Check out the post about Bellissima Couture on fashion blog “OverDressed for Life” by Moya Stone. Thank you so much for taking an interest in my fashions, Moya.
xo Hilda
An English Garden Party
I have had a love affair with Liberty of London fabrics since I was a little girl. My mother treasured her Liberty blouses and scarves, and she passed that love on to me. When I started sewing for myself I would save my money to buy Liberty fabrics. It was the most expensive fabric in the shop, and in those days the fabric was only 29 inches wide (as opposed to 45 or even 60 inches wide) and one directional, meaning that it took twice as much fabric to make a garment out of Liberty than a less exulted fabric. But the look and feel of the fabric was unmistakable. Anyone who knew fashion would recognize a Liberty fabric. It is the best of the best, and has been for over a century.
Even Target has recognized the ageless appeal of Liberty, introducing a collection that sold out almost immediately in 2010. While the prints at Target were Liberty, the fabric was not. I can’t describe how delicious real Tana Lawn feels…you will just have to see for yourself. So what is so special about this fabric? What’s it all about?
In 1875, draper Arthur Lasenby Liberty opened his first shop on Regent Street. Selling high quality oriental silks, ornaments and objets d’art from the East, it attracted a discerning clientele with a taste for the foreign and the exotic. The artists Ruskin, Rosetti and Whistler were among Liberty’s first customers. Soon the store began to manufacture and print its own fabrics, with designs by artists like William Morris. With their high quality silks and satins and their subtle and artistic colours, Liberty prints were highly regarded as dress fabrics, especially during the years from 1890 to 1920. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Liberty had a considerable influence on contemporary trends in style and design, such as the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau, which was so closely associated with the store that it became known in Italy as “Stile Liberty”.
Liberty of London Tana lawn has a tight weave and a high thread count. The fabric gets its name from Lake Tana in the Sudan, where this special hybrid Egyptian cotton is grown. Once the cotton is harvested–by hand–the real magic begins. Using copper rollers, which make it possible to print very fine lines, Liberty of London creates some of the finest cotton fabrics in the world.
These prints are each a limited edition and once they are gone that’s it. Liberty comes out with new collections every year. Liberty of London is one of the oldest design houses still designing today.
Because of my love of these fabrics, this group of fashions is particularly special to me. I have had some of these pieces in my fabric collection for more than 20 years. Several of these fashions are pieced together from the smallest scraps of Tana Lawn, many of which are no longer in print. Therefore, only one of each of these fashions is available.
If you are interested in purchasing a fashion, please email me at hildaewestervelt@gmail.com
Please give your first and second (or even third) choice when emailing to ensure that you get a fashion that you want. Fashions will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
These fashions are fitted to the Silkstone Barbie body, but will also fit other dolls of similar size, as you can see.
All fashions will ship immediately. Shipping is $5.00 for Domestic, $17.00 for International. (Sorry, but International shipping just took a huge price leap.)
So Enjoy! Remember, all fashions are limited to one piece only.
Lodden Coat Ensemble: $120.00 SOLD
A shawl collared coat in spring green silk twill with faceted green crystal buttons tops this slim sheath in the classic Liberty Art Nouveau print “Lodden.” A spring green sash and creamy gardenia decorate the waist. The fascinator hat is included.
Art Nouveau Pink and Grey Coat Ensemble: $120.00
This sheath is in a classic Art Nouveau print in shades of pale pink, rose pink, and grey with a rose silk cummerbund. A gorgeous coat in rose pink and grey micro checked silk brocade has tiny faceted silver grey crystal buttons. A pink hat swathed in pale pink tulle and trimmed with a pale grey rose tops off the ensemble.
Blue and Aqua Suit: $110.00
I LOVE this fabric, and sadly this is the last of it. I think I only had a fat quarter in the first place. I haven’t been able to find out the name of the fabric, but it is so delicate and beautiful. The sheath is decorated at the waist with an aqua silk taffeta sash and bow. Pale aqua silk noil makes up the jacket, which has covered buttons and a floral lining to match the sheath.
