Finally! Don Julio Loft Recap!

I wanted to thank everyone who came out for an amazing time for the Don Julio Loft experience!  The space was hot -- in more ways than one!  There was such a packed crowd, the air conditioning definitely felt a little lacking, but I suppose that just adds to the sexy summer vibe of a posh tequila event!
So, as a recap, one of the highlights of the 3-day celebration was each of the Chicago Fashion Incubator designers creating a look based one of the 5 bottles of Don Julio's tequila varieties, plus one based on the man himself.  I of course chose the 1942 bottle, which is one of the higher end options and a perfect year to lend itself to a vintage style designer.  I set out to work researching lingerie ads and other specific sources for lingerie styles that came out in the year 1942.  With the help of one of my interns, Anna Raben, we were able to find some beautiful examples:

I actually started with a one piece design in a various browns with red and gold accents, but ultimately I didn't like the direction it was going, so the night before the event, I scrapped it and started again.  I may have finished with only 2 hours to spare [read: sleep], but I was a lot more pleased with the final outcome:

This piece focused more on the elegance and sophistication of the 1942 variety, picking up the "brilliant golden hue" in the dupioni silk base fabric and the lace colors were inspired by some of the flavor notes.  If you look really close, you can see the shape of the bottle imitated in the accents of the vanilla colored lace, as well as the top stitching on the bottom of the bra cups.  And of course, 1942 is one of their spicier tequilas in the line, perfect for sipping on it's own, and I don't think there's much spicer than a sexy piece of lingerie on a hot summer night.  ;)  For more info on this fine liquor, please visit donjulio.com

The three days featured a media preview and opening night gala, with these tequila inspired garments in main focus.  The second day was a highly exclusive VIP dinner for Chicago celebrities and socialites, and the final day was the full blow-up with a full fashion show and performance by Shiny Toy Guns.  And boy was it packed!

We stayed in the wild hubub that is the backstage at a fashion show: answering questions, prepping the assistants, approving shoes, and making final alterations, while the models went in for hair and make up.

 

Thanks to Ford Modeling Agency, we had some damn fine ladies to rock that runway:

 

That's me on the right, wearing a dress by Bettie Page.  All the lingerie is Dottie's Delights, not the dress!

The liquor was flowing, the amazing hors d'oeuvre were making the rounds, Shiny Toy Guns rocked the house, and people were definitely having a good time, even with a sweat bead here and there.

  

 

Oh, and did I mention the photobooth?

The Six of us: The Chicago Fashion Incubator Designers 2010!

 The party went on all night long, and even as the crowds finally started to thin, fun and dancing continued!  I love this photo.

 

There was so much more happening at these events, including DJ's, artists, live screen printing, a fantastic local jewlery artist on disply....so if you weren't able to make it you really missed out!  Be sure to grab the latest copy of Chicago Social magazine to get the full highlights!  Thank you so much to everyone involved!!

R.I.P. Dr. Edward Pechter!

So, I am really gearing up now for the Spring 2011 line.  Solidifying what is really possible to manufacture, on what scale, in what colors and ESPECIALLY in what sizes!  It's looking like this season I will be focusing only on the girdles for production and wholesale.  Bras, full body shapers, etc. will still be available on a custom order basis.  Still, that does not mean that the research does not continue into the mysterious world of bra sizing -- oh, on the contrary!  Today, I stumbled across the website of an extraordinary gentleman: Edward Pechter, M.D. F.A.C.S.

Now, being as I am all about supporting a woman's love of her body as is, embracing what you've been given and using natural methods to flatter and perfect female curves, I was at first a little snuffy reading that he was a plastic surgeon.  But it didn't take more than a few second to read on about all the wonderful things he has actual done in his field. 

From his bio:
"He received the award for excellence in clinical teaching for plastic surgery residents at UCLA in 2005 and was part of a medical team that traveled to China and performed free palate repairs for children there."

