Faden Design Studios

All you need is Love... and some beautiful girls in purple!

2013-05-09T13:43:00.000-06:00

In the balmy months of a Houston summer, I started my quest to design and create one of a kind dresses for a one of a kind bridal party. The bride, an absolutely stunning brunette, had two of her dearest friends as bride's maids and three equally stunning daughters with very different personalities and ideas about how they wanted to look on the special day... a total of 5 dresses, for a New Year wedding.

Marra, the bride, and I started talking about colors and fabric, and style of wedding she would be having. Pulling from the flowers in her bouquet we chose 2 shaded of the most lovely purple.

The creative juices flowed, as I put pencil to paper to come up with a concept that complimented the bride's gown, encompassed the sassy-ness of all three girls, and the sophistication of her friends.

Sketches made way to muslins... muslins lead to layers of boning, corsettery, tulle and hand beading.

Many months of hand sewing, tweaking and fitting lead to the magical day when the Marra and her girls said "I do" to their new family with groom, Brian. I'd like to think I was hugging them the whole time.

Thank you Marra, Brian, for letting me be a part of something so special. You are girls were incredible to work with, what a joy to have 'Dressgirls' buzzing around my place! And your friends we a joy to work with! What a beautiful group of people!

May your love for each other continue to bloom for many years to come!

Beach Living...

2012-07-03T17:29:00.000-06:00

About a month ago, while making my routine rounds of pinning, posting and tweeting, I was reunited with an old classmate, Ashley Pratt Good. She was looking for something unique for her upcoming issue of Panama City Living Magazine. Her wishes were to have a top made which evoked the spirit and whimsy of beach living. Challenge accepted! Deadline... less than 3 weeks!

Diving into my stash of silks, sequins, shells and beads, I found my materials to make Ashley's dream a reality.... And so began the meticulous task of stitching together a one of a kind beauty, cast in colors of the ocean: sea-glass blues and greens, and shimmery, moonlit silvers.

I am so proud and pleased to share a peek at the final outcome:

What a thrill it was to be a part of such a great shoot! Thank you Ashley Pratt Good and Panama City Living Magazine for having us! I can't wait until to get started on the next project! Thank you, Mara Stankus Francis, M.D. for bringing us back together! And thank you Westover School... for instilling us with the power, 'To think. To do. To be.'

As always, all inquires and interests can be emailed to: contact@fadendesignstudios.com

And those Ruffles.....

2012-04-23T09:09:00.000-06:00

The last time I wrote I was up to my eyeballs in ironing ruffles... well, mission completed! The final product? The Gaston Gown, made with 100% Platinum Dupioni Silk... lined in lime green poly lining.

You can find the sample for sale in our Etsy store at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fadendesignstudios. If you are interested in a private commission of this gown, please contact me at romy@fadendesignstudios.com. This dress can be done in a variety of colors and fabrics and is custom made to your own measurements.

Oh the Ruffles- Oh the Iron!

2012-04-03T15:37:00.001-06:00

There is a dress that I have been working on this week....Beautiful silk ruffles, upon ruffles, upon ruffles!!! I love it and can't wait to share it with you... all in due time!

I needed a break from all of the basting and pulling and ironing, so I thought I would sit and write and confess... ironing is one of my least favorite things to do. Sadly (for me), it is equally, if not MORE important, when making a garment, as sewing is.

I come from a long line of seamstresses, both professional and amateurs, so my history with the iron is a long one. It is quite probable that I cut my teeth on an ironing board.

My earliest memories of the independently ironing is at age 5. Family of 6, with 4 kids, we learned early! On the second floor we had a spare room, generally referred to as the "Ironing Room". There, all of the clothes that needed pressing gathered. Once a week, my older sister and I would sort, steam and starch. Tedious, but I suppose I should be thankful that I mastered the skill early in life, as the task has been a necessity for my whole career in fashion.

So today, as I iron my ruffles... I will do my best to smile and think of my big sis in the Ironing Room~ Back to the board I go!

New addition to Dressgirl's line for BABY!!!

2012-03-29T09:41:00.000-06:00

I'm am so excited to share with you the newest addition for your newest addition! 100% cotton wrap kimono jacket. This little pretty is finished with french seams and bias binding, so there are no rough edges to irritate baby's delicate skin! Snap closures in the inside, and easy ties on front make for quick changes. These wraps are machine washable!

We will be featuring this new look on the Dressgirl website, so keep an eye out!

This look is great for even the littlest of Dressgirls!

Catching up with Dressgirl....Look at our newest additions!!!!

