Blue Danube

Abstract

The goals of this research were two-fold: to create a bustled ball-gown for this century, and to drape the main part of the design from a single piece of fabric, without the use of seams or darts. My inspiration was also two-fold: the glorious color of the blue iridescent fabric, and the beautiful bustled ball-gowns of the 1880s. Except for the right, back bodice, the dress was draped from one uncut piece of fabric, an iridescent, blue polyester with turquoise, purple overtones. The bustle is made from a sheer, variegated, purple-blue-turquoise, permanently wrinkled fabric. The dress features a one-shoulder design with fitting tucks in the front bodice flowing from the upper right side seam to the left side seam below the waist. The bulk of the fabric was pleated into a yoke at the back below the waist, falling to a short train. The bustle was snapped on one side, covering the center back zipper. The finished garment was self-lined.