Sketchy Stories: Scrap star

Was cleaning my room one weekend and chanced upon a pile of scrap fabric.

These were fabrics that were left behind from previous projects. It included some cuts of native fabric, the "kumot," pieces of "katsa," and a small cut of chambray.

Instead of throwing out the scraps, it inspired me to sketch this.

The scraps will be part of the bottom of the skirt. The design is tiered and a bit random, to give it a mish-mash and patchwork feel.

Showed it to Ofel, and she was able to execute it exactly the way I envisioned it.

The base is a dark denim dress, and the fabric scraps added colour and fun to the skirt. The sleeveless dress has a bateau neckline and a v-shaped back.

There was so much fabric scraps and denim, that we were able to do another dress. This one had flutter sleeves and a v-neck neckline.

Who would've though that scraps could be this chic!

Sketchy Stories; Kakanin. But make it couture.

It was quite the odd request.

Ate Bullet told me that her friend was going to be a principal sponsor at a wedding and needed help in coming up with something to wear. After asking Ate what the motif was, her answer was unexpected:

"Sapin-sapin."

Yes, the colour theme was "Sapin-sapin." So the challenge was, what can we do to make the theme stylish, fashion-worthy, and wedding appropriate.

Taking inspiration from the colours and the nature of the kakanin, my ideas centred on colour-blocking and layering.

SKETCH # 1:

This plays with a golden yellow base - a nod to Maja Mais - and the bottom part is a chevron pattern echoing the colours of Sapin-sapin.

SKETCH # 2:

 Inspired by the purple and red hues of the kakanin, this gown is a combination of the 2. The bodice has a half-moon pattern that's adorned with crystals. 

While sketch # 1 has more visual appearl, Ate's friend eventually chose sketch # 2, which led to this post.

Kakanin Couture. It has a nice ring to it.

Sketchy Stories: Art and Science

In Advertising Production, there should be a meeting of creativity and reality. Based on the idea you created in your head, the back of your head should also consider if the idea is doable.

Same goes with fashion. While it's fun to sketch ideas, one thing to consider is the viability of the idea.

That's why whenever I do a sketch, there are 2 versions - the "art" version and the "science" version. 

The latter is what the dressmaker uses to bring the idea to life. It has to be a detailed sketch to make things easier for the person who will pattern, cut and sew the dress.

Just like this one:

I give Ofel a sketch like this so that she can properly execute every detail that I have in my head. With something like this as guide, it's easier to go from concept to execution.

Sketchy Stories: Take it or Sleeve it

After our little collaboration for Kevin’s wedding, Grace told me that she was going to be a wedding sponsor once again. The wedding was on January 10, and it was December 23 when she told me.

A 2-week timeline? Doable!

She told me that she liked what we did for Cza’s bridesmaid’s dress, particularly the exaggerated cape sleeves. She wanted sleeves like that, but on a more ornate dress.

There’s a cut of beige lace leftover from Kevin’s wedding - it was supposed to be for Ate Bullet, but they suddenly changed their dress color to dusty blue. With that lace in mind, this was the sketch.

And with Ofel’s help, the sketch became this beautifully elegant gown.

As a bonus, we made the sleeve detachable and replaced it with ostrich feathers for the reception.

That takes the gown and gives is a double dose of chic!

Sketchy Stories: I live for Olive, part 2

First, Lyli told me that Ed asked her to be their Ninang on their wedding day. Of course, she happily agreed. Now, she needed a gown for the wedding.

Second, she shared with me the colour motif, which was Olive Green. 

Third, she told me that she didn't want to look like a traditional "Ninang." She didn't want to wear something frilly or complex.

With those 3 things as backdrop, my mind started to conjure up possible designs for Lyli. Then, it occurred to me that there was a bag of Olive Green fabric in "the stash." Thankfully, it wasn't buried deep in "the stash," and was easily accessible.

The fabrics were lace and charmeuse. And with these 2 fabrics in hand, plus Lyli's non-negotiables, this was my sketch.

It's a two-piece ensemble consisting of a lace skirt and a flowy, asymmetric blouse. The back was floor length to create the illusion that she’s wearing a long gown from the back. This was her choice after showing her 3 possible options.

The designs and fabrics were then sent to Ofel, so she could do her magic.

When Lyli went for the fitting, she told me she was happy with the outcome. She even intimated that she was worried how the ensemble would look like, and if it would be faithful to the sketch. But after seeing the final dress, she lived for it!

Another point for olive! Woot!

Sketchy Stories: Skirting the issue

Our neighbour - Grace - likes skirts a lot. She's also into denim and ethnic fabric. 

With her birthday coming up, it was an opportunity to take those things that she liked, and come up with a unique and bespoke birthday gift.

