The “Brazilian Carnival” dress
Inspiration: Brazilian Carnival.
Carnival (Carnaval in Portuguese) is celebrated all over Brazil ,officially for 4 days of wild fun but the reality that it takes 2 weeks or more. Most Brazilian take holidays during this season {summer} and Carnival parties are the peak of the celebrations that sums up our culture. Carnival festivities dates back as far as 1723. We also enjoy going to the beach and outdoor sports so our wardrobe is full of floaty cooling clothes and colour.
The Facts
Fabric: I don’t know for sure, feel like cotton and stretch a little. Its quite thin and not suitable for the Uk weather. I got it because I liked the very soft feel on the skin.It’s also very nautical looking and there is always a nautical trend during spring/summer. The red are hibiscus flowers.
The Pattern: I drafted a basic body block and joined with my basic pencil skirt, cut a boat neckline and used pleas and tucks to shape close to the body by draping the fabric and shaping it direct on my body.The sleeves were from the Colette Taffy blouse as they are perfect for their floaty and fun shape as it just makes me want to dance and move. The sleeve shape is also great to hide not-so-toned arms.
Year: Contemporary
Notions: none
Time to complete: 3 hours
First worn: January 2012 only for the photos… Its cold outside !
Wear again? Yes, will fit perfectly for the Brazilian weather or on holiday to wear as a bikini cover.
Total Cost: ~£10 { $15 or R$27}
Did you use any new skills? Draping. Not sure I did if right but I liked the process and result.
What wardrobe gap does this fill? Unfortunately the UK summer doesn’t really call for such cooling dress and I feel it can be only used on a beach holiday or at my hometown. I think my mom will steal these dress for sure!
“Bom Carnaval” { Happy Carnival}
I absolutely love it!! Great use of the Taffy sleeves too!!
thank you, Hillary… The taffy sleeves is so versatile and I see a lot more uses for it.
Beautiful dress! I think you did a fantastic job at the draping and the franken-pattern. I’m jealous of everyone making these gorgeous garments without patterns. Great work!
Thank you Christine…I’m the one jealous of that fab poka dot dress !
Gorgeous Rachel.
Thanks Kazz… One day i all travel to US to spy on your wardrobe girl… xx
This is fantastic! Beautiful, easy style. :) Effortlessly chic, love it.
Thank Steph, Its a really soft fabric so Its one of those easy dresses to wear too… Shame not in the UK. Its less than 1 C this week.
I like that style and print! Thanks for sharing about carnival. I used to live in a country that celebrated carnival in February. It’s a big deal! Boy, does everyone get dressed up and party or what? You look like your are beautifully ready. Enjoy!
It is.. so much fun !!! Oh I miss carnival… Ours Brazilian carnival started 27 Feb this year,and Im here in the UK in the mid of the winter !!!
This is just amazing! It is so simple but so it’s also not (if that makes any sense?)… The taffy sleeves just add something special. Well done!
makes total sense ! xx
Looks great on you – hope you gert to wear it somewhere warm soon.
Hi Diane, I know.. we having a terrible spell of freezing weather. Im dreaming of a beach holiday soon!
I have added a sketch of the dress on the community page.
Love this! Simple and chic!
Thank you Jennifer xx
I really love this dress! You look very beautiful and if our mom does steal it she’s a lucky lady!
thank Gina, Mom will defiantly want to steal these so I will be making some for her before I come back home to visit.
Theft of your garments has to be the most flattering of compliments! lol Lovely dress, that fabric is gorgeous.
It sure is lol. Thanks. Xx
Absolutely beautiful..Looks fantastic on you and
You did a great job draping.. Love the sleeves too.
Thanks Judy, taffy sleeves are my favourite as they are easy to sew and great for many ages and body times. I’m sold. Xx
Gorgeous, and self drafted! I am very impressed.