Raf Simons - Dress of the Year 2012

Hi all,

So, a little while back I posted the dress of the year 2011, which is displayed at the Bath Costume Museum. It took me so long to get around to seeing it, I didn't want that to happen with this years dress. So here it is. The dress of the year 2012 is by Raf Simons, for Dior. I am a very bug fan of Dior, and I love the original design aesthetic the house had, but I also really loved what Galliano was doing for the house. It was dramatic, theatrical and ever so decadent. I was doubting the choice of Raf Simons for Dior, when he was chosen as Galliano's replacement, as his very minimalist approach to design was such a huge contrast from Galliano's. But I think that he has managed well, and given the house a very new fresh look, much more wearable than before.

This dress Colourful embroidered and appliqued silk cut-off ballgown worn with black slim trousers.
Its covered with a layer of fine tulle, with pale blue and pink flowers embroidered, highlighting Christian Dior's own obsession with flowers. The dress has an integral corset and bustier along with a silk-tulle mini petticoat, which can be seen through the split at the front.

xox Niamh xox

Victoriana Project

Hi all,

My Art foundation is nearing its end very very quickly! It has just flown by and I have just two weeks left on my final project. I though I would share a sneak peak at what I am making. Here is a fashion illustration that I made to communicate my final design. It to be made of antique gold plastic, with a sepia feel, representing cage crinolines and corsetry seen in the Victorian era, but with a modern approach. The structure I am making is like a cage, and my intention is that a variety of garments could be worn underneath.

More coming soon :)

xox Niamh xox

Melon Ice Cream

Hi all,

So, as it is now May, the sun is shining and the temperature is finally picking up (although we still have our heating on) I decided that it would be time to make some ice cream!

I am trying out a new flavour today... Melon. I have been making ice cream for a few years now, and the book I use for most of my recipes is the Ben and Jerry ice cream book. I initially got it as my friend who is allergic to nuts couldn't have most of the Ben and Jerry flavours, so I made them nut free. It is a great book as it has lots of their much loved recipes, but it also gives you bases for creating your own flavours (I am planning on making lots this summer)

Hope you give this a try. It tastes really nice, very refreshing. Like a ice cream sorbet

xox Niamh xox

D.I.Y Tie - Dye Scarf

Hi all,

I have a fairly good selection of scarves that I have collected over a while, but one thing that bothers me is that I have three pashminas in exactly the same colour. When you have the same colour three times it is likely that you only wear one of them... well in my case it is.
So I thought to change up the colour I would try bleaching and dyeing it using dip dyeing and tie dying.... lets see how this goes..

I am really happy with the result. It has given my scarf a whole new life!

xox Niamh xox