Malam - French Fashion Designer - Handmade Clothing

A few weeks left till Valentine Day..

2012-01-21T23:33:00.000Z

We're slowling nearing The day, lover's day...

Difficult to ignore it…

1/ Close your eyes, imagine you have a boyfriend/husband, prince charming or not (By the way, let me just tell you Prince Charming does not exist) ... Skip this step if you do have someone... And if not, imagine...

2 / You have some feelings for this person, a little something, which, from far, could seem to be looooooove …(otherwise, just imagine…)

3 / You keep hearing and seeing that on February 14th, it's lovers day, Valentine day (Everywhere, shop windows get dressed up in big red hearts, restaurants feature Valentine menus, flower shops are getting ready for their biggest sales day... ) and... what??? He forgets you, yes, he just forgets... No red roses, not even one, no sweet note, nothing, NADA.

4 / You're livid... normal! It's not your fault, it"s because of the consumer society we live in... You are above this, but your (collective) subconscious is playing games on you, you did not know it but you are programmed for Valentine day...

So.... In order to avoid being cross with your subconscious and suffer on that day.. get a Malam piece offered to you ....;)

(Quite quickly: A man's subconscious is quite soft, a bit like marshmallow, which allow some of the men you know to watch a football match and talk with their TV, and allow others to bear with us during winter sales or during a pregnancy... So all you have to do is choose the Malam piece you want... Talk to him, unassumingly, about this amazing designer that you love ( ;-) ) , define in a few words the piece you prefer, repeat that often, don't forget your clothing size too, repeat that even more often... Or just ask a good friend to do this for you and pray...)

Or leave this webpage open on your computer, he will also be able to choose his own present at the same time... This is not the most discreet way, but maybe the most efficient.
(If this is not efficient, it might be a hopeless case... you may have to rething the necessity of a common future with him...)

And, erm, happy Valentine!…

(Exchange of presents is always possible, if the choice was not the best one ;))

Malam on TV.. :-)

2012-01-17T09:04:00.000Z

For those of you who speak or understand French... a little TV interview I did at the end of the year...

The perfect outfit for New Year Ceremonies...

2012-01-05T07:22:00.000Z

After midnight has struck, once everyone is kissed and blessed for 2012... You're not finished with ceremonials...

Now starting the happy dance of "Best wishes" happenings from the City Mayor, the High School officer, your small or big boss.... And here's come the panic! All lost, your legs begin trembling, "I have nothing to wear...."

Don’t worry…

Malam is here... Here's a little shopping for the new Year :

We have selected for you a unique, rock’n’chic piece, the magical stole which magnifies any outfit!

With this exceptional piece (let's just note it is handmade from vintage fur pieces aged more than 40 years old, it made more sense to recycle it than throw it away right?), and for a Malam -chic silhouette:

Vintage fur stole

You can wear it with a hooded black dress and a black swallowtail jersey vest : If you're the classical style, with black tights, and if you're not, then open style! Brick red, purple tights, as you want...) .Then choose between pumps and boots (with or without heels).

And if you're not too much into Malam- chic, but more into Malam-(chic-)boho :

Then wear it with fitted and flared Seven overalls, and an intemporal Wrap shrug...

For a little fashion detail, you could wear a vintage silk lavallière under your overalls... I can't say I imagined this design to be worn with feminine high heels (see pics), but the amazing feminine cut makes it totally wearable with heels, heavy boots or Converse... Everything will be just perfect!
Whether you're wearing small heels, boots, old shoes, overalls, or shrugs... we wish you to be yourself in Malam! HappyMalam 2012 to each and everyone of you!

PS : and good luck for all your New Year Wishes ceremonies.…

LFW catwalk pics

2011-09-28T21:23:00.005+01:00

The rush is over:) Catwalk show was great, I was really happy with the whole collection (and the awesome shoes to go with it ), the organisation, the music... and you can see all the pics here (or click on the picture below)

And backstage pictures here ...

