My History:
It’s no secret that I’m a theatre kid through and through. I was practically raised on the stuff! From Disney animated classics to stage plays and ballet- I love it all. Some of my earliest memories are of being in a dark theatre with my mom watching Molly Brown be unsinkable or guys finding their dolls. At an early age I knew I wanted to be an actress. My first role was Kanga, in my kindergarten play “Winnie the Pooh” and let me tell you- I memorized every line. No, not just mine, I memorized the entire show!
Here I am (third from the right) as Sandy in my high school’s production of Grease!
In middle school and high school I went on to star in shows like Grease!, Bye Bye Birdie, The King and I and Into the Woods. I was even voted “Most Likely to be on Stage or TV” my senior year. As I moved upwards in my education I had to face the reality that only a few lucky individuals made it in show business so I had to think of another plan quick! As I began to tour colleges what really stood out to me were the costume shops. This was where my interest in costume and fashion really took off.
Originally my plan was to be a costume designer. After years in the theater that seemed like an obvious career progression. However, after my cousin (a graduate of FIDM) informed me that my portfolio was more fashion centric, my sights were set on the fashion world.
As far as being a fashion student is concerned, I’ve never felt like I truly fit in within my major at UNCG. I’m known for wearing the same grey sweater every day along with my rainbow brand flip-flops. I find that this makes me somewhat underestimated. I am also so deeply rooted in theatre and costume design that sometimes people still think that’s my ultimate goal. Due to my heavy background in theatre which involves script analysis, historic research and the meaning behind shapes, textures and colors, I am able to tell a story within a fashion collection. I also find that I am very behind on trends and current fashions as I love to gain inspiration from historic costume. Of course, I am also used to working with a budget and unconventional materials. This is great both for the Goodwill show and our unconventional materials challenge! When it’s all said and done, while I sometimes feel like my differences are a setback, I also feel truly blessed to have such a unique perspective on things.
My First Garment:
As soon as I was told that I would be designing for Goodwill’s Rock the Runway show, I KNEW I wanted to work with a wedding gown. My first trip shopping yielded no good finds however, when I went to the Goodwill on Battleground I struck gold!
My model and I made a special trip together so that I could try whatever I found on her before I purchased it. We found exactly one wedding gown. Not only was it beautiful and vintage, it fit her like a glove. This wedding dress seemed to be from the 1970’s. I originally thought a pantsuit would be really cute, but this soon changed to a romper.
Before:
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So, as soon as I purchased this beautiful vintage wedding gown (for only $20!) I brought it home and began sketching. When I sketch I sketch with a purpose. Some designers like to do multiple sketches of their intended garments before they decide their direction but I’ve always been rather clear headed. I start by finding a swimsuit runway photo so that I am able to draw a body. I then add the clothing I design over it.
My Sketch:
After that I began my design process. After taking apart the bottom of the dress from the top and removing the notions (zipper, hook and eye etc) I draped muslin around a dress form and began draping my pattern.
My Draping:
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After I drape I add .5” seam allowance and 2” hem allowance. I lined this garment with the same fabric as the top. I used the same notions that came with the dress so I can proudly say that my first garment is 100% Goodwill- linings, notions, fabric and all!
Final Product:
So here is my finished garment. This will be the only one you’ll get a full look at before the show. All in all, I am extremely happy with the way this turned out. I was so lucky to find such a beautiful gown in my second trip. I can’t wait to show you what I have up my sleeves. As always, I’m Rachel Wilson and I’m going to rock the runway!
