Moroccan-1960s Fusion Dress

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

After a sneak peek the other day of the fabrics and pattern I used, I'm finally ready to show you all the Moroccan-1960s fusion dress I made for my sister Aria!  In case you didn't see the other post, the formal at my sister's university (the occasion for this dress-making venture) was "Night in Morocco," and my sister said that although the theme of the night didn't come across in more than some Middle Eastern-esque lanterns in the center of the tables, she coordinated perfectly!

(If you'd like to read more about the traditional Moroccan garments inspiring this and the designing thought behind it, go to my sneak peek post!)

I ended up using the vintage pattern, 1960s Simplicity 3929, because it looked like it would be more likely to fit my sister's more petite size than the modern re-released 60s pattern.  I made a mock up that fit, but when I tried it in the fashion fabric the top was far too tight!  Though frustrating, I had enough fabric left to try again, and it worked the second time!

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

I lined the top in another silky gold fabric I had in my stash and hand-sewed all the trim around the neckline.  I added a notch into the neckline to give a faux layered look that is incorporated into traditional Moroccan caftans, then I added fancy embellishment and ribbon.  Next, I made self-covered buttons with a layer of the gold fabric and two layers of the navy tulle and centered them down the front.  These buttons in combination with the chunky belt seem to be a popular detail on Moroccan garments, too.

For the bottom, I gathered several yards of tulle (folded in half with selvedges at the top) onto the skirt for lots of volume.  I think it contrasts nicely with the pencil-shaped skirt below for some extra drama!  My sister was afraid it would come off as too poofy, but I assured her that poof only means one's waist looks smaller, and it's never anything to be afraid of!  In the end, I think it turned out with enough puffiness to make us both happy.  I got my drama and Aria got her easy wearability!

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

She wore this to her university's spring formal and said she not only got lots of compliments, but she was perfectly comfortable dancing in it, too!  Success!  This was the first time I have ever made a full garment for someone else from scratch, and I'm very relieved that it turned out and that Aria liked it.  (I was nervous about botching it, I won't lie!  I'm connected to Aria forever; high stakes!)

Doesn't she look amazing?!  Her hair, makeup, dress, everything!  She's rocking it!

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

10 comments

  1. It turned out sensationally! My word, what an eye-catching, creative, gorgeous gown you've made for your sister. She's a vision of loveliness in it! (And, also, as I'm sure you're told often, looks incredibly like you - save for a somewhat similar forehead, my sister and I don't look we're related in the slightest, so I'm always stuck all the more by siblings who do share so many features in common.)

    ♥ Jessica

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  2. You did a great job on the dress and Aria looks gorgeous in it. I can't believe how much she looks like you as well!

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  3. Beautiful dress! Your Moroccan theme comes through soo well and suits your sister very well. Great job! Well done.

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  4. The dress turned out lovely Emileigh! I like how you did the faux notch. It really does create a layered effect as you said. And the fabric you chose for the bodice is lovely, and Aria looks lovely too, of course.

    Brigid
    the Middle Sister and Singer

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  5. This dress is very lovely :) You did an excellent job, and the fabrics you chose are gorgeous.
    I'm glad your sister liked it, she looks beautiful in it- and it is amazing how she looks like you!

    ~Maria☼
    (form A Golden Picnic)

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  6. Gorgeous work and Aria looks beautiful! I love the colours and all the details you added.

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  7. I see good looks run in the family!...The tulle and embroidery details on this dress are too die for. You're making me want to put in a custom dress order.

    -Dasha
    http://www.windycitywardrobe.com

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  8. Such a great dress and it really suits your sister. She looks fabulous. I love all the little details you have added.

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  9. The color palette of this dress is so rich and exotic. I love the effect of the tulle over skirt, and I think you did a super job of sewing this dress up for your sister Emileigh, She looks lovely. :) ❤

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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