Picardie Suit: $110.00 SOLD
This retro floral is part of Liberty’s Spring 2012 collection and was inspired by the film “A Clockwork Orange.” A cropped magenta noil jacket with a round collar has covered buttons and floral lining, matching the sheath.
Hot Pink Floral Suit: $110.00 SOLD
A bright pink silk noil cropped jacket with covered buttons and floral lining, matching the sheath. A vivid green cummerbund gives a pop of color.
Betsy Sheath Dress: $65.00 SOLD
This print was originally designed by Liberty in 1933 and is one of the most iconic patterns still today. I made this sheath from scraps left over from a sheath dress that I made for myself when I was in my early 20s and living in New York City. So fresh for summer!
Wild Rose Sheath Dress: $65.00 SOLD
This navy fabric is scattered with deep red wild roses and leaves in shades of gold, green, and turquoise. A dark red silk cummerbund is the perfect accent.
“Pinks” Party Dress: $75.00 SOLD
Our house had an incredible garden when I was growing up and one of my very favorite flowers were the miniature carnations known as “Pinks.” That is probably why I love this fabric so much. Covered in pink “Pinks” and their distinctive blue-ish green stems and leaves, it reminds me so much of these spicy fragrant flowers that flourished in my father’s garden. A scalloped tulle petticoat in turquoise blue peeks out from the hem. The pink fascinator is included.
Poppy and Daisy Party Dress: $75.00 SOLD
This print was designed for Liberty in 1974 and comes in many color combinations. The bright red poppies are the focal point. A scalloped red tulle underskirt peeks out from the hem. The bright yellow fascinator with white flocked tulle veil is included.
Ellie Ruth Party Dress: $75.00 SOLD
This retro floral dating to 1961 is part of Liberty’s Spring 2012 collection. The colors are so unusual; red, French blue, turquoise and teal. I just love them! I wanted to bring out the teal, so I chose to make the bow and belt in dark teal silk. A red scalloped tulle underskirt peeks out from the hem. This is such a striking color combination for summer!
Anemone Party Dress: $75.00 SOLD
A gorgeous floral in shades of blue and purple, featuring anemones. The blue anemone fascinator is included.
Rose Print Party Dress: $75.00 SOLD
I adore this new Liberty fabric, cream decorated with stylized woodblock roses. The tones are subtle, but so enchanting. The scalloped tulle petticoat is in a sparkle cranberry shade, which is also the veil of the fascinator. A single cream rose crowns the ensemble. A cranberry silk belt and bow accents the waist.
A New Event from Bellissima Couture is Coming in One Week!
Tuesday, April 24th, 8:00 pm
“An English Garden Party”
This event will celebrate the fabulous florals of Liberty of London, in summery sheaths and romantic party dresses. And what would an English party be like without lots of hats?
- This will be a mini event, with only one of each fashion available.
Here is a photo showing only a fraction of the numerous florals that have been made by Liberty over the years!
News from Bellissima Couture
I returned from the Grant a Wish Convention last night. What a blast! The convention is small and low key. There is plenty of time to visit with friends. It is so well run. The highlight of the event is the live auction on Friday night. This year there were more than 20 OOAK artist dolls and countless other contributions. In all, the auction raised more than $23,000.00! Kudos to Kim Schultz, who organized the auction, and Dwayne Adle and Paul Bruce, the wonderful auctioneers.
This year I was part of a collaboration with two incredibly talented artists; Vin Trapani of Vincent Anthony Repaints, and Maryann Roy of Welcome Home. The theme of this year’s convention was Broadway Glamour, so we wanted to make something really special. We decided on a custom wardrobe/dressing room for the star, a silkstone painted by Vin. Maryann created her dressing room and I provided the wardrobe of three outfits. Here are a few photos of our collaboration, taken by Vin.
I am delighted to report that our contribution earned $1,600.00 for charity! Needless to say, we are all thrilled!
