Making an Alexander McQueen Dress // Pattern Drafting and Sewing Experiment

For something a bit different, I'm going to try and copy a modern designer dress! I'd love to have a real Alexander McQueen dress someday, but instead today I'll be using my basic blocks to pattern draft and sew a copy of one that is currently a few seasons old and on sale. What fabric should I make this style in next time? Should I try it in a print? A grey suiting like the original?
The Alexander McQueen dress in question: www.farfetch.com/shopping/wom...
Other images from : www.neimanmarcus.com/p/alexan...
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.com/Paper_c_13.html (not sponsored)
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But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@heyhiyeshello]

The full title of your channel should be 'The Closet Historian: Queen of Darts' 😅

[@marinary1326]

Queen of Darts, the First of Her Name, Master of Pins, Mother of Cicadas and Lady of Vintage Fashion

[@katieoaks790]

Anyone else getting Practical Guide To Evil vibes? no? :)

[@sewcute_sewvintage]

Love this! 😅 We need the merch of this!

[@hanananah]

"Only so much can go wrong when you're sewing a dress as opposed to like, trying to live." Wise words.

[@rd6203]

Merch quality quote!

[@emmabruce4990]

Never stop showing us how to move the darts, I know I've learnt so much!

[@how_about_naw]

the dart movement blew my tiny mind

[@grottoserpentina9342]

IMHO the weight/body of the fabric of your dress makes it look more "expensive" than the Mc Queen.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@donkelly4718]

I for one love that you included the no lining "mistake" in the video, along with the fix. As you said, it shows that we all have to adjust and/or adapt our projects as we go, so we shouldn't be afraid to just jump in and try something.

[@Rhaifha]

Agreed! It also helps stop that perfectionist instinct of "others can do it easily and perfectly, so why can't I?" Because you often just don't see the failures and stumbles

[@christinemagee3735]

Love when we go to the Blue Patterning Table of Doom because I always learn so much about sewing.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christine!

[@allieg6401]

For some reason I think of it as table of death… Then go oh that’s right doom when she says it. Lol

[@waterbitten]

I would love a video all about the finishing that elevate a home made garment up a notch.

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

Pressing is my one best hint, maybe after quality fabric that works well with the pattern. So few home sewers press every single seam before proceeding. Hems often get shorted here, particularly. Even a machine-sewn hem looks way better-made if pressed.

[@LornaKelso]

Great idea!

[@olliejones3302]

I think the extra crispness of the twill makes it look very architectural and Bladerunner-y 🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ollie!

[@bast713]

Yes! That's such a good description 🙂

[@amyjanefrater1447]

Of course you like the Alexander McQueen dress. It has classic lines, strong shoulders, defined waist, a twist in the skirt. I love the strong color and that you're more curvy than the model. And your green sparkle in the pin! Your version has more swoon. Bravo!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amy Jane!

[@angie44551]

"All's fair in love and setting a sleeve in." I feel the need to paint that on a shirt.

[@honestaf6165]

I NEVER get sick of the moving darts! 😅👍😘

[@sarahrosen4985]

It’s a completely logical (to my spatial orientation brain) move yet a total magic trick every time she does it. Every. Time.

[@honestaf6165]

@@sarahrosen4985 Yes indeed!😘

[@TheClosetHistorian]

This is good to know! I do feel compelled to leave it in every time 😅

[@ryanazayku]

Im so glad you're telling people to be patient on the sewing machine, I'm in fashion school and I can't tell you how many times I've seen others rip their projects because they get frustrated.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

When grades and deadlines are on the line things get TENSE 😅 I remember fashion school days with people slowly losing their minds in late night sewing lab sessions for sure

[@rebeccaturner8340]

😯 Holy smokes Bianca! You're so talented. Definitely morphing into a scifi 80s futurism goth vamp and I am SO here for it! Also your eye makeup is stunning and I may have to steal your color combo 🤔

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Holly! Steal away! The green is a jdglow cosmetics multichrome and is my favorite shadow ever 💚

[@rebeccaturner8340]

@@TheClosetHistorian Thanks! I've been trying to decide which multichromes to try and that definitely sways me 🤔

[@lova6491]

Honestly.,I was never been tis addicted to anyone channel tan urs,these day's.

