Did you ever toss and turn through the dark of night trying to figure how to make a gown out of an old black leather coat and studded leather pants?
If your answer is “yes”, I feel your stress!
Lady Anne is inspired by Norman who donated the coat & pants to my “Art Gowns” supplies stash.
Norman is a musician & composer. He works in film & television, and is an amazing guitar player.
Black leather and studs made me think “Hard Rock” and “Metal”.
However, this is 
a gown, so I thought “Rock Ballads” and bought 9 meters of very inexpensive cotton gauze and Chantilly lace.
I removed the coat’s sleeves, and each sleeve became half of the bodice.
The pant legs became the skirt’s front panels. I cut scallops around the raw edges, and used glue to attach the fabric.
I surgically removed the lower half of the coat’s fronts and the entire back in one piece.
This 
became the back of the gown. I split this up the center to add a flouncing bustle with skirt of gauze.
I over-layered the skirt of gauze with a triangle of lace.
I needed something to pull Lady Jane together so I pulled a grommet laden S&M harness from my pile of leftover production stock, and chopped that up.
Lady Anne is, Medieval, Elizabethan and Renaissance all rolled into today.
Her name, Lady Anne, came to me as I was shooting her.
Soon after I was humming Lady Jane, an old Rolling Stones tune. In the song, Lady Anne is being left for Lady Jane. There is only one color to describe that feeling …. blue.
I must take my leave, for promised I am
This play is run my love, your time has come my love
I’ve pledged my troth to Lady Jane.”
Mick Jagger/Keith Richards
Norman, Lady Anne is like the music you make, a romance of many eras, places and feelings. Thank you for the inspiration!
“Art Gown” Lady Anne designed by Resa McConaghy – November, 2013
All photos of Lady Anne taken by Resa McConaghy – November, 2013
Art Gowns 
Lady Anne would conquer the world! Fabulous fantasy – the sweet and the savage. This gown rocks Resa. V.
Thank you, Virginia! It’s the first I’ve had time to Design an Art Gown for a long time. I adore Lady Anne, and you are right to say she is sweet and savage. You Rock!!! _Resa xoxo
To quote Mick again “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” certainly doesn’t apply to me as I got the privilege of watching the master at work. Being with you while you created this beautiful work of art was truly my pleasure. You know how much I love and admire you for everything you encompass but I want to say it again…you rock!
I miss you already and am sad I won’t be there for the next gown but we’ll always have Lady Anne xoxo
Sweet Sherrie,
We will always have Lady Anne!! ♥♥
You might not be around for the next gown, but you’ll be around for another one soon enough.
I miss you , too
xxooxxoo
Resa, you done it again another absolutely stunning gown.
Sincerely
Benjamin
Thank you, Benjamin! I’ve been away working for months, and designing Lady Anne was just the satisfying relaxation I needed. Thank you so much for popping by!
Sincerely,
Resa (xo)
WOWSERS!!! Leather and lace taken to the penultimate! So creative!!
Thanks Cindy! Your praise is music to my ears. I admit I had to look up “penultimate”. I love learning new words.
It seems I had to wait forever to design another Art Gown, and it is such a satisfying feeling. Take Care _Resa xo
My favorite Stones song is ‘Factory Girl’
Waitin’ for a girl she got stains on her dress
Waitin’ for a girl and my feet are gettin’ wet
She ain’t come out yet
Waitin’ for a factory girl – Jagger/Richards
So I’m obviously no fashion expert, but I likes what I sees!
My dear,
You have great taste in music, and better taste in Art Gowns! “lol”
Thank you so much for coming by and checking out Lady Anne. We both really appreciate it! 😀
Eat your heart out, Steampunk. THIS is what you wish you could be.
What a wonderful compliment! “lol” Admittedly I had to look up “Steampunk”. Thank you so much, Camilla!
Ha – I had to look up steampunk too. I just had to look it up a few years before you did. 😉
Where have I been? I thought I knew all things hip, but guess not. Love and love. 🙂
Well, the answer to your question, Resa, is no! But love the design.
“hahaha”, I had a feeling you might not toss and turn about designing a gown.
Thank you, (and a big hug) John! I love it too. You know, my Art Gowns are like people to me. Once they get to a certain point of creation, I talk to them. _Resa
I LOVE it! Such an amazing combination of hard rock and soft romanticism. I can see someone wearing this as a wedding dress. You never cease to break new ground with these gowns, Resa!