Now that I am back from GAW, the National Barbie Convention is the next big event. I have exciting plans for my Golden Ticket contribution, 2 Centerpiece doll donations and Raffle Room donation! Not to mention making table gifts and 100+ fashions for salesroom and room sales! YIKES! I had better get busy!
But first, I will be holding a fun online mini event on Tuesday, April 24th, at 8:00 pm EST. The theme is “An English Garden Party.” Stay tuned for more details!
Two More Weeks…
“Remember Don … when God closes a door, he opens a dress.”
Roger Sterling
If you know me at all, then you know that I adore Mad Men and that it inspires my work so much that a number of my fashions are named after characters in the show. Since Mad Men returns to AMC in just two weeks, I thought I would do a post dedicated to the fashions that I have made since this amazing show hit the air.
This dress is inspired by a dress worn by Joan Holloway in season 2. I call it “Joanie’s Green Office Dress.” It is not very visible in this photograph, but under the split in the neckline are two covered buttons.
Here is the original
Generally, I make clothes that are inspired by the original outfits, but modified for 1/6 scale. Sometimes, I like to improvise on classic styles from the period that I think are reminiscent of particular characters, such as this suit that I call the “Betty Suit.” This photo was taken by Maryann Roy. Most of my favorite shots of my fashions are actually taken by other people, especially Maryann. She also makes the incredible rooms that these dolls live in.
Behind every successful man is a well dressed woman.
This is another photo taken by Maryann. She originally took it for the article on Mad Men that we collaborated on for FDQ Winter 2010. It didn’t end up appearing in the article, but I have always loved it.
This is a dress that was inspired by promo pictures of Betty Draper that came out advertising Season 4 of Mad Men.
Joan Holloway has become a fashion icon, due in large part to the way her curves filled out her little red wiggle dress that debuts in season one and continues to appear, in a variety of manifestations, in the following seasons. This photo is also taken by Maryann Roy, who also made the office and did all the styling, even Joan’s hairstyle! This was long before Mattel came out with the Mad Men Silkstones, so we improvised. I adore Maryann’s Joan!
The Wiggle Dress has become a stock character in my rotation of Mad Men Fashions. Here are a few variations. Both photographs were taken by Maryann Roy.
This dress style was also inspired by Joan, although she doesn’t wear anything exactly like it in the shows. We tend to see Joan either at work, when she wears dresses with sleeves and conservative necklines, or at home when she wears pajamas or pedal pushers. But this is what I imagine Joan would wear for a night out on the town. The Joan Dress.
Finally, this is the iconic Peggy dress from the beginning of Season 2. Peggy has her figure back and wears this very smart black and white checked dress. Here, she can be seen with Pete Campbell, the man she loves to hate, in the hallway of Sterling Cooper. Photo taken by Maryann Roy, who also styled the Secretary Silkstone to look like Peggy Olson.
Springtime in Paris
Welcome to Springtime in Paris, Bellissima Couture’s third online event.
I have had a love affair with Paris since the first time I visited at the age of 20. Two years later, I spent a year living in France, traveling all over the country studying Medieval Romanesque churches. Paris was always a welcome respite from my travels. Many of the fashions below were named either for a famous Paris landmark or a famous song about Paris.
I am sure that many of us wish that we could attend the doll show in Paris this weekend but are unable to, myself included! So instead, I bring Paris to you!
Enjoy!
All of the fashions you see here were fitted to the Silkstone Barbie body, but will also fit many different body types, as you can see.
If you are interested in purchasing any of these fashions, please send me an email at hildaewestervelt@gmail.com
Fashions will be sold on a first come, first served basis. If you have a first and second choice, please let me know right away so that you have a better chance of getting a fashion that you want. I will try to update the website as quickly as possible.
- Shipping in the USA is $5.00. International is $15.00.
- FASHIONS ARE MADE TO ORDER AND WILL SHIP IN APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS. Because all garments are handmade there may be some variation in placement of patterns, embroidery, beading, etc, but every effort is made to make fashions as similar as possible.
