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.

Costume design portfolio shoot

I put together a fast and easy Monday morning photoshoot for my costume design - which has been an empty link on my website for too long. Here are a few photos I took with my camera phone - I can't wait to see the final images, as I know they will be incredible!

Thanks again to my outstanding team -

Michelle Matiyow - Photography
Maeve - Model
Rebecca Voigt - Styling
Sandi Bambi - Hair
Megan Murphy - Make up

i've been painting

2012 is under way....

Finished the first coat in my new collection this weekend. It’s heavy as hell, took forever to construct, and I’m really happy with it. This year I’m focusing more on pushing myself technically and creating more artistic pieces that one person out of 1000 might randomly see and say THAT’S got to be MINE. And they go off to have snowball fights, walks in the woods and fall in love, in my coat.

This is the last preview I'm going to give, if you are interested in seeing the entire collection, you'll have to attend the show. The show is tentatively set for the very beginning of March. This year I am doing something a bit different and instead of a runway, the clothing will take place in a performance type strolling art piece. I am currently looking for artists and fashion design students who might be interested in showing their work at my collection launch show. I am looking for new unique talent who want to show the world what they can do. If you are interested, please send your portfolio to me at ktsager@gmail.com

Also, i see my last update was in November. This is shameful, but I blame too many outlets.
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