Hello all, and Happy Humpday! We write to you today humbly asking for your help - now that Kim is safely in the arms of the printers and we're sat here twiddling our thumbs with nothing to do getting stuck right into a new batch of future patterns, we have suddenly found ourselves at a standstill...
So. As it stands we have three new gals waiting in the wings... The designs have been sampled, finalised and graded. But we can't decide which pattern to finish up and release first! Unfortunately, we can't throw caution to the wind and print all three in one fell swoop due to the terrifying upfront costs associated with creating a product. And, in the interest of getting the most out of our lovely pattern testers, and giving each design the spotlight we feel they deserve, we do like to stagger each pattern's release. So seeing as we're having such trouble playing favourites, we thought we'd turn to the keen and critical eyes of our trusty board of advisers - you guys!
The process is simple - below you will find a technical sketch and description of each design, followed by a little box allowing you to vote for the pattern you'd like to see released first. Without further ado, let the games begin...
The Sophia Dress
Inspired by filmmaker, and old-time pal of Charlotte's, Sophia Goulandris, the Sophia Dress features a closely fitted bodice with uniquely angled darts and armholes, and an optional wide sailor collar. Skirt variations include a hip-skimming straight midi skirt with a sexy centre front split and darts to mirror those on the bodice, or a forever feminine full skirt with bias cut godet panels.
The Zeena Dress
Heard that name before?? I'm sure lots of you will already be familiar with Zeena Shah and her bright and happy Scandinavian inspired textiles and homewares, or have even attended one of her delightful screen printing workshops. The Zeena Dress finds her inspiration in the dreamy luxe dresses of the 70s with her billowing raglan sleeves, plunging yoked neckline and floor-sweeping pleated skirt. Zeena also includes a second, simpler A-line skirt option and a shorter turned up sleeve.
The Orsola Dress
Named after and inspired by my wonderous and beautiful Mum, and sustainable fashion pioneer, Orsola is a deceptively simple dress with super clean lines. An elegantly fitted sheath dress with a contemporary scallop to the hem, this dress's alternative variation features a modern twist on the classic wrap dress plus no fiddly fastenings!
Time to cast your vote!
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Elisalex de Castro Peake
Comments on this post (16)
Please, please relesa the Zeena first! It’s the most unique, and besides everyon’e’s happy to have sleeves in winter!
I’m sure it will be a pleasure to enjoy Orsola or Sophia (even though the darts do seem a little weird for my taste) when Spring comes back :)
— Helen
Hi Kathleen – we love a good godet too! So satisfying to sew. The second illustration of the Sophia Dress (the fuller skirted one) is the one featuring the godet panels in the skirt to create that lovely swingy fullness. Hope this clarifies! x
— Elisalex - By Hand London
I am going to buy all 3 anyway but the Orsola is my favourite. Well done girls. They are all absolutely beautifully feminine. Just my style. Can’t wait.
— Angela McGuire
I love godets, saw the mention of them but no sketch to match. What am I missing?
— kathleen
Funny how Orsola is pretty much Kim skirt+flora bodice backwards. Very interesting design.
I like Sophia best for its potential vintage aesthetic and ladylike vibe.
— K
Would Zeena work in chiffon? I’m imagining a floaty chiffon 70s maxi at Christmas parties :-)
— /anne...
I really wanted to vote for two: The Sophia AND Orsola. Thank you!
— Deb W
Love the Zeena the most as it’s gorgeous and unique.
— Lola
Hi Marianna, the “artist” is me! Thanks so much for the love xxxx
— Elisalex - By Hand London
I love all three but mostly Sofia, no Orsola… oh, it’s too hard.
Who’s the artist? The illustrations are wonderful, right down to those heels!
— Marianna
Gee you gals have been busy!! Love them all!!
— Rebecca
I vote for Orsola – it’s gorgeous!
— Helen
Sophia, please! I can see her becoming my go to work dress. Oh the delight of throwing on a chic dress with one of my (many) pairs of heels…so easy!
— Lisa
Uh, I kind of need the Sophia dress though. Seriously. But I love all of them! Tell me that you are for sure doing all of them, right?
— Theresa
I have quite a few 70s does 30s patterns, I am a total sucker for them they are so pretty. I am also a big fan of a proper swirly skirt, perhaps in a light weight fabric and that is what Sophia would be great for, on that basis Sophia wins. Lovely selection.
— Ms Modiste
Oh please the Orsola dress. Variation 1 would be killer for a festive party dress. Martinis ahoy!
— Elena