Design for the first Project Designer 7 Challenge.

The Challenge: Design an outfit inspired by a word.

My Word : Organic

Fabric:Fine Organic Cotton Jersey in Clay, Black, and Ivory, Chunky (4 gauge) Grey Merino Wool/Silk blend Rib-knit, Fine Black Cotton Mesh, Pale Green Silk Chiffon, and Ivory Diamond Mesh Tulle for skirt petticoat.

When I think of the word organic, what first comes to mind is the raw quality of nature, unrefined, but still beautiful. Nature is unrestricted and irregular and I reflect that in my design in the mixed fabrications, the asymmetrical cut of the dress, and the varied textures used. I used muted earth tones for the color story and ideally all my fabrics would be organically made and dyed. Nature is both fragile and powerful, my Organic look I believe encompasses both of these characteristics.
My model, Hilary, was perfect for this look as well. I kept the fly-away hair and gave her green-brown eyeshadow, and bronzed cheeks, going for a sort of wood nymph look.

The dress is constructed mainly in the clay colored jersey. Shirred on the side seam with the strap on the left purposefully draped around the arm, center back zip, asymmetrical seams with exposed ruffled seam allowance, and black mesh overlay on bottom portion of skirt. The green chiffon underskirt is supported by a diamond net tulle petticoat in Ivory. The bra is made of the Ivory and Black jersey, an over lay of the black mesh, with shaped cups and under-wire. Simple black jersey mid-calf leggings under the dress. The knit collar and over-sized scarf are a large gauge rib-knit, and the collar has round flat wooden buttons. For the shoes, I chose to give her medium brown Lambskin slouch boots.

I appreciate any advice or comments on my design and rendering!

-Erica Greenwold
March 2008