But most importantly for me, and why I am devoting a blog to this man, is his epiphany work on BRA SIZING!!

"Many women express their goals for breast surgery in terms of bra size yet bra size is rarely discussed among plastic surgeons. When I decided to learn bra size measurement ten years ago I discovered that the traditional method of bra sizing was confusing and inaccurate, with few lingerie saleswomen able to explain how the system worked. I began measuring my patients before, during, and after breast surgery, asking what size bra fit them the best, and having them try on bras from a stock I purchased for my office.


After several years I discovered a relationship between underbust circumference, breast width, and bra size and these findings were published in September 1998 in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. After many more measurements and breast operations over the following years I revised my measuring system to reflect the fact that cup size varies with band size. That is, for example, the "C" cup of a size 36 bra is larger than the "C" cup of a size 34 bra but smaller than the "C" cup of a size 38 bra. This information forms the basis of the Size Me Up! slide-chart, which I hope will help women of all ages, shapes, and sizes find a comfortable, well-fitting brassiere."

And, thus, the Size Me Up! was born!  Following his instructions purportedly reveals the "correct" bra size 90% of the time!

Much of that may seem like a "duh" to me and perhaps some of you, but even with the knowledge of knowing what *doesn't* work, and how everything is sort of relative in cup sizing, I was still having a hell of a time finding an way to pinpoint then exactly what *would* work.  I don't know why his method is not more widely known, and I hope that what seems to be more women on the quest for proper bra sizing these days, that this will soon change.  It seems his sizing chart was for sale on his website at some point, but it is not currently in stock.  I have written an inquiry hoping to make sure these are soon replenished, only to find news of his passing directly after sending.  Not only that, but there is a memorial service TODAY in his honor, held at the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt, Valencia at 6 p.m. PDT.  Oopsies!

Anyway, I feel it is only honoring and giving the most respect for a man who made great attempts at untangling the giant web that has become modern bra sizing issues and I hope my email is read and appreciated by whomever is carrying on his business.  Besides, a portion of all proceeds from his system go to the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center, so it's all for a good cause to boot!

P.S. He also spent 30 years of his practice in Chicago.....JUST SAYIN'!!

Anyway, I have plenty more to say on the topic of sizing and fit issues, as well as a TON of photos and such to post from the incredible awesomeness of my recent events, but this will all have to wait for another day!!

XOXO,
Stephanie!
Dottie's Delights!

July Events!

So many places to catch a glimpse of the Dottie's Delights action this month!  First up, we have an amazing event brought you by Chicago Social Magazine: the Don Julio Lofts -- a three day exclusive nightlife spot July 7-9th.  The Grand Opening and Media Event on the 7th, I will be unveiling a special piece inspired by Don Julio's 1942 variety of premium tequila, so you know it will be extra 1942 vintage sexy fun!  The 9th will be a grand fashion show, plus a special guest performance by Shiny Toy Guns and more.  From what I've been told, the 9th is at or near capacity, so call ASAP to see if you can still go if you are interested!!

Please click the flyers for more info on each night!

What about for the West Coasters?  Well, make sure you come out July 11th for the special DVD release party of the Viva Las Vegas 13 fashion show!  If you weren't able to make it out to Vegas for the event in April, or maybe you just want to relive all the fun that you had, this event will feature a fashion show, dinner if you want it (with reservations), live bands, and event filming so make sure you are dressed to impress!  ;) 

Need a little sample to whet your appetite?  Well, say no more:

Finally, for a more intimate experience, we are having a Chicago Fashion Incubator Open House event on July 21st.  Come up and see my studio space, where all the magic happens! 