LET THE FASHION SHOW BEGIN!
Versailles: SOLD OUT
This dramatic print in bright pink and black on white canvas is the epitome of Parisian opulence. The shawl collared coat is fully lined in bright pink silk dupioni and sports faceted jet buttons. The complementary sheath dress is made of black and white checked silk taffeta with a bright pink silk cummerbund and bow to match the lining of the coat. (edition of 3)
$120.00
Les Macarons: SOLD OUT
French Macarons are not like anything we have in the United States. They are not made with coconut, but are rather like a meringue fortified with ground almonds. These dreamy little rounds come in a rainbow of colors and flavors and it is the pictures of French macarons that inspired a large part of my color palette for this collection.
The coat is made from an adorable print from Japan that is sprinkled with colorful macarons in luscious hues. It is lined in iridescent rose silk taffeta. A simple sheath dress in dusky amethyst silk with a rose silk cummerbund completes the look. A Swarovski crystal brooch adds a touch of sparkle.
The divine miniature French macarons shown in the photo with this ensemble were made by the talented Maria of MIO Designs and can be purchased in her shop on Etsy.
(edition of 3)
$120.00
Sous le ciel de Paris (Under the Paris Sky): SOLD OUT
Another adorable fabric from Japan depicting a fanciful map of Paris makes up this coat in bright turquoise blue touched with sunny yellow, pink, white and red. The coat is fully lined in yellow and white checked taffeta, which also makes up the sheath dress. A white silk taffeta cummerbund and bow finishes off this delightful spring look. (edition of 2)
$120.00
Mon Paris: SOLD OUT
Pale rose canvas decorated with Parisian motifs is the fabric of this classic swing coat, fully lined in cranberry silk taffeta. A cranberry silk sheath with pale pink silk taffeta cummerbund and bow detail is the perfect accompaniment. A Swarovski crystal brooch adds sparkle. (edition of 3)
$120.00
Champs-Élysées: SOLD OUT
This smart suit is made from a textured black and white silk noil. The jacket is fitted through the torso and flares into a peplum. A bright pink rose brightens the collar, while tiny black faceted jet buttons and a bright pink silk bow belt accent the front of the jacket. A slim pencil skirt completes the look. (edition of 3)
$110.00
Ma vie en rose (my life in pink): SOLD OUT
This dramatic suit features a plunging decolletage, black faceted jet buttons and saucy flared peplum. a slim pencil skirt is the perfect complement to the jacket. The fabric is an exquisite iridescent silk brocade in rose pink from England. A bright pink rose and black flocked tulle fascinator hat included. (edition of 3)
$110.00
La Trompette: Both colors SOLD OUT
A simple and lovely day dress in silk noil, fitted through the torso and flaring into a flirty trumpet skirt. Gathered cap sleeves and a v-neckline complete the silhouette. This is a new design from Bellissima Couture and is available in pale lavender silk noil lined in pale pink silk taffeta, and pale aqua silk noil lined in mint green silk taffeta. Each dress comes with a matching band hat with flowers. (edition of 4)
$65.00
Place de la Concorde: SOLD OUT
A strapless mauve silk taffeta sheath dress with a pale pink silk cummerbund and sash. The sash is hand embroidered with a spray of yellow silk ribbon roses. (edition of 2)
$65.00
Montmartre: SOLD OUT
A classic sheath dress made exceptional by the gorgeous champagne and silver lace that is laid over an iridescent aqua silk taffeta. A band and bow detail defines the bust. (edition of 3)
$65.00
Absinthe: la fée verte (the Green Fairy):SOLD OUT
Absinthe was a wildly popular drink in Paris during the 19th century and both its bright green color and the feeling of euphoria it is said to produce led to its commonly being called la fée verte, or the green fairy. This silk brocade sheath dress in muted shades of champagne and green is brought to life by the opulent sparkle tulle overskirt in vivid citrine. Chartreuse glass beads decorate the shoulders. (edition of 2)
$65.00
Place de Vosges: SOLD OUT
This silk brocade sheath is scattered in flowers and features an exuberant purple sparkle tulle overskirt.
