C. tortoise shell chain shoulder strap purse. Stay tuned for more Fashion Travelogue and hop over to the Hart’s Fabric blog for my latest article on how to sew a blind hem stitch using this dress as an example in my tutorial.

Windowpane Pleated Top and Wool Shorts Duo x Britex Fabrics Guest Blogging

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Windowpane Pleated Duo 1

I selected a cream windowpane check black and carmine wool crepe for my checked ensemble

For my first Britex Fabrics guest blogger post of the new year, I decided to branch out from dresses and into the world of separates. I designed a pair of pleated shorts in one of my prints a few months ago (coming to the web shop soon!) and wanted to make the same cut, but in a nice, pebbly wool crepe.

For the overall look, I was partially inspired by the geometric designs of André Courrèges and the playful, mod aesthetic of Foale and Tuffin and decided to make a windowpane pleated top and wool shorts combo.

(Left) Dress by André Courrèges, 1968; (Right) Marion Foale at the sewing machine, 1963

For the top, I designed and sewed an easy-to-wear pleated neckline top with relaxed short kimono sleeves, similar to my Pleated Tunic Dress, styled here with my A.P.C. cat brooch that I picked up in Belgium back in 2007 at their Antwerp store.

Jamie Lau Designs Windowpane Pleated Top 1

Front neckline pleating detail

Jamie Lau Designs Windowpane Pleated Top 2

Fully lined and easy to slip on without the hassle of a zipper

And for the shorts, I added front pleating and hip yoke pockets.

Jamie Lau Designs Windowpane Pleated Duo Details

The devil’s in the details – checks meticulously aligned

We shot this look with photographer Liz Clayman the same weekend as the photo shoot for my new textile designs. Check out my Instagram for more behind the scenes glimpses of other looks from this shoot, including new Jamie Lau Designs prints which are coming to the web shop at the end of this week!

Jamie Lau Designs Windowpane Pleated Duo Behind the Scenes

Thanks to my model Ming for the behind the scenes snapshot!

Visit the Britex blog for my full article which includes a tutorial with tips on sewing shorts (and naturally, can be applied to sewing pants as well)!

Announcing…Jamie Lau Designs Prints!

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Jamie

Blue Gradient A-line Shift Dress – available in linen-cotton canvas and organic cotton sateen

I’m so excited to announce the debut collection of Jamie Lau Designs prints this season! I am both print and color obsessed and always wanted to design my own textiles. Here’s a glimpse of some of my new designs which will be available at this year’s holiday shows and beyond.

One of my favorite designs is the bias cut Blue Gradient A-line Shift Dress (above) – available in both linen-cotton canvas and organic cotton sateen. I was inspired by the painterly landscape surrounding the Arashiyama and Sagano area of Kyoto and a piece of Japanese stoneware reminiscent of rippling water. For a more behind-the-scenes look into the inspiration and design of this dress, check out my four-part Hand-Crafted Clothing guest blog series on Spoonflower – from color palette and design inspiration, to textile design and garment construction (Part I and Part II).

Blue Gradient Tote Bags in a textured linen-cotton canvas and organic cotton sateen

We also have unisex tote bags in the blue gradient print, available in both linen-cotton canvas and organic cotton sateen – perfect for gifting during the holiday season!

Jamie Lau Designs Color Palette Inspiration Blue-Green

Blue-green color palette inspiration

For my prints, I was heavily inspired by nature and gradients occurring in the natural environment. I also love an ombré color palette and collect paint chips for inspiration. In addition to dresses, we also have separates, starting with a fun pair of textured linen-cotton canvas Blue Gradient Resort Shorts in a rippling water print – great for wearing as-is or layering with opaque tights during colder winter months.

Jamie Lau Designs Blue Gradient Resort Shorts

Blue Gradient Resort Shorts in a ripple print

You may also recall my ombré red velvet and pink wedding color palette, which I wanted to explore again with clothing.

Jamie Lau Designs Color Palette Inspiration Pink Ombré

Pink ombé color palette inspiration

For the Niwa Draped Cocoon Dress, I was inspired by strolls in The Regent’s Park in London. I love this draped silhouette and the interplay between the flora and grass – another piece that is great for layering.

Jamie Lau Designs Niwa Draped Cocoon Dress

Niwa Draped Cocoon Dress in a luscious organic cotton sateen floral print

This floral printed dress is sewn in a luscious organic cotton sateen and features a front and back yoke.

Jamie Lau Designs Niwa Draped Cocoon Dress Back Detail

Back yoke detail

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting two very talented Marimekko designers (illustrator Aino Maija-Metsola and clothing designer Mika Piirainen) during their visit from Finland for the Cooper-Hewitt Design by Hand series. Their work is so inspiring and I love the bold pops of color and use of prints in their designs. Of course, I had to wear something that was also designed by hand and print filled.

