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Custom Wedding Dress & Kimono Upcycled Clothes | オーダーメイドウェディングドレス&着物ドレス

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dress

Archer Button Up Shirt Dress Variation

April 17, 2015 By Chie

Grainline Archer Button Up Dress Variation by Vivat Veritas

Here is an addition to my Spring wardrobe, just in time for MMM15 (My MMM12 here)! I used the Grainline Archer button up shirt pattern AGAIN. This is my fifth try of this pattern(1, 2, 3 and 4th one is not blogged). I am convinced that I totally got my money’s worth for this pattern. I worn these four shirts so many times over the winter. Most of the time, I have been wearing it underneath a sweater just to add an extra warmth to survive the winter. Tokyo winter is not as harsh as say, NY, but because the houses here are not very well insulated, I had to wear warm clothes even in indoors.

Anyway, as always, I made this in size 4. The only modification I made was the length. I’ve already lengthened the shirt by 2 inches for my shirt version, and for this dress version, I further lengthened it by additional 10 inches. I skipped the sleeve tabs this time because the fabric was not as slippery as the silk I used before and it would hold the shape when I roll up the sleeves.

The fabric is light weight cotton lawn. It’s very soft and feels almost like gauze. I bought this about six months ago in Nippori Tomato for 100 yen per meter. I was going to make Andy a button up shirt with it. I even made a muslin, but when he fitted the muslin, I was disappointed. It did not fit him at all. I used the extra large pattern from a Japanese pattern book, called “Men’s shirt book”(男のシャツの本) by Ryuichiro Shimazaki. I think the patterns are designed for skinny Japanese dudes, not my weirdly shaped, boxer husband. The shoulder and sleeve parts were so off, I was at a loss how to fix it. I let it sit while I was thinking of how to correct the pattern and somewhere along the way I lost the motivation to continue. So I just decided to take this fabric for my own clothes. Sorry Andy, no shirt for you.

I love the color of this shirt. It’s close to navy blue, but a bit eclectic version of navy blue, if that makes any sense. I didn’t have any navy in my wardrobe, so it is a good addition. I can wear this with skinny belt, moto jacket, trench, or wear it as a jacket with t-shirt and jeans underneath.

Grainline  Archer Button Up Dress Variation Vivat Veritas1 Grainline Archer Button Up Dress Variation Vivat Veritas2 Grainline Archer Button Up Dress Variation Vivat Veritas4 Grainline Archer Button Up Dress Variation Vivat Veritas3Little girl wearing salvatore ferragamo pumps

Here is Kiko, trying on my new pumps…

春に向けて、シャツドレスを1枚作りました。
生地は日暮里トマトの100円コーナーで買った、コットンローン。
100円なので、本当にコットンローンかは謎ですが、そんな感じの手触りと織です。
地直しのために洗ってから縫いましたがかなり色落ちしました。

本当は旦那さんにシャツを作る予定だったのですが、サイズが合わな過ぎてギブ。
「男のシャツの本」から型紙を使って仮縫いしましたが、肩と腕が合わなくて、胸回りもXLなのにぱつぱつで、
どう直していいか分からずあきらめました笑

変わりに、Grainline StudioのArcher Button Upの型紙を使って自分用にシャツを。
長さは25センチ近く伸ばして、シャツドレスバージョンにしてみました。chie sig2

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Filed Under: blog, blogs, creation, dress, 日本語 Tagged With: archer button up, grainline studio, Shirt Dress

Importance of Planning Out a Sewing Project

January 19, 2015 By Chie

importance of planning out a sewing project by vivat veritasI wish all my handmade clothes were great and got a lot of wear but unfortunately that is not the case and this dress is certainly not on the favorites list. I think one thing that makes clothes become a go-to in your closet  (whether you make it or buy it at the store), depends on how well you plan. Almost every time I binge buy clothes or binge make them, it fails.