That led to this sketch:

It's a combination of denim and ethnic fabric. The silhouette is the classic A-line, but with a touch of flounce for some femininity. Also, the combination of the two fabrics make it visually interesting.

After bringing the fabrics and sketch to Ofel, she came up with this:

It's the skirt in my head, and now it's real. Bonus: it turned out exactly the way my mind envisioned it.

No issues there.

Sketchy Stories: Blank canvas

One of my friends had a dilemma. (Nope, not the Nelly and Kelly Rowland type. Harhar!)

She was going to be a godmother at my nephew's wedding. Her designer friend who initially told her that he'd do her gown was suddenly busy. So, she was left looking for something to wear.

The wedding theme was "Modern Filipiniana" and she was planning to wear a traditional butterfly-sleeved terno with ethnic beading. 

After talking to her designer friend, he said that he could "possibly" do the beadwork if she could provide the dress. This is when she came to me and asked if we could whip up a dress in a week. Our reply - Challenge Accepted.

Since it was a base for beadwork, the terno should be simple, but with an interesting silhouette. The dress should be a blank canvas, but should be beautiful on its own. And this is the sketch that I came up with:

It's a straight dress with godet panels, and a vertical seam to make the wearer look more long and lean. The sketch, along with thee materials, were sent to our new go-to modista, who came up with this:

With or without beading, this terno will surely rock!

Sketchy Stories: Twice the glam

Now that events are back, my sister is back in her groove of attending weddings and other events. Which means that she has more opportunities to bring out her old gowns, as well as have new ones made.

Her nephew is getting married this May, and asked her to be one of the godmothers. Naturally, she said yes, and asked me what she could wear for the event. After telling me that the motif was silver, the thing that immediately popped in my head was a few yards of silver lace that was in my “stash.”

Incidentally, there were also a few yards of gray tulle left behind from another wedding, and it looked good on top of the silver lace. With twice the number of fabrics on hand, the possibility of creating something wedding-worthy also doubled.

Which led me to this sketch:

It’s a lace column gown with a tulle overlay. The overlay had a deep v-neck and flutter sleeves. Then, a jeweled belt to tie the look together.

For the reception, the overlay can be removed and the lace gown can be worn in its own. To add interesting details to the gown, it’s designed to have peekaboo details in the bodice and the back.

After sharing the sketch with the dressmaker, she worked her magic and came up with this.

Glam-godmother, here she comes!

Suddenly Sketching

It’s something that I haven’t done in ages!

But this weekend, I found myself bringing out my Pilot pens and sketching again.

While sketching this, the actual materials and accouterments are already playing in my head! 

Hopefully, this sketch will go from paper to an actual garment.

Sketchy Stories: Claire Bear

For Claire's birthday, Melrose decided to go a little crafty.

Claire is and has always been known for her creativity in crafts. When we were colleagues in Adformatix, I'd always marvel at the creations that were often on her cubicle. Whether it was a handmade paper creation or her wonderful handwriting, it was always a joy to see. 

When she left agency life and applied at Kamiseta, she showed me some of the handmade bags she created and was simply floored! There was one particular bag - made of silk and with chopsticks as handle - that was super memorable. After finding something similar in HKG, it became part of one of my sister's ensembles when she attended a wedding.

And last year, she shared with me her blog about her crafting projects. Since then, I've been a regular reader and can't help but be inspired by Claire's creativity and joie-de-vivre.

So, for her birthday, I decided to go back to traditional sketching using a pen and paper, then used my Kurecolor pens to add some life into the drawing. And here's the result of the quick 10-minute sketch.

The choice of what I'd sketch - a bear - is actually an inside joke that Claire and I had back in Adformatix, particularly the word "oso." So, it was fitting that this was my crafty project for her on her birthday.

I wish you an OSO wonderful birthday, Claire! We'll celebrate it together soon!

Julio, get the Sketch!

Yes, I know the song said "Stretch." But I just couldn't help it.

So, why "sketch"? It's because of these wonderful items I got online last week.

The past months, I've been sporadically sketching on loose pieces of paper, using pens and markers scattered around the house. But eventually, I decided to buy a proper sketchpad and some Kurecolor-type markers.

Not to say I'll stop sketching on Pret-a-Template. That'll always be there.

But now, I've got another outlet when there's an itch to sketch.

Sketchy Stories: Drawn to it!

When i’m at the office and waiting for emails or work to be cleared, I usually walk around the office to check how people are. This includes people within the department, as well as our other officemates in our 60+ strong company.

Now that I’m working from home, there’s no creative team or other departments to walk to. So, I had to find other ways of spending my time while waiting for emails and work to be cleared.

