Yelena Dressmaking & Accessories

 We all are a product of our environment. Growing up near the capital of Soviet Union, I had the most exposure to Russian and generally Slavic culture, even though, my genetic composition consists of various different ethnic groups. My first language is Russian, so were the lullabies, fairy tales, and family stories that shaped me as who I am today. Therefore, sometimes by choice, sometimes subconsciously I include Slavic themes and elements in my designs. Here are a few examples. This head piece was commissioned by a client. It took great many hours to mold the cardboard base, cover it with fabric and trims and then embroider it with beads and rhinestones. Another commissioned headdress. This time, crocheted from jute and embellished with beads and seed-beads. My own “napkin shirt” (see my post “Heirloom fibers and their afterlife”) where I combined new cotton with the lace from my husband’s family heirloom linens, pearly beads and buttons.  For more examples read my posts ...

 Finding just the right skirt style for one’s body type could be a challenge. However, there is an easy answer: a wrap skirt. Why is it so perfect? It can be season-neutral or specific; it can be dressy, sporty or casual; it can be lined or not without sacrificing the comfort; and most importantly, it can adjust as the body changes from year to year. And when the wearer is sitting down, it doesn’t restrict the movement.  It looks best in wool, cotton, denim or linen, Thai silk, raw silk or shantung. Polyester brocade is also suitable.  Usually, there are 2 fasteners (buttons, buckles or snaps) that can be safely adjusted up to 1.5” forward to tighten the waist or backwards to make more room. With the right side seam and/or dart tailoring, it can hug the wearer’s hips with such adjustments without distortion.  The wrap skirt doesn’t have to look basic. It can be embellished around the edges, which give structural stability to the edge as well as classy zing to the gar...