Recreating a Dress I Can't Afford 😬

[@GhostGirVinera]

"Slight plagerism" My aunt was a professional tailor, when my cousin was gettimg married, they went dress shopping, found a 5000$ dress, my aunt took pictures and sewed it.... from scratch We call it the illegally downloaded dress

[@Phoenix-zy1cx]

Impressive! :)

[@boingo48]

my mum did the exact same thing!

[@FeyPax]

My future grandmother in law has offered to do the same. I don’t know her real well but I heard from the family I wouldn’t regret going through with her offer lol

[@TherealHRHMarissa]

Oh my goodness I just realized I did the same thing! There was a wedding dress on Etsy that was the only dress for me and my sister in law insisted that we make it, so we did.

[@toodleloos]

as long as you're not selling it, it still counts right? 😂😂

[@majorzipf8947]

One of my favorite things about Rachel is that she can, in one video, embody hunched floor troll, grumpy button gramma, and graceful forest fantasy effortlessly.

[@0meAcat1]

😍🤩

[@DEBz3321]

✨talent✨

[@jenniferswartz9368]

this comment wins!!

[@gregputnam7243]

We love our Whiskey Grandpa here on this channel but also our Floor Troll

[@0meAcat1]

The floor troll collegium is a diverse and ultimately humble body, but we recognize and treasure our own

[@Gwen34900]

In my book: - Copying an exact design to make multiple copies and sell: morally questionable, but that's the way the retail industry works. - Copying a design you love for yourself when there is 0 chance you can afford the original: Good. It's been done forever by home seamstresses. Never feel bad about that.

[@athena1491]

Exactly, plagiarism is the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. which she isnt doing here at all, its crystal clear its not her design, and even by the end the dress is only inspired by it anyway, and even if it was the exact same, more power to her,

[@florenna]

Totally agree with you both, I mean it would never even have entered my mind that there could be any kind of plagiarism involved here, if Rachel herself had not mentioned it in the beginning :) (Plus, I do it myself all the time, recreating some garments I've seen somewhere, but I just usually do it by knitting. 😂 )

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

But yet designers often steal from world cultures and use the designs in their clothes and no one calls them out except here lately I read several articles that people are getting tired of it and are finally calling them out about it. And if you pay close attention the fashion industry is cut-throat too I mean they do steal from each other unless it's under lock and key you will see similar designs I notice this even when I was a kid in the 70s.

[@mayfair_forest_witch]

I agree, when you are making something for yourself, not for sell, you give full credit and praise to original designer and creator then I think it's fine. Not to mention that this dress looks pretty generic, it's not like it's anything innovative about it, or anything that makes it unmistakable, at least from my point of view.

[@JW-cvnt]

@@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647 stealing from cultures is bad, point blank. However, fashion is cyclical. every decade uses a past one and takes bits and pieces of trends then and modernize them for now. everything has been done at this point, so people will copy from other people, without even seeing the other persons work. fashion can be a tricky thing when dealing with plagiarism because someone can say that someone else stole their design, when the original persons design is ripped from someone else who ripped off someone else and it just goes on.

[@nananoah2084]

Personally this doesn't even feel like a grey area. You're not claiming to have come up with the design, you're not doing it to sell it at a lower price point or as if it were their product and you didn't even try to make it exactly the same. You just took inspiration from it and gave proper credit to the source. And all of this is before even going into the ridiculous price point and the fact that you'd probably be able to find very similar dresses on etsy and pinterest.

[@bp-a]

This is how artists often work- seeing an inspiration piece then changing it to give it their own spin. One of my art teachers suggested that changing a design by at least 30% makes it not copying or ‘plagiarism’ and you did that here I’d think with length, waist and sleeves not exactly like the one made by someone else. Thank you for your videos and the honesty in them!

[@grimthegost5623]

Isn't there a thing about the design cannot be considered plagiarized when it's in dress form compared to paper form?

[@travelmom3031]

I totally agree! If you are making if for personal use, you are perfectly in your rights. You didn't buy/copy/return original as many manufacturers do. You recreated the garment by EYE, which means you were inspired, but didn't copy. If you were wanting to sell a bunch of them as knock-offs, that would be not ethical.

[@lucymiller2337]

Even if it were exactly the same I personally feel that because it is only made for her own benefit, and like you said she is not selling it, and is making it because of not being able to afford the original that's okay too. Not everyone can afford expensive clothes and if you copy something to just make it for yourself to wear I personally see nothing wrong with that.

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, I completely agree with you that it's far far away from stealing somebody intellectual property, in this case. I want merely point out that the intellectual property thing doesn't hinge on if you canät afford something so you make as close as you can to look like the thing you can't afford. Neither does it hinge on if you want to get down to your sweatshop and push a basilion copies. What it hinges on is if it's in public domain or not, an that gets very complicated, You really need to reach for your lawyer and then it gets expensive too. I believe that you can be inspired by something that's public domain and okay to do. If you copy something, and even worse not credit the real designer then you have left public domain and it might be expensive if the original designer finds out about it. Rachel didn't copy anything, so good on her (or on you in, case you see this Rachel). If you haven't come across Bernadette Banner, she has a video about this subject, where one of her designs were stolen. I believe it was a medieval costume that was ripped off and sold for near to nothing. I seem to remember that she a bit upset about that. Yours, Ann

[@meganstorm3248]

re: "light plagiarism" In knitting & crochet, it's called reverse engineering and it's a highly prized skill.

[@KatV1Beta]

+

[@jules4742]

👏👏👏

[@khills]

Given it’s a sustainable fashion house, I imagine they wouldn’t mind this reverse engineering with recycled fabrics, anyhow.

[@Phoenix-zy1cx]

One of my favorite things to do is inspect a crocheted item to determine how to recreate it. :)

[@erraticonteuse]

One time I was trying a bunch of crochet snowflake patterns from Ravelry, almost all of which were free, but when I found one charging just $1, I was like "Hell no!" and figured it out myself. And it probably turned out the best of all my snowflakes, and I assume those facts are connected.

[@hannahstone5795]

I watched this video with my 99 year old great grandmother and she said “did she make that dress? Well how bout that she did a good job didn’t she!” She also loves Frodo. Thank you for your wholesome content 💕 Perhaps she is your oldest fan 👵🏻

[@freyavine6448]

Unbelievably wholesome comment 💕

[@mirjanbouma]

Your grandma sounds very sweet!