And one of those things is Pret-a-Template. Yup, that app I wrote about some weeks back.

It’s a good way to spend my spare time. While waiting for emails to come in, i’d often look at the fabrics lying around or packed in recyclable bags, and from there, I would sketch the design on the app.

And since we’re already a month into this work-from-home scenario, i’ve done a lot waiting. Thus, a lot of sketching, too.

Behold:

Gosh, if this continues, I might end up with a full collection by the time the CQ is over.

Sketchy Stories: Fine Feline

Now that I have time to study the Pret-a-template a bit more, i’m discovering aspects about it that are super cool!

One of those features is being able to upload a print to use as base fabric, and sketch based on that.

There’s a feline-skin fabric that I have in my stash and has been there for quite some time now, so I decided to use it as inspiration for this sketch.

Since the fabric has a lot of personality, I decided to make the design a bit more classic and subdued. So, it’s a form-fitting shift dress, but I made the neckline circular in shape, with the same circle pattern echoed on the hem.

This sketch doesn’t feature the back, but my plan for that is a reverse of the circle, and a slightly longer hem. And because I’ve always been drawn to velvet ribbons, I decided to add one here as a belt.

On paper, this whole thing looks very fine. And I think if I give this project to Joy, she’ll make it even prettier!

Sketchy Stories: Fashion (Tem)plate

It was a few years back when an add for the app “Pret-a-Template” popped up on my iPad.

Out of curiosity, I checked it out and eventually ended up downloading the app.

While I still prefer freehand drawing on paper with pencils, the Pret-a-Template app is also a cool place to design. Especially if you’re just in a long shoot with the iPad to keep you company.

This was one of the first sketches I made on the app:

It’s a sketch that was able to transform into an actual garment that Joy made and Ate Bullet wore to a wedding yesterday.

Not bad for a digital chicken scratch of a sketch.

Sketchy Stories: The greening of the Philippines

Sometime in May, Ate Bullet told me that she was invited to be a godmother at the wedding of my nephews' former tutor. This came hot off the heels of her Tagaytay wedding last March, so she was more than happy to oblige.

She talked to me about what she wanted to wear. The theme of the wedding was Filipiniana, but she didn't want something too traditional, costume-y or expected. What she wanted was a butterfly sleeved terno, but she wanted it to look modern.

Also, she said that the godmothers had a color choice between Emerald Green, Champagne and Gold. Being a huge fan of jewel tones, I suggested the first color, to which Ate agreed.

After all the parameters were set, the sketching began. And with "Emerald-Green-Modern-Filipiniana-with-Butterfly-sleeves" as a handle, this is what came about.

As a fan of mixing fabrics, I chose two luxe fabrics for the gown - lessage lace and silk gazar. The design is half-and-half. The first half is the Filipiniana part, made with silk gazar, highlighted by butterfly sleeves, a curved front, and an extended back. The second half was a column gown in lessage lace, with a bit of flare on the hem.

Now, as a fan of twofers, this design eventually became one. The silk gazar part of the dress could be removed, to reveal the full gown underneath. Since the pattern was heavy, I kept the silhouette light and easy, with a deep v neck to highlight the skin.

With the sketch done, it was off to Joy who executed it beautifully.

And today, on the day of that wedding, Ate Bullet rocked it flawlessly!

To keep with the color theme of the event, Ate chose to wear her gold jeweled sandals and a capiz-inspired bag with gold in-lays.

When she went for the 2nd look, she went for a 2nd set of accessories as well. She swapped her stud earrings for shoulder grazing tassel ones, also in Emerald. And I must say, it really elevated the look.

Overall, I think it's enough to make people green with envy.

Sketchy Stories: You've got it Maid

Aside from her wedding gown, Kris also asked me to design looks for her entourage. She had a maid-of-honor and 4 bridesmaids, and she wanted their dresses to be cohesive, yet individual enough to fit their personalities.

The fabric I chose for them was neoprene, so I wanted the dresses to be flowy, but still have a sense of structure. My solution, make the skirts full and flowy, and make the top portions of the dresses more structured and architectural. This was my mindset when I sketched these for the bridesmaids:

One had an athletic, halter and racerback top.

The second had a raglan sleeve with cutouts.

Third, capelet sleeves.

And fourth, an off-shoulder band.

For the maid of honor, I wanted her dress to be close to Kris' look. So, I went for a bustier top with lace covering the top until the 2nd hip. The skirt had an umbrella cut to mimic the fullness of Kris' skirt. To add an accent - I also added a belt.

Looking at them while they were being constructed, I was very satisfied. And when I saw them all together during the wedding - and this photo - I couldn't help but smile from ear to ear.