Jamie Lau Designs Marimekko Design by Hand

At the Cooper-Hewitt Design Center with Marimekko designers Aino-Maija Metsola and Mika Piirainen

This is just a snippet of what’s new. Stay tuned for more to come and I hope to see you all at this year’s holiday shows! If you’d like to place an order, email us at jamielaudesigns@gmail.com.

Sneak peek of more Jamie Lau Designs fabric swatches

Metallic A-line Tent Dress x Britex Fabrics Guest Blogging

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Metallic A-line Tent Dress

Venturing into a new color palette of shimmering jewel tones

In my latest Britex Fabrics guest blogger post, I chose to work in a luxurious French metallic/wool novelty blend. I was mostly drawn to the metallic characteristics of this fabric (as you know, I particularly love working with metallic brocades for my dress designs).

Jamie Lau Designs Turquoise Floral Metallic Brocade Party Dress

Classic Jamie Lau Designs dress silhouette in a turquoise metallic brocade with floral specks of peach, rose, gold, violet, and lush greens

Jamie Lau Designs Copper Metallic Brocade Sweetheart Dress

Another fun party dress I made in a copper metallic brocade with an abstract floral motif and sweetheart neckline

For this dress design, I wanted to create something modern, wearable, and layerable. I didn’t want to go too “evening” or fitted, so I decided to make an A-line tent dress with a yoke and vertical seaming (I ended up not having to add a zipper). I added a subtle petal hem and used Bemberg rayon “Ambiance” made in Japan for lining.

Subtle brilliant blue, emerald green, and purple jewel tones set against dark midnight blue background

A fun silhouette that can be worn with colorful tights or metallic accessory accents

It was definitely a challenging fabric to work with, but well worth the effort! Check out my full article for sewing tips and a tutorial on how to sew a dress with attached lining.

Thanks for the beautiful shimmering fabric, Britex!

Textured Geometry Dress x Britex Fabrics Guest Blogging

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Textured Geometry Dress

Textured Geometry Dress sewn in a striped cotton and linen blend styled with colorful oxfords

With New York Fashion Week just around the corner, I was inspired to create a high-fashion fall look using a heavier weight fabric for my latest Britex Fabrics guest blogger post. When I saw the thick, bold charcoal and oatmeal colored stripes on this textured cotton/linen/lycra blend, I immediately thought of playing with stripes and creating a strong, structured silhouette.

Pattern play with stripes

I added asymmetrical style lines and cut the front bodice on the bias, keeping in mind the rule of thirds…

The perfect prisoner’s (wardrobe) dilemma?

And paired it with an inverted box pleat skirt design for a fit and flare dress, with all the horizontal stripes lining up perfectly.

Classic round toe oxfords by Dieppa Restrepo in red metallic leather

To complete the look, I’d add a pop of color with my red metallic Dieppa Restrepo leather oxfords for a more casual look. To dress it up, I could see this styled with some black and gold accents.

For a more “behind the seams” look at my pattern making process, check out my full article on Britex Fabrics. Love this dress? Email me at jamielaudesigns@gmail.com to place an order.

Thanks again for the amazing fabric, Britex!

Draped Cocoon Silk Dress x Britex Fabrics Guest Blogging

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Draped Cocoon Silk Dress

Draped Cocoon Dress sewn in abstract and floral silk prints styled with my Rachel Comey wedges

It’s been a busy last few months here at Jamie Lau Designs! Among the many exciting developments is that I have recently joined Britex Fabrics as a guest blogger starting this summer. Throughout the next few months, I will be sharing my design inspirations in addition to sewing tutorials, tips, and techniques using various fabrics, starting with silks.

Excited to be a part of another Britex Fabrics collaboration

For my first post, I designed and sewed this draped cocoon dress using a combination of an Italian abstract taupe, black, and white silk crêpe de Chine and a contrasting yoke in French featherweight, silhouetted winter white floral silk. I usually opt for more color, but something about these two prints together screamed “winning combination” to me.

A swingin’ silhouette

This dress is light as a feather, finished with French seams, and easy to slip on without the hassle of a zipper…

Front draped cocoon effect

Featuring a draped cocoon effect that gives the dress movement, creating an “out of focus” visual effect…

A simple, gathered back dress

Followed by a simple, gathered back that billows in the wind.

Wood wedge platforms by Rachel Comey

And just for kicks (no pun intended), I happen to own the perfect pair of shoes to complement this outfit – a pair of Rachel Comey wood wedge platforms I picked up this past February with trompe l’oeil printed leather upper.

Check out my full article on Britex Fabrics for tips on cutting silk and tutorials on how to sew a French seam, create your own bias tape, and more!

Thanks for the beautiful fabric, Britex!

jamie lau designs

Fashion Designer | Sewing Instructor | Craft Author

Category Archives: Guest Blogging