//// Few DIY ideas from fall 2009 RTW shows

Posted on | July 16, 2009 | No Comments

I don’t care too much about trends or “it” items of the season, but I do browse high fashion show images quite often. I guess that it serves at least three purposes. I want to see what kind of pieces are dominating the catwalks, that predicts what kind of pieces I can wait for to see in the shops in the corresponding season. For example this autumn large, boxy shaped or belted coats with big lapels were all over — it would be so nice to have a coat that can be fitted over chunkiest layers of clothes.

I want also steal ideas for combining garments, colors and prints. From this aspect the catwalks are endless source of inspirations. Some times I just have to see the things put together to understand the possibilities.

But it might be that most interesting aspect for me is that what could I do by myself…

When I copycat some runway items I don’t aim to exact copies. For example Acne had the most interesting looking — and most impractical plastic leggings in the show. I really like how the folds of the fabric and the transparency create interesting “patterns” around the leg. After staring that transparent gorgeousness enough I decided to make a pair of tulle leggings. I cut them out with at least 50 cm too long leg for some ruching effect and they turned out nice. Definitely different than the starting point but still nice. I will show them here some day, but I need to gather the courage for posting my own images…

I picked few items from fall 2009 RTW shows with particular interest from DIY perspective.

Chunky knits were seen here and there, a seasoned knitter would whip up an oversized mohair sweater like this one from Dries Van Noten in no time. I especially like the shape of this sweater, bell sleeves and light A-line with chunky mohair, yum. It kind of reminds me about the mohair sweaters I knitted in late eighties, with the dropped shoulders and all. Damn, you can almost count the stitches and see the decreases from the image.

driesvannotensweater

This Ann Demeulemeester cardigan would be slightly more advanced challenge. But as far as I can see from the image, the shape is quite simple. A-lined, bell sleeved cardigan and all the flair comes from attached braids and scarf collar that can be twisted around the neck loosely. And the heavy gauge makes it actually quite quick knit, in spite of the generous dimensions.

anndemeulemeestercardigan

Speaking about Ann, what do you think about this simple but effective corset creation? All you need to remake this is a piece of sturdy, shiny leather, some buckles and some leather tools. I’m kind of seeing it hanging in my wardrobe… For more ideas how to use it see the whole collection in Style.com.

anndemeulemeestercorset

Marni is one of my regulars to watch, I really adore Consuelo Castiglioni’s mad skills on combining… …well… …everything to everything. Her chunky jewelry is quite DIY-triggering. I can’t really say about this fall’s collar pieces if they really belong to jewelry or some other accessory category, but they certainly can be remade with reasonable effort. A collar like this would be an instant pickup for a simple top or dress.

marnineckpiece

I really, really hope that some day one of Aber Elbaz’s creations magically ends up to my wardrobe. I know that I don’t have too many occasions to wear upscale cocktail dresses, but that does not stop me coveting one. While I’m waiting the miracle to happen I can use my time productively and try to remake this fabulous skirt. This piece could be used in so many occasions — including fancy cocktail parties but not excluding the most of my everyday life…

lanvinskirt1

It will take some time, sure. But the basic idea of layered fitted skirt, slit upper layer with raw edges and simple stud, bead and rhinestone embellishments is definitely doable. Or why not make just the top layer — the option to slip it over almost any fitted garment would open endless possibilities…

lanvinskirt2

Oh how I wish I could remake a piece of Lanvin’s chunky jewelry, too.

Discussion

What do you think?

About

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Contact: kamicha (a) gmail dot com

I'm especially interested in young designers creations, non-established labels and indie fashion. So if you have something interesting to show, feel free to contact!

You can find Finnish design from both specific and some outfit posts - but both are tagged.

You might be also interested in DIY posts, How-to posts, DIY ideas - or my adventures in Etsy =).

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