Mosh and Viva Van Story

I am definitely not the first to say it, but when Mosh and Viva Van Story pair up on a photoshoot, they just simply cannot be beat!  A dream team for sure, and this time I was lucky enough to have a piece involved!  This scandalous little number is actually a design dreamed up by Mosh herself...and being as she has been such a sweetheart to me and a doll to work with, I was more than happy to oblige in lending a hand to make this piece come true!  We are in the works of possibly making this piece available exclusively through her site, so keep an eye out and in the meantime, make sure to sign up to see oh so many more amazing photos of this beautiful dame! 

Photographer: Viva Van Story

Model: Mosh

Hairstylist: Pin Me Up Hair

If you would like to see more of just how fabulous these forces combine (plus much more), definitely check out Viva's new book:

Sigh.  Lots of other updates to make, including all the fun from the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend (sooo goood!), events in California and Chicago in July, and more but that will be for another day.  I have work to do!   XOXO

Guess who shares my birthday?

The bra.

On May 27th, I had my golden birthday and the bra had it's 100th birthday.  That's like the platinum birthday?  I don't know how these things work.  Anyway, fate a bit much?  Yes, I think so.   :)

With further inspection, I found (according to the New York Times), underwear was first worn in two pieces in 1889, and the word "brassiere" was first used in 1907, but it wasn't until 1910 when "the New York socialite Mary Phelps Jacob constructed the first bra as we would recognize it today."

Just disregard the opening quote in that article, I only wish the bras in my collection took 20 minutes to make.  Please take comfort in knowing that a lot more time and love goes into each of my creations than that!  ;p

A good page for the history of the bra.

Barbie Suite with Masuimi Max? Yes, please!

 

Yippee!  Round one of the Barbie Suite photos are here!  I was fortunate enough to work once again with Mitzi & Co. photography, this time with the adorably charming Masuimi Max modeling, looking as bombshell-tastic as ever.  Of course I was already super excited to be working with such fabulously talented women, but I was even more pleasantly surprised to find out how sweet and goofy Masuimi is, as well as the entire crew and everyone else invovled!  So fun!  You can check out more photos on the Dottie's Delights fan page, or the complete set on Masuimi's official website iamtrouble.com  Enjoy! ;)

Fun!

So, I think the warm weather is finally starting to stick in Chicago (knock on wood!), we've had some really beautiful ones lately.  Surely puts me in a pleasant mood!  Today in the studio, I am getting mandatory headshots and cute CFI group photos (eep) as well as going over a a quickbooks tutorial (double eep!)  I am a major blinker when it comes to studio shoots, so hopefully I don't spoil it for everyone!  ;)

Speaking of photo shoots, the images from the Barbie Suite shoot are just about ready, I will be so excited to post them!  Soon, very soon!  (very small behind the scenes preview?)

I would also like to announce that I will officially be at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend in Las Vegas June 2-7!  I will be vending there, so if you were at the fashion show in Vegas and were bummed that you weren't able to find me afterwards, this is your chance!  I will be taking orders for custom lingerie with a wide variety of options to choose from, but I also promise to make the process simple, hassle-free, and most importantly fun!  There will be plenty of samples to try on, play with, and get your imaginiation pumping.  And if a sample piece happens to be exactly what you are looking for and your exact size, you will be more than able to take that piece home with you at the end of the weekend! 

Selling along side me will be a good friend, and exquisite jewelry designer Madeline Maciag of Peitit Rococo!  Her jewelery is romantic, ultra feminine, and sophisticated...I think we will be a lovely team for all of your girlish needs, and I hope you can stop by to say hello!  :) 

And FYI, for the most up-to-date information regarding The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, please add their facebook page, it is definitely the easiet way to be in the know! 

Oh, shoot!  And speaking of facebook pages, Dottie's Delights now has a fan page of her very own!  Boy, this blog entry has turned into way more updates than I realized, I sure am busy!  Please, pretty please, make sure to follow us by pushing the like button here!  Best friends forever!

And finally, I will be in attendance at the Hunnert Car Heads-Up this weekend, just hanging out and watching really pretty traditional hot rod drag racing, so excited!  I will see you there!  :)