[@MalendX]

I think that your grand grandma May be a really sweet person

[@CaraRowen]

We Stan

[@sosexymagazinerobinwatkins8467]

😊😊

[@ashlynsminkey3066]

"I looked it up briefly so Im an expert" Literally me as a theater costume designer 😂

[@PlasticBuddha88]

This is so accurate it hurts,

[@sirtoshi2052]

This is literally me when I'm making the stage set's for plays 😂

[@cifa9713]

😂😂😂😂

[@tatianamelendez490]

Stop divulging industry secrets! 😆😆🤫🤫

[@Vereynique]

Oh theatre life. Make it look good from the front row and the rest is good. Did costumes for The Crucible (one of many costuming shows) and I had to figure out how to get 30 costumes from children to adults in period with no budget. Found a box of skirts and made some. Added men's vest over blouses and made 20 collars, aprons and caps. Next came the men. Borrowed doublet jacket and vest from another theatre and then had them all bring me pants so I could make them into knee britches. Add also ministers collars and I was on stage as well. First tech rehearsal and I am still sewing. Nearly went insane.

[@ליהויסמן-ר1ס]

this is incredible! I feel like recreating a sustainable dress you can't afford is a million times better than trying to find a cheap mass-produced dupe. especially by not trying to make a profit off of this dress and simply making it for yourself using thrifted fabrics, it's genuinely just a great way to get the clothing you want without hurting your wallet or the environment

[@mothwood7055]

"the sky was crying and so was i" such a raw line for a sewing video

[@Cationna]

I feel like there's a moral grey area between plagiarising someone's design and like, having eyes. You're not breaking into a secret vault and stealing the blueprint to the pattern and the contact to the fabric manufacturer, you're looking at someone wearing it and trying to recreate it. Which is how it's always worked, isn't it? Not only are fast fashion stores copying designer looks straight off of runways, but previously people used to have fashion plates and magazines, and even before that, they literally went and looked at what the rich folks were wearing so they could copy the styles. I think it's a problem if you're stepping into the zone of the original maker; making one dress for yourself is not the same as what Wish is doing to indie creators. Not to mention the educational benefits of trying to retrace the steps of achieving a certain effect. The only grey area might potentially be in making money off of a KZbin video about it, since you are in a way making a profit with someone else's design, but, again, I think it's fair use - because of the education and entertainment factor, but also because you're basically using the promotional pictures that are put on the web specifically in order for people to see them, look at them, share them; you're giving credit and you're popularising the product. In the end it's far more likely for a viewer of yours to buy this dress than it is for them to make it, let's not kid ourselves 🤭😆

[@TomoyoTatar]

I can't buy this =).... 774 is a months worth of money for me

[@cheepymcpeepy]

I really like the inspiration of "I love that but Woah that is Expensive! I'm making my own!" Sick of not having what I want at the store... time to make it myself

[@SonjaPond]

You’re hired. You can be Rachel’s lawyer lol

[@stone.durfey5862]

Woah....lots of words.

[@Cationna]

@@TomoyoTatar oh yeah no I get it, I can't afford it either (and, frankly, I don't know just how much I'd have to be making and how sure of the quality I'd have to be to justify spending that much on a single item), but neither do I have the skills or time to make it, so 😆 but I mean someone might! A lot of people watch this lol

[@isabelzerr8923]

Does Rachel know that when she sews dresses she has the ability to add pockets whenever? It seems like a luxury she hasn't taken advantage of yet lol

[@Saskatchetooner]

I have a pocket pattern just for that.

[@Ellaodi]

We allll forget pockets. It happens

[@littleheartinlove7387]

Last time I made pants. Few days after I was furiously saying to my husband « if I knew who designed these pants WITHOUT pockets I would have things to say to them. Oh wait ! I designed these. »

[@ziyanda_theartist]

😂😂😂

[@ninjcrafts]

She actually has added pockets to a few of her pieces (totally didn't binge her channel)😂

[@stephanieveloz9774]

TIP! I work in a bridal shop and alterations department and there is a ribbon that comes with the loops already that you can get at joans that's will make you doing this next time so much more enjoyable and no needle braking!

[@deimoslohaku3476]

Commenting so i can find that later when I'll need it... When will that be ? Only time will tell but I'm sure I'll be so glad I did this

[@hannahgraham-devries8805]

@@deimoslohaku3476 I’m doing the same, smart idea ;>

[@bellasmith8821]

@@deimoslohaku3476 did you remember? 😂

[@magdalena_dewinter]

as someone who’s been to fashion school, everyone copies everyone, so unless you make something and say is your complete total original idea when it’s not, you’re good

[@yaspmt9816]

good to know

[@Theromanceerabookshop]

To piggyback off this (also as someone who went to fashion school) anyone can take your design and change one shape of a seam or even one length of something and it's theirs now. So as sucky as it is to see fast fashion take designs from smaller businesses, all they have to do is change one design detail and it's theirs. They can even still use the same fabric. ✨ fashion ✨

[@tmcruz825]

Rachel your dress is gorgeous, really. But the real star here is Frodo’s thigh highs.

[@llandriell]

Oh I just got there!

[@Grrranola]

He's got the Chanel boots

[@Steph_here]

A saucey thigh shot indeed 🤣

[@TheDeerhunter316]

Frodo in frodo socks brings so much joy

[@rnptenafly]

My dogs would rip those socks right off. Sometimes the cone of shame is necessary.

[@skor14god]

You did a fantastic job on the dress. At $6 and super comfy, you will likely wear it more than you would a $770 dollar dress that you may be concerned with staining or otherwise ruining. Also, reusing an old, thrifted bedsheet strikes me as being much more sustainable than buying something new. You are inspiring as always!

[@torakfett3351]

At $774 it’s close to the cost of my wedding dress and I’d probably never wear it. But less than $10?!?! Every day, it’s my favorite Summer dress now! I might try to wing this pattern myself because I LOVE this dress. It’s for a later time but it’s gorgeous.

[@noodlehead6008]

speaking as a fashion major who spent four weeks on this exact subject (seamstress/designers/brands “replicating” other designs) you are definitely not in a grey area!! it’s completely expected and normal in fashion for a silhouette as classic as that dress to be teplicated by multiple brands, multiple times, for many yrs to come.

[@celestialsquirrel655]

What college do you go to? I really want to do that too!