I can't wait for the video now ;-)
And now I can finally publish many new clothes which had been waiting... well, in the next few weeks, because I've got to catch up on orders ^^

London Fashion Week, again

2011-09-13T08:04:00.011+01:00

It's now 4 days till the next MALAM collection presentation... Will take place on Sept 16th at 7:30pm in luxurious Charing Cross Hotel in London ...

So exciting to be preparing another Fashion Week :) I'll be showing additional designs to the "Lost Dolls" permanent collection. The overall theme will be something like, "romantic meets industrial" ...

The designs are mostly finished, the 3 last days will be spent on details, finishings, etc... We did an outfit trial yesterday in the night, to match the clothing with the fabulous shoes provided by Portuguese brand EJECT. I just can't describe just how stylish and comfortable (!!) they are!

Everything else seems to be more or less ready ;) I got the catwalk music from Niflheim Seele , hair accessories from Hélène Delacour...
Along with lovely models selected by La Geneve .
Guess I should go back to work now, lots left to do! Pictures very soon... !

P.S By the way, any press or buyer wishing to attend should contact joy@lagenevenorth.co.uk .

Custom wedding dresses !

2011-08-22T09:59:00.005+01:00

Been making a lot of custom wedding dresses lately... :)

(Bridal crumpled dress by MALAM )

If you're a bride-to-be, here's how it works:
Whether it's for your wedding dress or mother-of-the-bride outfit, I can custom make it for you to your measurements, on the basis of my dress designs, which you can see *here*

From a style of dress you like, everything is adaptable :
* The length, for a short, mid-calf or long wedding dress,
* Sleeve length, if you want sleeves: long, short or ¾ sleeves
* Addition of a hood for a pixie wedding dress
* The shape of the bottom of the dress, more or less flared
* Additions of lace, ruffles ...

The fabric we will choose among all the ones I have in stock (new fabrics, vintage or recycled materials, white, ivory, cream, butter, pastel, patterned or other according to your taste)

You can also choose two dress designs that you like, to make a "mix" (For example: the top of a dress and the bottom of another)

Your wedding dress may come with a petticoat, a bolero, a headband or ribbon for hair, a belt and / or matching mittens, also made to your measurements, and in the fabric of your choice.

To help you in your choice, here are the main designs that can provide the basis for your dress: :

Strapless bustier dress

Goblin hood dress

Cinderella dress

Louise dress

Gabrielle dress

Contact me to discuss it by *mail* ,

or call me at the following number 00 33 1 48 75 29 04

My workshop is in the Paris area, but if you send me a picture of you and your measurements, you do not need to come here!

A million thanks to these lovely brides and mother-of-brides!

New jersey tops and hooded cape..

2011-02-03T13:52:00.007Z

Been keeping busy, busy as a bee ^^ getting a lot of new designs perfected ... there's one that is so fun, can't wait to finish it :))

Just popping in to post some pictures of new designs:
a convertible top in jersey, long sleeved or with butterfly sleeves

and a hooded cape... love this one design ^^
(the first one is already sold, and more are coming soon ;))

Watch this space for the rest ;-)

Christmas fashion gifts Ideas... for him and her!

2010-12-11T12:29:00.011Z

Not even two weeks left before Christmas... And you're stuck for ideas?
Here's a little gift selection from MALAM :)

for your boyfriend , your brother or your husband... a cowl scarf (available in different colors and patterns, also makeable upon order)

for your - stylish - dad
a long scarf (available in different colors and patterns, also makeable upon order)

for your mum - a wrap shrug, or a cowl scarf in fine fabrics

for your little sister - a cute cuff bracelet, or fingerless gauntlets

for your best girlfriend - a convertible long sleeved top, or a reversible slip dress..

