Making an Iridescent Velvet Lace Dress

I found this absolutely beautiful but also slightly weird fabric at Mood in Los Angeles (not spon of course) and just had to put it to use, despite my fears it might misbehave! Luckily it was pretty tame compared to actual burnout velvet, as this duo-chrome iridescent version has an almost mesh backing which helped immensely. Despite my bad hair day, (headband for the save?) I hope you enjoy the sparkling finished results 😅
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
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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!

[@TaiNatsu]

Oh, yes, I personally know this episode. It's called "Which fabric will I choose that can make my life harder?"

[@TheClosetHistorian]

An at least twice annual tradition, often involving either velvet or chiffon 😂

[@MaryWalsh-ux6oj]

I am rendered speechless with the sight of this gown! Words are simply inadequate to describe the total effect of the headdress, the purse, and the superb fit and construction of your artistic, genius, creation. You wear that dress out in public and you will stop traffic! You look like a starring actress in a dramatic New York film noir from the '40s. Promise us, when you wear that dress out to dinner, you will give us a quick film of the occasion. I wonder which restaurant in Denver you will choose. (I live in Greeley, colorado.) Believe me, there is no restaurant here that would be worthy of that grown. You have outdone yourself, this time! All I can say is WOW!

[@JanealJohnson]

I have to agree, very nice look. Not everyone knows how to dress their body type. This is fantastic and gives a lovely Marilyn Monroe vibe.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mary!

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Turned out well! Years ago I used to have some regular nights out with friends and we dressed up and didn't care what others thought. It was at least bi-weekly. These days I go out alone but still have a nice time. Being told that I look like a vampire just makes my day 😁.

[@dottiemathews6853]

Bianca dahling, i can see this killer dress with a very serious, wide brim flying saucer hat! aaagh! killer sick!

[@TSD0416]

Stunningly beautiful. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, this dress. And thank you so much for the extra light during the reveal. I can see all the details. Bless your heart 💖💖💖

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@maxmolloy]

This is outstanding, Bianca. The design, the execution and the way you look in it. Utterly stunning.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@raelenebyrnes7296]

As you know….sparkly is AWESOMESAUCE…totally gorgeous…thank you for sharing this beautiful dress….

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Raelene!!

[@beyondf3737]

Sublime!!!🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 I genuinely think you are the braviest, most talented girl on KZbin! Come on, no one gives that much every week!! Please don’t stoooop! Thank you so much🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@plushieangela]

I studied creative writing at uni, and I came to love criticism for my work. We had whole classes on a regular basis where it was just a round table of criticism of each other, as well as encouragement on specific parts. It was the place I improved the most

[@MandL1312]

Splendiferous ❤

[@sandrafrench6125]

Wonderful! Looks a million dollars! So much better than anything on the Oscar’s red carpet!💜🇦🇺

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandra! What I wouldn't give for a few yards of that Armani fabric used for Zendaya's gown though 🤩

[@tiffanytomasino335]

I'd wager the trails of the fabric where worth it for such a lovely garment. Deliciously sparkly. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Definitely worth it!!

[@thomasfoley8287]

My face hurt from smiling thru this whole video. Thanks!😊😊😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Thomas!

[@marathorne6821]

It's amazing! 😁 I love the way that flounce at the bottom of the skirt swishes around. And the tulip sleeves make for really strong shoulders, which I think are fabulous too 👌 Another spectacular Bianca creation! ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mara!

[@caissafrass6631]

This is absolutely spectacular! Definitely worth all that hand basting.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@chippewagirl7299]

That turned out lovely. I love watching the process of it all coming together. Very educational for me. Thanks.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@aprildriesslein5034]

It's stunning how smoothly fitted you managed to make this dress!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@TrixiaDK]

It’s almost dangerously beautiful. I have mentioned this before, and I need to do it again. You are a very talented lady (chef’s kiss) Thank you for sharing this beautiful dress with us ❤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Trixia!

[@Joo6240]

Wowzers Bianca you just shine with inspiration! Beautiful dress, no I mean stunning the headdress completely elevates the picture! Thank you 😊 sooooo much for all that you do. You're an amazing creator! ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! 💜

[@SewArtyAnna]

How beautiful. Coming back to dressmaking after a few years off. Although I was a novice then! Your demonstration made me realise I’d forgotten less than I thought.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! The knowledge is still there waiting for the next project ✨

[@annesullivan1171]

You find the most amazing fabrics 14:47 ❤

[@missygeorge1315]

That fabric is what dreams are made of! Great video.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@allydouillette4661]

I love these videos so much. Seeing the whole process from sketch to garment, lead by your expertly and therefore reassuring narration is so good for my brain. I know it's gonna be fine in the end and it feels being tutored.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ally! 💜

[@teresababinat6004]

Beautiful and shiny my magpie friend.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Teresa!

