Lauren Rossi Design

Studio?

2010-12-03T06:32:00.001-08:00

Went last night to look at a potential studio for rent....oh how id love to have a dedicated-seperate- space for my work.

We shall see :)

Brain Storm

2010-12-01T07:19:00.000-08:00

Made a prototype of an accessory last night- it looks pretty awesome but still has a few kinks to work out. The biggest of which is what kind of closure to use that will maintain the integrity of the design, provide strength and be affortable enough to implement.

I have 4 weeks to figure this out!

I need more than a brainstorm-i need a hurricane. :) :) :)

Color inspiration.

2010-11-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

Cloudy- almost stomy sunset w rain in the distance.

Inspired

2010-11-29T12:16:00.000-08:00

I have a few goals for JFW-

1. To show ready to wear. I LOVE LOVE LOVE avate garde clothes- but i really want ot figure out a way to translate some of love for historically based garments into clothes you can wear to a nice party or dinner. I'm not a casual girl- as a rule- but this is going ot be a huge challenge for me.

2. To realize that this is just my first {RTW} collection- not my only or my last. I can grow from here and dont have to put so much pressue on myself to achieve perfection

3. To use amazing fabrics- because to me textiles are the outfit. A fine silk or a beautiful wool is elegance.

4. To learn from those around me. I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many open and welcoming designers who are willing ot let me learn from their experiences (successes and failures) while at the same time letting me experience both.

5. To have fun and enjoy the process- because i rarely let myself.

Jacksonville Fashion Week!

2010-11-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

I have been selected as one of 5 emerging designers to show at Jacksonville Fashion week. During the next 116 stressful days I will try to make the following rules my mantra. (I didn't write these)

Mad Hatter

2010-03-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

Mad Hatter: No wonder you're late. Why, this watch is exactly two days slow. (Disney Alice in Wonderland 1951)

Or two weeks- You will have to forgive me with being slow to post these- I wrapped up the project- and quickly moved on to another without a second thought. Perhaps I am the one who is mad.

I hope the photos are worth the wait.

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Androgyny is the mixing of feminine and masculine characteristics. I love playing off masculine textures and fabrics yet turning them into something so inherently feminine that it cant be seen as anything else. The sharp contrast-to me- gives the look power, grace and presence.

The seafoam green silk blouse is french seamed and bias cut with a one shoulder detail. Shoulder is hand pleated,gathered with a rough- but finished- edge.

Tweed skirt is fitted throughout. Three button detail at the center back slit (not pictured)

Silk Prize ribbon with crown detail on hat- Can be worn in a variety of ways (necklace, pin etc)

Q < 3

2010-03-04T20:41:00.000-08:00

White Rabbit: Your Majesty, members of the jury, loyal subjects... and the King... the prisoner at the bar stands accused of enticing Her Majesty, the Queen of Hearts, into a game of croquet, thereby and with malice of forethought, molesting, tormenting, and otherwise annoying our beloved... Queen of Hearts: Never mind all that! Get to the part where I lose my temper. White Rabbit: ...thereby causing the Queen to lose her temper.

Disney's Alice in Wonderland, 1951

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Bias cut- red silk gown with a daringly low back and deep cowl neckline. It might not cut off heads....but it will break hearts.

Makeup :: Tracey Upson, Makeup Artist www.traceyupson.com
Hair :: Daisy Chavers :: www.oscarandlulas.com

Photographer: Marie Star Photography www.mariestar.com
Production Assistant :: Angela Boldt
Videography :: Aimée Dodds

White Rabbit.

2010-03-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

[singing] "I'm late / I'm late / For a very important date. / No time to say "Hello." / Goodbye. / I'm late, I'm late, I'm late." (Disney's Alice in wonderland, 1951)

Fashionably late anyone? Lose track of time- and yourself with this daring pair of silk shorts. Perfect for an evening out. If you're bold- pair the shorts with sky high heels for legs that go on for miles. By the time you arrive- no one will notice the late hour.

A wool and silk vest compliments your basic T-shirt or tank. Dress it up a bit more with a one of a kind pocket watch charm made from vintage watch faces. While it wont tell you time- it will get you noticed.

