I am making up a YSL Vogue Pattern Originals dress as my first SWAP garment. I do enjoy using these old patterns, especially the “designer” versions. I like to think about Yves St Laurent himself drawing the lines that got translated into this 1968 paper pattern. I find the idea of wearing something that was designed by one of the great designers of the past very exciting – wearing fashion history.
YSL with model
So I am beginning to think about doing my SWAP entirely with vintage designer patterns. Last year I the core of my collection was a 1960s Nina Ricci dress and jacket which I worked through in seven different ways.
This year I am thinking of using more than one old pattern, and trying to make it all hang together. I am not sure it is achievable, so I will allow myself to depart from the plan a little if I need a few simple garments to pull it together, in which case I will use modern patterns or self draft. The issue with SWAP is that it is not just 11 garments, but 11 garments that constitute a collection or workable wardrobe. This means I need flexibility in the outfits so they can mix and match.
Quite a lot of my nice old patterns are for adorable dresses and I will definitely need separates. But maybe with thought and planning I can get there. I wouldn’t mind doing a Pucci type pant suit although I don’t have a pattern.
Vintage patterns – suits
The packs would have to go something like this
Pack 1: Skirt suit with blouse
Pack 2: Dress and jacket, silk skirt
Combo (I really want jeans and a lace top so I think I will use modern patterns here)
Wildcards; Dress, dress, silk blouse
That would give me
3 dresses
2 jackets
2 skirts and 1 pair of trousers
3 tops
This is back to the old SWAP formulae of 3 bottoms, 5 tops and 3 extras (dresses). I know this is successful in wardrobe terms. If I get a nice vintage designer pattern for the evening trouser suit I could substitute this for the modern (jeans and lace top) or for the silk blouse and skirt.
What do you think?