[@haleyspence]

Especially as she's making the dress itself for personal use rather than profiting off the sale of the garment. Right?

[@solavita306]

I was going to say, it reminded me of dresses made popular by Jessica McClintock. Fashion baby, she goes around and around and around....

[@BubbleBunnyy]

@@haleyspence exactly what I was thinking it’s not a knockoff or anything she’s wearing it herself and not mass producing it.

[@ks-b7427]

fiber major here--what's screwed up and kinda hilarious abt the fashion industry is that actually you could replicate and produce this dress to 90% of this brand's original pattern and sell it for money and be a-ok. lol.

[@josieerin505]

on the topic of “plagiarism”: if you were planning on selling this dress, then there would be an issue. but if its for your personal use (and let’s be honest, with the changes made its more of an original dress) i don’t see a problem

[@isabellebarrett1318]

definitely agree! If you're just making something for yourself, I think ethically it's fine. You're not impacting the designer's bottom line in any meaningful way, especially if you weren't likely to buy it otherwise.

[@TheP1x3l]

It actually would not be an issue. Believe it or not, it is an industry standard thing to copy entire patterns. Companies like Banana Republic and J. Crew do it. Garments can’t be subject to protections. Only logos and fabric patterns can.

[@isabellebarrett1318]

@@TheP1x3l I do appreciate your point, and you're right, from a legal standpoint there wouldn't be any issue with copying the design and selling it, but just because something is an industry standard practice doesn't necessarily mean that it's an ethical thing to do. The fashion industry in particular has many practices that are standard, especially among large brands like J. Crew/Banana Republic/etc., that are horrific and incredibly unethical despite often being technically legal. Ultimately I'd say wholesale copying the design for the purpose of selling it, especially copying it from a small designer, would be problematic on a moral level even though it's not illegal.

[@adeledesm8853]

I think the problem here would be that the video is lucrative. So it is making money from someone else's dress. But that is not the whole point of the video so it's maybe fine. Probably

[@eduardaarrais]

@@adeledesm8853 but she's not making money from someone else's dress, Rachel's making money by showing herself sewing and making a dress, and entertaining us. Having a video on it can hardly count as a problem as there are several KZbinrs out there who buy design clothes and do a haul and show themselves on the clothes, and that's not a problem. They're not profiting from the clothes, they're profiting from modeling in them. Does this make sense? English not my first language.

[@rowanlowell7719]

I love how real Rachel is about the frustrations you encounter in your sewing projects, and that she often looks to thrift/second hand shops first. It reminds me that there are always learning curves (or just days where the machine doesn't want to do your bidding) with every project, and there's nothing wrong with not making everything from absolute scratch. Thank you for being inspiring!

[@marthayounger9219]

Rachel was my Inspiration for me to start sewing again

[@Siyrehn]

That's my favorite part of her sewing projects. I don't see anyone else covering the frustrations and TIME it takes to complete a project. I love her for that.

[@Widdekuu91]

@@Siyrehn As someone that crafts, I hate seeing TikToks that make a 5-step-weddingdress video and then use cameratricks to make it entertaining. Like laying a ribbon on the fabric, pressing your fingers down on it and tadah, it's attached in the next shot. Laying lace down, tadah, it is attached. Crumpling a skirt-waistline into perfect folds and tadah, skirt is done. Making two sleeves, folding them, tadah sewn on! Last step is the glittery belt. You slap the diamond-box with your hand and BAM, the belt is laying on top and is done. Tadah, that was my 5 step video." And then you see her, about 5 months older than the start of the video, walking around with it. That kindof video's make craftwork seem (too) easy, not only is that demotivational when you actually want to make it, but also, it makes the amount of time and effort that you actually put in, seem unimportant, like it wasn't difficult at all.

[@raptorjesus7436]

No accounting for seem allowance is my arch nemesis m. I always forget to add seem allowances to my patterns and end up eyeballing it, and then they’re all uneven 😢

[@c.e.goddard7918]

Re: the loops - they make that as pre-done strips you can purchase by the yard; it's got a base it's attached to which is much easier to stitch down to your garment. It's usually in with the ribbons and cording at craft stores. You just have to make sure the the loop size and spacing is compatible with your garment and button sizing.

[@alittlebitofkatie]

Came here to say the same thing! For anyone who wants to have a look, Google "bridal loops"

[@HermansMummy]

If Rachel reads this I know exactly the feeling she’ll be having … similar thing happened to me a while ago …

[@ReinaElizondo]

Or you can still diy, but don't cut the cord/elastic between loops. Instead, snake it: then you have the visible loops and the behind-the-scenes loops are held by the stitches in between them too, and you only have to carefully secure the 2 tails. There's a bridal sewer youtuber who has a great video, I'll update if I can find it again. She also shows a version where there's only enough slack for one button at a time and the rest of the loop-slack slides to the button you're doing up. Links Update: Here's who I was talking about for loops kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnbOgJaaZ6isodE & Sliding loops for no gap between your placket kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaC4oJKoq9Sdiq8

[@libellle]

Otherwise one could put a knot at the end of each loop and sew it down by hand

[@michellecornum5856]

well, now I'm mad. Wished I'd known that when I had to do them. This was YEARS ago, but one pattern just told you to cut ribbon or decorative cording to these ridiculous little lengths and they'd shred and slide around 🤬! And this other pattern gave you a long narrow rectangle that you were supposed to sew and turn inside out like a spaghetti strap, and then cut it and pin it which is just the same sliding and shredding as the first one, but with the added frustration of creating a spaghetti strap first.

[@YuliaAstrea]

This is the reason I started sewing, too many pretty dresses I can’t afford to buy

[@brianadixon8995]

Or how about too many things that don't come in my size?

[@TealCheetah]

Which is great until you see how expensive fabric is!

[@beatriceladouce965]

Can I ask a stupid question? Is it hard? To work with a sewing machine? I love so many things that I either can't afford or that isn't being sold in my country (or that isn't EXACTLY as I want it to be). So, I was planning in investing in a sewing machine but as a complete newbie, I'm seriously scared. Any tips?

