Featured design: The Red, White & Black Stripe Ingrid Top

I wanted to create a mini-range of designs to be more tran-seasonal, as the online shop caters for both North and Southern Hemispheres. This range will be called, "Modern Vintage", and the styles included will be exactly that... taking vintage silhouettes and ideas, and making them modern!

So announcing the first style to be included in this mini-range... The Red, White & Black Stripe Ingrid Top.



As soon as I saw this print, I imagined this style! I love that it is such a graphic print, full of character, and it has that "Cruise/Retro" feel to it.


The top features a boat neck at the front, a v-neck t the back- which can still be worn with a bra; a tulip overlapped sleeve; and it has been handmade from a polyester/elastane print.


I love it tucked in with a high waisted pair of pants or a skirt, but it would look equally as good with a pair of jeans!

You can buy this design and many other Penelope Red designs in the etsy online shop.

Creating the new Autumn Collection Part 1

One of the latest designs for the Autumn 2011 Collection has finally been started! This collection has been inspired by Gustav Klimt paintings and Egyptian costume, and when designing this I took the gold and black contrasting idea from the 'Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer1", along with the extravagant use of shapes and metallic paints.





The shape of this style is virtually the same as the Deco Sequinned Blouse. I wanted to use a very simple shape, since the gold sequinned lace is really the "show-stopper" in this design!





The photos in this post are just a few photos that I have taken as I have been creating it. In the above and below photo I am pinning the gold sequinned lace in place over the black satin. This is quite a time-consuming step, as you need to make sure you don't cut into the motif too much, and also make sure it sits nicely around the silhouette.

The Penelope Red Black Fuchsia Kimono

Another new style to show to you! The Penelope Red Black Fuchsia Kimono, handmade entirely by me!



It has been created from two seperate fabrics. The main is made form a silk/cotton fabric, which has a slight sheen to it. It has been printed with a lovely floral print in black, pink, green, blue and purple.



The second fabric is a recycled rayon (viscose) fabric, in plain black. I think using these two fabrics togetehr really sets this kimono apart from the rest. The Black shoulders and tie around the waist makes your eyes drawn to the shoulders and waist.



I like to wear Kimono's with a pair of black pants or a black mini skirt, but the choices are endless really.



This is now available in the Penelope Red etsy shop here.



I could imagine this style with some gorgeous pink lipstick, some black heels, and jewellery of your choice.

The Penelope Red Black Peacock Kimono

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a lovely break and you are refreshed for the new year.

I have been busy creating some new designs... Introducing the Penelope Red Black Peacock Kimono!



I made this from a beautiful recycled fabric I have had for a while- just waiting for the right design to come to mind! The fabric was unfortunately cut into 3 pieces, so I was only able to make one Kimono from this fabric- but that means whoever buys this Kimono will be the proud owner of the only one of its kind!



As with all of my Kimono's, there is pleating at the front shoulder yoke, and down the back. This is a wrap around style, and is fastened with a plain black tie.



There are several peacock's amongst a garden depicted on top of a black background, in this print.



I envisage this style with a great pair of black pants, or a nice black skirt, but as with all of my kimono's, they are very versatile, and the possibilities are only limited to your imagination.



Dress the kimono up with a few brooches, some heels and a clutch bag.



This style is currently for sale in the Penelope Red etsy shop, and I will be taking it to The Rocks markets on the days I will be trading.



I have made a few more different variations of the Penelope Red Kimono, and they will be unveiled during the week!



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The Penelope Red Black and White Printed Bowtie Top

I thought I would highlight the Penelope Red Black and White Printed Bow Tie Top today.
I like this top because you can just as easily wear it with your favourite pair of jeans, as well as a nice pair of pants or skirt. It can be casual top to wear while shopping, and then it can be transformed into a top to wear to dinner or another sophisticated occasion!






The back of the top (above).

The front of the top (above)





The Penelope Red Black and White Printed Bow Tie Top is available in US sizes 4-10 (or AU sizes 8-14). It is only $70USD. Customers in Australia: please email me at designer@penelopered.com.au for the current equivalent in AUD.



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