Ms. Red Flashback part 7: photos of my previous work

All that Jazz Dress- a one of a kind design. Made from a stunning bright blue silk, sequinned lace and tassling. I guess I just wanted to try something different!



Another one of a kind design, handmade by myself, this time the Disco Nights black catsuit.


The Red, Black and White corset- the above photo is probably one of my favourites that my friend, Anna has taken of me. I think the corset, the angle, and the cloudy sky fits the mood perfectly.



Above, the Nouveau Silk Dress. I bought this fabric in Scotland, and I loved it!


Above, the Aqua Gathered Neck Blouse- such a versatile top, and very easy to wear.


When creating the above dress, I really really wanted to try something different! This dress is made from one continuous piece of fabric, pleated and shaped into a cowl necked dress.



The Disco Nights Catsuit has bust pieces in a contrasting sequinned and gold stretch fabric, as well as a random applique of this fabric that sits under the bust.

Ms. Red Flashback Part 4: an old Penelope Red postcard

I have always said I am not the best illustrator, but when I try, I can do it. The above postcard started off as a lead pencil drawing, A3 size, of a woman wearing a corset. I then coloured it in in black marker. Once it was photographed, I loaded it into adobe illustrator, and created the hard black line- to make it look like a comic.

I had only just learnt how to use Illustrator and I wanted to experiment! So this postcard is one of the designs I created. I did this about three years ago. The postcards for Penelope Red have changed, but I still like this one as well.

Ms. Red Flashback Part 3: photos of my work from previous years.

The following designs were photographed by my good friend and I a few years ago. We had lots of fun taking photos, creating the look, and playing around with the jewellery. All of these photos were taken in my home.







This is where my designs really started to evolve, I believe. I started to drift away from the corsets, and started experimenting with adding the contrasting panels into other designs.

Included in the above images:
1. Vintage Hounds-tooth Vest and Black and Ivory Check Wool Fluted Skirt.

2. Black and Ivory Decadance Corset with the Navy and Black Organza Squiggle Skirt.

3. Vintage Hounds-tooth Vest and Black and Ivory Check Wool Fluted Skirt.

4. Black and Ivory Decadance Corset with the Navy and Black Organza Squiggle Skirt.

Ms. Red Flashback: photos of my work from previous years.

The following photos are of designs I created a few years back. I think it is fun to look back and see how much my designs have evolved, how much the photo shoot process has changed, and remember the happy customers who bought these designs.


Above, the Pocahontas Bustier and Poppy Jeans. Below: the Mucha Pants and Jade Nouveau Corset.



The Pocahontas Catsuit and the Bright Swirls Catsuit.

Around Paddington Markets, I was known for my corsets and catsuits. I have always loved wearing both styles and when I first decided to sell my designs I wanted to sell items that no one else was making. I wanted show stoppers!

The various Penelope Red corsets have made it many different countries by now: Germany, England, France, Brasil, America, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and more.

The Penelope Red catsuits are a little more exclusive, so not many have been made. The Bright Swirls Catsuit (RHS) has been taken back to to Tokyo, and I simply had to keep one of these catsuits so the Pocahontas Catsuit (LHS) is mine, and I still receive comments on it whenever I wear it even now- 4 years later.




The White corset was very popular- one of my best corsets. I sold 4 copies of this in the one day!



The Carmen corset was all about having lots of fun, and experimenting with fabrics. They were quite a hit!



It is crazy to think that I have handmade so many pieces over the years! There will be more Penelope Red flashbacks to follow.

I now sell my latest designs at the Rocks Markets, Sydney. To find out more information, please visit the Penelope Red website.

Lorelle's Pink and Black One Shoulder Corset Dress

During this week, I finished hand making a custom order for one of my dear customer's, Lorelle.

Lorelle and her sister Leanne, wanted one of my corset dresses each to wear to a family wedding in January 2011. Leanne instantly loved the Silver Floral Corset Dress, and coincidentally the size 10 fitted her perfectly.

Lorelle originally wanted a corset dress like the Black Citrus Corset Dress, but since Leanne was already wearing the same shape, I suggested that I design on especially for her!

Introducing the Pink and Black One Shouldered Corset Dress!




I thought you may like to see a few photos of me creating this beautiful dress!

Below, staring to sew the outer fabrics together.



The dress itself has 3 layers: outer fabric (either Pink cotton/elastane print, or black ribbed poly blend), fusing then bright pink lining.


