For my collection I wanted to include a “robe dress” that could either be a glamorous robe to lounge around in at home, or worn out for a special occasion. For this design I wanted to incorporate an element of draping at the midsection, with loose flowing sleeves and a front slit. I had a similar dress in my own personal collection, and love how this silhouette flatters a wide range of body types.
I had no idea how I was going to bring this idea to life, it seemed as if the pattern pieces would be really complicated! In the end I had the instinct to create two long ribbed panels, and figure it out on the stand. I amazed myself with how simple this dress turned out to be – two rectangles and three seams!
An amazing feature about this dress is that because it has a roomy fit and is made of a drapey fabric, it fits and flatters a range of sizes, which you can see exemplified above pictured on a UK10 and UK 20 stand.
While this slip ribbed fabric creates an intriguing starburst effect at the torso and naturally finishes itself eliminating the need for adding trims, fuzzy ruffles were added at the sleeve openings to give this dress that extra special something. This dress will inspire you to engage with your senses and be transported back in time to Old Hollywood!
