bellissimacouturefashions

Dear Friends

I know, it has been soooo long since BCF held an event.  Getting ready for the Barbie Convention is always a big undertaking and other things have to go on hold.   Also, the Integrity Convention is fast approaching in September.

But I know that many fans of BCF cannot attend conventions, so I have been dreaming of holding another online event with all of you in mind. 

When trying to come up with a theme and asking the opinions of friends, the words that kept coming up were “elegant,” “vintage” and “pretty.”  That last word came up a lot.  So the theme of this event is “pretty.” 

I like to think that everything I make is pretty, but there are certain fashions that are just more pretty than others, right?  So expect lots of vintage accents like bows, flowers, lace, sashes, and sparkle.

Please join me on Wednesday, August 8th at 3:00 pm right here!  I hope that you all can stop in to see what’s new and perhaps pick up a fashion!

I was so thrilled to be asked to contribute a doll to the Golden Ticket Bon Voyage event at this summer’s Barbie Convention (for more information on this very cool event, look here).  I had been looking forward to the theme of the Grand Tour for two years, so I immediately knew that I wanted Barbie to have a Stateroom and a travel wardrobe.  The wardrobe, I could handle, but for the Stateroom there was only one place to turn, and that was to Maryann Roy, of Welcome Home.  And boy, did she deliver!  Here are some sneak peeks of the set that we created.  It was such a fun project and we hope that you love it as much as we do.  If you are attending the Barbie Convention this summer you will receive 20 Golden Tickets and 20 chances to win this set!

We start with the Stateroom itself.  It is cozy and elegant with a tufted daybed that also has ample storage space under the cushion.  Two brightly patterned armchairs flank a chic lucite coffee table and a cozy rug underfoot makes slippers optional.  The best part of all?  All of the furniture can be packed away in the Paris-themed storage trunk!

And here is Barbie herself, relaxing in her Stateroom and looking elegant in a Parisian ensemble in cream, figured silk that she has packed to wear to the Moulin Rouge.  The top is trimmed with a pale blue tulle ruffle at the hem and a blue silk bow at the waist.  Barbie’s  makeup and her stunning red hair has been re-styled by Maryann.  Her red leather carry-on bag, floral arrangement, Eiffel Tower and travel brochures are also included.

Here, Barbie models a chic daytime look for site-seeing in London.  She is wearing a sheath dress made from Liberty of London, that city’s most iconic fabric.  Her chic straw handbag, turquoise pumps and stylish sunglasses complete the look.

During her visit to Rome, Barbie plans to wear this casual ensemble of chartreuse silk noil capri pants and a bright, summery floral blouse in Liberty of London cotton.  Her hair is kept in place with a knotted floral headscarf, even if her plans include a ride through the busy Roman streets on a Vespa!

Finally, Barbie models her elegant evening coat ensemble in cream and pale gold floral silk brocade, lined in pale pink silk, that she plans to wear to the ballet in St. Petersburg.  A pale pink silk petal hat tops off the ensemble.

All dolls will be sold on a first come, first served basis.  Sorry, no holds or trades at this time.

I have priced the dolls by checking on recently completed auctions on Ebay, but I am happy to take offers, so don’t be afraid to ask.  Prices do not include shipping, which will be calculated according to location and size of package.

If you would like to purchase a doll, email me at

hildaewestervelt@gmail.com

Thank you!

POPPY PARKER

Ask Any Girl Giftset NRFB: $400.00 SOLD

I Love How You Love Me NRFB: $450.00 SOLD

Forget-Me-Not RED HEAD, De-Boxed, but complete and perfect: $350.00: SOLD

Forget-Me-Not BRUNETTE, De-Boxed, but complete and perfect: $350.00: SOLD

Holiday in the Hamptons, De-Boxed and almost complete; includes romper with sneakers, blue shirt and green pants, black dress, blue shoes: $275.00 SOLD

Summer Magic, De-Boxed but complete: $175.00 SOLD

In the Air NRFB: $200.00 SOLD

Reluctant Debutante, De-Boxed but complete: $250.00

The Look of Love NRFB: $200.00 SOLD

Pillow Talk, De-Boxed but complete: $175.00 SOLD

Tears Go By, De-Boxed: Complete except for stockings: $225.00 SOLD

Sunset Rave Ayumi, NRFB: $175.00

Lady In Waiting Dania NRFB: $150.00

2011 Point of Departure Eugenia Giftset NRFB: $275.00 SOLD

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. 

Q&A With Barbie Doll Fashion Designer Hilda Westervelt

xo Hilda

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.

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!

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!

“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.

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

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.