Art Gowns

Have you ever felt the breath of Zeus down your back?

No! Then you’ve never created a gown for the Goddess Mnemosyne.

So, now you want to know about Mnemosyne. Well, you’re in luck because Aquileana has posted Mnemosyne:

►Greek Mythology: “Mnemosyne” / “Collaboration with Resa McConaghy and Christy Birmingham” 💫.-

Big Bonus: Christy Birmingham of Poetic Parfait penned a poem about Mnemosyne for Aquileana’s article. Art Gown Mnemosyne is there, too!

Intrigued by Greek Mythology since I began reading La Audacia de Aquiles, I thank Aquileana for all the heady gown ideas.

My first inspiration was the classic white draping associated with ancient Greece.

I found yards & yards of natural white curtain sheers in a sell off bin for $2.00/yd. At that price it must have been around since the 1970’s!

Judy is off white and I got a fret on that the fabric wouldn’t show.

I consulted with Aquileana & she said red or blue could work.

So, I styled a fine red silk jacquard under dress for Mnemosyne.

Art Gowns refuse to iron, so I spent many days at the ironing board preparing the white sheers: hand stitching & pressing.

On the right: Mnemosyne inspects & critiques my fussy & diligent work.

It was worth the effort. Mnemosyne is a true classic beauty.

Christy’s poetry is super meaningful, & is making this Art Gown even more special. Thank you so much dear Christy!

Here are some out takes.

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Mnemosyne allowed me to experiment with a slight re-drape.

I wanted to show off all the gorgeous vintage golden brass pieces a friend gave me to help me express Mnemosyne. To me, these represent Zeus.

Together with the red silk they are the Muses.

Mnemosyne is the mother of the 9 Muses. Zeus is the father.

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Mnemosyne & all the Art Gowns welcome you into the Art Gowns’ home for a celebration! Dionysis is bringing the wine, so it’s got to be good.

I will be preparing the meal, as Art Gowns don’t go into the kitchen, ever.

Art Gown Mnemosyne designed by Resa McConaghy – January, 2016

Mnemosyne Photos taken by Resa McConaghy – January 19 – 30, 2016

Above: Mnemosyne w/ Mini-me. Below, a Queen of Goddess.

I designed #TheShape, drafted a pattern, made 2 mini coats & want to know what you think!

Using my Judy to fit them on, I did one out of a stiff cotton Spanish drapery fabric.

The other was made out of a thin, crisp shirt weight Italian velvet flocked cotton.

Next up was a model. I wanted a mature woman, 40 years +. I couldn’t find one I could afford, except me. So, oh well!

The flocked velvet coat was finished first, so I started there. Here I paired it with leggings from Marina Kanavaki’s S6 Shop & a ceramic Green Leaf Pin designed by Belén Soto.

The print on the leggings is from an original work of art by Marina, Paths of Color [Turquoise, Blue And Green] The purse is a sustainable fashion piece made from cork bought at Chartreuse Style in Toronto.

The curtain coat was finished in time to go out for a dinner.

Dressier than the last outfit, I put the coat together with a little black dress & heavy black tights. It was accessorized with a hand-made black rubber & copper wire necklace.

#TheShape is flattering, & can be cut longer. It can be made from all types of fabrics. Sleeves & collars can change, & the front closure become buttons. A solid front with zip in the back turns it into a dress. The sky’s the limit!