Ballroom Lux

29 Jan

Did you ever design a magic gown that seemed to light itself?

ABC #1

Well, this “Art Gown” inspired by Carolyn from ABC of Spirit Talk turned out to do just that.

I love Carolyn’s “Reflections” and she has been a joy to me for almost a year now.

When I realized she enjoys Ballroom Dancing and loves a Waltz, I saw flowing white swans.

After she told me gold was a favorite color, I saw this modern fabric called Liquid Lamé. I decided to combine it with the most delicate of traditional white netting, shimmered and dotted with gold. Would these diametrically opposed fabrics work together?

ABC #2

As usual, I began by draping the bodice. The ruching down the center back took about 30 pins to hold in place. I was thrilled with the outcome.

I draped the underskirt in Lamé, added the over-skirt in net, and took a making of shot. I repositioned Judy, and shot the front. It was then I saw the dynamics of light with this creation.

ABC #3

I took off the over-skirt, threw a sash around Judy’s waist and made the tails into rosettes. I shot the gown in this state then re-attached the over skirt, and shot some more. Here’s what happened.

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It’s incredible what the gown revealed. Sometimes the net even looked like clear plastic.

“N” said if the pics were in black and white, it would look like it was from another era, another place in time.  I couldn’t resist. Sure enough, Carolyn’s gown is not only lux magic, it is lux mystic.

ABC #12

Carolyn’s gown welcomes us in one place then says farewell from another.

Much like Carolyn, her gown is divinely enchanting!ABC #13

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71 Responses to “Ballroom Lux”

  1. boomerontario January 29, 2013 at 9:39 pm #

    This is so slinky-gorgeous. Love the lamé look. You have such an eye.

    • Resa McConaghy January 30, 2013 at 9:17 am #

      Thanks Boomer! That means a lot coming from you. It seems the more I design these “Art Gowns” the more ideas I get.Too, bad work keeps me so busy. I have a definite idea for “The Art Junkie” down the road!

  2. belocchio January 29, 2013 at 10:27 pm #

    You waved your wand and look at the magic you created. A gown that is the stuff that dreams are made of. Who wears this gown will be indeed be Cinderella at the ball. Pure alchemy. Absolutely gorgeous and lush, sophisticated and sexy. Bravo. V.

    • Resa McConaghy January 30, 2013 at 9:27 am #

      Virginia, Thank you so much for your lovely words! I haven’t been around much due to work, but I have a few days for fun, and I’ll see you over at your blog! Pure alchemy … I like that!

  3. Loreen January 29, 2013 at 11:04 pm #

    It is such a beautiful thing!

    • Resa McConaghy January 30, 2013 at 9:42 am #

      Thanks Loreen. As you design a lot of gorgeous beyond belief gowns, I’ll take this as an extra special compliment!xoxoxo

  4. boomiebol January 30, 2013 at 12:19 am #

    Oh wow!!! That is an incredible gown

    • Resa McConaghy January 30, 2013 at 9:30 am #

      Thanks, Boomie! And thanks for the shout out on Twitter! Remember, it was your “Art Gown” that started me off on this fun and crazy idea.

  5. ledrakenoir January 30, 2013 at 6:20 am #

    My tuxedo or my full evening dress with white tie and tails are ready… ;-)

    Amazing, Resa… :-)

    • Resa McConaghy January 30, 2013 at 9:40 am #

      I love tuxedos and full evening dress with the white tie! ;-) Watch out or one of my gowns might request your wardrobe’s company! ;-) Thank you!

  6. nutsfortreasure January 30, 2013 at 12:58 pm #

    Wow you go get em girl this is a real STUNNER! Happy for you

    • Resa McConaghy January 30, 2013 at 3:43 pm #

      Thanks, Eunice! I will go get em! BTW, your new photo blog is wonderful!

  7. Lori Lipsky January 30, 2013 at 5:32 pm #

    Gorgeous, Resa. You’re an artist with words and gowns. It works perfectly in color and in black and white. Carolyn is absolutely going to love, love it!!

    • Resa McConaghy January 30, 2013 at 5:40 pm #

      Thanks Lori! I can hardly wait for Carolyn to see this!

  8. Imelda Evans January 30, 2013 at 6:29 pm #

    It’s so GORGEOUS, Resa! And you’re right, it looks as if it’s stepped out of another era. I can imagine Grace Kelly in this. That liquid lame stuff is amazing. It deserves a red carpet, this frock.

    • Resa McConaghy January 30, 2013 at 9:12 pm #

      Thank you Imelda! You took Grace Kelly right off the tip of my mind! Carolyn is a great inspiration, as are all of the beautiful women I want to design a gown for.
      So many gowns. So little time!

  9. carolynpageabc January 30, 2013 at 9:51 pm #

    Lori is absolutely right, Resa… You are an artist with words and gowns….