I made dress on a whim one night when I didn’t have any urgent project on my schedule. I had  left over knit from this sweater and decided to make a body-con knit dress. Considering how much wear I got from this white body-con dress over the Summer, I was sure that this would be something I would be wearing over and over again this Winter. While I was cutting out the fabric, I realized that I did not have enough fabric to cut the sleeves. My initial plan was to make this dress in a long sleeve version but I had to change mid way through.
Also since I made it in a rush (it was supposed to be an instant glorification), the neckline did not lay flat, especially in the back. It bothers me greatly.
The next day, I put on the dress, but when I saw myself in the mirror, I realized I hated the color. I like light gray color, a blue-gray or gray that is very close to white, but not this dark gray… My hair blends in with the dress and I look like a member of Adam’s Family.
I should have known the importance of planning for a sewing project, considering how much I put time on initial planning, sketching, sourcing the fabrics for making wedding dresses (you can see what I made in the past here). I think about how to construct the dress, in what order, what technique and sometimes I see myself in my dream sewing the dress. Once everything is completely clear, planned out, I start sewing. It usually goes well when I do that. Same goes for shopping for clothes or accessories. The items I covet for months before buying are the ones that I cherish for a long time. Lesson’s learned!handmade gray bodycon dress by vivat veritas1 handmade gray bodycon dress by vivat veritas2 handmade gray bodycon dress by vivat veritas3Outfit details | knit dress made by me,H&M Cardigan, Rag and Bone Harrow Booties, Forever21 belt, Thrifted clutch. handmade gray bodycon dress by vivat veritas4
新しい洋服作りを始めるのに、計画性をもつことは本当に大事ですね。
このグレーのドレスは、ちょちょっと作りたくて、急いで仕上げてしまったのですが、やっぱり手を抜くと色々なところが着てみて気になるものです。
例えば、色は実はあまり好きじゃないグレーだし(余り布だったのでこれしかなかった)、ハイネックの後ろの部分はちょっとぼこぼこしてるし、冬服なのに布が足りなくて、ノースリーブという、なんか余り使えないワンピになってしまいました。
ウェディングドレスを作るときは周到に計画するのに、自分の服になると結構手抜きして時間も布も無駄にしてしまうことが多いので反省です。
chie sig2
{find me elsewhere: shop, facebook, etsy, twitter, pinterest, instagram}

Filed Under: blog, blogs, creation, dress, 日本語 Tagged With: handmade, knit dress, planning, sewing

Three-Way Gold Lace Wedding Dress

November 6, 2014 By Chie

このページを日本語で読む

gold lace wedding dress

I love the idea of a wedding dress that can be worn in multiple ways. You put so much time and money into your dress, why not wear it more than once? I got to wear mine twice since I had weddings in both Japan and the U.S., but since then the dress has been abandoned in the back of my closet.

I worked with a bride this summer to make a dress that can be worn in three different ways. The first one is the simple strapless mini dress. The bride had in mind that she would be wearing this to go to weddings or events in the future. Then for her actual wedding, we came up with the idea of making a tulle skirt that can be worn on top of the mini dress. To change it up for reception, I also made a peplum top in matching sheer lace fabric.inspiration and sketch

The above is the inspiration image for the dress. It is in peach color but since we found this gorgeous gold lace fabric, we decided to go with it. They sell it in white and black as well. The fabric is very delicate and pretty. I was scared to put the shears through for fear of cutting a wrong piece or the tip of the shears poking through the lace. gold lace wedding dress2gold lace dress inside frontThis is what it looks like inside before the lining was attached. Instead of using fusible interface, I used muslin fabric as the interface. This is my favorite method for wedding dresses, as you can use the muslin for the fitting, which is thread traced for the sewing lines. I stitch the muslin on satin each one by hand. This takes a long time! Also the bra cups are catch stitched, neckline is reinforced with twill tape and all the seam allowances are pressed and catch stitched to the muslin fabric. gold lace dress inside backWe decided to go with laced up back instead of zipper or fabric covered button since the bride just had a baby and her sizes were changing. I am happy with our decision since it is less stressful for both of us not to have to worry about the small size changes. Also this way, she can wear the dress for other occasions in the future.

When you see the ready-to-wear wedding dresses or rental wedding dresses in Japan, they usually use big white bra hooks looking things to lace up the back. I went to Okadaya in Shinjyuku and asked if they have the same notion, but they did not have it. They recommended using metal eyelet, but they are silver and did not look right on delicate gold lace. I decided to buy the bra hook and eye set and just use the eye part (talked about it in this video). I used 13 in total. It worked well since the satin ribbon I used for the lace up was thin. The eyes don’t really show in the right side of the fabric, and I was pleased with the result. front and back inside of the gold dress

Lots of hand sewing involved!

bridal sashThe bridal sash was ordered at Garter Queen on etsy. I ordered the color which look the closest to the dress, but the one that arrived look slightly different from the satin ribbon I used for the lace up back. So I ended up making a trip back to Okadaya and picked up the wide width satin ribbon that matched perfectly, and glued the pearl and crystal part to the ribbon.

