bellissimacouturefashions

I entered the Advanced Design Competition at the Integrity Toys Convention this year.  We were asked to create a gown for the red carpet.  When planning my design I first chose my model, the lovely Victoire.  I wanted to recreate a gown from the glamorous 1950s, using the most elegant materials I could find, as well as couture techniques.  The dramatic photographs are the work of Maryann Roy, who also styled Victoire’s hair with a delicate silver and Swarovski crystal hair ornament.

The gown is a fitted column in blue-grey silk, overlaid with silver French lace that I found in Paris.  A band of silk and a ruffle of tulle accent the bustline.  A scattering of tiny iridescent sequins are hand sewn onto the lace, catching the light.  A voluminous train of sparkle tulle accented with a large bow detail is an extravagant finishing touch.

I was very touched by the overwhelming support that my design received from collectors at the convention, and promised that it would be available to purchase.  I am doing something different with this fashion and am holding a 2 day silent auction.  Please email me with your bid before 10 pm Pacific time on Thursday, November 7.  I will contact the highest bidder after the end of the auction.  I will also contact the non winning bidders.

The auction includes the gown and hair ornament.  It does not include doll, shoes, gloves or jewelry.  The gown was fitted to Victoire Roux, but will also fit Silkstones and similar dolls.

If you have any questions or would like to place a bid, please email me at

hildaewestervelt@gmail.com

Just in time for the rainy fall weather, Victoire models a Burberry sheath and trench coat.  The trench is made of black silk taffeta and is fully lined with Burberry Rose plaid silk.  Tiny red faceted glass buttons add a pop of color to the coat and bring out the red stripe in the plaid.  A slim Burberry Rose silk sheath dress sports a narrow black silk bow belt.

If you are interested in ordering this fashion, please email me at

hildaewestervelt@gmail.com

$125.00 (edition of 5) SOLD OUT

Victoire glows in this flirtatious gown. The dropped waist, strapless bodice is in pale pink silk taffeta with a black silk taffeta band and bow detail under the bust.  A voluminous black chiffon floral skirt invites flouncing and flirting.

If you are interested in ordering this fashion, please email me at

hildaewestervelt@gmail.com

$85.00

Barbie is ready for fall in her new job at an advertising agency in this super stylish wiggle dress.  The fabric is a fine grey herringbone tweed wool.  The shawl collar is decorated with a tiny black diamante poodle brooch, while the skirt sports a band and bow detail in dark red silk.

This fashion will also fit Vintage Barbie, Poppy Parker, etc

If you are interested in purchasing this fashion, please email me at

hildaewestervelt@gmail.com

$80.00 (edition of 4) SOLD OUT

Verushka models an ice blue silk cocktail dress overlaid with the finest silver Alençon French lace from Paris.  An over sized bow decorates the hip.  This is a very special dress for your favorite model.

If you are interested in purchasing this fashion, please email me at

hildaewestervelt@gmail.com

$90.00

Give me Liberty or give me…more Liberty!

I can never have enough Tana Lawn from Liberty of London.  A few days ago I received three new floral prints and I took a break from commissions to make these cute little floral sheath dresses. 

Liberty of London Tana Lawn is pure cotton, but has a silky, delicate hand that is more luxurious than any other cotton fabric you have ever experienced.  Each dress has a contrasting bow belt in silk satin for sheen and elegance.

If you are interested in purchasing a Liberty sheath, please email me at

hildaewestervelt@gmail.com

$75.00 each

Betsy Ann in Pink

This is a new pattern from Liberty and I just love the colors and tiny floral.  Classic and sweet.

Felicite in Teal

I adore this retro floral in shades of blue and green with pops of cherry red. 

Thorpe in Sage

This is such a striking, unusual color combination of greys, pinks and olive green.

This is one of the most beautiful fabrics that I have ever worked with. It is a fine silk brocade in a pure shade of raspberry pink, woven with pure white.  The white pattern against the shimmer of the pink results in a shimmering frosted effect. 

The shawl collar beautifully frames the face and a tiny Eiffel Tower pin adds sparkle.  Tiny pearl buttons decorate the front of the jacket and a large, white silk satin bow nestles in the small of the back.

An extravagant flower hat is the perfect finishing touch.

If you are interested in purchasing this fashion, please email me

hildaewestervelt@gmail.com

$110.00 ( Edition of 5) SOLD OUT

While vacationing, Miss Poppy Parker is a vision of loveliness in a shell pink silk taffeta column gown with a black lace overblouse.  The gown is strapless with a softly gathered waist, decorated with a small bow.  The sleeveless black lace overblouse is a sophisticated option, but the dress is equally stunning without, especially if you add a dramatic necklace.

Miss Parker’s hair and makeup is the work of the incomparable Matt Sutton.

This fashion includes the gown and lace overblouse.  It does not include jewelry or gloves.  This fashion will also fit Silkstones and Victoire.

If you are interested in purchasing this fashion, please email me at

hildaewestervelt@gmail.com

$100.00 (Edition of 4) SOLD OUT

Just before I left for the Barbie Convention last week, I received the much anticipated “Buenos Aires” Victoire from Integrity Toys.  I love her platinum hair pulled back into a sleek, braided bun.  Her vivid turquoise eye makeup and classic red lip color inspired me to make her this stylish suit from robin’s egg blue boucle tweed.

Victoire is going out for lunch in the ultra chic seaside resort of Biarritz, wearing a new suit. The nubby fabric is full of texture and colorful threads woven throughout, so I chose to use a classic silhouette and to leave it simple, letting the fabric do most of the talking.  The shawl collar frames Victoire’s lovely face.  Pearl buttons decorate the jacket and a gold bow brooch adorns the collar.  The large turquoise blue floral hat is an extravagant finisher.

If you are interested in purchasing this fashion, please email me at

hildaewestervelt@gmail.com

$110.00 SOLD OUT

Warm summer weather and a golden tan are the perfect combination for this ensemble made from rosy shell pink and coral French silk brocade. 

The cropped jacket has a feminine rounded collar and delicate pearl buttons and is fully lined in pale coral silk dupioni. 

The slim sheath dress has a creamy silk eyelet top, coral brocade skirt and coral silk sash and bow detail at the waist.  An extravagant coral flower hat is the perfect topper for this elegant summer suit.

If you are interested in purchasing this suit, please email me

hildaewestervelt@gmail.com

$110.00 (Edition of 3) SOLD OUT