Moss Ripstop & Velvet Drop Waist Dress

I’ve always loved the 1920s flapper silhouette. Easy, drop-waist shape that feels almost “unsexy” by today’s standards. No tight waistlines, crop top + mini skirt theatrics. And yet… that’s precisely what makes it so sensual ;p There’s nothing sexier than a woman completely at ease. No bra, underwear, just draped in something soft, fluid, and non-restrictive. A study in ease and elegance, it layers seamlessly over any ensemble for spontaneous nights out pounding the pavement in heels or boots, or barefoot wanderings collecting flowers and talking to fairies. It's perfect. 

I wanted to reinterpret a classic silhouette in a way that felt cool, wearable, and modern not costumey meant for one night. The body of the dress is crafted from a recycled ripstop: lightweight, subtly sheer, surprisingly durable, and dyed in a spectacular moss green.

To push the idea even further, I needed exactly this forest green silk velvet and olive toned trim. This trim typically meant for home textile and drapery finishing, (this one's very 70's) is so central to my design aesthetic, it reminds me of sewing as a child and working with my mom's material scraps. This luxurious silk velvet is sentimental too, it's leftover from my junior prom dress I made in an ambitious mermaid shape, fully lined, 6 panels...it was hell but came out beautiful I'll have to find a pic. Notoriously difficult textile to work with. (Velvet’s pile makes it slip right out from under the presser foot, no matter how many pins you use. I used none — big flex — because I didn’t want to puncture the fabric at all.) The result is a piece that shows off both my technical skill and my love of craftsmanship: a garment that’s elegant, durable, and beautifully unconventional.

This is a one-of-a-kind piece I’ll have a hard time parting with. thanks for reading, I'm working on documenting my intentions and process better!

• Fit: Small – Large (pulls on easily with a snap at the waist)

• Length: 53"

• Fabric: Recycled ripstop nylon + silk velvet

• Care: Gentle hand wash or dry clean recommended