Alexander McQueen Jacket styled like Chanel

If you sew, I'm sure you like fashion and sometimes look for inspiration by looking at fashion show pictures or by visiting your favorite boutique. I also believe you sometimes copy your favorite designer and insert into your creations some details you saw on RTW garments. But, there are so many great ideas and you only have two hands and a limited time for sewing. How to pick an item to sew, a style to follow and a designer to copy? Sometimes the best solution is being practical and combining...

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That's exactly what I did with this jacket. Two years ago I found a picture of a leather jacket by Alexander McQueen. The jacket was just gorgeous - I loved the asymmetry, the zipper closure, the ranglan sleeves, and the fact it was a leather jacket. Ever since then I've been thinking of copying it. I even bought a light gold fake leather with imprinted snakeskin pattern. But I don't have much experience with sewing fake leather, so I'm reluctant cutting my gorgeous fabric. Instead, I'm still waiting for the right moment to come...

Meanwhile, I've been thinking of the alternatives, but no fabric seemed appropriate. Well, at least not until I saw a picture from the Chanel fashion show. Imagine the coincidence, I had an almost identical fabric in my stash, that had been sitting in my closet for years, waiting for the right pattern! I had an a-ha moment, and thought how McQueen jacket would look great if styled a bit differently...

A basis for the pattern is the Nora dress from Burda Style site; actually, the military jacket I made few years ago using the same pattern. Since the military jacket had ranglan sleeves and a peplum, it was a perfect pattern as a starting point - I only had to alter the front panels.

Instead of using a traditional Chanel braid as a trim, I decided to add fringe - this way, the trim is visible not only when the jacket is closed, but also when the flap is opened forming over-sized lapels.

Due to the zipper closure, the jacket looks rather casual and youthful, so I don't feel dressed  too formally or mature while wearing it. Just the right thing for me!

the jacket zipped up

half unzipped

half unzipped and with opened lapels

unzipped - my favorite way of wearing it

Here are some pics of the lining.

 

there's a center back pleat for commodity

hanger loop, which I always add to all jackets and coats

 

details of the ranglan sleeve

Related articles

• How to add a commodity pleat to a jacket lining
• How to shorten a jacket zipper
• How to make a fringe trim with fabric remnants
• How to hem a jacket with a peplum