Lace and Lycra, Spandex and Satin

Home Studio

2011-10-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

After a crazy couple months of bridesmaids' orders and creating a new bridal collection, I had completely buried my workroom. But look, I found it! and realized that I've never really shown it off, as decorating at our house is always an ongoing process.

The ridiculous amounts of Ikea's 'Kassett' series boxes are a recent solution to my unmanageable amounts of fabrics in quantities too small to put on the lovely bolts hubs made. For some, I cut out and placed a vinyl window. So much easier and more functional now!

One work still in progress is our compromise light fixture. Naturally, I wanted a pretty chandelier, but hubs put his foot down and insisted the ceiling fan stay. Therein, he volunteered himself to create a hybrid freak chandelier ceiling fan. He's working on painting some crystals white, and the brass will be white eventually, also.

The fan favorite quirky piece in my room is definitely the bizarre pineapple lamp. It was a salvage from hub's grandparents' auction last summer. Bizarre mid-century quirk that just happened to coordinate with the studio room.

Crazy July 2011: A New Beginning

2011-08-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

With the close of one of the most interesting months of my life, let me summarize with a Top 10 List.

Top 10 Reasons Why July's Events Rock My World:

1 - Commuting across the hall in my pajamas to work.
2 - Weekends with my husband for the first time ever! (We are going to go to so many festivals.)
3 - Actually getting to work my own booth at the Bridal Extravaganza. lol.

4 - The kick I needed to make my dream a reality.
5 - A particular competitor to drive me to dominate.
6 - Expanding my offerings. Flowergirls!

7 - and sparkle! Pageant!
8 - Jet Set Swim runway and shoots. This collection will finally be in stores for next summer!

9 - An opportunity to actually do housewife things I've always skipped out on.
10 - An unexpected launch into my dream job!

Let's see what August brings!

Damsel: Season 1.5

2010-10-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

After much review, some of the previous Damsel Maids styles will be cancelled before production and replaced with a few of these new styles. I'd love to hear your reaction to these new possibilities!

1. Lace bateau and drape over chiffon tea A-line
2. ?
3. Raw chiffon strips cover bodice and waistband, lame or sequin pencil skirt
4. X

5. Halter with back ribbon tie, pleated chiffon overlay
6. Organza ruched dress with lace empire bodice
7. Two-tone satin dress with short sleeve
8. Draped chiffon with ribbon accent strap, waist

9. Dupioni pencil skirt with origami bow, front inseam pockets

BELTS:
a. Tulle trim, grosgrain ribbon, flower
b. Raw taffeta/grosgrain bow with pearl trim on satin sash with black trim
c. Flower, feathers on velvet sash
d. Zipper trim on satin sash
e. Zipper trim flower on velvet or leather belt

10. Velvet dress with pockets (to be worn with belt)
11. Satin one-sleeve dress with accent-colored neckline
12. Satin dress with center front ruffle, sheer lace or chiffon bodice and ruched sleeve
13. Draped chiffon 1-shoulder dress with sleeve drape. Accent strap
14. Organza shift with lame or sequin accent bodice and hem

FreshSketch Week 1: Annie's Moscow-Daffy-1776

2010-08-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

So I ended up focusing more on the military aspect of the 1776 and Moscow references. I feel like there should be fur somewhere, and maybe feathers for Daffy, but just couldn't make all that concept fit in one dress. I'd wondered before if military could work for evening...

Stump The Designer/Keepin' it Fresh

2010-08-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

Nancy Strickler, you were right.

After pondering what I could do to:
1- Liven up this blog
2 - Keep fresh ideas rolling
3 - Put great inspiration to good use
4 - Grow a design catalog from which clients may select,

I decided that good, old-fashioned regular sketching is a must! It is with excitement that I plan to bring you up to 3 looks here each week.

On my mind lately:
Summertime lake excursions
the supernatural (Admittedly, these sketches will be likely be done Monday mornings when I catch up on my vamp dramas. lol)
always Alice's adventures

but...
if you want to play 'Stump the Designer', bring it! Give me:
Who I'm Designing For
Where She's Going
An Inspiration/Muse/Character/Artist/Thing
and a Year/Era

I made my sister play without knowing what I was asking, so for week 1, I'm stuck with:
Daffy Duck goes to Moscow circa 1776.

Did I mention I reserve the right to translate inspiration as needed?
So, I'll start with Imperial Russia's Coat of Arms and add in a dose of whimsy and...rage? Haha. Wish me luck.

Damsel PREVIEW!!

2010-02-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Hmm, gauging things by my blog activity, you might think it's been quiet in the Natalie Harris design studio. Well, you might have another think coming! In addition to the wonderful couture brides whom I love, we're expanding to offer custom bridal party design and launching two fashion collections. Ready to eat this up?

