(Note: Additional photo added 21 April 2014)
To mark the opening of Wes Anderson’s new film, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, Dublin’s art house cinema The Light House held a special Anderson-movie-themed costume party on Friday night. I’ve never sewn a costume from scratch before and thought it might be fun (and challenging!) to try it.
After a quick Google Image search of Anderson’s film characters, I thought Suzy Bishop’s yellow dress from Moonrise Kingdom could be a pretty close match for one of my patterns, Simplicity 1913. I’ve made it up once before, but had issues with the upper back being a bit loose (which in retrospect I’ve put down to the semi-disaster that was my invisible zip insertion!).
So far as I could tell from hazy screenshots, Suzy’s yellow dress has princess seams in the bodice and an A-line skirt with a really short hemline. The dress also has a white collar and white cuffs. I was only able to find this strong buttercup shade of yellow in a heavy-ish cotton (it’s not very soft to touch and looks susceptible to piling). I thought I’d be more likely to wear it again if I made the cuffs and collar as separates – and kept the hemline at a more comfortable length! I lined the bodice with some light grey anti-static lining I had already, but skipped lining the skirt to save time.
Now, I really can’t remember why on earth I bought a collar pattern, Simplicity 1727A, when they’re pretty easy to draft by yourself. I think it was back when I was planning to learn dressmaking but hadn’t started, and was looking out for discounted simple patterns that could be made up myriad ways and worn in lots of different outfits. I hadn’t tried it before, but being tight on time I thought this would be a good opportunity to give it a go! I also adapted this pattern piece to make the cuffs.
I definitely got a much better fit with Simplicity 1913 here than the first time out – I still haven’t mastered invisible zippers but I had a better idea of what I was at this time around. Now that I’ve actually used the collar pattern, I can think of dozens of really cool variations using sequined fabric, animal prints, embroidery, beading…so many options!

The collar is attached to a neckband which closes at the centre front with a button. I left it untied and tucked in under the dress (it fits tighter when I’m inside it!) to look more like Suzy’s collar.
Skills learned: Making neck bands and pointed collars.
Recommend patterns?: I think you could probably draft a variety of lovely collar shapes by yourself, but I have to say that I found Simplicity 1727A really easy to work with and will use it again.
Some of the directions on Simplicity 1913 were a tad confusing (especially the parts about the bodice lining – I ended up just doing my own thing to line and finish the bodice), but I think this is a really nice dress design. Interestingly – and usefully – the pattern includes a good array of suggestions and pattern pieces for customising the dress. It always feels like much better value when a dress pattern comes with alternative skirt or sleeve options!
I am entirely devoted to this dress. I will marry it! Well, maybe I won’t marry it and I might have gone a bit too far in saying I was “devoted” to it. But I do really love it. It’s incredible!
🙂 It’s definitely a warm, affection-inducing colour! (but might not be marriage material…)
I have this pattern, I got as far as buying fabric for it and there it has languished at the bottom of a to do pile. Your dress is lovely, I may move it higher up my list! The collar is great on your version.
So you’re all set up – go for it! 🙂 I know that feeling of having a sewing to do list, I’m forever cycling prospective projects up and down mine.
Great dress! And a terrific theme for a party. I like the yellow with white. I actually have this simplicity dress pattern and love the look if it. I still haven’t sewn it. I think I actually became overwhelmed with the pattern and fabric options, lol.
It was really fun and some people had gone all out on their costumes. Ha, yes, there are a heap of different ways you could work this pattern, it’s very distracting! 🙂
I think it looks fabulous! What a lovely colour and style. Cant wait to see the film – it looks deliciously madcap!
It’s pretty fast-paced alright, he seems to like cramming as many characters and scenes in as possible!
Oh, what a lovely dress! I can’t wait to see the new film!!!
Thanks Laura! It’s a pretty incredible cast alright, hope you enjoy it 🙂
What a gorgeous dress! I love the cuffs and collar.
Thanks Lynn, I think I might try adding them to future projects to smarten them up a bit!
This is really cool! I love the color! I’ve had this pattern for a long time but never made it- you’ve inspired me to dig it up (I mean, I’m not saying I’ll get to it anytime soon, but at least I’ll add it to the massive “to sew” pile)!
These ‘to sew’ piles just never get any shorter! 🙂
I’m liking the colour blocking on your projects. Mixing up fabrics is something I intend to work on in the very near future.
Linda
Thanks Linda! 🙂 I’d love to do more of it, but I find it hard to get hold of fabric colours and weights that are suitable for joining together. Good luck with yours – what do you have in mind?
Hi I have a few ideas and my aim is for a dress inspired by Christopher Kane (the centre dress as seen here) – sorry for the long link!
http://www.gorgeautiful.com/christopher-kane-rtw-spring-summer-2014-london-fashion-week/christopher-kane-spring-summer-2014-london-fashion-week-19/
I have some stretch black cotton satin, mesh for the sleeves (only!) and some foxglove fabric. I may even attempt a bit of writing!
Wow, that’s going to be smashing!!
I love the mustard yellow and white combination – I’m currently working on a similar colour scheme for a dress!
Lovely, can’t wait to see yours! 🙂 You know, I thought this was a bit too strong a colour when making the dress but once I put it on, I loved it! So sunny!
Such a lovely dress – made me smile. Would be nice to see it on!
Thanks Ingrid! I’m hoping to be able to re-photograph some of my projects while visiting family over Easter – hopefully the weather will be good enough for some outdoor pics! 🙂
Outdoor is so much better isn’t it!? Hope it goes well and that you have a lovely Easter
Yes, you really can’t beat that natural light!