Kalistan

[Doc]

Maria Olivia of Del Valle wins contract to design Coronation Dress
Fashion Designer, known for conservative designs asked to step up
Yoshimi, Duchy of Suldanor
August 20, 5632


Maria Olivia, of Del Valle, begins working up design for new Dress

Yoshimi haute couture designer Ms. Maria Olivia, of Del Valle Fashion House in Sulari has been named the official designer of the Coronation Dress to be worn by Grand Duchess Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis when she is crowned in November.  Olivia, 35, is well known for her very conservative designs that feature unique and interesting designs, flat colors, and flattering forms.

"I was actually nominated by my boss here at Del Valle," said Olivia.  "He submitted one of my pieces that won the Sulari Show last fall as an example of my work.  He might have mentioned it to me at a Party, but I was just surprised when House Ananto called me at Del Valle to let me know that I was to design the Coronation Dress.  It's such an honor, and I know this will be the biggest challenge of my entire career."

Olivia said that House Ananto specifically said that they wanted me to think about previous dresses and while nodding to the past, also do something that is unique.  "Most of the older dresses worn by Empresses as they were crowned were largely silken with golden embroidery.  The main color of each dress was Anantonese Orange.  Those dresses were works of art, and were each designed to be worn one time only.  We're gonna do something a little different, one which is really fashionable, one which is really pretty, and really stunning.  They gave me an unlimited budget.  I can do anything I can imagine."

The main dress will be made of dyed vicuna closeknit fabric rather than silk.  "It's gonna change the texture of the dress, for certain," said Olivia.  "Vicuna is by far the most expensive fabric in Terra, and it is so soft, and just classy.  And I think putting the Lady in this extremely expensive fabric is just fitting."  The fabric alone is expected to run close to 10 thousand Imperial Rubles.  "It is so rare and so highly prized, and it is quite different from the way other dresses of past Empresses were styled."

Olivia also noted that much of the value of the dress will be entirely invisible.  "We actually purchased dozens of spools of gold thread.  Not golden, or gold plated.  But .999 pure gold.  The gold will be used for every stitch.  As a result, we won't be able to machine sew it, but will hand sew every piece.  You won't see much of the gold, but what you will see is plenty of gold embroidery.  Del Valle hired Carole Calloway from Eshar to oversee the embroidery.  It is very exciting to work with her and I can't wait to see what she comes up with."

Several elements of the dress won't be revealed until the actual Coronation.  "I can't tip our hand, but let me just say, when House Ananto came to me and said I could do what I wanted, and I told them what I wanted, they didn't even bat an eyelash.  They just said make it look good.  I am confident it will leave some jaws laying on the ground.  Not only will this dress show off our new Empress, but since she will be the avatar of the Nation, it will also show off our whole nation."

Olivia said she has three months to finish the dress.  "The Grand Duchess herself called to tell me she approved the sketches, and gave some notes.  I think I am giving her the dress she wants, and the one she will absolute love and wear the hell out of.  I can't wait to see it on her.  This month I travel to Kaliburg to take the first official measurements.  It is super exciting and I can't wait.  This is the biggest thing I have ever done, what an amazing opportunity!"

@LaModa