$65.00
Moulin Rouge: SOLD OUT
Inspired by the corsets and ruffles of the famous dancers of the Moulin Rouge, this elegant little ensemble is crafted from a ribbed silk in antiqued champagne. The fitted top is off the shoulder, gathered at the bust, and embellished with pale pink ruffled tulle at the hem of the peplum. A pale pink silk taffeta bow belt defines the waist, and a slim pencil skirt completes the ensemble. (edition of 3)
$65.00
La Confiserie (Sweet Shop): SOLD OUT
This confection of a dress is made from the palest pink silk taffeta. The dress features a fitted, dropped waist, off the shoulder bows, and full gathered skirt with a black tulle petticoat. The dress includes a hat featuring a large pale pink gardenia and black net veil. It would be a perfect bridesmaid dress to accompany the following fashion. (edition of 3)
$75.00
La Mariée (The Bride): SOLD OUT
Traditionally, a Paris fashion show ends with a wedding gown, and this collection is no exception. This classic vintage wedding gown is made from white silk dupioni. The bodice has a sweetheart neckline that can be glimpsed beneath the embroidered white organza overblouse. A silk band and flat bow decorate the hem of the cropped overblouse. The skirt is made full by 3 layers of stiff, scalloped tulle netting. An elegant silk band features a short veil in scalloped tulle and a large creamy white gardenia. (edition of 2)
$75.00
Save the Date! Springtime in Paris
Wednesday, March 7th, 8:00 p.m.
I have been really looking forward to this event since I adore Paris! I have some great fashions planned and I hope that the evening start time will make it easier for everyone to attend.
A Whirlwind Romance
Welcome to Bellissima Couture’s second online event, A Whirlwind Romance! For this event I was inspired by the themes of Love, Romance and Fairy Tales. I hope that you enjoy these fashions as much as I have enjoyed making them.
All of the fashions you see here were fitted to the Silkstone Barbie body, but will also fit many different body types, as you can see.
If you are interested in purchasing any of these fashions, please send me an email at hildaewestervelt@gmail.com
Fashions will be sold on a first come, first served basis. If you have a first and second choice, please let me know so that you have a better chance of getting a fashion that you want. I will try to update the website as quickly as possible. Fashions are made to order and will ship within 2 weeks.
Kiss from a Rose: Sold Out!
This vintage styled coat is made from an exquisite fabric of pink roses touched with lustrous pearl tones. It is fully lined with pale pink silk and sports pearl buttons. A slim, boatneck sheath in creamy silk eyelet is lined in pale pink silk, which shows through the eyelet. A pleated pink cummerbund decorates the waist, and pearls and pink beads embellish the shoulders. Edition of 2
$120.00
Chocolate Raspberry Truffle: SOLD OUT!
A classic swing coat with a nehru collar in a whimsical print of luxurious truffles, lined with raspberry pink silk. Touches of gold are picked up by gold filagree buttons. A full skirted chocolate brown silk party dress is decorated with a raspberry silk bow belt. A raspberry sparkle tulle petticoat peeks out from the hem of the dress. Edition of 2
$120.00
Briar Rose: SOLD OUT!
This fairy tale fashion is made from a whimsical Japanese fabric that is covered with charming motifs of shoes, castles, crowns and woodland creatures, all intertwined with the rose vines that cover the castle of the Sleeping Beauty. The colors are chocolate brown, rose pink and red, touched with gold. The coat is lined with rose pink silk shot with brown and gold buttons decorate the front. The classic sheath has the fairy tale print for the skirt and a pale pink silk top. A red silk belt with a gold buckle decorates the waistline. Edition of 2
$120.00
Be Mine:Sold out!
A rich, iridescent red silk taffeta cocktail dress with a sweetheart neckline is topped with a white lace organza over blouse trimmed with a red silk bow. A perfect Valentine! Edition of 2
$65.00
My Funny Valentine: SOLD OUT!
