Garment Inspiration – Elena Crites

This is a brief glance at some pieces I find inspiring. When I’ve made clothing in the past, I’ve leaned towards taking high fashion silhouettes that inspire me and diluting them down a bit to make more ready-to-wear garments.

In these garments in particular, I enjoy different aspects of each piece. For the jumpsuit on the right, I like the simple utility of the design: it fits a purpose, though it has evolved from its basic origins of a blue-collar working garment to a more fashion-oriented piece. It serves a function and is made with the use of quality technical skills. The center image serves as color, fabric, and silhouette inspiration. I adore that color green, especially in that light fluttering fabric. I’m inspired by this seemingly effortless draping, which in reality must be technically difficult, especially with all that pleating and this thin textile. Lastly, I really enjoy this last piece to the right. Its very seemingly historical inspirations and the decadent beading on the bodice in peticular really stand out to me. I also just love the neckline and the style of the sleeve.