[@marjoleinsmolders1630]

@@beatriceladouce965 Its a challenge at first but once you get into it you're like oh this was easier than expected. Think of a sewing machine as learning to drive a car. You have to do a lot of little things to get going. I would borrow a sewing machine from someone for a few weeks and copy something easy you own like a top or skirt and use thrifted fabric so you don't get scared of cutting expensive fabric. Good luck!!! Oh and you are going to have a lot of projects before you get to the level you want to be so patience is maybe the hardest part at least that was for me

[@bleehh]

@@beatriceladouce965 my grandma is a seamstress and she always let me prepare her sewing machine as a child. We also learned it at school when I was about 9-10 years old, so that should answer your question already :D it looks scarier than it actually is! The hardest thing is putting in the thread correctly but with instructions and patience it's totally manageable. As long as you treat your sewing machine with care and do everything as instructed, it shouldn't be a problem. Then of course with time it'll become easier and easier. I'd say you should go for it, if you really want to! :) Maybe do some research beforehand on what kind of brand would be best for you.

[@emilyflanigan235]

One of the things I've learned from you is creation needs whimsy more than it needs "perfection" in order to fulfill the measure of it's creation. ❤

[@beatniksvintage]

Yes, please make this a series. I love how the dress turned out! There's nothing wrong with making a dress that someone else designed as long as you're not selling it. It a representation of how you see it, it not their exact pattern. Nothing immoral there at all; you're not causing them to lose money because you never intended on buying it in the first place.

[@rheabruen]

+

[@therussianprincess7036]

If the skirt falling flat is an issue you’d like to remedy, one word: *petticoat*

[@Basketcase12]

But summer time. Who wants to do layers?? 😫

[@therussianprincess7036]

@@Basketcase12 she could fashion a hoop skirt to support it, not necessarily something full of ruffles. Also some people don’t have an aversion to tulle petticoats in summer (I am one such person).

[@Basketcase12]

@@therussianprincess7036 You are a stronger person than I am. 😂

[@Sentariana]

I bought a petticoat online from etsy... And then found one in a charity store. Now I have two!

[@reinematthews7480]

Yes, that was my first thought when she did the reveal. That dress needs a petticoat!

[@hannahclara7929]

You are not alone in childhood book writing cringe. I was writing a knockoff twilight and I so badly wanted to name the school Rosebay High. So I google it (because of course this will be a published work of genius) and find out there's a highschool in my state called that already. I then write to the principal asking permission to use that name. They write back and say sorry no. And I literally become a desolate writer. Wallowing in the misery of imperfection. Without that name my work was nothing and I theatrically tore it up and binned it 🤣

[@ellendunn559]

26 years ago, a generous and talented friend designed and made my wedding dress with a long row of tiny covered buttons going down the back. Belatedly, I now understand the hell she went through. Thank you, Freddie, wherever you are!

[@wrentherainfalls2925]

Rachel: forgets she’s a KZbinr and doesn’t film the days summary Also Rachel: films herself grumpily eating mac and cheese I’m so amused by this

[@itwasagoodideaatthetime7980]

3:28 - *"Oh My God its like Satan's ass crack in here."* 🤣 I only chanced upon this channel because it came up in my KZbin feed (Gods only know why) but I'm loving Rachel's additude big time, she's SO relatable.

[@marthayounger9219]

Rachel has all my admiration she is down to earth and she tell it like it is no dressing her words down

[@shannonnadyaholler4640]

My IT boyfriend EVERY TIME we watch your videos: WHY DOESN'T SHE JUST BUY AN AC UNIT!? .... He's very passionate about your health

[@kellymartin2603]

Or like... a water cooler? Is that what they're called? Wait... Evaporative Cooler! Yeah, that's what I meant!

[@柏心妮]

Wait!!! She has no AC? That's insane!

[@khaxjc1]

柏心妮 she probably has ac but probably for the main house with the the sun room separate and hot with all of its windows letting in light and heat and may not be well insulated. And even in the main house alot of the times especially with older houses cooling them can be difficult.

[@khaxjc1]

kelly Martin the kind of cooling your talking about it not recommended for humid environments and she's mentioned a humidity problem before.

[@柏心妮]

So true. Only very dry areas (AZ) do well with evaporative coolers.

[@colettel.1694]

When I saw all those covered buttons and loops, I knew exactly why the dress had that price tag 😂 Seamstress: I am not doing this ever again. *scribbles price tag* There, now I won’t have to.

[@todorokisfavouriteobject9109]

I think with that price, they’d only have to make it like once ever again. 😂

[@aliveslice]

I know what you mean but then I see not so elaborate dresses sold for higher prices made from polyester and I go hmm. All in all I believe: if you can't afford it, don't buy it; if you want to and can, make it yourself and there's no shame about it.

[@hannahgraham-devries8805]

Hahah that made me laugh :’>

[@LiveTilWeLaugh]

Me when pricing crochet projects to sell

[@jasminvalerie]

I always say that I would be a “weird, eccentric” rich person. I’ll be buying expensive velvet cloaks, queenly dresses, daggers, boots that I put my daggers into. Basically I’ll be living out my fantasy dreams 😅

[@TheGizmodian]

Right? I've got so many searches for victorian ballgowns and traveler's cloaks. Already got some of the blades collected, now I need a nice pair of boots to slide them into...

[@pumpkinwizard9080]

The difference between weirdo/nerd and eccentric is nothing but a shit ton of money.

[@c.mcmahon494]

I would love to see a video or videos on how you "fixed" the clothes you made. I think what you do already is amazing, of course. It would be interesting to hear how you made the pattern fit better for you. The improvisational part of all your videos is inspiring. I just made a bunch of curtains and learned a ton in the process. Thanks for your humor and ability to jump right in and sew!!!

[@brooklynbaby1987]

The original dress is cute but dresses with similar styles have been around for years. I don't think you "copying" it is plagiarism at all, especially with all the changes you made. Also even if it's sustainable fashion, there's no way I'd pay that much for that dress.

[@khills]

That’s the struggle with sustainable fashion-sustainable fabric is $$$, paying a living wage is $$$. It’s why a lot of the houses that focus on sustainable try to sell you “timeless” pieces. I find places like Gudrun Sjoden interesting because they’re looking into how to mass recycle fabric into sustainable clothes at a lower (tho still pricy) price.

[@ragnkja]

@@khills I hope the recycling process doesn’t compromise quality, otherwise it won’t help those who actually need it.

[@khills]

@@ragnkja It doesn't appear to.

[@Saskatchetooner]

Get a pattern and Frankenstein it

[@rondaks3757]

Yes! We would love to watch a series of " Dresses I Can't Afford, So I Make Them". But of course, you could make pot holders and we would watch it! :D Love the dress- great buttons!