2011-10-17T08:33:00.000-06:00

I know it's been awhile since my last post, so let's get you up to speed with what's new from the studio... Dressgirl is a continued success, we have had booths at several events here in the Woodlands and are now taking orders for the holidays.

Our newest additions are these sweet hand crocheted amigurumi plushies. Keeping in the tradition of Dressgirl dresses, each cutie is crafted to order. We are working to have them available on our website shortly, but in the meantime, you can find them on our Etsy shop. We are currently featuring Oscar the Octopus, crafted in 100% worsted cotton yarn. Shown here in Sea-glass blue and Lilac, our little guys are approximately 4 inches sitting and have a leg span of 9 inches. If you are interested in other colors please message me and let me know. Keep in mind we also are taking commissions if there is something else you are interested in having made~

Spring Fabrics for Dressgirl Have Arrived!!!

2011-02-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!! In the spirit of love and the newness of springtime, I am pleased to share the latest from our studios!

Fresh, bright and fun, like a garden tea party is what I would describe the new spring fabrics for Dressigirl by Faden Design Studios! These playful colors and prints and great silhouettes will work well with any wardrobe as accent pieces or staples for the whole season and beyond!

Click a thumbnail for a larger view

Have a peek at our sweet dresses and don't forget to put your Easter order in now!

For more information on any of the fabrics you see here please visit us at: www.fadendesignstudios.com/dressgirl

Bridal Trends for Spring 2011

2011-01-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

If you are getting married this spring, chances are you have a gown in mind. For those still looking, or whose curiosity has been piqued by the impending April wedding of a particular royal and commoner, let's have a peek at what to expect coming down the aisle this spring.

Dress by Vera Wang

Necklines- This spring we will see a variety of off the shoulder, strapless and one shouldered dresses. Highlighting delicate necks, collarbones and decolletages, soft, sweetheart shapes and asymmetrical necklines will be popular with spring brides.

Colors- Along with traditional whites and creams, expect light charcoals, lattes, champagnes and nudes to round out this season's palette for wedding gowns. Last season's brighter accent colors are replaced with softer tonal hues, as well as black. These colors can be found in sashes, gloves and hair accessories.

Dress by Modern Trousseau

Fabrics- Goodbye to the heavy feeling of winter! Celebrate the light and airy feel of chiffon, tissue organza, Chantilly lace, tulle and silk gazaar in this season's silhouettes.

Dress by Oscar De La Renta

Asymmetrical designs- Showcasing a fresh, modern look to classical silhouettes, brides can choose necklines, waistlines, skirting and draping details in whimsical or architectural asymmetrical styles.

It's all in the details- Whether its a corseted bodice draped in sheets of gossamer silks, a multi-tiered peplum, or rosette embroidery accents, this season's brides will have a full spectrum of tucks, pleats, and ruching to show off their unique flair on their special day!

For inquires on how you can have a custom gown created for your special day by Faden Design Studios, please contact us at www.fadendesignstudios.com.

Thinking ahead to Spring

2011-01-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

Kauai Farmers Coop

As most of the United States is gripped in a deep freeze my mind wanders to and longs for Springtime. Triggered by two separate calls, one from a dear old friend currently sunning in the Canary Islands, then, on that same day, from my youngest sister who is hard at work in her organic farm in....Hawaii!!!!

And so, in my studio I sit, paging through fabrics for our Dressgirl line, so bright and cheery and warm. The icicles on my Winter's mind melt and fade away making way for the rebirth of everything possible.

Photo by Emmanuel Avargues

I am so excited to see what Springtime will bring us here at Faden Design Studios! I am even more excited to be able to share more from our studio in the coming weeks and months!

Thank you always to those who support and believe in us! You make things very possible!!!!

Dressgirl is here!

2011-01-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year!
Alot has happened since last I posted....the holidays were good to us at Faden Design Studios, we have new friends following us on Twitter and Facebook alike, Nettlen Scrub Hats have been well received since our move to Tx! And now we have launched our latest line.. Dressgirl is our newest baby in the studio!

Dressgirl is our line of couture dresses and gowns for the special little 'dressgirl' in your life! Whimsical prints and classic silhouettes guaranteed to make any girl look and feel like a princess!

Really the idea was born while I was in school at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I just didn't know it then. My sister's first child Haley was my biggest fan. I would visit them on the weekends, bring my homework and create in front of my Haley-girl. She was 2 or 3 years old when i took my first children's wear class. It wasn't hard for me to see Haley was my muse, and the inspiration for my projects. Twirling dresses, ruffles and colorful prints were high on her must have list.