    What a magnificent creation you’ve woven for the beautiful Waltz. It is stunning… I can see it shimmering and shining as it waltzes around the ballroom; reflections of light dazzling the room.

    I also adore the ‘other era’ slinky, sexy, black and white creation. This look doesn’t need a dance-floor; just a will to look fantastic..!

    Thank You so much, Resa. I am so delighted to be viewing a most wonderful gown inspired by one of my most favourite pastimes..! :)

    xoxoxo

    • Resa McConaghy January 31, 2013 at 11:10 am #

      Dear Carolyn,
      I’m so happy you like this “Art Gown”!
      It was a very fun and satisfying time designing it. Thank you for the creative energy, and keep on dancing! I think it’s wonderful how one of your favorite pastimes can inspire one of my favorite pastimes. ;-) xoxoxo

      • carolynpageabc March 11, 2013 at 12:15 pm #

        My dear, dear Resa… At last I have been inspired to Re-blog this wonderful post…. It has been a very difficult thing not to do so; and yet I could not until now…

        You deserve all the accolades your designs bring to you… Thank You so much for designing this incredible gown; it is truly inspirational… xoxoxo

      • Resa McConaghy March 11, 2013 at 12:31 pm #

        You are so beautiful, Carolyn!
        xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

      • carolynpageabc March 11, 2013 at 12:33 pm #

        And you, my dear Resa…. It really touches my heart to be able to re-blog, at last… xoxoxo :)

      • Resa McConaghy March 11, 2013 at 12:35 pm #

        xoxoxo :-)

  10. Emi Valdarquis January 31, 2013 at 2:04 pm #

    Wow, you’re right, Resa, the b/w photo looks awesome!! It was a good idea to experiment with it. Cheers! :-)

    • Resa McConaghy January 31, 2013 at 3:01 pm #

      Thanks, darlin’! Think I will try shooting in B&W next time. How do you get your B&W? Is it a setting, or do you shoot film?

      • Emi Valdarquis January 31, 2013 at 4:21 pm #

        You’re welcome! No, I don’t use film anymore, but I shoot directly b/w so I don’t have to post-process. In other words, I just set my camera to get the desired effect, and the photos I get are exactly the ones I publish, in 99% of the cases. I shoot my last roll of film in 2001, if I remember correctly :-) Then in 2004 I switched to digital…

      • Resa McConaghy January 31, 2013 at 4:38 pm #

        Okay, thank you! ;-)

      • Emi Valdarquis February 1, 2013 at 1:04 pm #

        No problem at all :-)

      • Resa McConaghy February 1, 2013 at 2:50 pm #

        ;-)

  11. wendy@chezchloe February 1, 2013 at 1:59 am #

    Just showed this to my daughter… “Holy shit that’s incredible” was her response. I couldn’t have said it any better :-) x

    • Resa McConaghy February 1, 2013 at 3:03 pm #

      Tell your daughter “Thanks for the compliment” And thank you, too, Wendy! ;-)

  12. Sherrie February 1, 2013 at 4:32 pm #

    My Dear Auntie Resa….as usual, you created another amazing masterpiece! Thank you for sharing this gown with me throughout the process. You already know how much I adore and admire you but I still love to remind you. Remind you how much you inspire me in everything you do. From your fashion creations, art, photography, cooking and writing to your loyalty, kindness, knowledge, generosity and sense of humor. I take great comfort in looking up to you. You are the total package and I miss you everyday. Love you always xoxoxo

    • Resa McConaghy February 2, 2013 at 10:14 am #

      My dear Sherrie,
      You are the best niece, and you are also one of my best friends. I can hardly wait until we get to be together again. We sure know how to have fun together!
      I admire you, too darling. It seems we are both total packages.
      Sharing with you has satisfying rewards.
      I miss you everyday, too.

      Love you always,xoxoxo
      Think I’ll send you a text now!

  13. Simple Pleasures February 2, 2013 at 8:58 pm #

    Resa, this is so beautiful.

    • Resa McConaghy February 2, 2013 at 9:10 pm #

      Thank you dear Cynthia! I also feel this is an especially beautiful piece.
      I know I’ve said this before, but … I wish everyone’s life could be like a gown, long and beautiful.

      • Simple Pleasures February 2, 2013 at 9:11 pm #

        That is why we love you Resa..
        You are indeed a very special lady.

      • Resa McConaghy February 2, 2013 at 9:19 pm #

        Love you, too!

  14. mypenandme February 2, 2013 at 10:59 pm #

    GORGEOUS!

    • Resa McConaghy February 2, 2013 at 11:02 pm #

      Thanks! I’m thinking “Blue” for my next “Art Gown”.

  15. Francina February 3, 2013 at 2:12 am #

    gorgeous and stunning dress, Resa!