Thank you to:

Marie Star photography (www.mariestar.com)

Make up artist: Tracey Upson (www.Traceyupson.com)

Hair: Daisy Chavers (www.oscarandlulas.com),

videographer Aimée Dodds (http://www.aimeedoddsphotography.com)

Production Assistant: Angela Boldt

Frames from Artistree Gallery (theartistree.com)

formspring.me

2010-03-01T23:30:00.001-08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/LaurenRossi

Alice

2010-03-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

Alice meets the 21st century. Still sweet and pretty- with a little bit of edge. Combining the femininity of ruffles and a heart neckline with an electric blue color- it is sure to be a hit at your next event. Available soon in other fabulous colors.

Need to take the outfit from local celebrity to rock star? Add this spiked felt bib collar. It is versatile to pair with casual and dressy outfits. Try it with a pair of skinny jeans and t-shirt!

Thank you to:

Marie Star photography (www.mariestar.com)

Make up artist: Tracey Upson (www.Traceyupson.com)

Hair: Daisy Chavers (www.oscarandlulas.com),

videographer Aimée Dodds (http://www.aimeedoddsphotography.com)

Production Assistant: Angela Boldt

Frames from Artistree Gallery (theartistree.com)

In wonder

2010-03-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

A preview of the Editorial shoot for some of my upcoming clothing. By popular request- I am now embarking on my ready to wear journey :) Please come along with me.
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Alice in Wonderland.

Photographer: www.mariestar.com

MUA: www.traceyupson.com

Hair: Daisy Chavers from OscarandLula's Salon

Video: Aimee Dodds

Set Design, Clothing Design and construction, model: Lauren Rossi :)

Shoes

2009-12-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

When it comes to shoes- I love them. Absolutely love them. I'm not sure where this comes from. I'm thinking it comes from either a hatred of my feet (dear long toes- you suck) or the fact that shoes are something I cannot make and therefore covet.

The problem, however, with loving shoes is storage. I have tried many different methods [shoe boxes, dust bags, over the door racks, traditional shoe holders etc] but none seem to meet all of my needs.

This is what I am currently left with: Storage shelves and under the bed storage.

Shelves:

I love the shelves because the shoes are easy to grab and see. The shelves are also pretty cheap and relatively sturdy. They have been following me on my almost annual move since college. I bought these for about 12$ each at target. They stack pretty well-though after 4 or 5 the tower starts to lean.

The downside is that if I don't wear my shoes often enough they get dusty. Also any shoe with a back to it or a very high heel does not fit in the shelf. I need the shelves to be slightly farther apart and slightly longer (but not as deep) So not a perfect solution

Under the bed

The inability to store my taller shoes in the shelves has led to storing the overflow under my bed. I try to keep these lined up but frankly it annoys me to have to see my shoes when I walk in my room [I'm a little compulsive]. I was storing them in the boxes or dust bags but that became a juggling act to find the pair I wanted. Also since I am incredibly lazy- I found 2 pairs of shoes I never wore simply because I hated dealing with rearranging the boxes.

The final problem is that my shoes have to travel- and not just on my feet. I constantly am pulling out half a dozen pairs to bring to shoots or shows. Obviously this can be pretty damaging to the shoes. For this I normally rely on the dust bags. Still I need to be able to pack and put the shoes away quickly. If not- my tiny room quickly becomes a disaster zone.

Do you have any items you collect but then have problems storing? Do you have a good shoe storage solution or source? Id love to find an answer to this problem that doesnt involve me sending a Dear John letter to my favorite illicit love.

Costume Rental

2009-09-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

What could be better than a holiday about candy and dressing up? In honor of my- and my dentist's- favorite day of the year- I have decided to rent out a few period costumes.

The fine print:

1. Costume rental is for the Night of October 31st. Costumes can be picked up earlier in the day. Costumes must be returned by November 1st. 10$ per day late charge (unless prior arrangements are made)

2. A 100$ deposit is required. This is to cover any damage to the clothing and is fully returned when the costume is returned in the same condition as when it was rented.

3. Lost/Destroyed costumes will be charged the replacement value. You will be told the replacement value of the costume at pick up.

4. You must sign a rental agreement at Pick up

5. Rental only in Jacksonville, Fl

6. These are available later in the year for photo shoots/renaissance festivals etc. Just inquire

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Dracula/Vampire Cape

Measure:

Length: 59" from neck to floor

Width: 56" at bottom.

Collar height: 8"

Fabric:

The exterior fabric is a burnout synthetic with red lining for color. The red lining is super shiny to ensure that it shows through. The interior of the cape is lined with Black velveteen. I prefer veleveteen over velvet because it is matte and has a less costume-y feel.