[@christyogle_thedinnerbell]

You had me at "McQueen"

[@dawnvickerstaff9148]

Gorgeous result. I would never have thought I'd like it so much. I tend to not like wonky hems. But I would wear this. It just looks very elegant. Well done.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dawn!

[@paganodesignworks]

“Pull a Zara” 😂 and good lord that eyeshadow!

[@sarahanderson4374]

Congrats on the household vaccs! I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks of setting in sleeves as battles. The dress turned out beautifully!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@LixiaWinter]

I would LOVE to see this dress in more friendly fabric and with all alterations that you find necessary!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lita!

[@sewsew100]

Wonderful to watch someone as skilled at drafting and dressmaking as you. Thank you for sharing this with us. The dress was stunning.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@tempesttormented]

All the pattern drafting! 🖤

[@Ragnaran]

Really love your eyeshadow in this video, the colours look so cool together! And I'm for ever in awe of your pattern skills, I really want to make my own basic blocks now to make things this easy

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Gwen! Basic blocks make magic easy indeed!

[@waterbitten]

In this Panasonic, this panorama, this here pashmina..lol. I'm loving what people have come up with as alternative..

[@debiapostol]

When I watch YOU move darts ... it makes PERfect sense to me; however, I have the very distinct feeling that - like Calculus - the application in real life is NOT as simple as YOU make it look! 😂

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Nah you can doooo itttt!

[@craftyviking]

I love the "you do what feels right for you, this is what feels right for me" instructions you have.

[@ShannonLambert]

Oh that is a clever lining trick. And the dress came out beautifully, especially for a trial. Love it!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Shannon!

[@elisabethverte7061]

I just have to comment on how much I love your eye makeup/green streak! It's a gorgeous look on you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elizabeth!

[@colmkirk8657]

If there's a house for someone that loves vintage, McQueen is it. I would love to see you make this in a fabric you loved, that had a better drape, so you would be happier with the results. I think if the hem hit just above the knee it would look better on you. With the asymmetrical hem, I think it just shortens your proportions. Also in wool, with a McQueen shoulder, it could slip right in to your Blade Runner look book.

[@idasvenning3892]

If I remember correctly, Bianca has discussed (on several occasions?) that she's not very comfortable with shorter skirts so like,,

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Yeah the vintage influences in McQueen are literally what got me interested in high fashion in the first place 🤩 I wish I knew how to do the finely tailored shoulders but I've got no training in that area sadly!

[@Charla2smart]

I am so excited for the modern design piece. Love the dress too. Keep doing you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Charla!

[@ReinaElizondo]

I love it! This was such a fun experiment to watch. I'm super happy to see the problem solving parts. This turned out lovely and looks very sharp. (Sorry it's linty, lol.) I'm on board for any dupes you want to try, modern or vintage. (1 vote for the Vivienne Westwood, heart lapel blazer, lol. I'm super curious about adjusting pattern blocks for collars and lapels in general.) Also, I adore the eyeshadow!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Reina! We can certainly get to lapels sometime!

[@starrynyte158]

Omg congrats to your Dad! So happy to hear your parents are getting vaccinated. Both of mine got their 1st shots and I have my appointment set for May. Its been such a relief to know things are moving forward. Can't wait til you get to thrift again!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

That's awesome! I'm going to have a thrifting day out to top all thrifting day's out when I'm safe to do so ✨🤩✨

[@darklymoonlit]

I love it so much! I require one in Blackwatch plaid, now. (But then I do have an unhealthy love of Blackwatch.) And I feel your pain - I have a mostly black wardrobe and a gray cat. Of course for the non-black in my closet our black cat is always on the job, too.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elizabeth! Black watch tartan is indeed always a good choice 🖤💚

[@temperhollow7716]

Love the design of that dress! Gorgeous.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@katharinabaur6113]

Oh, McQueen ist my alltime favorite designer, such a genius! I'm still sad, that he's no longer with us. But this dress has the spirit and I think you did a great job with putting the two skirt parts together. It's not easy to make that work. I even like your back seem better, because the original seem looked like it flares out too much. Beautiful dress! And some Rachel-vibes again, hehe

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Katharina!

