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DYI

To the most beautiful buildings in New York whom I adored, counted on, needed in my life:

If you wonder why this photo is a treasure, think only of this: it was shot in October, 2000 on the marble mosaiced steps of the World Financial Center. The last glimpse I had was the falling debris of this most beautiful places in WTC that linked the Hudson to the Towers while on the news, showing rescue workers using its passageways to look for commuters trapped in the rail lines beneath. I meant to take more photos of this most beautiful of gowns--almost my wedding reception gown--next to the sculptures between the Towers this spring. Never in my wildest dream did I think THIS PHOTO would be my treasure of a place that never will be again.

World Trade Center, I will never forget you. You were, for all who have been to or lived in New York, her crown jewels.

The romance of the ball gown. The luxury of the finest silks and silk brocades. The religious symbolism of the priestly garb of Manchus. It all comes together in the gown that was designed to be my wedding reception gown. The relationship failed, but not the elegance of this style. It begins with the sweetheart neckline, princess line bodice with its elegant back scoop that frames the shoulders beautifully in Chinese brocade. A ball gown full skirt of doupioni silk overlain with organza carries the colors of the brocade into a hooped look that adds height, elegance, and slims at the same time. Epaulettes made of doupioni overlain with lace bring in a priestly Manchu touch over the full, straight sleeves of organza. Neckline, wrist, waist, and overlay hemline lace, along with the narrow edging on the epaulettes and repeated on the sleeve edges complete the look for a truly stunning effect.

The look is romantic with just a wisp of Chinese influences to make a truly comfortable ball gown. Originally conceptualized as a 17th century Chinese interpretation of Elizabethan styles, the combination of East and West couldn't look more beautiful

In this prototype and probably my favorite ball gown to wear for the most formal occasions, the brocade is bamboo pattern in lavender and white. The doupioni skirt and epaulettes are undyed, a natural pale ivory. The epaulette lace is a simple, open worked floral and its edging is half inch, double layered scalloped. The jewel of the gown is the rose bridal lace for the neckline, waistline, sleeve line, and overlay hemline which I embellished with sequins along the neckline.

Seen here at the Word Trade Center in October, 2000, it is a formal ball gown that evokes memories of Gone With The Wind and Manchu rites at the four cardinal points of the year at the same time.

Perfect for anyone who wants to feel like a princess and turn heads at formal occasions.

Available in full and ball gown full.