Prom Gown - Photoshoot

Hello Everybody!  Boy have I been a busy little beaver!  Over the weekend I threw together a quick photoshoot to document the gown I made my niece for her Senior Prom.  Even though it was last minute the finished product shows no evidence of it.  I guess it helps when you are collaborating with some great people!  I hope you enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Hair - Prissy Daugherty

Photo - Jason Kip Photography

The original concept sketch

We actually ended up shooting the stairwell of my office building.  I was shocked to find that the doors to the lobby were hiding such a beautiful setting.  It really sets the tone for the gown since it was inspired by a more glamorous era.

- Philip Estrada

Prom Gown Illustration

This is the sketch for my niece's senior prom gown.  The direction she gave me when I was considering designing the gown was "I want to look like Marilyn."  That was it... there would be no arguments the gown would come from me, and be my graduation present to her. 

The gown is strapless and made from Pewter colored silk satin.  The body of the gown has a black silk chiffon overlay to give it a nice subtle color change.  The kicker is that the bodice is encrusted with various sized rhinestones that spray down the skirt peeking out from under the drape.

My niece said loved the gown and had a wonderful night.  More pictures to come.

This is another example of my working directly with a customer on a special occasion gown.  I enjoy working closely with people who have an interest in custom clothing and it is very rewarding.  I love presenting the ideas that I am excited about and in turn having them light up in the same way.  It is also wonderful to have the include client during the process.  I sent my niece quick photos of the progress and her excitement continued to build as the gown took shape.   Working this way feels as though you are inviting someone into the creative process even though they may not be artistically inclined.  On some level it's a form of teaching, opening their eyes to the act of creation. 

My ease of working with clients would be very valuable to the Mackie team since he has so many custom clients.  I could assist on projects with Bob Mackie that requires extra attention or a second set of hands.  I could be on hand to handle clients when Mr. Mackie is out of town or predisposed with larger scale projects.  I would be the one to handle the details and day to day dealings while keeping Bob abreast of developments and progress.  I would actively spearhead projects with new clients and they will be brought in to help grow the business and broaden Bob Mackie's presence. 

These are a few reasons of why I would be a perfect fit for the Bob Mackie team.  All that I need now is a start date.

-Philip Estrada

God Save the Queen... the Prom Queen

This is a Punk Rock Prom Dress that I was commissioned to design and make along with my good friend Jennifer Daugherty.  The inspiration we were given was, and I quote, "I want a punk rock prom dress with a corset top."  Helpful... I know. 

The bustier is emblazoned with the British Union Jack across the front.  Careful attention was paid to the detail of the flag when working out the design.  The authenticity was the paramount concern.  The stripes were top applied using self fabric to each pattern piece then the bustier was sewn together.  Matching the stripes was no easy task.  The back of the bustier features a chunky silver zipper with white zipper tape to play up the British Punk Rock feel.  The over-skirt is a red taffeta pleated bunting that sweeps around to the back.  The elegant feel juxtaposes the Punk inspiration behind the gown wonderfully.  Never fear though as the front of the dress is completely open to show off her legs and causes scandal to spare.  

This is just one of the many examples of how I interpret a customers vision and make the most innovative design possible.

-Philip Estrada