The Haley Dress

Fast forward a decade and a bit....I am blessed with 2 boys....we are in Tx and my muse is all grown up.....twirling dresses have now been replaces with dreams of proms and formals. However, my best friend and her family lives here in Tx too...they have a sweet 4 year old, who posses the same passion for twirling that brought me back to those years at SCAD. Her spirit and fire got us thinking about the past, looking towards the future and thinking that all girls need something to twirl in!

With that we have set out to create some super swanky dresses that any little girl would love to wear! Welcome Dressgirl!!!!!

Thanks you to the girls in my life who have been and will always be such wonderful inspirations!

Nettlen has Holiday Scrub Hats!

2010-12-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

It's beginning to look like Christmas here in the studio! We have added 4 new prints to our Nettlen Scrub Hats collection!

To see more visit us at www.nettlen.com !

Illustrations have begun!

2010-10-10T13:14:00.000-06:00

Watching my ideas come to life is so fun! A sparkly cocktail gown for the holiday season~ more to follow.

Autumn Approaching

2010-09-09T12:28:00.001-06:00

It is hard for me to believe that it is a week into September already. Being that I am originally from New England there is a pang of nostalgia that draws my mind back to crisp nights, the smell of burning leaves, apple picking and fresh cider.

We have recently moved from Savannah, GA to a suburb of Houston, TX and the only signs of autumn are the school buses and the advertisements for Halloween goods. I miss my New England Falls. So I have drawn on my days in Connecticut to develop my next collection of gowns for Faden Design Studios.

Deep reds and pumpkins, olive, canary and jewel tones will round out the color pallette this season in rich taffatas, shantung silks and satins.

Sketches to follow....

Nettlen, Designer Scrub Hats- why HATS?!?!

2010-08-19T14:13:00.000-06:00

As many of you may know I have strong ties in the medical community in Savannah. I have grown to know and love surgical and clinical staff members at The Southeastern Orthopedic Center/ The Doctors Hospital of Tattnall in Savannah and Reidsville, Georgia. As well as, a multitude of surgical staff member at St. Joseph's/ Candler hospital and the many surgical supply reps that worked with these places.

One day, I was talking with one of my friends who made mention that the ORs could use my designer talents. You see, the OR staff members are generally dressed in "hospital issued" scrubs and/ or are restricted to one particular color of scrubs to identify their specialty/ department. In addition, they wear "less than flattering" in appearance, disposable hats and hair nets. Most of my nurse friends main complain was that you had no way of personalizing yourself. No way to make you feel pretty, or unique with your appearance.

I was invited into an OR observe a surgery and experienced this first hand.... Everyone was dressed in surgical blue, faces covered with sterile face masks, heads covered in lunch-lady like hair nets. Eyes were all I saw, and I couldn't recognize a single person.... even those I have known for years.

After the procedure, I went home and started sketching...HATS!!! Not a typical item you might see me working on in my studio, after all I am a mean dressmaker~ But this was important to me....

As I sketched and started playing with muslin I thought of ALL of the people who could benefit from these jewels....my mind wandered to my mother, long gone...12 years now, taken from us by cancer. How she hated her wigs after chemo... and summer in the South especially. She would have loved one of these hats~ And my younger sister, Jillian Seals, an organic farmer in Kauai, HI. Those in the fields all day with little to shield their heads from the sun. Mothers going into the OR for a C-Section and the dad's and family that accompany them, wanting to look their best on their big day. Just to name a few~ And so....HATS I made!

What is next you ask? Stay tuned!

To see more about Faden Design Studios line of Nettlen Scrub Hats please go to www.nettlen.com.

Rosearian

2009-06-27T15:39:00.001-06:00

The studio is thick with the scent of old English roses~ I have a friend who is so passionate about his roses, a true rosearian. Yesterday he gifted me a single bloom from his Savannah garden. Its coral splendor against the blues of my walls is incredible. What a pleasure it is to have this rose keep my mind among the garden as I work today.

Sketchbooks and fabric

2009-06-13T16:36:00.000-06:00

I have a secret..... I have a mad obsession with sketchbooks and fabric. I collect these items the same way birds collect twigs for a new nest. I suppose there is a parallel.... spring birds gather their supplies to make a new home for new life, my sketchbooks and fabrics are the home to my new ideas....that in turn take flight as a new part of me.

I'm currently working on some new dresses for my line. Blues and greens and soft purples flood my studio. I can't wait to have some things up on our website that is being designed!