Theatre Bizarre Costume Design

This October I had the pleasure of working on the Theatre Bizarre Costume Design team for the second year in a row, and this year was especially memorable. I met with the artist and creator behind Theatre Bizarre, Mr. John Dunivant, who showed me a few sketches for costumes he was interested in having me design for the big event. I was extremely honored and so excited to create the costumes from his vision.

The photos below are of a three piece costume I made for Amber, who was a belly dancer who was also 7 months pregnant. Her act involved some belly dancing, in which she removed layers of the costume, and some eating of a baby. It was awesome. The first three photos are John's sketches, and the last photos of the costume I made. The final photo is Amber performing at Theatre Bizarre.

The other costume I made was for the door greeter. She had a feather neck piece and belt, a corset (the first authentic corset I have ever made), a lace under shirt, and a ball gown type skirt with an open front,  (a coochie curtain, is what I think we called it, LOL.) I'm especially proud of the work that went into this one. The lace is hand sewn to the bottom of the skirt, and I made little pillows and sewed them into the hips of the skirt so it would stand out when she wore it like in the sketch.

Below is John's sketch, some shots of the costume, and then Lisa wearing it.

(The two photos below were taken by John Wiley of Photastic Images)

Definitely an incredible night. The people who run Theatre Bizarre are some of the nicest most fun and inspiring people to work with. I look forward to continuing to work with them on costuming for many many years to come, as there is no project that is nearer and dearer to my heart.

And of course I made myself something for the party....

I wish I could just live in Theatre Bizarre World forever. Sigh.....

Detroit Design Festival Closing Party

The Detroit Design Festival Closing Party "Runway Detroit, presented by Detroit by Design this past Sunday, marked the launch of my new collection. It was so much fun to finally see these looks walk down the runway. 

Along side designers Fotoula Lambros, Anastasia Chatzka, Emily Thornhill of Homeslice and Angela McBride of Peace Love Spandex, and an excellent student show from AIDT, it really made for a great showcase of Detroit's talent. Below are some behind the scenes photos from the event. Special thanks to Chastity Tappen from Blank Canvas Detroit and her assistant Brandi Myree for the beautiful make up and Sandy Bambi from Grateful Dreads for her wicked hair styles. Also couldn't have done it without Rebecca Voigt's styling assistance, and obviously, all 11 of my beautiful models. Thank you everyone who helped make this show amazing. It was an honor to be a part of this. 

September Events

The new collection is going to be shown all over the Detroit Design Festival in the month. September is truly the month for fashion. See a preview, at this great fundraising event hosted by Workroom at Eastern Market After Dark.

Sent all the event details and RSVP for Haute After Dark here!

If you are a model and interested in being a part of this great show, the open model call is this Saturday, Sept 8th. Details below: 

***RUNWAY MODEL CALL***
 Open call for industry standard female models ( 5’7”+, Sizes 2-4 )
 MUST BE Age 18+, No escorts please.
 OPEN CASTING: Saturday, September 8th @ 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Whip Hand Cosmetics (615 N Mill Rd, Plymouth)
EVENT DATE: Thursday, September 20th Runway 10:30PM
LOCATION: Hair & Makeup will be done in Corktown, Detroit
---- Event is at Eastern Market After Dark –
 WORKROOM NIGHT OUT Fashion Runway Showcase

 Please arrive at casting with black heels, form-fitting clothing, natural and clean hair & makeup.
Must be available for date of event from hair & makeup call time (est. 6PM) until end of show. A great selection of local designers will be showcasing their designs for this runway event. This event will also be a benefit to raise money for a local children's sports group charity fund. Hair is sponsored by Alex Emilio Salon, Makeup by Whip Hand Cosmetiques.

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And lastly, I will be showing my new collection in it's entirety at the Detroit Design Festival Closing Party, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 23rd. I am so excited about this - these clothes have been waiting months to walk down a runway.

  Event details can be found here.

You must RSVP and purchase a ticket to attend the event, and don't delay, limited availability!

