New Designs !

I've been adding new designs to my various shops, and I'll showcase a couple of these to give you a feel for them. You can find a link to my shops in the bar under the header. Go take a peek and guess...like me...what I'll make next :)

Really Red Sundress 

Expresso Silk Halter with Mint and Net Detail

Sweet and Swirly Ecru Ballgown

She dreamed of one day having a tiny little garden with soft old fashioned roses in cream and yellow. She envisioned a little white fence and a swing for two to enjoy summer sunsets. She dreamed of one day having a wading pool and swing set in that same little garden with tiny little treble voices calling to them in the swing...it was on her someday mind.

This is one of those dresses that make me smile every time I see it. It is based on a bustier top and hand draped to give it a unique design. I has a pixie, swirly hemline with an underlayer of raw cut white cotton. The top layer of the dress is ecru sheer soft tulle and is swishy and swirly to wear. I has a peep hole near the waist in the back with hand created little waterfall trim that drip down above and below the cut out. It is deliciously feminine and I love it. It is tiny, but exquisite. I had so much fun making it.

I was awed and happy to have it worn at the Mid Atlantic Green Wedding Showcase by Joy, a really beautiful model with a tiny waist just perfect for the gown. Some gowns just make me so happy!!

Simple Cotton Beach Classical Wedding or Ball Gown

One of a kind soft white grecian style cotton empire waist wedding gown, this is a soft bias, swirly skirt attached to a jersey 'pleated' ecru layered bodice with an asymmetrical raw cut cotton and raw ecru net bordered hemline.

A single layer of soft recycled cotton is perfect for beach or casual weddings or evenings dancing by the sea. Wear this one barefoot, or add strappy heels and savoir faire.

Creme D'Or Wedding or Ball Gown

Creme D'Or is a gown created from a recycled simple empire waist brocade gown. I loved adding satin in golds and lighter ecru shades to give it a look of glamour from the era around the 1950s. This gown has a swishy ecru net panel that floats around your legs and gives it a tiny train. It also has a soft vintage lace panel on one side of the hemline.

Creme D'Or Brocade and Satin Ball Gown
Model: Lindin Marie
Photography: balance photography llc
www.balanceweddings.com

Blue Skies are Here Again ! Floaty Cotton and Lace Gown

I created this gown to remind me of a gorgeous blue sky with big beautiful white clouds on a lovely spring day. It is based on a soft white jersey empire waist dress. I added bits of blue netting for a train, blue and white net and lace at the neckline and scattered over the dress. I also gave it white wispy bits at the hemline that float around your legs when you walk. It has a soft greyish blue raw silk 'flower' at the neckline. It has an air reminiscent of flapper dresses from the 1920s and 30s that I love. It is another in a series of cotton or mostly cotton gowns I create for wearing to hot and warm spring/summer weddings. Find some gorgeous shoes to wear with it, 'cause your legs are going to be really highlighted!

Blue Skies Floaty Wedding Gown

Model: Damaris
Hair & Make-Up: Aveda
Photography: balance photography llc

Beach and Outdoor Weddings Affect the Gown You Choose

Summer weddings in warm and humid climates make a hot, many layered wedding gown uncomfortable and impractical. This is especially true for afternoon weddings. Many brides today want a 'user-friendly', easier to wear, comfortable gown. To work for this type of setting, especially for a beach, garden or outdoor ceremony, a gown must breathe. This means, air or breezes must be able to penetrate to your skin. I like to use cotton and linen layers for many of my gowns and to make them a single layer. While you may need a slip for some, it is nice to wear a lighter, more simple gown. They can be worn with a crinoline, but they are lovely without.

Another factor to consider is movement. Many commercial gowns are built to withstand g-force winds and when the bride moves, it is like watching a train or a big ship turning. They don't move well. I have watched models at a few of the wedding fashion shows wearing voluminous, heavy gowns. Often they have very high heels and you watch with a curious apprehension as they turn corners and go up and down the steps maneuvering these complicated dresses. I am always concerned they'll fall or trip on the gown. Add to this that at a ceremony or reception, the bride is often distracted and - especially at the reception - finally letting down a bit from all the pressure. I like to create something more graceful, wispy and soft....something a bit more informal and touchable. Mostly, I want the bride to forget her dress once it is on, except to feel beautiful.

I loved making this gown. It's a perfect longer looking gown, but has short, wispy bits at the hem so that it works for the beach, a park or other outdoor ceremony, or just to show off your gorgeous shoes. It began as a short cotton gypsy look empire waist lined gown. It had beautiful soft cotton and a wonderful drape. I loved the way it looked, but it was too plain for a wedding and the bodice styling was not very chic. I cut away parts and added parts to make a soft halter. I gave the halter grey raw cut trim to make a big soft distressed bow at the nape for wearing with an updo.

Then I added more of the grey to the neckline along with some softer grey wispy netting. I added more bits of white lace and some soft white fabric to make the neckline and the back neckline more lush. At the hemline I cut and added bits of white and filmy white to make a pixie style floaty hemline and train. There are bits of grey at the back hemline as well. It's a soft, fluttery gown that looks amazing when you move or when the wind blows.

Estrellita Cotton Halter Wispy Wedding or Ball Gown
Model: Damaris
Photography: balance photography llc
www.balanceweddings.com

Design Portfolio.....new designs as they happen!

Eco friendly, whimsical fashion created by emerging indie designer Cynthia Davis.

My designs are created as one of a kind (one offs) garments from upcycled, vintage and rare fabrics and trims. I love vintage styles and textiles, so many of these designs are retro or vintage in style. Many of my designs are created in small sizes, but all sizes are lovely!

This is a place to show off my designs as they are created. I have shops in many internet venues. Contact me for details styletantrum@gmail.com. Enjoy!

Model : Michelle
Photography: Hanna Shay Photography http://hannashayphotography.smugmug.com/