Imelda! Designing my girls is sooo satisfying! I know you understand the thrill of completing a creative project. After months of working, I was chomping at the bit to design an Art Gown.
Now I’ve wound down….. a bit…. and have started reading your latest book, “Playing By The Rules”. (xo)
wonderful ! 🙂
A great compliment! Thank you very much! 😀 😀
Thanks honey for the link it is AMAZING!!!! The OLD BIKER in me has always adored Leather and Lace TOGETHER! This is stunning BRAVO Resa
HUGS
Eunice
A million thanks Eunice!! I know hey, leather and lace is so rock! I luv it!
You what I think? I think you can take the girl off the bike, but you can’t take the bike out of the girl.
Lots of HUGS to you, too! xo
I totally agree, 🙂 I will love the freedom of the road with 2, 4 or 18 wheels forever 🙂 I have also been a rocker since 45’s records in the late 60’s 🙂
Freedom…. You’ve tasted something that many have not! 🙂 That’s probably why you’re so interesting. You are one lucky girl, Eunice. Hugs and Love to you!
LOL never thought of it in those terms 🙂 Absolutely never see the interesting parts of me lol
I love you for your constant encouragement 🙂 XO
XOXO
XOXO Honey one min I have reader the next this old beast wont let me find you all maybe I better blog reg. now 🙂
🙂 Don’t worry! WP fixes most glitches… eventually! “lol”
🙂 Well I am dancing along with feedly on laptop a little newer and so far so good reading away are you on FB? Are you on my FRIEND LIST?
I’m not on FB… maybe I’ll put my gowns there one day. I like the small WP community. It’s cozy and easy to manage. Work takes huge chunks of time.
We can have our own FRIEND LIST, as we always have.
😉 🙂 😀 😎 This is my entire collection of emoticons, and I send it too you!
Have a great Saturday night and a fabulous Sunday! XO
Thanks honey and I love each of them 🙂 Yes It gets crazy with selling my prints on 4 stores online then friends on FB and some are even cross overs 🙂 I will have coffee with FB and evenings curled up with WP and wait for emails telling me I SOLD A PRINT! 🙂
Omg. What kind of brain comes up with this LOL? ART indeed. Lace, leather, studs, black, white. Just amazing, Resa.
Just having fun and being creative! Thank you for your kind words! 🙂
Glad it’s fun. I’d be stressed. 😛
The first comment sweet and salvage says it all. You are a textile goddess.
My tossing and turning in the dark of night uncovers edible works of art.
cheers ma dear. xo wt
Textile Goddess…hmm sounds like a great brand name. Then you are the food goddess, and no wonder you lose sleep creating food art! Cheers to you, too, Wendy! xoxoxo
That is amazing!
Thanks! It’s a lot of creative fun doing my gowns. Then I get to have fun again when I shoot them!
Inspired by your inspiration, echoes creation.
Thank you.
Thank you, Norman! You have inspired me for many years! _Resa xo
Oh Resa ~ you are beyond amazing. a touch of medieval times here.. Absolutely stunning, and powerful in so many ways. I LOVE it! Thank you for always finding ways to surprise and delight us. I’m missing being around here – and this was just the perfect post to stumble upon tonight… Sending Love and a GIANT HUG for my brilliant and beautiful F-G-S always, xxoo Robyn
Dearest Robyn,
It is absolutely wonderful to see you here. I’m so happy it was my door you stumbled into. I totally admit when I posted Lady Anne, I missed you already. It must be FGS energy that guided you here.
I’m so pleased that you like Lady Anne, and yes Medieval is one of her strong energies.
I’m sending a GIANTER HUG to you my very beautiful and one and only FGS.
_Resa xoxo
remarkable. tony
Thank you, Tony! I was away working. It’s been quite awhile since I had time for the pleasure of Art Gown creation. It’s great to be back for however long. _Resa
Oh… dear Resa… stunning , amazing and unbelievable dress. I love it!! Hard rock and lace.. one enhances the other.. Elegant and yet making such a fabulous statement! It’s good to see you back!
love and hugs from across the blue big pond!
Francina
Love and hugs back to you, Francina!
Yes, Lady Anne is a beauty, I just adore her.
It is great to be back! My last job was wonderful, but it took over 4 months, 3 of them out of Toronto.
Take Care _Resa
I keep checking…and finally you’re back with another gown. I’m guessing you’ve been busy with work.
