If it weren't for the first round of Pattern Review's Sewing Bee contest, would you consider making a pencil skirt? I could honestly say that it wasn't even on my radar until I starting reading the contest rules. Even though a pencil skirt wasn't on top of my list, after doing a little internet research while nursing a sore back yesterday, I'm starting to consider it as a quick little project that I can whip up just for fun. Yup, last night I had another SQUIRREL! moment.
The pencil skirt has a very interesting history? Check it out here. Christian Dior is credited for making the pencil skirt popular but there seems to be some debate as to the date line as to it's first appearance. Many resources say it was the 1950s and others argue the late 1940s.
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| {Source: Glamour Daze} |
All seem to agree that it was popularized after the war and the emergence of Dior's New Look fashions.
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| {Source} |
Even though Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn helped to promote this style into iconic status there is evidence that it had an impact well before those iconic big screen moments.
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What all can agree on is that the pencil skirt in it's many lengths and form has stood the test of time. As fabrics change and evolve so will the classic shape of the pencil skirt.
Pattern Review has a little twist thrown in to this first round. The pencil skirt has to be influenced by music or a musician. When I first thought of pencil skirt in music history I though of those guitar slinging back-up singers hip swingers.
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| {Source: Robert Palmer music video for Addicted to Love} |
However, my pencil skirt inspiration is coming from a different source.
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| {Source: Miley Cyrus at the 2012 iHeart Radio Music Awards} |
Yes, never in a million years did I think that Miley Cyrus' pencil skirt would be the skirt that has inspired me. But it did. I'm not copying this one in colour or shape and she's certainly not my body double but it led me to a fabric in my stash and a DKNY pattern that I can tweak. You'll just have to stay tuned. Unless, there is another Squirrel! moment.
Happy Sewing!
I love pencil skirts and while I doubt I'll continue in the Bee beyond round 1- even if I'm selected to move forward- I'll have a cool skirt to wear!!
ReplyDeleteHave fun!!
Me too, I doubt I'll move forward, past round 1. My pattern choice might disqualify me but the inspiration pic reminded me of a piece of fabric I have in the stash that (fingers crossed) might make a fun skirt. I'm thinking it will be a fun project to participate in... but I am really looking forward to see what this year's Bee has in store. There are so many talented people who participate. That's the fun part of this contest.
DeleteCan't imagine that I'll ever WEAR a pencil skirt, but I'm going to try making one anyhow. BTW, that's Robert Palmer, not Robert Plant, in the Addicted To Love video still.
ReplyDeleteLol, oh my! Thanks, I'll fix that. The eighties are a bit fuzzy in my memory, or was that video from the nineties? Lol.
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