[@vintagelyzzie]

Beautiful dress and amazing fabric. I love that feather headpiece too.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@EAhighlander-vf7rr]

Such gorgeous fabric and a shockingly stunning dress especially on your beautiful figure! Loved watching this.❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@Drgn8DDragonsDungeon]

Every time you have one of these iridescent fabrics on black base, it reminds me of dragon scales like from how to train your dragon. So to me you just become a fabulous dragon when you have these iridescent outfits! Such a pretty material. And good to see you posting! 😊 Edit: oh heck, you pulled out your pins instead of sewing over them! Who is this chaotic individual today? 😂😂

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I'm trying to train myself with the pins so I don't have to hear about it anymore 😂

[@Drgn8DDragonsDungeon]

@@TheClosetHistorian it's so hard to break established habits and routines 😂 you've got this!

[@deborahhouse9569]

Definitely worth all the challenges. Its so very striking and lovely.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Deborah!

[@yalissa73]

The dress turned out amazing. Love the pleated tulip sleeves, an interesting idea for volume.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@PaulineEGraf]

Gorgeous dress ! And that handbag. There are no words.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Pauline! The fringy bag is too fun ✨

[@silviawolter]

Wow! Just wow!

[@cathygibbs7246]

LOVE! Might be my most favourite project ever from you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cathy!

[@lauren2854]

The fit is sooo good! Every time I watch your videos I want to finish my blocks but then I have flashbacks to this past summer when I made 7 mock-ups before I gave up. I’ll get there one day 😅

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I hope they learn to behave for you soon!!

[@kathrynmccarthy]

I really love how this dress turned out! the sleeves are epic and the fabric is just gorgeous

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kathryn!

[@julianachandler2975]

Absolutely beautiful dress! Congratulations on working so well with this difficult fabric.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Juliana!

[@thomascurb9006]

WOW 😲! That is awesome. I wish you had a date worthy of a dress like that. No one is good enough.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ha! Thank you!

[@dottiemathews6853]

GIRL! YOU WORK THAT THING!! I CAN'T STAN YOU! LOL!!! FABULOUS!! (THE HEAD PIECE IS ADORABLE, BUT A KILLER WIDE BRIM HAT WOULD KNOCK IT OUT OF THE PARK AND YOU CAN WEAR IT FIERCE!)

[@beatricenowell8207]

Oh My, This dress is too fabulous for every day wear. You need an invitation, or serious tickets, and arm candy to escort it. It fits you like a glove. I so hope you decide to offer retreats once or twice a year after you move to your own place. I doubt anyone would be able to teach fitting as well as you. I loved the accessories as well, head to toe excellence. 💖🥰💖

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beatrice! As an introverted reclusive worrier, I promise I will never hold retreats 😅 I am actually not a fit expert anyhow, I only know how to fit me!

[@sarasos6291]

Simply elegant and so you, Bianca..... ❤ You rock each and every outfit, but this is a standout.... BRAVA!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@janebithell9662]

Oh my, that is absolutely gorgeous, Bianca ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jane!

[@damogranheart5521]

Your studio is one of my favorite places to visit. I feel welcome there. There is one dress that I made many moons ago where I could have used bias tape on the inside seam of my sleeves. How I wish that I had known that! Your dress throws light and subtle colors around the room! You glow in it! Most Excellent! The tulip sleeves and the swoosh at the bottom? Sophisticated yet so fun! It was joined by marvelous accessories. Perfect! I hope this finds you well and happy!😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! Bias tape really solves so many potential problems, it's like my duct-tape of sewing 😂

[@ZacherlJem]

You look STUNNING in this dress!! It looks truly amazing on you. Top three garments you've ever posted.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@karengoldie6801]

WOW! This is stunning. I so enjoy witnessing your amazing talent.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Karen!

[@bethknapp4935]

I'm running out of adjectives chicky!!!! 😂. I cannot with this fabric! Im glad it wasn't difficult for you to work with. ❤❤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beth!

[@YarnAndy]

This is amazing and that reveal at the end... Wow. I always wonder what you see in the sparkly fabrics you show (instant sensory overload for me), but every single time you make them look and fit perfectly in the finished piece.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I adore shiny/sparkly fabrics ✨😅

[@coreygilles847]

So fancy! I love the colors and how the design of the dress ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Corey!

[@molnotmole3428]

Agreeing with your expression on that handbag, freaking gorgeous! Also love how those tulip sleeves & fabulous fabric worked out.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! The beaded fringe bag is so much fun!

[@Odontecete]

Gorgeous!

[@kaytiej8311]

It may not be be era-specific but its a design I'm sure many of us would jump at the chance of having. Bianca, your designs are stunning! I could happily create my own copy of your pattern but, alas, laziness. How I wish you had your own printed or printable pattern series!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kaytie!

[@NoDecaf7]

Wow this is so glamorous!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Wow, that's gorgeous. I think the floofy mermaidy skirt floof thing works so well on your figure! I need my floof higher up to compensate for a lack of hips, and I never know quite what to do with holey or see-through fabrics since I rarely wear a bra and I'm never sure how to line something like that.... I just overdyed a grey-brown suiting wool with onion skins to make it more rich and warm and I'm making a Victorian Walking Skirt out of it. And it's getting lined with paisley cotton becuase that's what I have for mockps and linings and such! While waiting for the wool to dry I cut and darted the lining, still need to sort out pockets and placket (thinking maybe in the back so I can hide it under the pleating?) and I'm trying it without a waistband so I traced the top of the pattern, closing the darts, to make a facing that'll act as an inner waistband, and I think I want to orient it something like 90 degrees to the grain the skirt's cut on so I have some hope of not having bias supported by bias stretching out on me....

