Designer Insider - The Winner is ...

Burda Style's online design/drawing contest selects Austinite Malissa Long.

Malissa Long, one half of the pattern making skills behind Alyson Fox's Spring collection, has been recognized as the winner of an International Fashion Design sketch competition, hosted by www.burdastyle.com.

She, as the winner for design will receive 300 USD. Her design will be produced as free download for all BurdaStyle members.

Her "Sweat Dress" design stood out in all BurdaStyle criteria's that we used to make a fair and sound decision.

Malissa, who tends to feel cold, often found herself wanting warmth, but not at the cost of looking fashionable, and so created a strong concept of a toasty but stylish dress.

Her inspiration is a common sweatshirt, a garment thrown on casually for warmth. She developed it further, making it into a dress that, depending on the choice of fabric, can be worn for a variety of occasions. Just imagine it in a pastel silk jersey, decked with Swarovsky jewels on the neckline, worn for a formal event. Or suppose it's made in a more casual knit, accentuated by a different color choice for the rib on the hem and the turtleneck, rocked with slouchy boots to school or work. The possibilities are endless.

Her concept leads right into the open source idea. The dress, inspired by a casual sweatshirt, is an accomplished design in itself, but still leaves plenty room for pattern and design changes. Some of you may prefer it without the turtleneck, or a ¾ sleeves. And that is what we want to encourage you to do, take a pattern and make it yours!

Even though the Design is very distinct, it is simple and easily constructed keeping all skill levels in mind. Last but not least we loved her free and artistic style of drawing.

(content by Burdastyle 18 Jul 2007 )

designer insider
posted - beth / 9:24 PM / 09.19.07