Ladies and Gentlemen, 2010 is the year that we take this dream to the next level. On February 25th, we will debut the Damsel Maids collection alongside a number of couture Bridal designs and the Jet Set Swim collection at an amazing independent design runway event in Dallas, The Pin Show. Retailers, if you're not already planning on attending, you're missing out! Not to worry, though, Houstonian fans - I'll be sure to share runway video as soon as I get my hands on it!

I'll be titling the Damsel Collection styles somewhat untraditionally: by nouns (rather than women's names or just number). I think it adds some funk. ;)
Without further adieu, just 3 from Damsel 2010 (bear with me - everything looks better on a model and in a real shoot):

'Valentine'
Three-tone, one-shoulder cocktail with sculpted rose detail, handstitched waistband, bias seaming.

'Umbrella'
Strapless satin/tulle/lace cocktail with peplum @ natural waist.

(Thinking I could love this one even more in a vivid shade like hot pink with black lace!)

'Anchor'
A boatneck, pencil-fit, T-back satin cocktail number.
(I'd designed a tulle hooded jacket to go with, but reworking that/considering swapping out for a print belt instead.)

Stay tuned for a preview of new styles from Jet Set Swim: Piccadilly (now in Gold/Black), Havana, Hyannisport, Chisinau, and more!

Dang it feels GOOD to see these collections coming together! I mean rolling-with-the-windows-down-your-jam-playing-volume-just-beyond-appropriate-fist-pumping kind of adrenaline GOOD. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

I'm so proud - and I must admit - there's something exciting about wanting to wear them myself!
(Speaking of - just for fun - I decided to start on a design I'm pondering for the Damsel Bridal collection down the line. A cocktail reception dress...which I'll wear myself for my walk! It'll be solid ivory of various shades. With the jacket for my walk, but without for pre-show cocktail hour.)

More news soon!

August Magazine Feature

2009-08-26T23:14:00.000-07:00

Just updated my Press page with the spread from HY.

It was a learning experience. hahahahahaha. Ah gees.

Custom Printing!!!!

2009-08-19T20:40:00.000-07:00

I don't remember the last time I was so excited about a vendor. (Well, maybe the embroiderer...but still!) I've now partnered with a textile printer, allowing me to create print bridesmaids dresses for Miss Sara's bridal party. Rather than strapless, like her inspiration image, we designed a ruched, sweetheart halter. The breezy cotton voile will make such darling sundresses. I am so absolutely tickled!

Her Inspiration Image

My brain is spinning now thinking about how I can play with prints on wedding gowns, mothers' dresses, pageant, cocktail...

weee!!

Natalie Harris Site Redesign!

2009-08-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

More brides! More designs! and now faster-loading and more user-friendly. :)

Especially check out the beginning of my page for my upcoming bridesmaids/cocktail collection, Damsel.

You absolutely must listen to the brutally honest song on that page that I hope conveys a bit of humor about the fashion risks of cliched bridesmaid dresses. hehe.
Furthermore, I sketched a few fun croquis to kick off the whole fun/edgy aesthetic. (I'm in love with the blonde.)

Allison's Rendering

2009-08-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Allison's Vintage Lace

Carissa's Ballgown to top all other ballgowns before it

2009-08-02T23:37:00.000-07:00

I must say, this one has me in absolute suspense. I cannot wait to see her in this...this...magnificence!

Random Artsy Concept Shoot

2009-08-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

Edit 8-19: Just received images from Heinz. So chic.

Hmm. Have to ask if he edited any of 'Piccadilly'. So glad to have 'Cannes' captured now!

-------------------------------

Model Stacie Noble asked that I style a shoot involving her shaving her head. Hey, I was intrigued.
Heinz Weidmann, Photographer
Dennis Clendennen of Dionysus Salon, The Woodlands - with whom I had the pleasure of working with on our shoot for May ENVY

Magazine Feature FLOP

2009-07-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

Ugh. I have never been so disappointed by a photo shoot experience as I have been with Couture Magazine. I'm hesitant to even mention their name here, for fear that it might encourage some of you to go read it, which might be a tragic waste of brainpower and time.

Do yourself a favor and just type in page 30 in the upper left instead of scrolling through this hot mess.

As if that weren't enough, way to make me look like an idiot. Read THIS:
"... It is for this reason that my collection includes fashion-foward mail-outs (one-piece suits) and coordinating cover-ups..."
IDIOTS! They run a fashion magazine and can't edit well enough to know to cancel spellcheck (and I think I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt on that one) on maillot!?!?

