Ms. Red Flashback part 8: photos of my previous work

This was the first ever professional photo shoot that featured my Penelope Red designs. It was so exciting to see my designs come alive in front of the camera, and it gave me the confidence to start dreaming BIG!


The designs featured in this collection are a part of "The Red Sun Collection", which can be found on the Penelope Red Website.


I am currently organising another shoot for the Spring/Summer Collection for 2011-2012, and it is nice to look back and see where the Penelope Red photo shoots started.


I was lucky to work with some very talented people in this shoot:

Photography: Milena from I Love Wednesdays
MUA: Nat Biller Make Up
Model: Amy Lyn Cage


The designs included in this collection:

Photo 1- Coral Kimono

Photo 2- Tokyo Sydney Wrap Around Catsuit in a floral print

Photo 3- Monet Printed Pleated Blouse & White Flared Shorts

Photo 4- Black on Black Bustier Top & Mint Blue Skies Skirt

Photo 5- Orange Floral Corset

Photo 6- Paris Bow Top

Photo 7- Vintage Printed Kimono

All of these designs have been sold out- of course- and I have created more exciting designs since. You can find more designs available to purchase in the Penelope Red Australian Dollar Big Cartel Online Shop or the American Dollar USD Etsy Online Shop.

Ms. Red Flashback part 6: photos of my previous work

A few years ago, a friend asked me to create the bridesmaid dresses for her wedding. She wanted black, and the fabric that she chose suited the look and the girls perfectly. There was a little scalloped edge on the fabric, but it would've been wasted by leaving it on the hem, and since the the neckline was curved, I had to think of something else. So I cut the scalloped edge off from the hem, then appliqued it on around the neckline.



Each dress had around 30 glass buttons at the back, and a lace up corset on the inside to secure the dress in place. The strapless corset dress always suits so many different shapes, and is such a classic look.



It is hard to believe now that it was 3 years ago! I think the bride and groom must've only just celebrated their anniversary, so congratulations to Al and Al!


Below, Marie and I at the wedding reception. I am wearing a pink, mint, and cream vest I made- which I still wear now (and I received comments from 2 complete strangers two nights ago when I wore it to the opera).





These photos were taken in the beautiful GPO at Martin Place.

Customers wearing Penelope Red Corset Dresses

In December I featured a posting about creating a pink and black one-shouldered corset dress. It was a custom order for a lady who wanted to wear it to a wedding. Lorelle's sister, Leanne, had already purchased the Penelope Red Silver Floral Corset Dress, and I designed the pink one-shoulder dress specifically for Lorelle.



Well, I now have some lovely photos from the wedding day, of the ladies wearing their Penelope Red!



Don't they look so sophisticated and elegant!?




If you would like to take a look at the making of the Pink and Black One shouldered Corset Dress, the posting is here.

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!

Feedback for The Penelope Red Silver Floral Corset Dress

A lovely customer (Leticia) from Pennsylvania, in the USA, asked me to create a Silver Floral Corset Dress so she could wear it to her daughter's wedding.

I am hoping to receive photos from Leticia soon, from the day. For now, I have attached a few images of me wearing a copy of the dress.

Leticia made my day today, as she wrote some wonderful feedback to me:

"Penelope,

I have to tell you that my daughter's wedding was the most wonderful night of my life. We celebrated the event in a big way and the memories are wonderful.

I have to thank you for the dress. I told you it made me feel like dancing when I tried it on...and did we dance! I cannot say enough about the craftsmanship of the dress. It was impeccable! Not only did it fit well, but it was the most comfortable item of clothing I have ever worn! If anyone is thinking about getting this dress, they should not hesitate! I did, but am more than glad that I had it made!

I paired it with some pewter shoes, and at the church, a pewter scarf (my daughter wanted my shoulders covered) and received so very many compliments on the dress! Thank you for making the night so special!! I will remember you if I need another special dress!"

Leticia



It makes me so happy to read about other people having unforgettable moments while wearing my designs!

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!