I love this designer, Koos Van Den Akker. His clothes are always so happy, architecturally designed, and crazy wild. hmmm. My first experience in sewing with him was my Spring Coat. You really have to pay attention and plan ahead. I even take notes and do a color sketch first to help me along since there are so many pieces and color arrangements to juggle.
Here's my second Koos extravaganza, the Big Dress:
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| As the Koos turns... |
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| stops... |
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| and comes around. |
You probably can't tell, but this is made from 4 different fabrics, 5 counting the ribbon ruffle, with all kinds of appliques, inserts, bands and tomfoolery. You can see it up close and in detail if you click on the bold items or go to Clothes for Spring page.
I'll be joining Les Visibles at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style and the crowd at Monday Mingle too. Join us!
Your true love did a great job at photographing you, the balcony and that glorious spring coat! look at it, it would rival cherry blossom in beauty!xxx
ReplyDeleteDon't I look different in plein air and without a camera in my hand? It certainly wraps up my shooting time to two minutes or less. Your florals in the garden are truly a thing beauty, Vix!
DeleteNew follower...found you on Refashion Coop. Your adventuresome style full of vibrant color drew me in! :o)
ReplyDeleteI sewed up some Koos pants two years ago, and they still make me happy each time I wear them. It just hit me...I'm wearing them in my little profile picture right there. :o)
www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
Hi! I didn't know Koos did any pants patterns. How cool. Thanks for stopping by. I'll be coming right over, I'm already dressed up for the occasion anyway.
DeleteLove the Big Dress, and the five (!) fabrics that belong to it. Thanks for bringing it over to VisMonday. xoxo
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you Patti, for giving me and all the Visibles a chance to show off!
DeleteLooks gorgeous - lovely colours. I've never tried a Koos pattern but maybe I should.
ReplyDeleteYou're making your own patterns, so...
DeleteBut if you ever want to do something a little kookie, he's your guy!
Oh wow! The patterns all blend so well, but upon closer look you can see all the marvelous detail. I am in love with the swirling sleeves. Another beautiful creation.
ReplyDeleteHow's your pattern making going? The fabric you were using was just too cool.
DeleteWow, spectacular!!! I love the shape and the prints and all the panels. These photos are so lovely and romantic. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteAww, romantic? I thought it was the glow of 7am light that does it.
Deletecool dress! looks sooooooo comfy
ReplyDeleteComfy it is, there's room for twenty in there!
DeleteThat's not just a dress--it's ART!!! I'd love to see this up close in real life to drink in all the detailing!!
ReplyDeleteOkay, let's go for tea! Otherwise, I do have detail shots of just the dress, if you go to the Clothes for Spring page.
DeleteSoooo cool!! I remember Koos from the early '80's and have always loved the vibrant prints and combinations. Your dress is a dream. Where do you get your patterns?
ReplyDeleteI get them at Vogue patterns online http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/ when they go on sale (often) for $3.88, or every now and then for $3.99 at fabric store sales, or on e-bay that's hit or miss - both when they come up and price-wise. My current favs are the Tilton sisters, Koos and Miyake.
DeleteKoos takes pieced clothing right into art! Such a fun combination of fabrics, pao.
ReplyDeleteHe does say he loves painting with fabric.
DeleteIt's all art, and it's all wonderful on you, Pao. It might be me, but I project an Asian vibe on this dress, although I may be wrong. Beautiful, though.
ReplyDeleteYou're just so freaking cool. Really, truly cool.
I think the floral fabric has an Asian-esque quality to it. So I'm vibing off cool Asian, ya think?
DeleteYour dress is so beautiful and because of your inspiring work of art I just spent huge amounts of time on the Koos site. I found a breathtaking hat, of course. Thanks for sending me on that little trip.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed your trip to Koosville, Judith. Too bad it's not a more extensive site. Have to visit his store next time you're in NYC. The site makes it look like all he sells is menswear, but I don't think that's the case.
DeleteBig love for big dress, Pao. So many bits are tied together with thread. Well done. You look much better than the model on the pattern package. The blue fabric is just the right twist. As always, thanks for those close-ups.
ReplyDeleteShe is a little somber for the subject matter, but maybe it's the fabric choices they thrust upon her. Nevertheless, I think one must automatically be happy wearing a Koos construction.
DeleteI didn't pick up on there being four different fabrics - maybe because everything fits so seamlessly! That's a great dress, I love your choice of color and 'tomfoolery' details!
ReplyDeleteYes, I know I am so subtle at times I can fool ya. ha.
DeleteI can't tell that there are several different fabrics, but I can tell that it's a gorgeous print!
ReplyDeleteThey do play well together, don't they? Thanks for hosting Monday Mingle, Kristin.
DeleteGorgeous print! And so many lovely details. You do look completely different on the balcony without a camera. More relaxed and happy.
ReplyDeleteThat's what true love does for ya.
DeleteYou are krazy talented! I'm starting small millinery projects, and The Costume Technician walked me through my first pattern. I can sew well, but hats are a little different, and she saved me from some beginner mistakes :) You can probably sew anything without help!
ReplyDeleteWow! I'd say hats are a different story all together. How cool! Can't wait to see what you've got going and how you got there to begin with. woo-hoo.
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