Specify you saw that blog post in your order, and get rush shipping at the price of normal shipping... :)

S/S 11 collection at LFW - The video

2010-11-11T11:50:00.004Z

Hey friends,
I have finally received and posted the video from the show during LFW :-))
For your viewing pleasure below ;)

Also, the good news is, I get to keep the shoes from EJECT that were lent to me for the show.. so I can use them in more photoshoots!!
(looking lovely below on Justine with MALAM dress & lace top )

November : New photo shoot

2010-10-31T22:05:00.006Z

So much work, so little time.... And many new designs to photograph... this was a long photo shoot but my model was very patient :)
And I love the results!

On these last two pictures, she's wearing a lovely blue feather headpiece by Chantell Reid
Here's a few other designs by this charming lady

Designer runway competition - The video

2010-09-30T23:35:00.002+01:00

Work rythm is just coming back to normal... After London, I hopped to the East of France for a designer competition ! The idea was to show our collection, then a creation specifically designed for the competition, on the theme of nature, respect of the environment...

I chose to make a dress with recycled materials - which is not new in my work, I love reusing old materials to make new garments...
I met many friendly people, and saw a lot of beautiful designs!

The good news is, my design won the competition ;-)
Here is the video below - with the music especially created for the show !

London Fashion Week - Sept 18th, 2010

2010-09-21T22:16:00.005+01:00

Back in Paris.. With a few pictures of the MALAM collection that was shown on sept 18th :)

I was lucky to work with lovely models and assistants! I'll post a few pictures of the backstage next time :)

Outfits looked great with the EJECT shoes (which models were relieved to wear after stilettos from the previous shows ;-) ) and hair accessories (flower pins and fascinators) from French jewelry designer Hélène Delacour.
The music had been created especially for the show, by The Underemployed, you can listen to it on their MySpace page ...

I'll post the video when I have it ! (I am quite impatient, especially as I have not seen the show myself, being in the backstage... ;)

In the meanwhile, you can see some of the other outfits on here :)

Amazing EJECT Shoes Sponsoring MALAM Fashion Show

2010-09-13T23:38:00.005+01:00

Latest news... On the runway saturday evening during London Fashion Week, MALAM models will be wearing EJECT shoes !

EJECT Shoes are a 27 y. old Portuguese company whose goal is to produce fashion footwear for men, women and children. Their shoes combine irreverent and innovative design, comfort and quality of the raw materials.
This is tried and tested, since I have previously bought some for myself :))

Here are a few pictures of this amazing footwear...

Can I also add, that beside being extremely original and of great quality, they are unbelievably comfortable to wear....!

Be on the lookout for pictures coming soon after saturday!

London Fashion Week

2010-09-08T13:19:00.004+01:00

Not many articles lately.. but that's because I've been preparing some surprises ...
For any of you in London next week, my designs will be on the catwalk during the Fashion Week on Sept 18th.... :)

There will be new designs, and revisited current ones :)

(Press and buyer’s wishing to attend the show, please email me before friday )

I'll be sure to post some pics afterwards, so watch this space :)

Jewelry Moment : Hélène Delacour

2010-06-17T13:36:00.008+01:00

Hello friends! Let me introduce you to the jewellery creations of a lovely lady: Hélène Delacour.

Her necklaces, bracelets, earrings, all live in a romantic and poetic world where Swarovski pearls are knitted into threads, and ornated with flowers, butterflies and cameos...Here, a necklace in my favorite color ;-)

(I have a similar one, but shorter, with a cameo, and love it!!)

worn with a MALAM reversible dress:)

And this one below , also in black - with a little handsewn Fascinator - I bought a similar one, with a rose and chains ^^ worn with a MALAM Steampunk Sleeveless Jacket

And a spring-summer edition... So cute ;)

You'll find her creations on her website, or on her online shop.