From Dictionary.com:

–noun
1. a close-fitting, one-piece bathing suit for women, simply styled and usually having a scoop neck and shoulder straps.

Furthermore, the magazine is chock-full of images of swimwear. So...thanks for advertising for my competitors and leaving me in the effing dark.

Friends, PLEASE, take 20 seconds and email feedback@mycouturemag.com. Tell them how strange you think it is that the girl who wrote about shoes has her picture, but there is none of me. Perhaps I'm horribly disfigured. Perhaps they never organized actually taking my photo, as promised. That's not the important part, though.

I requested for months to see my images, and the photographer never got a release from the magazine to even share them with me. I wasted my time one EARLY morning shooting in town for these people. That's not to mention 2 other meetings/fittings that required me to drive all over Hell's Half Acre (which is a town in Wyoming, btw).

I'll waste time for Vogue, ok? These people don't get to do that. Help me out, so that I can at least get some (decent?) photos for my time.

mmmkay, thanks.

Sherray's Gown

2009-07-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Still perfecting the details of Sherray's sleek mermaid, which will feature my signature detachable skirt, in Luxe tulle. She's picked a stunning gold tone, sure to be unforgettable.

4600+ Miles Later

2009-07-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

Still expanding my horizons...especially those west of the Mississippi...we hopped in the truck for a roadtrip that most sane people wouldn't consider. Then again, most people don't have families spread out across the entire country!

It was first to Indiana, then Minnesota, South Dakota for a night, through Yellowstone/Wyoming, and finally to meet up in Idaho! It was 3 new states for me, and a handful of memories for a lifetime. I can understand why this revisit to Yellowstone, on the anniversary of a family trip 20 years ago, brought so much excitement to the bunch.

The truck had a bit of elevation sickness near Cody, WY. There were a few minutes that we thought we were stranded, but she finally started again and despite some chugging for most of the rest of the trip, we were good to go. Apparently the quick elevation change confused the F150's oxygen sensor. As it turns out, elevation sickness must be contagious, because at Old Faithful, something suddenly came over me, too! - maybe it was just the toxic geyser fumes. haha.

It was so great to spend time with all 3 parts of our family!

Grand Tetons

Camped in the National Park here overnight, learning that tents are not, in fact, waterproof. When storms roar through mountains, thunder never stops...just echoes!

Grand Prismatic Spring

(This shot by Hubs, courtesy of a trail that was a great deal longer than 1/4 mile. Thanks for the sunburn on my sunburn, idiot tourist guy!)

The sweet Island Park, Idaho chalet, fit for all these Harrises!

Buck Elk

Old Faithful

Yellowstone's Lower Falls

Mt Rushmore

The Badlands - possibly the highlight of the trip.

Double Rainbow - look closely!

Tanaya's Sophisticated Mermaid

2009-06-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

A detachable cocktail and full-length skirt provide two looks to this stunning, chic mermaid style created from meshing all of this bride-to-be's favorite design elements. Crisp fabrication and a vintage rhinestone detail make this one incredible look!

If you wear clothes, make clothes, or like me, please...

2009-06-05T21:04:00.001-07:00

Please sign this petition.

This bill parades as a way to protect original designs from being stolen, which is a grand theory. However, in reality, it will take a creative industry and turn it into a legally delayed mess in which independent designers will be unable to afford to function.

If you buy affordable clothing, kiss that goodbye.
Are you a sewing hobbyist? Forget buying patterns.
Eight fashion seasons a year? Ha. We'll be too tied up making sure our designs won't accidentally look like something someone else did decades ago.

Nothing is new in fashion. Trends repeat. Inspiration cannot exist in a vacuum.

Please allow me to continue to dream about growing a successful Bridal and Swimwear brand. I don't know what else I would do with myself...

My new Celebrity Muse

2009-05-31T15:53:00.001-07:00

I have always described my design aesthetic as elegance with edge...and who personifies that better than screen vixen Megan Fox!? I think she is everything that's great about Angelina Jolie but better. Her spread in June's Elle is just stunning. Just like that, she bumped Natalie Portman to a distant second.

Refer a Bride who orders her gown for $50 Visa Gift Card!

2009-05-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hey friends and family - listen up! We here at Natalie Harris Design are incredibly excited to be taking our Custom Bridal design services to the next level with a new advertising campaign! HOWEVER...

Everyone knows that word of mouth is the best way to find a trusted professional. That is why we are offering a $50 Visa Gift Card to those of you who refer a bride who places her order for a custom wedding gown or bridal party (5 or more bridesmaids)! (For orders placed through Aug 31, 09.)

So please...recommend us to everyone your engaged friends and family!