Details:

The collar of the cape is very stiff and the edges are lined with wire. The wire allows you to reshape the collar as you desire. There are no ties to hold the cape on- add your own or pin/sew it to your costume as I did (If you really want ties- let me know and I can add some). It is also not hemmed-but rather has a raw edge

Rental Price: $ 25

Empire Dress (circa 1810)

Measure:

Size is small.

Bust measures 32 but since it is supposed to emphasize the bust it fits a 34" bust.

Length from underbust to hem: 45"

*This is a slightly altered commercial pattern. I do not take credit for its design. I did, however, sew it.

Fabric:

Dress is fully lined and made of white cotton. Over layer is a cotton blend with very thin silver threads running through it.

Details:

There is no zipper in this dress (as they had not been invented yet) The dress closes center back with hidden hooks and snaps. (yeah i know snaps hadnt been invented yet either-- shh. ) Sheer cap sleeves with lace trim. Pleating center front and on the sides of the bodice. Lace trim around neckline. This dress is very feminine and easy to wear.

Rental Price: 45$

Renaissance/Elizabethan Gown

Measure:

Bodice:

Bust: approx 34"

Waist: 26" - 27"

Skirt:

Waist: Fits 26-27"

*Bum Roll is included but Hoop skirt is not.

*Commercial Pattern with my own alterations.

Fabric:

Bodice:

Bodice is made and lined with cotton. There is steel boning in the center front of the bodice. Sleeves are made of Satin (acetate) and sheer synthetic. Gold trim and plastic pearl

beads.

Skirt is made of green and burgundy satin (acetate) and creme brocade. Skirt is hand beaded with plastic pearls.

I made this dress when I was studying costume design as undergrad. The dress won 1st place overall at the South Florida Renaissance costume contest. The dress has been very very loved by me. It is perfect for not only halloween but Ren fest as well. The bodice closes center back with hooks and lacing. There is a lot of hand sewing on this gown.

The hoop skirt no longer exists so you will have to provide your own. The bumroll, however, is included. There is some slight staining from the steel bones on the inside of the bodice. This is not visible on the outside of the bodice. The cuffs and partlet is included but neck ruff is not.

Rental Price 45$

Empire Dress and Spencer Coat

Measure: Size small (approx 34" bust)

Gown:

Cotton dress fulled lined with creme cotton. Embroidered bodice with 24k gold plated beads, freshwater pearls and seed beads. Trimmed with grograin ribbon and trim in antique gold

Coat:

Spencer coat of green brocade. Fully lined with matchin cotton. Trimmed with freshwater pearls and 24k plated gold beads. Organdy Collar.

Details:

This dress really is a show stopper. It is beautifully made inside and out. No details have been overlooked. The dress is extremely flattering on the bustline and can be worn with a bra or without. The heavy pleating at the bottom of the dress helps it hang beautifully. The dress closes center back with hooks and snaps. The dress is comfortable and breathes very well.

The coat has a long train and is fully lined- No raw seams on the inside. The coat closes center front with both hook and snap closure.

You cant help but feel like a princess- or better yet an empress- in this dress.

Rental Price: 75$

Fleas for sale

2009-07-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

Shopping. My 'other' love. It's the one place where I love the thrill of the chase. The only thing i love more than finding what im looking for is- finding it CHEAP!

Flea market shopping today- looking for random items to use as props in shoots. I had hoped to find a vintage camera- instead I found a box full. I got the entire box for 10$. (the cameras- i assume don't work- but i don't need them to) What a steal- Ive cleaned some of them up and took a photo of them. There are a few more- but none as cool as these.

What have been some of your favorite shopping finds? Tell me about the hunt, the deals and the cant let it go feelings.

Day of rest- sort of

2009-07-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

Today I have the opportunity to shoot with the fabulous Natalie McCray. While its a good break from designing (and sewing) I also expect it to be inspirational as well. Amongst many other reasons- I love shooting because it gives me a chance to see the results of creativity- the make up artist (mua), hair stylist, photographer, stylist- all these people coming together on a project.

And of course I love having photos of me too- Its amazing to feel like you are INSIDE the art. It makes you part of it.

What do you like to do to inspire your creativity? What gets your mind fired up?

woot woot

2008-10-12T06:35:00.000-07:00