[@michellecornum5856]

Absolutely!

[@transatlanticcrochet]

6$ for the materials - girl, how many hours of labour are in there? They count too!

[@bcgrote]

"Copying" garments is like making music. We only have so many ways to put things together. Your dress will be not only fit to you, you will alter it to suit you. And really, how ethical is stuff made in Cambodia in general? Are these workers being paid even $5hr? How many chemicals go on that field? Using a recycled linen or heavy cotton bedsheet is better. And you aren't cheap, you're frugal. This dress is a loos shift with buttons, circa 1750. You're fine.

[@jazzychew]

I don’t know much about the company, but looking at their “About Us”, it does seem they have a pretty solid foundation if they had 3rd party testing. I get helping others not feel bad because Rachel (and other cheap people like me) are great and completely understandable, but it does seem the designers care. There shouldn’t be a need to question their team’s motives in support of another person.

[@slinkychampion6533]

Great comment!! I 100% agree!!

[@SuperLoves4]

@@jazzychew I get what you say, but we should always question if creators are actually being ethical or just faking it to male their clothes more expensive, in this case it seems they are doing good, but in other cases it’s good to stay alert ☺️

[@penelopesparrow]

Honestly I'm not even sure they could prove it's altogether an original design - not to say they copied it from someone else, but it's a fairly basic style; you could probably find a near identical piece in the Ossie Clark archives, even Laura Ashley or Gunne Sax.

[@chiatortilla]

Did you know that dogs and cats walk like that when you put socks on them because they rely on the sensation of touch to know if their feet have sufficiently left the ground? So since the socks make them feel like they're always touching the ground, they overcompensate.

[@m.maclellan7147]

That is neat !

[@marceabrann2166]

There are very much two types of JoAnn employees and stores. It's always either they are grumpy and unhelpful or you get the really nice super helpful. Not to mention the nice ones are few and far in between.

[@jjudy5869]

I invariably get the one who doesn't know squat about different types fabric or how to cut them and totally doesn't care about learning how to do the job right.

[@elizabethmanion258]

I got one the other day who seemed very nice until I told her what I was making and then was VERY uncomfortable. It's for Halloween and hard to describe but she almost didn't want to touch the fabric anymore 🤣

[@marthayounger9219]

I been there they think you are butt holes.

[@DarkRavnMorgan]

You can't copyright fashion designs because clothing is considered to be of functional use. You are not doing anything wrong. This is why six companies can put out the same style of a thing and knock off brands happen. You can copyright prints on fabrics and such, but the basic shapes and combinations of patterned garment pieces are up for fair use.

[@elektraeriseros]

It a way, that kind of sucks. Not what Rachel's doing. She's recreating a dress for herself and not mass marketing it. But it kinda sucks the opposite way. So many fast fashion brands rip off the ideas of smaller (mainly poc) creators and these originators have to deal with seeing lackluster versions of their own creations and NOT seeing any sort of profit or recognition for it 😔

[@DarkRavnMorgan]

@@elektraeriseros very true. It does really suck for small creators, but also think how much more it would suck if big companies could copyright every design and sue all small creators for even something close to their design because they have money...

[@elektraeriseros]

@@DarkRavnMorgan you're definitely not wrong. It just seems so crazy to me that we can't hold bigger, more successful brands accountable for what essentially amounts to theft without harming individuals who just didn't want to pay exorbitant prices for one item of clothing. A brand like, say, fashion Nova isn't going to be affected by not selling ONE pricy item. On the flip side an independent creator misses countless potential opportunities because a big brand (like Fashion Nova or Shein) stole their idea and mass produced it before that individual could.

[@Anamilkk]

the pattern pieces can be copyrighted by the drafter. the look of the dress can be interpreted with your own pattern pieces as you see fit.

[@spirited154]

That is really useful to know! Thanks!

[@jaydenj7608]

i've only been around for a week or two now on this channel and i can say with confidence that it's not a rachel maksy sewing video until frodo lays on top of whatever fabric rachel has!

[@chaali9961]

I'm a boy, never wore a dress in my whole life, I completely suck at sewing but still your video are so fun entertaining and inspiring Thank youuuuu

[@NatalieValentina6]

Isn't Rachel awesome? The community that the Historical Dress/Costuming/Cosplay YTers have created, is so engaging. Commenters are generally funny, friendly, & encouraging. Welcome!👋

[@adrianaavila5230]

Welcome to the Masky community. Never sewed more than a button, but still enjoy Rachel's amazing videos

[@Aceinpolar]

Saaaamme! kinda like Bernadette banners stuff, knowing i'll never make this but the process and comedy of the videos are fantastic. also learning about how things are made is just so satisfying

[@siriusgray3579]

That's because of her being bonnie lass/crafts person mixture :P

[@jademurray478]

rachel “pits don’t quit” maksy

[@madasahatter4489]

Congratulations on completing the dress -- It looks charming on you! A laundering tip from experience: if you put the dress through a washer and dryer, there's a good chance that one or more of the covered buttons will come apart, so it's probably better to hand wash your creation and hang it to dry. (when it's not humid) P.S. Your doggie has a grrrrrr-8 personality!

[@gwendolynrobinson3900]

A whole mood As for the moral gray area regarding "light plagiarism" it's a sense of, if you have the ability to do something yourself as opposed to buying it from someone else, and if you haven't you STILL wouldn't have bought it, it wouldn't hurt the seller. Doing it your own will not be EXACTLY the same as the original anyhow, so you're really not hurting anyone ;)

[@trampledbygeese]

It is like fan art. Okay to make for yourself, but not good to sell. Besides, I bet some viewers will run out to buy the dress from the original because... Gorgeous! Love the video.

[@kaitlyne1870]

Mostly, as long as you're not profiting off of it. If you make a knock off to sell, it's definitely no longer a gray area.

[@wolfco47]

I agree! Plagiarism is a problem when it takes something from the creator. During school, plagiarism is a problem because it supports a false narrative of accomplishments that enables a person to achieve valuable degrees. Beyond school, it is a problem because it steals another's livelihood. Creators depend on the income from their products both physical like this dress and more virtual like this video to support themselves. In this particular case, I feel like you aren't taking anything beyond inspiration. You would not buy this dress yourself because of the price. And, you are not selling an alternative dress that would eat into the original creator's market for their product. In copyright law in the USA, your end product might be considered transformative.

