Tag Archives: Dress

California Dreamin’ in Abstract Floral Cotton

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California Dreamin’ in Abstract Floral Cotton 1

We’ve been experiencing quite the heatwave in California these last few days, which means perfect weather for wearing dresses! I selected this vibrant, textured cotton shantung to make a classic fit and flare dress for my trip to Los Angeles over Labor Day weekend. This designer fabric by Milly features an abstract floral print with bright persimmon and chocolate brown notes.
California Dreamin’ in Abstract Floral Cotton 2I photographed this look against one of the many Instagrammable walls and street art in LA. I came across this black and white photorealistic mural of palm trees by Noah Abrams Studio while strolling along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice.
California Dreamin’ in Abstract Floral Cotton 2This gathered-waist silhouette features flattering cap sleeves, a square neckline, and center back zipper. I added inseam pockets versus sewing patch pockets so I would not distract from the flow of the print.California Dreamin’ in Abstract Floral Cotton 3Follow me on Instagram for more scenes from this trip. If you are interested in placing an order for this dress in this fabric or another cotton option, email us at jamielaudesigns [at] gmail [dot] com.

Metallic Ikat Striped Geometry Dress

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Metallic Ikat Striped Geometry Dress 1

I love working with stripes just as much as I love textured ikat fabric. When I saw this striped Italian ikat blend with copper accents, I knew it would make for a great party dress version of the JLD Striped Geometry Dress silhouette. The metallic threads add a luxury feel and I thought it would be fun to play with the direction of the “blurry” stripes that are characteristic of ikat weaving.

Much of the inspiration for my designs comes from my environment and looking beyond literal fashion references. Here are some artworks I was drawn to, mainly because of the intersection of stripes.

Teresita Fernández’s Stacked Waters 1

Teresita Fernández’s Stacked Waters created for the entrance space of the Blanton Museum of Art

Teresita Fernández’s Stacked Waters 2

A site-specific installation consisting of 3,100 square feet of custom-cast acrylic that covers the walls in a striped pattern

Monir Farmanfarmaian’s Hexagon

Monir Farmanfarmaian’s Hexagon (2010), shown by the Haines Gallery at The Armory Show in 2013

If you are interested in placing an order for a dress in this new fabric (or another option), email us at jamielaudesigns [at] gmail [dot] com.Metallic Ikat Striped Geometry Dress 2

This new design is also featured on the Britex Fabrics blog.

Colorblock Polka Dot Shirt Dress

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JLD Colorblock Polka Dot Shirt Dress 1My favorite part of the design process is fabric selection. For this new spring shirt dress design, I paired a crisp, luxury cotton shirting fabric by Burberry with a contrasting hand-dyed blue cotton for the outer cuff layer. To further add interest to the overall design, I chose glazed marine blue buttons to highlight the polka dot print.

JLD Colorblock Polka Dot Shirt Dress 2

I styled the look with a mix of longtime accessory finds that have been sitting in my closet (and that have also moved back and forth with me across the country), including a vintage black leather Coach handbag and (possibly vintage) powder coated white floral earrings from Steven Alan.

JLD Colorblock Polka Dot Shirt Dress 3

I also styled the look with three of my favorite go-to accessories:
1. Large red hair barrette by Sylvain Le Hen, made in France and inspired by sensual organic forms,
2. Whimsical multicolored ikat socks by Bonne Maison, made with high quality Egyptian cotton spun in Italy, and
3. Dieppa Restrepo black leather Dandy flats from Totokaelo.

JLD Colorblock Polka Dot Shirt Dress 4

As for design details, I oftentimes find button cuffs to be a little restrictive, especially when I want to roll up my sleeves. Thus, I decided to draft a three-quarter sleeve with a full slit cuff for more freedom and less fuss. (Plus, you can still see a peek of the polka dot fabric sewn as the inner cuff layer.)

JLD Colorblock Polka Dot Shirt Dress 5

This dress was recently featured in my latest article for Britex Fabrics, which includes a button placket pattern drafting tutorial written by yours truly. For order inquiries of this new dress style, please contact us at jamielaudesigns@gmail.com.