Above, preparing the corset- sewing interfacing to one of the corset pieces. The corset has four layers: outer black ribbed fabric, interfacing, interlining (where the boning sits) and lining.



Above, the back of the dress. Note that all seams are matched!



Pressing the back, above.


Above, adding the invisible zip.


Sewing through a few layers of the corset to secure the boning in place.



Above, inside the back, where the invisible zip sits, and the bright pink lining contrasts the black!



Above, sewing the lining together.


And under-stitching the neckline so the black fabric stays rolled under.



You can also read about another lady's feedback, who wore the Silver Floral Corset Dress to her daughter's wedding, here.



I am looking forward to seeing some photos from the wedding day ladies!

My Personal Penelope Red Outfits: A look inside my wardrobe!

Above, my Blue Indian-inspired corset dress. It features one-shoulder, gold sequinned beading, and a scarf hanging from the shoulder. I LOVE this dress, and I can't wait for another opportunity to wear it. I feel like a million dollars wearing it!

When I am at the markets, I tell a lot of my customers that virtually my whole wardrobe is Penelope Red. If it isn't Penelope Red, then it is a pair of jeans, vintage pieces, or something that I bought over seas.



Since I am the designer, I feel it is important to wear my own designs... for one thing, it is self promotion, but really, it isn't about that. I design what I want to wear- not what I think would sell. I dream up my ideas in my head, and it is up to me to transfer them to a 3-D object.



The above outfit was worn to the Tessuti Awards 2009. My Black and Lace Winter Dress makes me feel so special! I recently wore this to a wedding.

I love wearing something entirely different to everyone else, and also showing off what I can do!

I think it is also important to try out each style, and work out if it is comfortable; if it fits perfectly; if it needs adjusting.

So, in this posting I have included a few of my favourite Penelope Red outfits.




The above design was for a bush wedding; this red halter dress was a comfortable and beautiful dress, which could easily be worn with my flat sandles.



Yes, the above photo really was shot in Paris! I had planned to go to Europe at the end of their winter. I started to realise before I left that I would be freezing without a coat. I had this wool lying around, that my sister gave me, so I decided to create this coat before I left- I had 4 days before I was leaving! I wore it constantly, and I still wear it today, 5 years on!



Ok, so the little jacket is not Penelope Red, but the skirt is. I have constantly worn this skirt- I have lost count how many times... atleast 50 times. The hubby and I toured Moscow and St. Petersburg, and this is one of the outfits I constantly wore.



Above, the same coat I made before I left for Europe, and this photo was shot in Rome!



This orange top was worn constantly last summer, with my jeans or my black leather mini skirt (a fantastic vintage purchase!).



The Pink Victorian Corset would have to be one of my best ever designs. I have worn mine so many times, and receive comments on it constantly!


My Blue Squiggle Organza skirt was made from a stunning vintage fabric. There was only enough fabric to make one more of these skirts, which has been sold to a lady in Canada!


I made the above vest/blouse especially for this wedding. I started off with one idea, and then it changed as I created it- like most of my designs. This vest always receives many comments when it is worn, so I hope I can wear it again in the coming Summer.



The Penelope Red Black Chiffon Bow Tie Blouse is a top that I wear weekend after weekend! This photo was taken at the Observatory Hotel, having High Tea with a friend.



This was an interesting day (above). My hubby and I went to the Fifties Fair, at Rose Seidler house. I decided to go in Fifties inspired Penelope Red!



My Emerald and Ivory Coat keeps me so cosy and warm in Winter, but I also feel so glamorous, as soon as I put it on! This would have to be one of my all-time favourite designs.


My Coral Kimono (above)... I love it with my black pants, and a sexy heel. One of my friends said to me, "Penny, your wardrobe is like Austin Powers's wardrobe! So much colour..."

I just laughed at that- it made me happy. I can't help it- I love colour! She said that all she has in her wardrobe is black or grey.



One of my favourite dresses, the very first Penelope Red Winter Dress.


Dancing the night away in my Pink Victorian Corset!




I decided to put the above photo last. The girls in this photo I have known since I was 13 or younger. They have seen me in my daggy-est moments, but they have also accepted my style from a young age! I can still remember sitting in maths class, and designing formal dresses, and they all supported me in one way or another while I was designing for my end of school project, or while I was in college, stressing out!

So here's to another couple of decades of my style and fashion!