Check out this page to see the bride’s wedding pictures!
gold lace dress back

 

Filed Under: bridal, creation, dress Tagged With: dress, gold, lace, three-way, wedding

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Something I've been building since 2008 — taking k Something I've been building since 2008 — taking kimono fabric, fabric that already holds someone's memory, and giving it a new life.

Last Saturday, I got to share that with someone very special.

@designerhelen is a designer from New York who first reached out to me through my little sewing lesson account. When we started talking, I realized we were asking the exact same question: how do you take something with a past, and carry it forward?

We met in person here in Tokyo last December. That conversation became Released. Reimagined.
Two designers. Two cities. One shared belief — that beautiful things deserve a second life.

None of this would have been possible without our incredible team:

👗 Models: @emorylove33 @naka_kanar @bethenny.x @izumi_nishida @yui78_02 @aino.yamada03 @_kasumi.y @sienna.christinaaa

💅 Nails: @ms_muse_nail — gorgeous handmade nail designs 
💍 Jewelry: @viviange — pieces specially designed to coordinate with each piece
✂️ Hair: @angh0 @sho_kanaida @iam__little__boy — next level editorial 
💄 Makeup: @glam_by_jyoti — 8 models, flawlessly done 
📸 Photography: @nothing_special_88 — can't wait for you all to see his shots 
🎯 Model Coordinator: @naka_kanar — styling schedules, rehearsals, walkthrough, everything

Thank you to everyone who came🤍

Photos by @robertorivera.mx

2008年から、ずっと作り続けてきたもの——誰かの記憶を宿した着物の生地を手にとり、新しい命を吹き込むこと。

先週の土曜日、その想いをとても大切な人と一緒に分かち合うことができました。

@designerhelen はニューヨークを拠点とするデザイナー。最初に連絡をくれたのは、私の小さなお裁縫レッスンのアカウントを通じてでした。話し始めてすぐに、私たちは同じ問いを抱えていると。過去を持つものを、どうやって未来へ連れていくか。

昨年12月、東京で初めて直接会いました。その会話が、このショーになりました。

Released. Reimagined. ふたりのデザイナー。ふたつの都市。ひとつの共通した信念——美しいものには、もう一度輝く機会がある✨

#releasedreimangined #tokyofashionshow #harajuku #japanfashionshow projectrunwa
この会場を見つけるまで、けっこう歩き回りました。原宿竹下口から少し路地に入ったところ。前面ガラス張り この会場を見つけるまで、けっこう歩き回りました。原宿竹下口から少し路地に入ったところ。前面ガラス張りで光がたっぷり入って、一目見て「ここだ」と思いました🌱

入口すぐの受付エリアには @brownie_shots のポップアップ、中央スペースはランウェイ会場になります。VIP席も準備中です✨

イベントまであと1週間を切りました。当日、いいお天気になりますように☀️

It took quite a bit of wandering to find this venue. Tucked just off a quiet side street from Harajuku’s Takeshita Exit — full glass frontage, light pouring in. The moment I stepped inside, I knew🌱

Right at the entrance, @brownie_shots will be running a pop-up☕︎ The central space becomes our runway. VIP seating going in now.

Less than one week to go. Fingers crossed for sunshine ☀️

#Harajuku #FashionShow #KimonoUpcycling #SustainableFashion #TokyoEvents
【VIP限定✨】 5/30のファッションショー、席付きVIPチケットをご予約いただいた方は、こちらの 【VIP限定✨】
5/30のファッションショー、席付きVIPチケットをご予約いただいた方は、こちらの帯をリメイクしたオリジナルポーチをプレゼント🎁 

意外とたくさん入ると大好評。
鍵、カードケース、スマホ、メイクポーチまでしっかり収納できる優秀サイズです。

パーティーにクラッチとして、ループにストラップを付ければショルダーにもなる✨

どの柄が届くかは当日までのお楽しみ🤫💕

🗓 2026.05.30 (Sat)
📍 Harajuku, Tokyo
Runway Event & Pop-up Store
詳細はプロフィールリンクをチェック🔗

【VIP Exclusive ✨】
A little sneak peek at the special gift for our VIP ticket holders🎁

For the May 30th fashion show, all VIP guests will receive this original pouch made from upcycled Kimono Obi.