[@rush77]

Hearing you exhort the benefits of bias hemming makes me feel so valid! I just did that for the first time and I'm never going back.

[@KatCam14]

Would love to see you making another version of this dress! It looks so interesting!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Katherine!

[@22mendonca]

Wow! Gorgeous!🖤

[@PolyvoreThea]

It would be amazing to see you paint or use stamping to paint a pattern over this.

[@mopsahackett8041]

Really looking forward to watching this

[@lmh4186]

I think it looks fabulous. Thank you

[@elizharber3564]

Your fitted sleeve head! Coming up with sleeve block is my current quest! ‘You task me.’

[@grimnirnacht]

I'd love to see any changes you decide to make. In one of your previous videos you mentioned the angle of a sleeve cap and it's made all the difference on some of my clothes. Love your vids and tips 🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elizabeth!

[@vickifrazier6333]

Which video did she talk about the angle of the cap? I need to watch that one again.

[@TracyLynnAP]

wow.. just wow this looks amazing

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you TracyLynn!

[@eleanorschille-hudson4338]

You put the queen in Alexander McQueen 🤩

[@ComptonCreations]

So excited to see this!

[@michellecornum5856]

This is AMAZING! I just can't get enough of it. I love the burnt orange color of this. WOW!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle!

[@honestaf6165]

😍Looking stunning in it Bianca.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@TekiKekai]

Was anyone else's first thought those anti-piracy commercials of the early 00's except it's 'You Wouldn't Download a Dress'

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Knowing how to pattern draft means you can download a dress design with your brain, like magic ✨😅

[@intelligentrock4379]

@@TheClosetHistorian You saying that makes me excited to learn more about sewing because I have soo many pictures of things I want to recreate 😀 aaah, also such a beautifully done dress you did !

[@TheClosetHistorian]

@@intelligentrock4379 Thank you! The magic of sewing does indeed unlock all the things

[@sandym7952]

Absolutely beautiful! !

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandy!

[@ravensnestacres7218]

I love this, thanks for taking us along.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@fatimaamin8668]

This style looks amazing on you! 🖤💚🖤Definitely serving up Blade Runner/Morticia Adams retro gothic vibes ✨

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! That's goals for sure 💚🖤💚

[@deidrabenson361]

Great job!! Thanks sooo much for sharing, always learn so much from you!!❤️❤️❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Deidra!

[@laurelwelch6295]

Awesome work! I loved that whole collection and look forward to seeing your next iteration of this dress.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Laurel!

[@AndreaIris86]

Almost perfect and plenty stunning! Gorgeous, as usual!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Andrea!

[@markfrederics4330]

Beautiful!

[@kellyburke5990]

Great work as always. You are a great teacher and your commentary is always perfect!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kelly!

[@gladdy2104]

"Do, what ever you have to do, to win" yeees! 💞 💪👍

[@collenegreco4524]

Yes make it again with the luxury fabric Please .this dress is so fabulous ❤

[@rmrenfield]

i am absolutely obsessed with your version you look amazing !! ❣️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Vin!

[@marathorne6821]

It looks great as far as I can see... Thanks for another really interesting video 🙏

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mara!

[@NBejiaFlor]

Love love LOVE this and the darkness-but-make-it-Fashion aesthetic!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@renee777ful]

Gorgeous! Love it in black. Yes, make again in a fabric you love!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Renee!

[@janicelindsey937]

Love this tutorial. That dress looks great on you. Wow

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Janice!

[@lovelygrayday8359]

Gorgeous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@thaisaykroyd5113]

I love that a lot of your channel is about dart manipulation. It's been helping me a lot :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Thais!

[@tracieeaton1082]

I love the finished dress.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tracie!