[@lindabloom6666]

And you aren't selling it as your own design

[@lenabreijer1311]

And it is not as if the design was exactly original to begin with. It is pretty basic and simple.

[@hoursloth]

For the bust, you should put a small running stitch on the inside of the bust, then pull it ever so slightly so it curves towards your chest. It'll make it fit just ever so much better.

[@Dresscodes.by.Jacky1312]

Thank you, i was gonna write the same thing! =D

[@mrluvpups]

Down the center or along her seams?

[@ClaraMoses]

@@mrluvpups along the neckline I assume

[@carolinemercer9779]

Understitching is very helpful

[@violetcurran5086]

I'm re-watching a whole bunch of Rachel's recent videos in a neverending quest for serotonin and I suddenly realized the number of times she compares her outfit to Milo Thatch and then immediately says "or a camp counselor" is... interesting

[@Rachel-fi4sc]

Milo Thatch is a camp councillor confirmed?

[@linkenby]

This comment convinced me to rewatch Atlantis and I can't believe I forgot that Kida's father was Leonard Nimoy.

[@alane7741]

Rachel! For the loops, they are actually a single piece sewn into the garment 😅 like a long strip of elastic cording wiggling and occasionally forming loops. In my experience as a seamstress, they're not too bad to sew in and are available on Wawak (button looping)! Honestly, if you ever need notions or tools, I'd always check Wawak first!!

[@cassandrabreit5029]

This was the comment I came here looking for

[@chrish2277]

I'm in Australia and went "what the f is a wawak and googled" wow, that was a fun rabbit hole. Closest we have is Spotlight.

[@MsPurji313]

Wawak is my FAVOURITE.

[@kaiein8551]

Wawak is what my mom (seamstress, clothes alterer/fixer by trade) uses to get so. much. supplies. Especially zippers! Not many places carry 20+ inch zippers for winter coats and the like 😅

[@Bmoore295]

This is definitely an "inspired by" piece, not so much light plagiarism. You have given credit to the original, and it is not at all exact or meant to sell to others. Inspiration in the art world is a wonderful thing.

[@TheChazzmander]

I absolutely love that you use thrifted and recycled materials when you can. We love an eco-conscious queen!!

[@Whitney_Sews]

Your dress turned out beautiful! Your sewing skills are getting better and better!

[@humansarehilarious9239]

YES QUEEN OF THE FOREST , RACHEL HAS BLESSED OUR NOTIFICATION🤍 ALL HAIL!

[@nullcanary]

Hail!

[@tracysleftlash8648]

Hail!

[@florrie.8311]

Hail!

[@Sincyn241]

Hail!

[@fantasylovemagic]

Hail!

[@alieneleni]

my favorite parts of your videos are hands down when your pup justautomatically lays down on every single piece of fabric.

[@8Forester]

I love younger Rachel! We would have 100% been buddies. I found a rap I wrote about Snow White when I was 8 that turned into a traumatic retelling of my parents divorce…

[@tuathetuatara4195]

dont be shy, drop the rap for us

[@Cationna]

That is the single greatest flex I've ever heard. I am speechless and heartbroken I don't get to see/hear it

[@lunatonkens7933]

Omg hahaha. I once wrote a letter to the trash man and put the letter in the trash "because then he would read it"... 😂

[@clownfromclowntown]

I would say “WHERE IS THE HARRY POTTER NOVEL READING VIDEO” but that sounds harsh so instead; Wow, that Harry Potter novel you wrote at age 11 sure looks neat! How about a video dedicated to it? Gee, thanks!

[@need_more_kittens]

YES WTF WHY HAVEN'T WE SEEN IT YET Or I mean, I totally agree, that's a great suggestion for a video..

[@oonooooooooo]

I CANT STOP THINKING ABOUT IT... ehem.... i mean... very well that idea has indeed drawn me in.

[@uliyanagolub2645]

I came in comment section to find this one, support and see I'm not the only one who is desperate to see the next episode of "Rachel-the-goddess-of-my-heart reading something she wrote in her childhood" I mean I rewached the diary episode like faaar too many times. I need help...

[@Almarosarivera]

I can’t believe she’s take this long to share it with us. 😂 It’s gold!

[@woowoowitchymom]

I’m new to sewing, my goal is to see my daughter’s prom dress in three years. Thanks for your zesty personality and honesty with your sewing journey ❤️

[@ilahjarvis]

While filming yourself sewing may not seem like exciting content, it actually motivates me to dig out my sewing patterns and do something with them. Thank you. Also, I don't know if this is encouraging or disappointing, but after 30+ years of sewing there are still little things I'm not 100% happy about the garments I make. However this doesn't stop me from sewing and wearing them.

[@marthayounger9219]

You are correct Rachel wen she makes a mistake she tell us that she mess up she is not she does not hide her mistakes and that is a very honest person

[@abrenn]

I hate making “you should do this” comments but you should make petticoats for your more flat skirts/dresses! You could use fabric scraps or fabrics that you don’t like anymore but just can’t get rid of because “what if I need them” haha edit: or maybe some kind of hoop skirt contraption seeing as your city is insistent on demonstrating what standing too close to a bon fire feels like

[@tornfeather1]

That's what I was going to say! Skirt just needs an under skirt to get big volume.

[@blazertundra]

A ruffled petticoat made of lightweight linen would probably work perfectly.

[@vintagepatternssewbeeit3341]

We adore following your sewing journey Rachel, I can not tell you how many brilliant and talented famous designers have plagiarised our sewing patterns, the detail and styles are perfect to execute creative licence on.

[@VampFaye]

Can't wait for this one! Such a pretty dress! Don't feel guilty for remaking something pricey. When I was a teen, I wanted a Gunny Sax dress in the worst way, but they were so expensive. My mom made me one that was prettier (and probably better made) than the originals. At 52, I still have it. Keep on sewing! 1💜💜💜

[@Becky_Theroux_Gockel]

I did too back in the early 70s. A neighbor bought me a pattern and the fabric. I don't have it anymore but I have a picture of it that my husband took soon after we were married. I loved that dress and wore it out to most weddings (not mine), showers, and class picnics. I'm 66 now.

[@emmapalmer7946]

I had to google that dress, and now I want one.

[@VampFaye]

@@emmapalmer7946 Gorgeous, right?