It's nice to be able to stretch my creativity into other things as well.

Sketchy Stories: The Grace of Audrey

When we found out that Kris was getting married and that she needed some help in her preps, I immediately raised my hand and volunteered. And when I asked her where I could help, the first thing she mentioned was her wedding trousseau.

She asked if I could help design her wedding gown. And as a creative person looking for creative things to do, this was an exciting prospect. Long story short, the answer was "heck yeah!"

For people who know my aesthetic (more of just one person, Ate Bullet. Harhar) I'm the type who doesn't like trends. Now, there are a lot of trends in wedding gowns today - the illusion neckline, Lesage embroidery, etc. - and these were the items I struck off my list of design considerations.

Then, the personality of the bride. Kris is very cool and carefree. She's funny, easy breezy, and this innate joie de vivre. She's also someone with a classic sense of style, which is great because we're on the same wavelength.

Those taken into consideration, I imagined her wedding gown as a combination of the classic simplicity of Audry Hepburn and the unabashed femininity of Grace Kelley. And after presenting her with 4 sketches, she eventually went with this:

It's an embroidered lace gown with a mikado silk skirt. The silhouette is a classic mermaid, but the skirt has a full bias cut to make it more circular and voluminous. Since Kris is very slim and petite, this silhouette is perfect for highlighting her assets.

Speaking of slim, during our 2nd fitting, her waistline whittled down to 23 inches! That's supermodel-esque. I thought it would be great to highlight that, so there was a last minute addition of a bejeweled belt.

After the design was completed, it was time to look for the materials. It actually took me a couple of months and several back-and-forths at my fabric haunts before I found the perfect fabrics. I wanted the lace to be dainty yet textured. The appliques had to have that 3D effect. The stones had to be matte and had to blend with the embroidery. And the Swarovski shouldn't be too flashy.

Once everything was gathered, it was off to Joy who made sure that the sketch came to life accurately and as I envisioned it. After about 4 months, the wedding gown was done, and it was just as I saw it in my mind.

Kris was a vision of classic glamour, as well as delicate femininity. Her hairstyle was very apt for the gown since it had that Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelley classicism to it.

It also fit her personality a lot - particularly her joie de vivre. It was something that she radiated with during the entire wedding.

I definitely don't sketch that well and don't do it often. But when you work with friends like Kris and see the result, it makes me both glad and gratified that I do.

Sketchy Stories: Tiers of joy

When my niece invited Ate Bullet to be a principal sponsor on her wedding, Ate couldn't resist.

After the invitation, the first question that popped in her mind was:  "What to wear? What to wear?"

The motif was royal blue, and Ate already had a few gowns in that color. She decided to try them on, and while they were all nice and chic, it didn't have the grand-ness fitting of a principal sponsor. So, it was time to sketch a new gown for her.

Ate's parameters were simple, she wanted to look like a young, chic and fashionable "ninang." So, none of those usual "ninang" trappings like flowy chiffon or shiny organza. No. Nada. Zip. Zilch. None of those fabrics, please.

On a routine visit to my fabric haunts, I found this very ornate Royal Blue lace which had a net effect and a floral cenefa. Taking those elements and making them the base of the design, this was my sketch.

It's a deep-v necked, 3-tiered gown. It played with the natural composition of the fabric and played with the prints and proportion.

And because this was a church wedding and Ate Bullet couldn't be too daring, a capelet with feathers was added to the mix.

Joy looked at the design and fabric, and her reaction was: "Ganda. Haute Couture. Pang-Grammy Awards. Perfect!"

The finished product lived up to her description, and to what I envisioned in my head. The gown was unique and super flattering. The tiers made the difference, and made Ate look more than just a "ninang" but a "modelesque Amazon ninang."

And the capelet was that "Haute Couture" touch that Joy declared.

It's such a joy to see a sketch come to life!

Sketchy Stories: Rolling in the deep neckline

Last November, I wrote about this pretty brocade fabric from Fanbi. It had a bird and feather print, set on a rich, brocade fabric.

The question in my mind was: "What can we do with this pretty fabric?" Since it's already very detailed, the design had to be simple, classic, but still with a touch of fashion.

Out came the sketch materials, and this was my take on what should be done with the fabric.

It's a column gown with a flared skirt and spaghetti straps. It's classy and classic, and won't distract from the beautiful fabric.

But to add a touch of fashion, I made the neckline really, really deep. This also serves another purpose - as a breaker from the rich print. The sliver of skin gives the eye some respite from the brocade.

Showed it to the dressmaker and she automatically got my vision.

The result, this beautiful column gown.

Ate Bullet fell deeply in love with this one. And I can't blame her.