Your newest gown is edgy and innovative. What a surprise. Leather and lace combined. Beautiful. Your creativity knows no bounds, Resa.
Big hugs!!! -Lori
Big hugs back to you, Lori!
Yes, I was working very hard, in Ottawa for 3 months. All in all it was a 4.5 month long project. It’s great to be between jobs again!
Thanks for visiting and liking my newest girl ….er gown! “lol” See you on the patio, soon! xo
This captivating Lady Anne Gown is perfect for those who are courageous enough to face the manifold hardships and the vicissitudes of life. Beneath their armour beats a passionate heart whose love is still waiting for the right person.
My Dear Marcelo,
Your poetic comment is as wise as Lady Anne is beautiful.
I adore your work. I’m thrilled that you have come here, and that my creation has evoked thought in you. _Resa xo
Congratulations, Resa!
I have nominated your blog for the Blog Of The Year 2013 Award.
More about this nomination is at
http://dearkitty1.wordpress.com/2013/11/26/blog-of-the-year-2013-award-thanks-brigid/
Oh my goodness, am I glad I had time to come by your site today! You make the leather look so malleable and soft, yet it looks so tough, no doubt like the woman who will wear it. ❤ I love this. I swear, if I am ever a famous author, I would want YOUR gowns for events.
Diana,
So glad you like Lady Anne! The fact that she evokes thought from you, my poet friend, means I am taking my Gowns beyond clothing, and into art. which is what I am trying to do.
I hope you do become a famous writer! <3! _Resa xo
❤
Love this it’s quite particular but very original 🙂 !
Good! I want them to be Art! 🙂
It’s so very lovely of you to come by for a look! Much appreciated.:-)
Call me whenever you like :), I like these dresses and this dress can really be art ! Xoxo
“My beautiful bride and I would like to see that in black and red, please.” ;o)
Congratulations to you and your bride!!
Well, I only made 1 in b&w, but I am very complimented by your comment!
Thank you , and the best to you!
Cheers!
So amazing absolutly wonderful – my tux haven’t seen this gown yet, it is in the dark clothing cabinet – I dare not let it out – excellent work… 🙂 🙂
Thank you, Le Drake! It makes me happy that you enjoy my work. 🙂 Your tux would surely go crazy if he saw Lady Anne. She is a unique beauty, but then all my girls are. “lol” Your poor tux must be suffocating in that closet. 🙂
As I look at your creation, two words that come to mind are ‘Gorgeous” and
“Innovative”. So which special occasions do you visualise for such a special attire?
Shakti
So far I have been designing my gowns as an Art form equal to music or painting (in my mind).
Therefore anyone, can imagine wearing one of my Art Gowns to a party or to do the dishes, even.
I create them, name them and photographically capture them. Then I dismantle them.
It’s a project I started about a year ago. I have a few ideas for next possible steps, but honestly, I just want to create them.
I’d like them to be used in some way for charitable endeavors, and therein lies a special occasion.
_Resa
The biker girl’s bridal gown– needs a veil to match the train…
I get what you say, but there’s no head! It’s the conundrum of the Judy.
I was thinking of a beautiful young bride biker girl in the dress & then of course she’d need a veil to match her train & you’d have to make a special tux to coordinate for the handsome young groom biker boy. Tee! Hee!
I like the biker bride thought! 🙂 Of course! No regular tux would go with this. It would need black leather as well!
Lady Anne is really cool
but…Blue Venus and Atlantis Mermaid is still my favorites
Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season and
May your New Year be filled with all your wishes…!
Take Care….You Matter…
)0(
maryrose
Thank you Lady Blue Rose! You have the best Christmas and New Year, too!
Peace and Joy!!!
Gorgeous, you are very talented, Resa. Happy holidays, blessings and love to you ♥
Oh Thank you! Happy Holidays, Subhan! So nice to see you again. I really fell off the map for awhile. I went away for months to design the costumes for a Canadian mini-series.
Nonetheless, I’m unemployed again, and back at my blog.
I just checked out your blog, and saw your new post. As always you impart a beautiful message.
Take care and love, peace and joy to you in the New Year! _Resa ♥
WOW – Way cool!
I love her, too! Thank you!
Hi Dear Resa — just revisiting (distraction from packing tonight) – still so intrigued … and Norman must be a very special inspiration indeed!! Love U FGS~ x
My dear FGS Robyn,
Norman is my very own special inspiration.
I love him, and I love U FGS _Resa xo
Very cool. Still thinking Project Runway…one of my favorite shows!