[@michellecornum5856]

I think the Gunne Sax need to come back. I was surprised to hear that Jessica McClintock died this year. Then I was really surprised to hear that she was 90. I feel old.

[@lacielima3978]

Rachel: “I need to work on my posture” *me immediately sits up straight realizing I am also slouching*

[@makeda6530]

**Not me also fixing my posture** 👀👀

[@soo3787]

me correcting mine when read your comment

[@januzzell8631]

*raises hand nervously*

[@katszulga1888]

When you are getting into linings (or even facings) I cannot recommend understitching enough! I watched the Evelyn Woods video on it, and now I line everything and understitch the heck out of it. I hate having the seam edges against my skin, but I usually don't want the look of topstitching. And the greatest thing about understitching? If it wobbles a little bit from the edge of the seam, that's fine, no one else will see it. The other greatest thing? It acts as the finishing for those fabric edges!

[@aprildriesslein5034]

I'm a bit of a nut, so I calculated the yardage equivalent of standard sheet sizes: twin = 4 yds of 45" fabric, double = 4.75 yds, queen = 5.66 yds, and king = 6.75. 😄

[@itsaneel]

This is so unbelievably helpful, thank you!

[@虚パンクvoidpunk]

light plagiarism, ok: -making for personal use -open about the design/garment/person you took inspo from plain old regular plagiarism: -no credit to the original creators -people point out that you used the design from some else and you pretend not know/make excuses (even worse when big creators steal from smaller ones and don't credit) -reselling the recreation under the guise that you designed it yourself also!! designs are art!! nothing is new and artists always use references. it gets tricky especially with clothing but there are differences between inspirations and recreations and whether or not people do the bare minimum of crediting their fellow artists!! Rachel always does a great job of crediting designers, which I greatly appreciate!! Recreations themselves take a lot of skill, I feel like people underplay it because the creators don't "design the look" themselves but it requires a lot of knowledge and skill. Rachel uses her powers for good (and the aesthetic) 😖

[@Asteldoth]

Rachel is my inspiration to just go for it and try not to over think everything. I’m so impressed with how far she’s come!

[@SalindaNichols]

Fabric covered buttons are just not something I ever thought one could make themselves?? It just goes to show we really do have the power to make whatever we want!

[@gabriellegonzalez7474]

So I don’t know how you snuck in that you wrote a Harry Potter book in there and not expected us to want to hear the whole thing like way to leave us hanging lmao But seriously that part had me dying I had tears running down my face the illustrations made my week

[@kateobrien1943]

You. Turned a bedsheet. Into. That! That stinkin' cuteness?! How? HOW!?!

[@oliviab4799]

Just wanted to say that I made myself a dress this last week for the first time and you really gave me the courage to go for it! I'm much more comfortable quilting and you made me feel like making clothes is totally doable. Thank you so much!

[@definitelynotalizard]

Heck yeah, budgeting! Sweatshop labour is okay if you're the only one sweating from the labour 😂

[@jennia.2318]

Best comment ever! 😂

[@bridgetthewench]

Literally everything that I make during the summer in my non-air-conditioned living room 😅

[@MeghanReads]

I think this is my favorite thing you've sewn this year. Like I'd wear this 5 days a week.

[@rlpDean]

OMG I did the same rewriting-fav-book thing as a kid! I wrote a "sequel" to The Lord of the Rings, complete with a letter to Christopher Tolkien (estate holder at the time) explaining why it was worth being published and in LOTR canon 😂 Main problem was I started writing it about 3/4 of the way through the first book and then there was a whole bunch of character ~deaths~ that little 11 year old me did not anticipate and so I had to add a disclaimer at the front of the book that "this was what would have happened IF so-and-so-this-and-that-etc") Ah for the confidence of middle schoolers once again!

[@Doxymeister]

Okay, this has got to be pretty common then, as I did the same thing--rewrote the "Dragonriders of Pern" by Anne McCaffrey. Was a budding artist, so I even illustrated my version myself, LOL. Although I didn't write to Mrs. McCaffrey, I only gave it to my English teacher to proofread. I guess this is probably something lots of young girls do.

[@driverjayne]

I too wrote a sequel to lord of the rings except for some reason they had decided to throw it into the ocean and it was found (by me... obviously) so like no continuity with the books but uh... I was 13... so I think that excuses it lol

[@erinw.9256]

@@Doxymeister OH SHIT, I UNLOCKED A LOST MEMORY. That's a good book lol

[@snoodledumpling4486]

Okay, reasonably speaking I'm pretty sure roughly 60% of EVERYBODY had exactly that dress in the 1970s (colorful embroidery or crochet lace embellishment optional). I'm also pretty sure that's my great-aunt's wedding dress (she married a bit later in life). My mother's wedding dress was very similar as well, she married in 1981, it was just a higher neckline and made of some shiny fabric that was probably horrifically meltable.

[@teresaellis7062]

Ah yes, horrifically meltable fabric. Lovely stuff, especially near candles. 🙀

[@sadee1287]

Agree. If you look on the website, the majority of the clothes are not especially unique, most of the style is rehashed design. I'm not sure at this point what is left to clothing designers that hasn't already been done. Every conceivable permutation of drape and sleeve and shoulder and material has been exhausted. So what justifies the cost? Leaves me mystified...

[@spectacularbear]

@@sadee1287 the cost of a properly priced garment is almost entirely to pay the sewist who is putting the garments together

[@cincocats320]

Yep...Laura Ashley everything was huge late 70s through the 80s. One of my best friends had her entire bedroom decorated with LA stuff - so much floral chintz😜. This dress style is very easy to wear and suits a good range of bodies so it comes back in style every few years.

[@firexx78]

The reason I love you so much Rachel is because you give me all the content I would make if I were a KZbinr. Frickin chaotic energy at every corner, confusion, and yet you also give us the comfy cottage vibes, fantasy forest fairy, and cute puppo. You are everything I aspire to be and I love you.

[@rutherford5025]

The drawing of Harry Potter reaching for his wand will live in my head forever, thank you so much for sharing

[@Goodbye_Pepper]

Yes make this a series! I think it's really interesting to see people break down designs and put them back together. Also your sewing skills will probably sky rocket after making a bunch of daily wear clothes so it'd be cool to rewatch the series from start to finish!

