So my i started the project with initial research to refresh my memory and then that to myself what is a little black dress? What does it represent? What does it stand for? Of course these are rhetorical questions and the answers will differ depending on the person asked but The adjectives that I would associate with the LBD would be; timeless, sophisticated, elegant, poised, versatile, to name a few but all the while I was thinking of the dress another thing popped into my head which would be described in the same way.... This been cats, and in particular, black cats. Now as well as a classic dress that is always in style another great love of mine is cats, and mine then most, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to bring the two together to make an extrodiary dress.
I then researched further into the field of cats and what else they could be associated with to ensure I created an effective garment, with more then one flat element to it, that would be visually exciting!! From this I looked down a quiet gothic root, looking at witches and other gothic elements to support this. I also briefly looked at the history of the LBD which I already had extensive knowledge about. I looked more closely at the 1950's Diors 'new look', I felt that this style of dress fitted in very well with my gothic theme of black cats, and decided to collaborate with the two main ideas. After I was done with my research I went onto designing then making my own little black dress.
My dress reflected the Diors new look, I with a flared skirt bottom, lined with layers of netting to make it stick out more creating an inside down cone shape. The top of the dress was a simple sweetheart neckline bodice with no straps or sleeves. To give the dress a little extra I appliquéd a felt cat silhouette onto the dress by using a heat press setter. Overall I was pleased with the dress but still felt it missed the wow factor which I wanted to create, so then made a small elbow length hooded cape to go with it, this fully finishing the witch, gothic look. To add a small element of humor to it I also added cat ears to the hood, this made it seem more theatrical also.
After I was fully finished with the dress and cape I got it photographed. I arranged a model, make up artist and photographer who I closely collaborated with to some up with a concept as to where and how my garment would bephotographed. We thought the best location would be I front of a castle to keep with the gothic theme and I felt that the images came out fantastic and portrayed my outfit perfectly.
If you would like to see more images please do get In touch and I would be happy to show you, or feel free to add a comment and let me know your views on my ideas and the overall look.
This project I felt was one close to my heart as I used my beloved cat Binx as inspiration, for years I always wanted an all black cat and was thrilled when I got him but rather shocked to hear people views on black cats as they have a stigma of been bad luck it has been said the black cats are 'unfashionable' and lest favoured. While reading about it on the internet, I came across a page that gave information on a nation black cat day which celebrates all types of black cats!! I thought this was fantastic as all animals should be celebrated and thought it was fantastic to see that the cats protection agency even have their own day,a full of fundraising actives for all the family. I have also unclouded the link below so that anyone who is passionate about this can have a look and also get involved.
http://www.cats.org.uk/news/help-black-cats-improve-their-luck
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