Well, who knows? Maybe I’ll check out the entry guidelines this weekend!
Wow! You did beautiful and irreverent at the same time. What a coup.
What a wonderful compliment! Thank you so much!
Hello Resa 😀 You may have wondered why I didn’t comment on this post. In fact I did ! BUT Akismet put all my comments into spam at the time. That’s all cleared up, thank heavens. I came back to ask if you have another gown on the go and at the same time to congratulate you on another wonderful gown which would be perfect for Halloween (not for me to wear that is ! 😉 ). I hope you are having a lovely weekend my friend. Hugs. Ralph xox ❤
Hugs to you, too, Ralph! ❤
Yes, I do have another gown on the go! I didn't win that shawl contest, a lousy piece of rat fur won. Luckily I am a good loser. 🙂
So, I am turning the shawl into a gown, along with more lace and paint and whatever else.
It will take several or more weeks, however. They usually take 1-3 months, once I start.
Also, I'm working slower than usual, as I am dealing with a gravely ill family member at the moment.
Thanks for stopping by! xoxoxo
You make me excited to finish my next Art Gown!
What a lousy rat fur ! You should have won. That stinking rat !
But ! I am so pleased to hear that you have yet another gown in the works. That would be a lovely Christmas present to look forward to (whichever year doesn’t matter, but preferably this year 😉 ).
I do understand about you caring for a family member as I did the same 24/7 for many months. Carers should get medals ! Please make sure that you have some “me” time. ❤
#< #< #<
I see this is your most recent post. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Thank you! Have bee distracted lately, but I am working on a new Gown. Hope you are ell, too!
very sexy!!!
Thank you… i think so, too!
And thank you for taking the time to look at my gowns!
No matter how often I look at your gowns, Resa, they keep blowing me away! You are the master in my eyes! xoxo
You are a darling Francina!
It’s been awhile, but I have done a new Art Gown. I’m taking the photographs as I write this, and hope to have the new Art Gown post up next weekend!
xoxoxo
J’adore cette robe.
Merci beaucoup!
Nous trouvons vraiment cette robe super sexy,
Oui….super sexy! 🙂
OMG! This is my favorite one, love the leather and romantic side of it! A rocking awesome design Resa!
Well, Lady Anne was designed for the man in my life! The love I felt while designing this was very intense.
I am so honored by the fact that you are viewing so many of my Art Gowns. Thank you, Eva!
All that love is really incorporated into this master piece milady and is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!
❤
Hello http://www.vogue.com/slideshow/1080625/fifteen-coolest-street-style-neighborhoods/
Sheer genius, Resa! I love the upcycle element, but it wouldn’t be gorgeous if you didn’t wave your talented magic needles over the garments! Your gowns are lovely, you are a true fairy godmother, LOL!!!
Thank you dear Roxie!
Lady Anne is possibly my fave. All of the Art Gowns have an upcycle, recycle, found in my basement, bargain bin, art (ie painting, dying) element. I am not allowed to buy all new fabrics. When I buy a new fabric, it must come from ends, or remnants store. xo
Super idea! Lovely fabrics just asking for renewal!
This is “the gown”. Resa it’s so amazing. So commanding with a dominant essence that I adore 😎and oh so Feminine in the back. Drop dead gorgeous!
So, next I’m doing a reblog of a Charlotte Hoather post, then 2 sketches of Aquileana in Goddess Gowns, then you, as Lady Anne.
However, my new Art Gown could intercept.
Working on it!
I’m a big fan of Heather. I follow her faithfully. So talented. You are super busy. Just relax and enjoy. No hurry!♥️
Yeah, still it’s nice to know I’ve got things to do! ❤
I adore this gown. I think it's my fave! ❤
I thinks it’s mine too. So gorgeous! I know you are a busy lady…these gowns aren’t put together over night or any of the other beautiful things on your blog. ❤ ❤
So, I’m over here, studying “Lady Anne”. Will be using you w/sunglasses. It will take a month. I’ll do a front and a back.
You still in?
Of course. Very excited 😊
This is so cool! 😀
It’s very cool. You are a gem !
TY, but you’re Pearl poem was a precious one!
Thank you Resa. I should be so talented as you. Truly gifted. I was looking at your designs again. Gorgeous beyond belief!
I would totally wear it! You picked a great name for the dress 😉
Thank you! I’m very happy with it, too! So glad you like Lady Anne. I am currently attempting to sketch her. 😀