Overwrought
“Overwrought,” a fashion for Antoinette. My contribution to the MetroDolls 2013 Charity Auction benefitting hunger relief charities.
MetroDolls Doll Club is hosting a luncheon and charity auction on October 6 at the Hilton in Iselin, New Jersey. Robert Tonner is a featured speaker and attendees will receive a limited edition Tonner Daphne or Ellowyne Wilde created just for this event. The theme of the event is “Style Evolution” and John Davey will display a selection of 20th century vintage haute couture from his renowned collection. There will be an extensive sales area. It will be a delightful afternoon with doll enthusiasts and artists, and best of all… A charity auction of one-of-a-kind doll items to benefit hunger relief. One in six Americans, and one in four children are “food insecure.”
This outfit will be auctioned at the luncheon on October 6 with MANY other fabulous one-of-a-kind dolls, fashions, and accessories — all generously donated by artists, manufacturers, and collectors. It’s not too late to go to the luncheon!!! There are still seats available but it will probably sell out, so don’t wait too long…
Click here to register for the luncheon!
Click here for a peek at some of the auction items.
I wanted to make something special and unusual for the auction. I started to develop the idea for an outfit during a trip to Savannah, Georgia back in the spring. We walked all over the city, enjoying the parks and beautiful homes. So many of the homes had ornate ironwork and beautiful gardens — that’s what I tried to incorporate into this fashion for Antoinette.
The Inspiration:
The Mercer-Williams House Museum in Savannah, Georgia–well known from the John Berendt novel, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
The corset is intended to look like wrought iron — there’s even a little faux rust. The skirt includes a Southern Belle style cage and an over-skirt made of antique lace with a floral pattern. The outfit is completed with tall leather gloves and short black boots. The boots have chains and a lock — something you might see on a wrought iron fence.
Work in Progress:
Work In Progress: I’ve just finished soldering the corset together.
Work In Progress: Fitting the corset with the skirt cage.
Work In Progress: Fitting the antique lace overskirt to the cage.
Work In Progress: Tall leather gloves with bead “buttons.”
Work in Progress: Commercially made boots with added chains and a lock.
The Finished Fashion: “Overwrought”
I named this fashion “Overwrought” because I was imitating wrought iron, but also because “Overwrought” also means excessively decorated and complicated when describing art. When it comes to doll fashion, it’s difficult to achieve excess!
“Overwrought,” a fashion by Robbin Atwell for Antoinette
“Overwrought,” a fashion by Robbin Atwell for Antoinette
“Overwrought,” a fashion for Antoinette
“Overwrought,” for Antoinette
More inspiration from Savannah
Dreamy windows in Savannah, Georgia.
Iron Fence in Savannah, Georgia
Side View of the Green-Meldrim House in Savannah Georgia. This house was used by Sherman as his headquarters until the end of the Civil War.
Wrought iron fence in Savannah, Georgia.
Beautiful doors of a private home in Savannah, Georgia.
And we all need a little more of this in our lives — this is a little girl enjoying the fountain in one of the many lovely squares in the city.
Playing in the fountain in a square in Savannah, Georgia
Mad Wife In The Attic 