A Formal Affair - Part 2

Yesterday, I started talking about my black brocade party dress. After altering the pattern to get the back scoop that I desired, I cut it out and sewed it up. The only thing I did different this time was sewed slightly smaller seam allowances (1/2" instead of 5/8"). The other times I have made this dress, I used stretch cottons and the brocade for this dress has no give, so slightly smaller seams seemed prudent. Here is the result:



















Remember, this dress was to be my muslin. However, I liked it so much, I decided to wear it to the party. Also, I could not find the right fabrics to recreate the inspiration dress. Now, if I ever find just the right lace, I am all set.

A bit about the party. As I said, it was a 18th birthday/debut party for a student that I taught this past semester. I knew the party was to be formal, but, dang, was it ever amazing! There were 416 people in attendance. The young lady entered, flanked by friends and family holding candles, and then performed a waltz with her boyfriend to start the evening. There was hors d'oeuvres, a 6 course meal, dessert and a massive dessert table later in the evening. The birthday girl, her cousins and her friends from school put on a show that lasted around an hour. It was like a Broadway show - there was singing and dancing, all in different costumes for each number - it was phenomenal. The kids worked for a year to put this together.

I can't even begin to imagine how much this whole event cost her parents. From what I was told, this is a major rite of passage in a Filipino girl's life and often the girl's parents will start saving for this event on the day she is born. My student looked like a beautiful princess (she had 2 different outfits for the evening - a pink ball gown and a pale blue beaded tunic/pant ensemble) and she carried herself so well. I was so proud of her!