Adorable! I love this navy blue cotton print with swirling red ribbons and tiny Valentines and it works beautifully for this classic vintage day dress. Deep red silk taffeta makes up the rolled collar, which dips to a deep V in the back, and a red silk belt and gold buckle trims the waist. Edition of 2
$55.00
Barbie Girl: 2 available
Another day dress in pale pink cotton sprinkled with vintage shoes in black and white. Black and white checked silk taffeta for the collar and bow belt. Classic Barbie! Edition of 2
$55.00
I’m in the Mood for Love: SOLD OUT!
Black cotton sundress covered with vintage makeup and dressing table accessories in white. A deep red silk rolled collar sports a jaunty bow, while a red silk band accents the waist. Edition of 2
$55.00
Poppy in Wonderland: SOLD OUT!
Another adorable Japanese fairy tale fabric in robin’s egg blue covered with silhouettes from Alice in Wonderland in black and white, touched with gold. The front of the bodice has a placket with tiny pearl buttons. A white vintage eyelet apron finishes off the outfit with a touch of whimsy. Edition of 2
$55.00
Pink Champagne Sparkle: SOLD OUT!
A white silk brocade cocktail dress is richly beaded at the neckline in pink, silver and pearls. A pale pink sparkle tulle overskirt ties in the back. Intoxicating! Edition of 4
$65.00
Kir Royale: SOLD OUT!
Cocktail dress in silk brocade in shades of pink with a raspberry sparkle tulle overskirt. Luscious! Edition of 4
$65.00
Unforgettable: SOLD OUT!
This classic fitted suit in pale pink silk noil is truly special. The jacket is fitted through the waist and flares out in a peplum. Both the jacket and skirt are fully lined in pale pink silk satin. Gold and pearl buttons decorate the jacket and pale pink satin bow nestles in the small of the back. Edition of 2
$110.00
A Whirlwind Romance is Coming soon!
Please join me for a Whirlwind Romance on Wednesday, January 25th at 12:00 EST! I have been having a great time making fashions for you!
La Pivoine
SOLD
Peonies are a symbol of good fortune, as well as one of the most beautiful and extravagant flowers found in gardens all over the world. They have a sweet, delicate fragrance and come in many shades, including cream, pale pink, and peach. All of these colors combine in the fabric of this elegant coat ensemble, made to celebrate the new year.
People often ask me if it is difficult to find fabrics in a scale that works for such small garments. While finding tiny prints is challenging, I don’t hesitate to work with large prints as well, especially when they are as beautiful as this fabric. When a large print is used in this way, it takes on a different character entirely and becomes more about abstract shapes and beautiful colors than the actual pattern of the fabric itself.
I love the rich colors of the holidays, but when I sat down with my fabric stash to find a fabric for my first outfit of the new year, I was immediately drawn to this one. It brought to my mind the warmth of the sun in spring and the faint and elusive scent of peonies. The colors are subtle, but so lovely together. I chose a pale pink silk satin to line the coat. Large, creamy pearls are used as buttons and a vintage pink flower brooch with a pearl center adorns the coat’s shawl collar. The coat can be worn open or closed.
For the sheath, I wanted a simple, but elegant fabric that would complement the coat without competing with it. I chose a very special fabric, a cream silk eyelet, the color and luster of which picks up the shade and sheen of the large pearl buttons on the coat.
Finally, the hat! Made from silk peony petals, the center is decorated with a simple pearl, to match the coat’s buttons. The hat is attached to a flexible pink silk band that can be adjusted to fit your doll’s head.
While modeled on Betty Draper, a silkstone Barbie, this fashion will also fit similar dolls such as Monograms, Poppy Parker, and Fashion Royalty dolls.
La Pivoine includes the shawl collared coat, silk eyelet sheath and peony hat. Also included are cream gloves and pale pink slingback shoes from Dressmaker Details.
If you would like to add this fashion to your collection, please email me at
hildaewestervelt@gmail.com
$120.00 Sale Pending
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