Trashion Art Exhibit

I'm very excited to be a part of this upcoming show at the Whitdel Arts Gallery. I have been working all summer on my piece and am very satisfied with how it turned out. See the event information and my artist's statement below for more information. The opening ceremony is Friday, August 10th, from 6-9 p.m. The exhibit runs through September 1st. You can find more information also on the facebook event page.

Styleline Magazine, August Issue 2012

A few months ago, I was included in a photoshoot feature for Styleline Magazine, featuring "Detroit's Hottest Designers" - 7 of us and our models gathered in one of my own personal favorite bars, The Oakland - for the photoshoot. We were told that in addition to the feature, in which each designer was photographed with our model - we all also had a shot at the cover, and the best photo would win. I woke up Friday morning to discover a post on facebook from the model who wore my look, Kelly Kirstein, announcing that we had gotten the cover look. So exciting! Here are the photos, and definitely check out the entire spread here at Styleline Mag dot com (starts on pg. 62) , and it's also in stores now. Congrats also to my fellow designers Luke Song, Emily Thornhill, Anna Tyler, Fotoula Lambros, Jolie Altman, and Julie Lindsay for such a beautiful spread. I felt so lucky to be included among such talent.

(Details on purchasing this cover look from my Fall 2012 Collection, are inside the magazine, along with a nice little write up on me. Thanks Styleline!)

Loooooook Book P R E V I E W

I am working on a big project this summer with my creative family. The finished product isn't done yet, but when it is, I promise it's going to blow minds. We are doing something extra special with these images, but since we needed them anyway, I'm using the photos for my lookbook this year in addition to what we're doing to "transform" them. I wish so bad I could tell more, but it's a surprise. ;) I got two previews back, and WOW. I'm super stoked over how amazing they are. I'd expect nothing less from this team though -

Photography: Michelle Matiyow Hair: Kristina Marra Make up: Andrea Duchesneau Model: Maeve Styling: Rebecca Voigt Design: Kelly Lynne

My dress is in the July Issue of Styleline

Check out this month's (July) issue of Styleline Magazine for a gorgeous spread by photographer Lians Jadan and Rebecca Voigt Fashion Styling. My dress is paired with an Alexander McQueen Scarf and Christian Louboutin Shoes on page 64 of the Magazine. Check it out now online!

kelly lynne Fall 2012 Collection - it's ALIVE.

It has taken longer than usual, but I'm happy to announce that my Fall 2012 Collection is finished. This collection is inspired by the book, The Night Circus, and features 2 pants, 6 tops, 5 dresses, 4 coats, 2 jackets, 4 skirts, 1 cape. The collection will be shown on September 8th, 2012 at the Rustbelt Market in Ferndale, Michigan. I am presenting a fashion and art show along with other local designers and artists. The full line up will be announced next month. If you are a model, hair stylist, make-up artist, potential event intern, or designer, interested in being involved in this show, please contact me at ktsager@gmail.com. Below are a few teaser photos.

Custom Bridal Design for my #1 Girl.

When Kelly Jean, (who is one of my very good friends but also one of my fashion muses who has done a lot of modeling for me) approached me about designing a non-traditional party dress for her circus themed summer wedding, I was beyond excited. As I've mentioned before, doing custom design for special events in people's lives is so much fun and I feel so honored to be asked. This one was extra special because this girl is extra special. (Like, it's hard to actually express in words how much love I have for this incredible woman.) We found the ivory and gold oversized polka dotted brocade fabric at Mood, and knew it was absolutely perfect. Very circus chic with a touch of whimsical summer garden party. The ivory made it just a touch bridal but the big gold polka dots made it special and unique. I loved to watch her twirl on the dance floor in that full skirt. LOVE you KJ! What a beautiful wedding.

More Custom Design!

My good friend Michelle loved the formal hooded dress I made for my new collection, and wanted something inspired by it, but more casual, light and fun. I decided to make a shorter version, out of a beautiful charcoal medium weight jersey. I added pockets, because what girl doesn't love pockets in a dress? To add a little something extra, I lined the hood in a contrasting aqua jersey.