Natalie Harris Design: We make dream dresses a reality.

Polyvore: The Poor Man's Photoshop

2009-05-19T01:38:00.000-07:00

...but I decided to play with it, as I'm hopelessly torn between two ideas for revamping the "Duck" room, my studio/home office which still showcases the wall duckies from the previous owner. Anyway, one idea is an indigo for the walls, using white accents, and changing to a lucite ceiling fan. On the other hand, I'm toying with a non-offensive shade of chartreuse for the walls, then doing a palm-blade ceiling fan and natural accents. Help?! (I'll try to whip up an image of the green palette in a bit.)

http://www.polyvore.com/duck_room_peacock_indigo/set?id=8817362

(Belated) Birthday Recap

2009-05-08T20:49:00.001-07:00

My thanks to Caty for this most entertaining card:

(Inside reads: "I got it on Ebay!")

Dear Hubs and I spent the day together field-trip style at the zoo. It was a beautiful day and a great time. Thumbs down to the zoo, who added a barrier between my Okapi friends and I. Eh, it was hot, so my stupid Okapi friend hid in the shade anyway. :( I did get a few images of cool, colorful animals to add to my ever-growing inspiration file! Please enjoy the following stupidity:

Hubs in an aquarium

"Special" Giraffe

We ended the night at Gianna's (an amazing Italian Ristorante in Tomball) with some friends. It was a fantastic day all around...

even despite that whole downward-slide-to-30 thing.

Gonna Party like it's my Birthday

2009-04-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a 50 Cent moment on the commute home this afternoon, cruising with the windows down on a GORGEOUS afternoon, I had a sentimental moment. Of course certain songs remind of us a different time or place; this one brought imagery of Purdue Grand Prix week, with jams blaring from frat patios on my walk to the Art & Design buildings. Funny. :)

Speaking of birthdays...

Mine is tomorrow! Weeeeeeeeeee! This makes 26 years.

Had dinner with the in-laws this evening, complete with Klein's Irish Creme cake. Tasty.

Hubs and I are thinking we'll take advantage of the beautiful day forecast for tomorrow and go visit my Okapi friend at the zoo. It's been a few years, after all. He lets me feed him leaves. We have a bond.

I am also stoked to get caught up with sketching all my recent ideas for bridesmaids, new bridal gowns, and swim coverups. To add fuel to the fire, I just discovered a source for preserved leaves, and you had better believe I'm going to figure out a way to make my favorite applique method workable for mass-manufacture. Besides all the wonderful autumn tones, I FOUND WHITE LEAVES! Which means...WEDDING GOWN!!! I am so freaking excited. I know it might sound scary, but just you wait! This is going to be one of those signature kinds of gowns that people talk about for years. EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

*deep breath*

"Aspen" and "Shanghai" design edits

2009-04-17T22:10:00.001-07:00

It was brought to my attention that 'Aspen', a favorite of mine, might be improved with some light waist-area shirring. This idea has me very excited, so I think this will be release #3 for Jet Set Swim's summer preview. I'm still working on a coverup; I'll post some concept sketches tomorrow and see what you all think.

Also, being inspired by a friend's pregnancy, I'll be offering 'Shanghai' to have sideseam drawstrings (rather than side slits?)...which makes for hot maternity beach attire!!!!

I'm working now on a Jet Set Swim signature print design now. I'll use it as an alternate color choice for every style. I'm trying to decide what look really conveys my whole philosophy for the collection. I want something sophisticated, but fun and modern. Hmm...

Also, I'm working on a couple graphics to complete the Tees shoppe that I'll be adding to my homepage in the next few weeks!

ENVY does Hollywood

2009-04-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

So look for the May issue of ENVY Magazine, on newstands (and online at http://www.envymags.com/) at the end of April. Here are two teasers of what to expect from the "Old Hollywood" feature, which will showcase two Natalie Harris Bridal gowns!

I don't even know how Savannah, our bombshell blonde, made it through. The poor girl fought back pnemonia to look this good. Impressive...

Meanwhile, Nicole (ENVY Editor) and I fought for the bird. Voila! Way to work it, Valerie.

ENVY!!

2009-04-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

I received a most exciting phone call during my lunch yesterday (thank goodness I was at lunch at 4:30). A stylist from ENVY Magazine just invited me to participate in a shoot Thursday! To put in perspective how I excited I am about this, just know that I've MySpace stalked Envy for years, dreaming about when the time would be right to see if they might be interested.

Gees, if only I would have known all these PR opportunities would start falling in my lap! These gowns are going to be captured so much, they'll need to be retired to the closet for a long while!

Now I'm off to hunt for accessories all day! Then fitting tonight. Hyperspeed....go.