[@mrslilmama1]

so elegant!!!!!

[@barbf9168]

Absolutely stunning ❤️

[@Zzzzzzzzz216]

Stunning 😮

[@baricala]

Stunning!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@raquelseydewitz491]

It’s stunning!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@foxyember]

Stunning just stunning !!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Effeache]

Stunning! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@yobespierre]

that looks wonderful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@doreencaulier1758]

Looks great!❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Doreen!

[@DAYBROK3]

so glamorous, i love it! 💖💖💗💗

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Glorious!!!!!! Red carpet worthy xxxxxxxx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Just got to get invited 😂

[@DJ_scream_evil]

I love your style. Always in some iridescent awesomeness. Half my wardrobe is iridescent.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Iridescence is indeed excellent ✨

[@funkypunkypine]

LOOOOOVE it! Amazing pairing with the head piece and other accessories, too. Perfection. 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@michellebray5739]

Omg its gorgeous

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle!

[@joecoloff4247]

Wow so fabulous

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@anthonyreed3421]

Gorgeous! just GORGEOUS!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@just_me8796]

dang that turned out fabulous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@nedawilmhoff3599]

Gorgeous

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@apriljodoin9643]

So beautiful🎉

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you April!

[@sarahduffy6964]

Love love love that neckline

[@kirstencoats4262]

Gorgeous dress! Wow! 🦋

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kirsten!

[@user-bk9bs8ki1d]

Beautiful all your work is amazing 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@2_pencil]

This dress is sublime!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@burnerkarlis3528]

looks awesome

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@DeniseMJoerg]

WOW! Exquisite!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Denise!

[@mimzyriepensell1423]

Simply Gorgeous

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@user-wl8rr7wb4y]

Love 😍 the beautiful black dress👗😊. It's a keeper😊.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@guineverecassidy4855]

So much glamorous fun!! Bravo you! and the accessorized ensemble is outstanding!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Guinevere!

[@bunnybunny7112]

This dress is stunning!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@tenaoconnor7510]

So pretty 😻😻😻 sleeves look great and I love the swoosh of the skirt ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@carolbarbee5653]

Really beautiful I love it ❤ you look amazing in this dress

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Carol!

[@Cheryl263]

The dress is amazing. I love learning from your videos.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cheryl!

[@deborahdeutchman]

Bianca you are so creative! I enjoy your creations. Thank you

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Deborah!

[@kathyjohnson2043]

The dress is AMAZING!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kathy!

[@margeholmes07]

I love these type of videos from you... every garment is sewn to perfection and the fit is truly amazing !! This one is extra amazing though due to the fabric you chose ... Beautiful 😍😍❤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@laudiewhite]

Beautiful garment, as always!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@ljshaw8516]

OMGorgeous!!! You are master of all your mad skills. Yes, it is never fun when a class has folks not at the same level of experience...sorry for that. I bet you were the best of the BEST in the classes. x's lj

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@lovemesomeslippers]

FABULOUS. I fear the fabric that I covet the most. But I want some of it.

[@inger_musicart5620]

Gorgeous dress!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@ninapettersen5220]

😍Beautiful and shiny love the dress😍👏🏻

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nina!

[@joycewilliamsteague6487]

Most beautiful dress you have made. Absolutely stunning

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Joyce!

[@mandylavida]

Another absolute triumph!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mandy!

[@vindictivetiger3958]

Now that's a dame! What a stunning dress!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@evadeleon3009]

You answered my question!!!! 😊😊😊 and i loved your answer. That's how I feel at the moment in my program.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I remembered more as I tried to focus on any criticism I had received! And I recalled that in the US I would get told "great, but maybe make it a little more commercial" and in London/Paris I would get told "great, but make it a little funnier, less commercial" 🤦‍♀️😂

[@evadeleon3009]

@TheClosetHistorian I love the contradictions! Lol. In short, just do what you like and the right consumer will find you. (Spoiler, we found you!!) :) I appreciate you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Seriously 😂 One can never be everybody's cup of tea, so might as well be the sorta tea you like yourself ✨ @@evadeleon3009

[@mim73]

The fabric is sooo beautiful. And so is the dress 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@jennglow4647]

Very pretty 😀

[@sinndymorr6358]

Everything about this dress is delicious 🖤. Currently on the hunt, for affordable fabrics, to make mistakes with 😂. I am imagining the skirt in so many fabrics. Of course, the fit would have to be correct and that requires practice fabric.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! You've got this! ✂🧵

[@christajennings3828]

Love this fabric! It is gorgeous! And the fit on the dress is perfection. I really like the style of the skirt. I may have to try one like that.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christa!

[@LikeEmmaWithaT]

Simply stunning! And paired with that hair piece?! I adore it all

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!