[@averyt9600]

The asymmetrical skirt is so fun! It seems like it would be hard to balance with other pieces, but it would be worth it. Sophisticated? Swooshy?! Who is she?!? It’s definitely cool.

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

I usually don’t like high-low hemlines but this asymmetrical one really hits me right.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Avery!

[@ellaougrik3785]

Looks fabulous on you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ella!

[@chareseshinabery]

I love it! I think it turned out great!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Charese!

[@lettitiatownsend-thompson1968]

Beautiful dress well done.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lettitia!

[@shirleydrake1602]

Beautiful as usual, just like you! Hope your 2021 is going well.

[@okaforvivian2722]

You’re really talented.

[@vivienneandersson6019]

This was so enjoyable! What a stunning dress you made, I love these start to finish pattern to garment videos!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Vivienne!

[@dianarutecki9810]

It’s beautiful so clever

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Diana!

[@rachelash6325]

"It's a battle, setting in a sleeve." You are so right!

[@auntnessy7340]

Brilliant solution to the problem of the skirt. I love seeing your process

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@thecanarypin-up]

How did you know I've been obsessing over skirts with an asymmetric drape? 😍 Yours is absolutely GORGEOUS! Tbh I like yours better than the original 💖

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I am already having ideas about how to make another version...

[@dianarutecki9810]

It’s divine

[@rachele7398]

Le gasp!!! That eyeshadow is epic. Lovely dress

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rachel!

[@gersandelf]

Honestly I understand darts thanks to this channel, so never doubt the dart content ;)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Good to keep in mind! ❤

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

While not something I would wear its nice to the see the process. Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@zuriagaski8912]

I love your commentary. Witty and quirky just perfect

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Zuri!

[@artemisarojas9999]

Thank you for sharing. I love your make up too

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Artemisa!

[@montib]

I never understood darts until watching you explain it so many times. I find your pattern drafting so interesting. Love the end look.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Monti!

[@sheamonieux3409]

Thank you for explaining the sleeve fitting. You do explain things in a way that is easy for me to wrap my brain around. Also, you look fantastical!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Shea!

[@organiccher64]

I like the dress...great job

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cheryl!

[@collenegreco4524]

Excellent ,you look great in the dress and your video was really easy to follow .Thanks for such good instruction

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Collene!

[@garybaldwin5241]

Love this dress. Thanks for sharing. You’ve outdone yourself but that’s no surprise. You always do. Please stay well.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Gary!

[@sandiemable]

You saw a dress and then created it. You are amazing! xoxo's Sandie

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandie!

[@karenclement743]

I loved the McQueen dress. You did an amazing job

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Karen!

[@mariaeugeniagallardodeorti727]

Precioso vestido, muy elegante y sofisticado. Me encanta y le queda muy bien. Felicitaciones es una gran modista.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Muchas gracias!

[@spellmadam2947]

Loved it!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@aliceadler4569]

OMG love your makeup!!! Absolutely stunning!!! Incredible!!! Better than a lot of makeup artists on you tube!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alice! It's not perfect up close I assure you 😅

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

The dress is stunning on you!! You did a phenomenal job on interpreting the Alexander McQueen dress!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤

[@alexschaufele9114]

This is fantastic! I love that you were working through the puzzle of how the designer version was made and trouble shooting along the way.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alex!

[@lynettesunley-hulton7898]

The dress looked stunning on you, well done

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynette!

[@ssanderson91]

Loved this! I'm brand brand new to sewing and appreciate seeing things that don't quite go how you imagined - and how you walk through amending them for next time

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Steph!

[@blaisepwilliams]

Great job ! I was worried how the slim side would hang , but you figured it out !

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Blaise!

[@pennymcentire2197]

Your dress is soooo beautiful. Looking forward to your next video.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Penny!

[@pennymcentire2197]

@@TheClosetHistorian So glad to see your reply; I now know my favorite clogger is safe. Again your dress is beautiful and it looks great on you. If I were 20 years younger and a lot thinner, I would follow your video and make one.

[@tbyas4406]

Great job