Can't wait to see her rocking this look at the electronic music festival next weekend!

Custom Mother of the Bride Dress

When Karen, a soon to be mother of the bride, approached me a few months ago about designing a dress for her to wear at her daughter's wedding, I have to say, I was a bit nervous, but also very excited. Designing dresses for important events that people will remember for a life time is a unique and humbling experience. Karen sent me some inspiration photos and said she wanted something vintage inspired and fitted. She said she liked 40's style dresses and feathers. I decided to do a cowl neck fitted dress with a pleated waist band in a beautiful royal blue crepe de chine fabric.

(WOW, that is one messy work room....) Because she mentioned feathers, I decided to make her a detachable feather clip, so it could be removed for dry cleaning, but also worn with other outfits if she wanted, or worn on different areas of the dress.

After all was said and done, Karen was thrilled with the dress, and she looked beautiful on her daughter's big day. I was lucky enough to snatch her away at the big event for a quick photo op.

What a fun dress to make! It was particularly enjoyable seeing it come to life on Karen at her daughter's wedding. If you or someone you know is interested in a custom dress for a special event, please don't hesitate to contact me with your ideas to ktsager@gmail.com

Change of plans

After careful consideration, I have decided to delay my 2012 show until end of August/beginning of September. Many factors helped me come to this conclusion. For one, I don't feel I'm ready to put on a spectacular show one month from now. I could definitely put on a "good show" but I realized, I want to put on a spectacular show. I need to build a set, find the right models, find a sponsor salon, plan out the run of show. Finishing the paintings. I have also had some health issues this month and having just had surgery, I was not able to spring right back into action as quickly as I'd hoped. I wish I were the machine I pretend to be. It's also come to mind that perhaps people would enjoy seeing wool coats and leather dresses much more at the end of summer than the beginning. I don't need to follow New York's Fashion Week Schedule. I mean, I'm clearly behind already and no one has called the fashion police just yet. We make our own rules in Detroit anyway. The show will still be at Rustbelt Market in Ferndale, and will still feature a handful of extremely talented up and coming designers and artists. There will be complimentary beverages, and tickets will be available for pre-sale and at the door. If you or someone you know is interested in being a part of this event, I still have a few slots open. Designers and artists are selected based on how well their particular style will fit in with the show. Please send all inquiries to ktsager@gmail.com Stay tuned for an announcement on the exact date.

2012 Collection Launch Show

My 2012 Collection Launch Show will be June 9th, 2012 at Rustbelt Market in Ferndale, from 7-10 p.m. The show will feature myself, as well as 5-7 additional artists and designers, who will show a range of their original works, with a strong focus on the artistic side of fashion. Stay tuned for more details to come.

2012 Show

I am still working on my 2012 Collection. My plan is to have it completed by the end of March, but I'm still searching for the perfect venue for this show. I would like to feature other artists and designers in this show - I pretty much know who I want to ask, but I need a venue to get things rolling. If anyone has any leads on a place that would pretty much offer up it's space for me, that would be amazing. A place that has a bar would be perfect because they would benefit from the liquor sales and it would be a win-win all around.

This year I am working harder on making each piece very uniquely crafted, to stand on it's own as a work of art. It's more about showing the extent of what I can do, rather than mass marketing or super wearable. I have a plan and a direction, and I feel what I aim to do really separates me from the traditional ready to wear designer. My dream would be to have my work showcased in a gallery, before sold in a big department store.

(Preview of a dress from the 2012 Collection)

Costume Design

Costume Design is one of my side projects that is quickly turning into a serious love affair.

Credit and serious love and thanks to -

Photographer Michelle Matiyow
Stylist Rebecca Voigt
Model Maeve
Hair Sandy Bambi
Make up Megan Murphy

For an insider's look at this photo shoot, check out this great blog post from Rebecca Voigt on her styling secrets and inspiration.