THE Casablanca--worries?

[misysu2]

I''m awaiting a sample of this Casablanca (1863) to try on at the bridal shop because I look at it and it seems to be everything I need and want after MANY dresses. However, I just noticed someone selling theirs on Ebay, and it looks like the tulle skirt is VERY poofy, which is NOT what I want at all. I heard that Casablanca will take special requests, and I''d just like to have a realistic outlook on things before I go try it on-- is this true? Could I have them maybe substitute the skirt with a layer of dupioni silk (sheath fitted) with the topmost or 2 layers of tulle (with the appliques) on top? Would this fix the poofiness? Any other suggestions?

Here''s the dress again, model-style:

 

[misysu2]

And here''s the dress, real-style and poofy-style:

 

[Sha]

Hm.. could it be because the model is tall the skirt looks less poofy? How tall are you?

It''s a nice dress though.

 

[Cleopatra]

Yes, it could be that the model is just out-right tall.....but also consider that the woman wearing the dress in the "real life" picture could be wearing a slip underneath the dress causing it to be very very poofy. I know that the slip that I bought with my gown makes the dress go from somewhat of an a-line shape to almost a ball gown shape when the slip is on......just guessing here though...

 

[april diamonds]

It looks like the bride in the real life photo maybe in mid-stride and it seems the tulle-y part on top is a separate layer. So maybe it''s just the motion and wind causing it appear poofier...I feel like the top layer of the skirt i just being pushed "out" because she is walking.

Ditto on the slip comments too, you could opt to not wear one which would help with the extra poofiness.

It is a beautiful dress! I hope it''s exactly what you want!

 

[misysu2]

I''m 5''6" and some change. I forgot about those poofy slips! I think I will send a message to the Ebay seller and ask her!

 

[door knob solitaire]

I think the model is actually standing on a box. Look at the front of the skirt is off the floor. Then go back and guess where her knees would be. She would be built in an odd proportion if that is ALL her under that skirt. Even with 4 inch heals...the front of the dress would not be off of the floor as it appears in the studio shot.

Comparing the two you can see subtle differences in their physiques-but mainly that model shoot is GOOSED up in my opinion.

DKS

PS...photos should reveal model on 3" platform...but of course they don't think of those things

 

[misysu2]

You''re right-- her proportions aren''t right!! Ooh, I feel so deceived!! Meanwhile, this is the seller''s response about the poofy question:

Hi - I didn''t wear a petty skirt. It was July and I thought it would be too hot. We did have a breeze come through right as we started the wedding though, so that would account for the shape in that photo."

I guess it may poof out when the tulle hits the floor. Do you think getting the skirt done in another fabric with a few layers of overlapping tulle could fix the problem?

 

[door knob solitaire]

More thought...the real life has the sunlight as a back lighting effect...the studio shot has none. Also the studio shot has about 5 pair of hands placing the fabric to perfection...as you will also have in your poised photos.

I still say it is a height difference. Can the dress be shortened? It doesn''t appear to have detail along the bottom. Wouldn''t shortening it make the fall ....fall as apposed to bunching up to make the poof you are seeing?

DKS

 

[door knob solitaire]

I don't understand you fabric question.

I wonder if you can consult a seamstress with a photo before hand...as I think the under skirt can be narrowed because it is well hidden under the toile...and then that toile is not a full piece...it has a seam somewhere...so couldn't it also be gathered and brought it? I think all the work depends on the applique work. I think it is the underskirt as well as the over skirt that will need narrowing to match that image. Sorry sweetie. Keep in mine I have no sewing or alteration experience...so I could be full of HOCKEY...(many here believe I am anyway!!)

But I would try to take a photo to a seamstress...tell her what you want to do...and ask her what pivotal things you need to look for when the sample comes in to make the alterations work. Or ask if she is available that sample day to accompany you to the salon for consult. $50 bucks for 12 hour maybe?

That dress is sublime. It is worth the effort. And frankly once you get it on...the poof may not even be an issue to you. I am sure you will feel that good in it.

Shame you can't figure it all our before the ebay auction ends...it wouldn't hurt to pull the trigger on it...play with it...on the cheap see if it can be altered...then re post it. I know that is a lot of extra steps and expense a too be bride isn't interested in doing...but it is just an idea.

DKS

edited...see I don't even know how to spell tulle...toile...tull...ughh!!

 

[misysu2]

Thanks for your help DKS. My fabric question was just thinking along the lines of cutting down on the number of tulle layers and replacing it with one layer of another fabric. But I bet a tailor could also just narrow the skirt and maybe sew some of the tulle layers together to lessen the thickness. I''m going to go try it on, give it a shot, and maybe ask the bridal shop manager what she thinks. This is coming from a very well-rated bridal shop, so I''m expecting some good help. If they don''t know, and I still love the dress, I can consult a tailor and they can hopefully give me news I like. I''ll keep everyone posted and I''ll post photos when the dress comes in from Casablanca!

 

[surfgirl]

You can remove some if not all of the underneath tulle layers to make the skirt lay closer to your body.

 

[karasue91]

I know this makes no difference, but I actually like it better on the real girl than on the model, pouf and all! I''m really not a poofy-dress girl but I love how it is fitted over the hips and then poufs from there. Much more chic, much less princess-ball-gown-y. Can''t wait to see pics of it on you! The same dress looks so different on different bodies.

 

[VRBeauty]

It looks like some of the embroidery is on the under-layer of tulle. If that''s the case, cutting out one of the layers isn''t an option.

I suspect the question is just one of getting the length of the tulle layers just right so they hang smooth and don''t catch on anything -- like the ground! That also means that you''d have to wear the same heal-height for the ceremony and reception... no switching to flats.

It might be possible to add some weight to the bottom of the tulle layers, i.e. by sewing on some crystals, to add insurance against excess poufiness. I''m not a seamstress, but... if the tulle can handle that heavy embroidery, it might also be able to handle something like crystals.