[@JohnPorsbjerg]

looks amazing! it's really cool to see how far you're getting with sewing. Also the bias tape behind the buttons is legitimately a very smart tactic. Idk why but modern dresses rarely have good button reinforcement, that's almost all button ups have boop gap... So i think it's time to bring back proper buttons.

[@Fangirltothefullest]

"We love looking accidentally more professional than we actually are!" Mood Rachel, Big Mood, I've been making a skirt and winging the top in the hopes of gathering it and it's working way better than I anticipated so I feel you.

[@emileybagalawis4472]

As an employee of Joann’s it really does depend on the combination of who’s working

[@ashleestrang5160]

The butt shuffle across the floor !!!!! Yesss I'm not the only one !!!!! It's the absolute best way to get around on the floor while sewing!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ampersandra3865]

Rachel: are you wearing the... Frodo: the Chanel boots? Yeah, I am.

[@tessiem2329]

This comment is underrated

[@ampersandra3865]

@@tessiem2329 you're too kind

[@AngelavengerL]

Omg I adore how it looks off the shoulders. So romantic! Add a petticoat and underbust bustier and you'd have some peak hobbit vibes. The sleeves are gorgeous and though they were annoying to do the buttons are pretty. Definitely sounds like another series that would be fun to watch.

[@laurenstotlersearway1738]

There is also button loop trim you could use. Like the loops are already made onto a strip and you just sew it on, haven't used it yet but probably will in the future

[@laurend7816]

I feel like what you're doing is the fashion version of direct quoting or paraphrasing, which in academics are not considered morally questionable at all. Really, they are expected because it's difficult to have a %100 original thought at this point. So I think you're fine.

[@m.salazar1411]

I appreciate your sense of humor and your willingness to take risks. I am inspired!

[@doglover1neo]

You are on the right track with the elastic loops. Just tie the loose ends together and sew right next to the knot. That way the elastic can't slip out and you don't have to stitch trough the elastic stand. And to save time by only making loops to about your hips (fit dependent), the seam can be seen closed and buttons can just be stickers on. No one will tell the difference.

[@sarahmckee5486]

No one can casually vibe Milo Thatch better than Rachel.

[@Keriedawayy]

sometimes I come on youtube to relax and nothing holds my interest. but your videos are just right. ☺️

[@Ravyn-x]

Rachel talking about the end result of the dress is literally me talking about the end result of a birthday cake I did today.xD "Overall I think it came together a lot more that I thought it was going to" "I kindda like that it looks home made, I know that's a cop-out." Seeing all the things that could be better but accepting perfection is non-existant and that you're still learning is the key to it all. Love it!

[@happycommuter3523]

I would love to see you re-create Sarah’s cosplay dress from Labyrinth! Also, as a fellow MA resident, I know exactly the days you filmed this on, and I applaud your perseverance. It was seriously the 9th circle of Hell. The end result is really charming, very 1980s Gunne Sax vibe.

[@camilledvorak7151]

Omg Gunne Sax! My mom was shopping and the cashier missed a security tag, mom went to leave the store and the alarm went off, security shows up at a run, and there's mom in a suit and heels imperiously telling him "follow me young man!" and back to the cashier she trots with the security guy following her like a whipped dog. The cashier apologised profusely, mom just told her "you're human, it's cool" thanked the security guy for the escort and walked out chuckling because she ruined his dreams of making "the big bust".

[@heatherwaddell7549]

As another fellow MA resident, I concur. I've been on vacation this week and I was SO GLAD because physical motion just felt bad.

[@BajanLifestyles]

Rachel Masky the only KZbinr whose videos I can watch over and not be bored and still laugh at the same jokes like I never heard them before.

[@amyscottrobinson3254]

Further evidence that Rachel is my long lost sister: I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who hates heat and summertime with a passion equal to my own. Also, “If you found that confusing...welcome to sewing” as a newbie sewer trying to put a facing on a dress can I just say YUP.

[@crowfaerymori]

I haaaate summer! Summertime sadness club!

[@sherrythomas3028]

I only hate it when it goes past 75 degrees.

[@tiomela]

Same! This week was hell!

[@adaddinsane]

It's not "plagiarism" which is taking someone else's actual work and pretending you created it. (Literally stealing an actual created work and pretending you own it.) Also: ideas are not copyrightable (in which case creators would be stuck). Also: you credited the source. Also: what you created bore very little resemblance to the inspiration (and it was lovely).

[@mhwhitebear1487]

I’ve been sewing since I was like 10 and I get intimidated a lot of the time with new projects. You inspire me so much! I’m now working on a dress I’ve dreamed about for a few years and I’ve modified it to be just what I want ☺️ and I’m trying out the covered buttons because of you! Thank you for all your wonderful content!

[@wintersushi4924]

I only think it's a problem if you recreate something and then profit off of it by selling it

[@DanielleSouthcott]

I was just scrolling down to say this.

[@SalindaNichols]

In regards to it looking 'home made' - it's not a cop out! I love that too, 'home made' has a tangible charm to it even when it's not 100% perfect 💙 and it certainly looks good from this side of the internet!

[@tiffanytrippeer5401]

I’ve been a huge Grease fan since the movie came out in 1978 and as much as I love Sandy, I’ve always had a thing for Rizzo’s red polka dot dress. I’d love to see you recreate it, that is if you’d even want to 😂. But I figured if anyone could do it it’d be you 😌

[@96fuzzypickles]

You made that. With your sweat and tears, all while filming an entertaining and informative video. And it looks FABULOUS! We're all proud of you and you should be too! ❤️

[@beatniksvintage]

This comment needs to be pinned at the top. ❤️

[@caesar98]

A tip for the sunroom sauna: buy white curtains that you close when the sun is shining directly at the windows. This will reflect away most of the sun-rays and keep the room cool. If you have a loose woven/sheer-ish fabric it will still let through light for you plants

[@kay5197]

The music and the flowers in your hair in the reveal gave me Anne with an E vibes. ‘Twas lovely

[@shawnsisler3743]

One of my favorite dresses is the dress from the movie "Casper" with Christina Ricci. The white one she wears to the party. I love that dress.

[@FuzzyStripetail]

Even though eleven-year-old Rachel's unfinished Harry Potter novel still gives her sleepless nights, she certainly did a spellbindingly magical job at making all of those buttons.

[@nguyenhakieunhung3242]

Oh gosh the amount of patient you have to do all the loops and the buttons!!!! I would just install a zipper and sew buttons on top just for the look, haha. You dress looks beautiful!