I love re-working vintage garments, and imagining the stories behind each one. In Isabel’s case however, I got to hear some of the history firsthand. Twenty-some years ago, Isabel’s mother was traveling in Paris, and found this beautiful red velvet dress at a vintage market. She brought it home with her, where it lived in a closet. Eventually, Isabel was born, and grew up, and decided to wear the red velvet dress to her high school senior prom.

It’s a gorgeous dress, but despite Isabel’s slender frame, was a couple inches too small from the waist and up through the bodice. Luckily, the skirt was pleated at the center back’s waist, so I changed the depth of the pleats to increase the waist’s circumference.

To highlight Isabel’s back, I re-cut the back of the bodice to the waist.

Finally, I re-did the front darts, removing the excess across the bust by creating princess seams.

Isabel looks stunning, and she now has a beautiful dress that was only 20 plus years in the making! 🙂

Do you have a legacy vintage piece? Give us a call to schedule an appointment at (202)567-7668 or email us at info@gingerrootdesign.com and we can help brainstorm!
*Tailoring by appointment only, closed Wednesdays and Sundays.