Dare to Design: Shabby Apple

When Shabby Apple announced a Dare to Design contest, I thought -- Neat, tweeted about the contest, and indicated I'd be happy to feature the winner.  Done.

But then a tweet came back -- 'Why don't you enter?"

Surely they were talking smack.  But Miss Shabby Apple was serious: "You have a good sense of design, and you are darling, why wouldn't you?"

1. Because I don't draw.  I. Really. Don't. Draw.
2. Because "Designing clothes isn't my dream. It's for someone else to dare.  Why waste anyone's time, including mine?"
3. Because Athelia Woolley, one of the owners, though not a judge, guest blogged here... and I'm so very cautious about conflicts of interest.

But after two weeks of unsuccessfully pushing the idea aside, I capitulated, and got to work.  As per the instructions, here are my dress designs (in collaboration with Leslie Graff) for Shabby Apple dresses.

Design 1:  Work
Though I usually wear pants to work, sometimes I want to punch things up.  This dress is meant to be professional, tailored, feminine, and worn with my Manolo Blahnik patent leather strappy shoes.

Here's what I've learned:

1)  We don't dream in isolation;
Had it not been for Miss Shabby Apple giving me a sincere compliment, I wouldn't have considered this contest as within the scope of possibilities for me.  Simple words from a relative stranger; she was an artist of encouragement.

Is there someone for whom we have or can with a few words help open up their world? 

2)  To get our dreams done, we will likely need to field dare to dream teams;  
Only by asking for help from, and collaborating with Leslie Graff (thank you Aaron Hutchins for introducing us), was I able to enter this contest.  As an expert artist, Leslie was able to put what I envision on paper.  On the off chance that I win, I will split any royalties received with her.  Incidentally, she has dared to design her own dresses. They are adorable -- she should definitely have her own collection.   

What would you like to try?  What kind of help would you need?  What can be your quid pro quo?  Who can use your help?  What's her/his quid pro quo?

 Design 2:  Cocktail Party/Fundraiser Evening
This flowing, figure-flattering dress with trumpet sleeves and in colors reminiscent of my favorite Hermes scarf is to be worn with high-heeled slingbacks.

The final thing I learned:

3)  Sometimes it's about doing something, just because we want to...
Would I like to see one of these designs as part of Shabby Apple's Spring collection?  Yes.  But it was the process that made this contest worth entering.  Thinking through the occasions for which I'd need a dress -- what neckline, sleeve length, skirt style, and colors would most flatter my figure.  It was so much fun!

What would be fun for you?  Just because?

*** 

Related posts:
Is your dream off-the-rack?  Or tailor-made?
What we can learn from TLC's 'I've Got Nothing to Wear'
TLC's What Not to Wear:  A Hero's Journey

Comments

[Blue]

definitely leslie artistry, which i love. she's the one who wrote me and said i'd probably enjoy your blog. she was right. glad you two could work together on this! good luck to you both!

[Emily O]

These designs are terrific! I think it's amazing that you've looked in a new direction and found, once again, that you are more than you thought. This reminds me of the handless maiden post. I'm also not surprised that you had the vision given your experiences sewing as a child and, more recently, working with a tailor on a custom made dress for a special event. I love that you have worked with Leslie in realizing your vision. Congratulations!

We do dream together. Today, I'll be substituting a Sunday school class, so my friend can run the last 6 miles of the New York City Marathon with another friend of ours who is fulfilling her dream. That's how we roll.

[Dana]

Collaboration...love it! And your designs are darling. Maybe I should do a room design challenge/contest? How about it?
I have been overwelmed lately with dreams and not enough time. And with my husband out of work, I have to pursue the paying gigs -- also dreams now being realized -- but I have little time for the really big dreams that don't have immediate payback, or "paycheck" rather. A media-producer friend recommended I get an intern, in public relations or marketing, to promote my ideas. That is what she does since she is a busy mom and producer of a popular radio program. I have about 2 hours a week -- Friday afternoon or evenings work best, or any day early or late -- I could spend with an intern via phone, email or in person, then send her (could be a "him", I guess) on her way for the week to write my book, and promote designHop, me...etc. I'd give her a cut on anything that materializes and a nice reference...etc. or can talk other terms. I am going to try this. Anyone know someone needing an internship or experience, a powerhouse promoter/writer type?

[Jaime]

They are gorgeous designs. I would buy both, easily.

Isn't it amazing what a little encouragement and teamwork can accomplish?

[Emily]

Whitney! Lovely designs! I love the black and white one! the collar is amazing! I'm so glad she encouraged! simple and stunning! just like you!

[Amy Jo]

Those are amazing! Good for you on getting those in your head well enough to get them out on paper through someone else. My family loves Leslie. I'm glad you've met, collaborated, and enjoyed that process together. At this stage in my life I'm all about dare to dream teams!

[Margaret Busse]

Love both of the designs! I hope they get picked, because I will have easy access to them if they get produced (but I promise I won't influence the outcome...)

[Rebecca]

Collaboration is a great thing, esp. among women. One reason I love your blog is that the atmosphere is so supportive and positive. Kudos on your designs... both are very pretty designs and very wearable. They actually look like they were fun to conceptualize. :)

[Rachael]

Beautiful designs--I can absolutely envision you wearing either of them! You have a great eye for fashion!

[Jenny]

LOVE your designs!
I would love to wear the cocktail dress--so feminine and lovely~

[Elaine, clothed much]

I LOVE it!!! It's classy but still and you can change it up with accessories.

clothedmuch.blogspot.com

[Felix Stendahl]

The designs are quite gorgeous. It's great that you decided to do something like this. It's more or less a great creative exercise, and win or lose, you’ve opened up a new field that you can work on if you wanted to. Cheers to ya!