  16. Robyn Lee February 3, 2013 at 4:05 pm #

    Oh Resa ~ can I have this one??????? teasing of course, but Carolyn is a lucky lady — this is magical, stunning, elegant, mysterious and sexy too. You are brilliant dear lady…
    I adore ~ Sending so much love and huge hug to you …. xxooo Robyn ps: still away but have laptop here… did not see this in my reader though — so wonder if i missed it or it just didn’t show … regardless so happy to see it this day!!! Much LOVE!

    • Resa McConaghy February 3, 2013 at 5:47 pm #

      Dear Robyn,
      You’re still away! Please take care, and I hope it means good news.
      Thanks for your compliments and enthusiasm about “Ballroom Lux”!
      It is my 3rd “Art Gown” and they are becoming exceptionally special to me.
      And yours is next … and I’m so excited … and the photo you featured on your blog today inspired me further, into the blue!
      Love, dear Robyn, LOVE!

  17. susanbright February 4, 2013 at 11:07 pm #

    A work of art. Love the ruched back!

    • Resa McConaghy February 5, 2013 at 9:36 am #

      Thanks! It took a bit of time doing the gathering, but worth it.

  18. ledrakenoir February 14, 2013 at 3:26 am #

    I love this kind of gowns and you creates some really beautiful ones – evening dresses are many things nowadays both men and women – at the right time I love to make it a bit extraordinarily, because for many years suits have been my “working suits” in the business life – so I love to put on my tuxedo or exceptionally my dress suits with long tail and bow tie – so it’s “let’s party time”… ‘hahaha’

    • Resa McConaghy February 14, 2013 at 10:05 am #

      Happy Valentines Day! ;-)
      I have a new gown post soon. I hope your tails love it!

      • ledrakenoir February 14, 2013 at 10:37 am #

        Happy Valentines Day to you too… :-)

        I’ll look forward to it… ;-)

  19. Maxima February 14, 2013 at 5:43 am #

    Happy valentine day!

  20. Summer February 14, 2013 at 10:23 am #

    Hallo,

    This is for you, for being kind for others and me, http://www.bigcards.nl/card/pickup/bc-c7cf3c10/

    Sweet Valentine greetings, Summer

    • Resa McConaghy February 14, 2013 at 11:19 am #

      Thank you! It was lovely, and a sweet Valentines to you, too. – Resa

      • Summer February 14, 2013 at 3:17 pm #

        You’re welcome : ) And thanks to you too

  21. Jennifer Bichara February 17, 2013 at 10:47 am #

    Very nice and elegant!

  22. Karen's Nature Art February 17, 2013 at 6:04 pm #

    Your gowns are just beautiful and I love the lighting on this one as well! Thanks for dropping by my blog and for your thoughtful comments-its encouraging to hear from other artists!

    • Resa McConaghy February 17, 2013 at 7:58 pm #

      Thank you, Karen! I believe a gown can be as artful as a sculpture, an oil painting or a charcoal sketch if presented as such.
      You are a dear to see art as all encompassing!
      Cheers to you and to all of us artists! – Resa

  23. carolynpageabc March 11, 2013 at 12:07 pm #

    Reblogged this on ABC of Spirit Talk and commented:

    Resa of ‘Queen’s end’ is a designer extraordinaire. Her talents are vast, as is her heart. Enjoy her creativity…

  24. Worldly Winds March 11, 2013 at 4:43 pm #

    Oh wow, wow, wow, this is a stunning dress!

  25. WordsFallFromMyEyes March 11, 2013 at 4:53 pm #

    My gosh, this is just beautiful – & especially beautiful for how it was inspired. Indeed, I love Carolyn’s readings also :)

    I’m not much of a dress wearer because I reckon myself too square, plump, but mercy, this dress is so so magical. ANY girl would want to fit into it. I think you’re enormously clever: you sew magic.
    :)

    • Resa McConaghy March 11, 2013 at 5:36 pm #

      Thank you so much for your lovely words! Carolyn is indeed a very inspiring person, and it was a joy designing this for her! :-)

  26. Yaz March 12, 2013 at 7:29 am #

    This gown is unbelievably lovely, and I totally understand that you are inspired by Carolyn’s words. I would love to see her in it, dancing, in one of her videos that she puts out. Thanks for the beautiful photos!

    • Resa McConaghy March 12, 2013 at 12:07 pm #

      Thank you Yaz! Yes Carolyn is a very inspirational person. Thank you for having a look at what she’s inspired in me, and taking the moment to comment. Have a great day!

  27. jettedivine May 10, 2013 at 2:33 am #

    gorgeous and breathtaking!

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. More Unexpected Joys… (and the purple end of a rainbow snake) « Wine, Women & Wordplay - January 31, 2013

    [...] unexpected joy was my lovely friend Resa’s latest creation.  She has been doing a series of ‘art gowns’ and her latest is almost too gorgeous to [...]

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