New Fabrics for Autumn Winter Collection 2012

Since the upcoming Penelope Red Autumn/Winter Collection will be inspired by Picasso artworks and Ballet Russe costumes, you can imagine that there will be a lot of decoration, embellishment and decadence! I can't wait!



The images included in this posting show some of the fabrics I am planning to use in this collection.


I have been very lucky to obtain quite a few vintage fabrics.

-Photo 1: a vintage organza with a squiggle lined texture, and a red wool blend
-Photo 2: a vintage 100% wool check, and a cream stretch lace
-Photo 3: a vintage pleated organza in black, and a silver, black, cream and brown jacquard.



The above photo shows two wool blended fabrics that I will be blending together to make a design- the colours look amazing together!


Above, shows a black and blue jacquard, and a vintage red fringed metallic fabric- this fabric will be a real challenge to use, but i am looking forward to seeing what I can come up with!


I will be using a collection of vintage buttons, that have been handed down to me from my husband's family. Most of these buttons have come from Russia, so they will fit nicely in this theme!


Below is a brand new lace which I just simply LOVE! It is such a statement and very dramatic- so I had to have it for this collection!


I can't wait to start designing the new designs! They will be gradually created over the Summer break, and I will try to post my work-in-progress photos as I go.

Behind the scenes at The Red Flora Photo Shoot

Again, it has been a while since I last posted... I have been so busy creating a new collection of designs, and time just slips away!

So here are some snap shots from the behind the scenes of the latest photo shoot... and a few of the professional ones at the end.



We decided that curls, braids and flowers would go nicely with the clothing. To take a look at my inspiration for The Red Flora Collection, please look here.





I had this idea for a group shot, and it is always very hard to get what I have in my head, out into reality, but it worked!





We didn't realise during the middle of our shoot, that the children from the local school would be our backdrop! I think they had fun at least.




The idea was a sophisticated, Penelope Red picnic.





the park had these amazing views!




So from 8am til 3:30pm we fussed and worked our butts off- not to mention the numerous days of work I put in to create the designs.

And this is what we came up with... ( a little sneak peek of some of the shots):







Photographer: http://mattlanham.com/

Make Up Artist: Naomi Meyer, ph: 0411351322

Hair Stylist: Lisa Mitchison, ph: 0412776836

Models:

Letitia: http://www.modelmayhem.com/1793469

Carmen: http://www.modelmayhem.com/2132051

Ebony: http://www.modelmayhem.com/765640

Behind the scenes: Penelope Red Autumn Photo Shoot part 3

The following photos are a few more behind the scenes images from our photo shoot day for The Red Queen Collection! You can take a look at the previous postings of other behind the scenes photos here and here.

Above Chris and Lucy are creating the hair and make up for Monica's look!


Lucy P. in the Nephthys Black and White Silk Blouse and Monica in the Cleopatra Deco Gold Sequinned Top.


Make up artist, Lucy, applying fake eye lashes to Mariene. I loved Lucy's quote of the day: "More is more!"- we all agreed!


Above, Lucy P. wearing the Spinx Orange Blouse and the Hathor Olive Pants.


Above, Bryn, from BlueDoorsStudios is taking the group shot of the girls together. It takes a lot of work to get this shot looking its best- as you not only need to get the correct lighting, but all of the girl looking thier best at the exact same time!


the stunning jewellery pieces we borrowed from Shirley- a designer at The Rocks Markets. These are actually necklaces, but for some reason, they just felt so right to become head pieces!


The beautiful Mariene modeling the Olive Silk and Antique Lace Mermaids Dress.

More designs will be added to the Penelope Red shop online in Australian Dollars and American Dollars over the next few weeks. Some designs are already added!

The Strawberry Daiquiri Polka Dot Blouse

As part of my new summer collection, the Strawberry Daiquiri Polka Dot Blouse is a brand new Penelope Red design. Handmade from a 100% polyester bright red and cream polka dot satin, and bright blue satin binding. I love this top, as it really is such a versatile style, and suits so many body shapes.

It usually suits women with a small or large bust, as the pleating flatters someone with a small bust, but also allows extra room for a large bust (around a DD can usually fit into it).



I have enough fabric to make around 8 of these. Even though it is a polyester material, the fabric is so soft, most people confuse it for silk. The blue stripe satin binding around the under bust seam creates a very flattering line, and I like the fact that is completely contrasting and unexpected!

An invisible zip is at the side. It is the same style as the Monet Pleated Blouse, just without the keyhole at the centre back (Monet version shown below)



This style is great to wear with jeans, wear with a cute mini skirt, wear with panst or a skirt. Such a versatile style, and great for many occasions. A cocktail setting, a bbq, a party, shopping with your girlfriends, wear it to work- the list goes on!

1/1/10: The Strawberry Daiquiri Blouse has been listed in the Penelope Red etsy shop! More photos of this design can be seen in the etsy listing.

New Fabrics for Spring and Summer

I have some new and exciting prints to show you, which will feature in my new Spring/Summer designs for 2010 and 2011. I love colour, prints and retro inspirations, so these fabrics simply sang out to me as soon as I saw them!


1st print: a polished cotton. This print I will get in Aqua as well. You can take a look at the other colour-way on the blog here.




2nd print: a gorgeous red with polka dots polyester satin. I may even use a little of this during winter for some cute blouses!




3rd print: My textile agent said that she thought of me the moment they received it- is that saying something about my taste in prints or what? Anyone who knows my style, knows I love vivid and bold prints. I think this will be fabulous in a great dress, or perhaps a halter neck top.

New Summer Retro Fabrics: Vote for your favourite!

I visited my fabric supplier yesterday, and I am quite excited as they have a new print which I am in love with- I am just not sure which colour-way to get! In comes in a choice of three colour-ways, and they are pictured below.

1. RED



2. PINK



3. AQUA



I am loving the Pink colour-way and the aqua as well. So, I am now asking you, what do you think?

These fabrics will definitely come in handy for the summer, as I wanted to go back to my 60's and 70's retro styles- styles which I known for when I was selling at Paddington Markets. They are loads of fun to wear, and whenever I wear my catsuits, I feel like a million dollars!

Keep in mind that this fabric is a beautiful soft polished cotton, and I will probably make the following type of styles out of it...

1. Flared Pants like these:



2. Kimono



3. Catsuit



so please leave your comments! I would love to hear what you think!