Jan 13, 2014

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

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12 comments:

  1. That is an amazing jacket. I have been thinking about an asymmetrical jacket myself for some time now. Thank you for the inspiration

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    1. Thanks Katie! The best thing about it is that it's rather simple for construction - with ranglan sleeves that are easy to set in and no collar, the sewing is rather straight forward. On the other side, the fringe, the zipper closure and the oversized lapels make the jacket really eye-cathching.

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  2. Fabulous jacket. The fabric is perfect for this jacket and the fringing finishes it so well. Love it!!!

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    1. Thanks Marjorie! I have to admit it looks much better than I had envisioned it! :)

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  3. I love how you combined the more "Chanel" fabric with the McQueen design. Our imaginations can take such flights, can't they? Yours pulled off a wonderful jacket!

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    1. Oh yes, the imagination can make wonders happen! Thanks for the nice comment Bunny!

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  4. Love the marriage of ideas. Beautiful jacket!

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  5. I always enjoy reading about the inspiration for the wonderful garments you sew. Your jacket is lovely and unique. It also made me think of the picture I saved to my inspiration folder today. It was of a jacket with a woven fabric and fringe on the front and lapels, like your jacket, combined with leather sleeves. It could be another combination from your inspiration photos.

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    1. Oh, I think it would look great that way too! Before I made the jacket, I thought of combining the fake leather I mentioned in the post with a velour I have. The color combo would be interesting, but somewhat challenging - gold and light olive (with yellow undertones). I was afraid it would bee too much so I gave up on the idea.
      Thanks for the nice words!

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