AWFA 2017 — Liliana Schaber

I like versatility and the ability to combine different elements to create a new look. I love embroidery and small details. I like long slim skirts, that still have volume. I like layers, clothes peeking out underneath other clothes. I like putting a lot of effort into things, even if you do not necessarily see them - I know they are there, and when others notice them as well and appreciate them, that makes me extremely happy.

So I decided to combine all these things into one dress, specifically a wedding dress - my entry for the Austrian Wedding Fashion Award 2017 (spoiler: I was one of the finalists).
This dress is as unusual as it is classic, as modern as it is timeless and as demure as it is provocative.
It consists of three pieces, which canbe worn to be together or separately. All in all, there are 5 different looks that can be created with these three pieces, but infinitely more if combined with additional items.

There is a mesh bodysuit, with hand-appliqued lace ornaments, which first had to be cut out of the lace, one at a time. The lace is then further embellished with pearls and iridescent sequins in various sizes and shapes. The flowers and leaves are placed individually and in strategic places, as you cannot really wear a bra underneath. The mesh is stretchy, so there are no closures, except for snaps at the crotch and three small mother-of-pearl buttons at the back of the collar.

Then there is a long skirt, that ends just above the floor. Its silhouette is slim and elongating, and yet it is voluminous at the same time. I used a light pink viscose as the base layer, which also acts as a lining and makes the skirt comfortable to wear. The same fabric was also used for the wide waistband, which gives the illusion of even longer legs. On top of the base is a box-pleated layer of opaque netting (which still lets the pink shine through) and the skirt finishes with a layer of fine tulle. The different transparencies of the fabrics create an interesting, ever-changing shade of light pink and wonderful effects in movement.

And finally, a short shirtdress, made out of an off-white linen-viscose mix. It brings back my love of shirtdresses and adding a touch of masculinity to otherwise very feminine outfits. To make it more special, I hand-embroidered flowers and leaves all over it. I did not map out the pattern beforehand, I just went with my imagination and let my hands do what they wished. Later on, I added seed beads and sequins, to give it some sparkle and accentuate the embroidery. It was a very organic and almost meditative process and reminded me how much I love to freestyle and let my imagination go wild when embroidering.

All in all, I am very happy with the final dress, and while I did not win, seeing these pictures alone makes all the hours and effort poured into it definitely worth it.

For inquiries, contact me here.