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American Sewing Expo, Sept. 26-28 October 2014 -3
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Grand Prize Winner
Kathleen Soltow of Okemos, MI
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"I love the glamorous fashions of the 1930's and Elsa Schiaparelli's wacky, whimsical designs are my favorite" says Kathleen Soltow of Okemos, Michigan.
Schiaparelli's connection with the Surrealist movement inspired Kathleen to design this "Flowering Tree" evening ensemble. The gown with it's inset tree trunk is Taffeta. The velvet cape is hand embellished and lined in Elsa Schiaparelli's signature color, shocking pink.
Congratulations Kathleen, we loved your entry and hope you will inspire us again next year!
Kathleen's prizes were a fabulous Baby Lock Sashiko machine and a generous gift certificate from Haberman Fabrics in Royal Oak, Michigan. |
  First Place (runner up to Grand Prize) was won by Ruth Ciemnoczolowski of Omaha, Nebraska. Ruth's fashion icon inspiration was Charles James, known for his architectural approach to fashion design. Her gown is an original design made of silk Taffeta in pale peachy pink. The full length beaded wedding gown, features hand made beaded straps and pleating. You may recognize Ruth Ciemnoczolowski as the First Place winner of the 2014 Passion For Fashion Challenge. Thank you Ruth, we enjoy your designs!  
Pictured left, Second Place winner, Connie Bontje, of Thorndale, Ontario, Canada. Connie's inspiration was Coco Chanel. She was inspired to create this Chanel Suit after reading "The Pink Suit". Her entry is her idea of the Pink Suit circa 1962 meets 2014.
Bontje stayed as true to Chanel as she could, using Boucle fabric, hand quilting it to the lining and silk organza underlining. She beaded the trim sewn onto strips of the selvage and even included a hang chain at the hem of the jacket. Wow, what a suit!!
Pictured above on the right is the Third Place winner by Robin Bolton of Portland, Oregon. Robin's Fashion Icon inspiration was the Hollywood costume designer from the 1940's, Irene. Robin says, "My Aunt worked for her as a seamstress and was particularly enamored of her." Irene's style was the pinnacle of grace, elegance and femininity. If your weren't dressed by Irene, you weren't dressed. Marlene Dietrich, Loretta Young and Katherine Hepburn, among many others were her clients. Congratulations Robin, we love what you made!
Pictured on the left is the Judges Choice winner by Lorna Rae of  Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Lorna's Fashion Icon was Callot Soeurs designers who created elegant gowns from the 1910's. Linen and hand embroidery embellished these lovely Tea dresses, styles popular again due to period films and television series. Virtually all items used in this garment were re-purposed from a box of vintage laces, fabrics and trims gifted to Lorna by a friend many years ago.
Lorna continues to inspire us each year with her entries in this and other contest/challenges. Congratulations Lorna, you are an inspiration to us all!!.
We would like to thank all the wonderful sponsors that made this creative challenge possible: Baby Lock, American & Efird, Euro Notions, F&W Media, Fashion Supplies inc., Haberman Fabrics, Islander Sewing Systems and VDTA.
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Are You Inspired?
Join us in the Fashion Design in Half Scale Challenge for 2015.
50 Shades of Red theme is bound to inspire one fabulous display of outstanding fashions in half scale garments.
We can't wait to see what you will make in as many or as few shades of red as you like.
Those who enter are treated to an online class covering draping and designing on the half scale dress form.
Contestants will not be required to purchase a dress form but will be expected to provide one to display their entry. More details will be made available in December.
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Watch for Cosplay Costume Contest winners and Teacher of the Year, Excellent Vendor and Excellent Industry Contribution awards coming soon.
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