It’s surprisingly spacious! It easily fits your keys, card case, phone, and even a makeup pouch. Wear it as a chic clutch for the party, or attach your own strap to the loops to transform it into a shoulder bag✨

Each one is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece. Which design will you get? It’s a surprise until the big day! 🤫💕

#帯リメイク #サステナブルファッション #ファッションショー #原宿イベント #着物リメイク 
ファッションイベント HelenCastillo
五月なのに、秋色🍂 日中は汗ばむくらいなのに、 夕方になるとふっと涼しくなる🌬️ この季節のそのギ 五月なのに、秋色🍂

日中は汗ばむくらいなのに、
夕方になるとふっと涼しくなる🌬️
この季節のそのギャップが、なんか好き♡

深みのある金茶とテラコッタ。
春の光に当てると、
秋色が美しく見える気がします✨

朝晩の肌寒さには、シルクの羽織りがちょうどいい。

It’s May — and yet, fall hues🍂

Warm enough to break a sweat by noon,
then a cool breeze sneaks in by evening🌬️

I kind of love that about this time of year♡

Rich amber and terracotta.
Something about spring light makes these autumn tones look even more beautiful✨

For those cool mornings and evenings,
a silk haori is just right.

Photographer @renphoto
Model @hotpotpancakes

#着物ガウン #春コーデ #アースカラー #サステナブルファッション #アップサイクル kimonostyle
「なんとなく」じゃなくて、選んだと言ってもらえる服作りをしたい🦋✂️ 紗の着物をほどいて、また縫い 「なんとなく」じゃなくて、選んだと言ってもらえる服作りをしたい🦋✂️

紗の着物をほどいて、また縫い直しました。
ざっくりとした夏のの素材感に、
白レースをひとすじ沿わせて。

甘すぎず、でも可愛くありたい日のための一枚。

I want to make clothes you reach for on purpose — not just whatever’s closest🦋✂️

Took apart a vintage sheer silk kimono and sewed it back into something new.

The loose, airy weave of summer, with a single trim of white lace.

For the days when you want to feel pretty — just not too precious.

#KimonoRework #ButterflyTop
#着物リメイク #紗 #一点もの 蝶々トップス
寄贈いただいた着物から生まれたドレス🥀 生地の質感に触れて次は何になりたいか問いかけます。 着る人 寄贈いただいた着物から生まれたドレス🥀

生地の質感に触れて次は何になりたいか問いかけます。
着る人に寄り添い、物語を紡ぐ一着になれば嬉しいです💐

Model: @aino.yamada03
Photo: @slyz_studio
MUA @erieri_makeup 

A dress brought to life from a gifted kimono 🥀

By feeling the texture of the material, I listen to what it wishes to be.

I hope this dress resonates with the person who wears it💐

 #着物リメイク #サステナブルファッション #ハンドメイドドレス #一点もの
Favorite coffee beans to my favourite jacket. ☕️🧥 Favorite coffee beans to my favourite jacket. ☕️🧥

お気に入りのコーヒーショップ @allpressespressojapan の麻袋をアップサイクルして、世界に一つだけのボンバージャケットにしました。

麻袋のラフな質感と、着物リメイクした裏地の組み合わせ。
ほんのりコーヒーの香りがします✨

Which one is your favorite detail? (私は背中のロゴが好き🫶🏻)

#upcycledfashion #allpressespresso #サステナブルライフ #リメイク #コーヒーのある暮らし
かつては特別な日に着用された美しい着物や帯。 それらが現代に息づくファッションへと生まれ変わりました かつては特別な日に着用された美しい着物や帯。
それらが現代に息づくファッションへと生まれ変わりました👗

孔雀の羽の細部まで描かれた繊細な染め、帯の複雑な織り目。
一針一針に込められた伝統の技を、今の時代にふさわしい形で受け継ぎます🪡

世代を超えて受け継がれる物語を、あなたらしく着こなして🧚

These garments are more than just fashion; they are stories preserved. From the detailed dyeing of the peacock's feathers to the intricate weave of the obi, we honor the original artisans by giving their work a new life.

Wear a piece of history and continue its journey✈️

Model @ptiite_shana
Photographer @nihonnokaidan

#VintageKimono #ObiUpcycle #JapaneseStyle #EthicalFashion #handmadewithlove
 着物リメイク ハンドメイド アップサイクル
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