New models : cropped boleros

2010-02-03T10:37:00.006Z

Hello February :-)
Let me just start by saying I've updated the list of blogs that featured a MALAM piece or more in the past... Lots of good reading in there!
(even a Russian blog ^^ )

I am currently quite swamped with custom work , - of which 3 are wedding dresses, so much fun :-) Still, I managed a little time for new things...

A few preview photos here :) And more hooded dresses coming soon :-)

What do you think?

Winter sale - handmade designer clothing and accessories

2010-01-07T09:03:00.004Z

Hello peeps!
Just a quick note to let you know the winter sale has started in my shop here
Up to 50% reduction on selected one-of-a-kind items...

I am throwing in a special offer for you blog readers... If you purchase a minimum of 70€, you will receive a free pair of gauntlets, please specify your wrist size in the message box at checkout :-)

See you soon!

Malam at Chibi Japan Expo in Paris

2009-12-14T18:12:00.003Z

Quickly in between two orders...
A few pictures from the Chibi Japan Expo in Paris ( that was in November )
taken by Prof Okashi (thank you so much ! )
I was really happy to see them, especially as I totally forgot to take any!

Corset Dresses and Swallowtail Jackets...

2009-10-14T14:06:00.005+01:00

I had some fun recently, making new patterns and reviving previous ones.... and I quite like the results - now I need to make one of each in my size ;-)

I just received lots of new trimmings and lace I ordered at the last trade show in Paris ...which I can't wait to put to good use!! mmm I love when my place looks like a gigantic fabric mess LOL

That's the model I currently am the most in love with ... It looks just perfect on a flared dress or skirt... and actually, on tight pants too!

Just wondering, I'd love to make it in brighter colors and patterns, but then, it would not be that easy to wear, would it...??

French sunsets and new top model :)

2009-09-05T16:30:00.008+01:00

Can't say I've taken much rest this summer.... but I've been very efficient with new models, so I guess you can't have the best of two worlds :)
Managed to get away 2 weekends wooohooo ^^

Here's the beautiful sunset in Normandy... and a picture taken in the port in Honfleur.

... and the sunset in St Gilles, Vendée.

Not many pics in the daylight, I know... I was too busy sleeping on the beach to take the camera out LOL

The good thing is, since I did not leave, I could meet up with my Russian friend Stas who was in France for a short time. Wouldn't he make a great model ? :))

(Stas wearing a French Mail cowl & (unfinished ! ) plaid pants )

Frock coats - New fabrics

2009-06-19T23:00:00.005+01:00

Some pictures of the latest frock coats, taken a while ago...

I can't help it, I am more drawn to darker colors, but I made a huge effort ;-) and made two in clearer tones: a smaller one with roses, and a larger one in aqua green. I like them though :)

Eventually, they'll all be available online... I just need time ;-)

Oh and I found a nice way to accessorize them with bib neckpieces as well ^^

Vintage, I love you

2009-05-21T07:49:00.007+01:00

I've been using quite a few really great fabrics recently, wish I could find such ones more often!

(oh and sorry about the long absence - I am probably not organised enough to find time for writing when I am rushing orders ^^ )

First that one you already saw ( but this is a better picture ! ). I've sewn lace flowers and beads on it since then as well.

Then this one, I love this fabric pattern! So happy too :)

These two cowls I made using vintage silk and polyester. I am especially fond of the red and blue association.

I've been creating new things as well, the photo session is planned tomorrow, so stay in tune for the rest ;-))

Exhibition in Paris, April 19th

2009-04-03T12:08:00.003+01:00

Spring came back, and exhibitions are coming back along....

First one will be on April 19 th,

as usual

at Pica Pica, 20 rue de Nemours, 75011 Paris

Métro Oberkampf or Parmentier

from 11am to 7pm

A welcome drink will be served, and the bar will be open

There'll be my new clothing and accessories + the permanent collection

as well as

Photography, drawn photographs and canvassed photographs from Yann Pendaries

If you're in France, please come! :-)

Brighten up !!

2009-03-07T18:25:00.006Z

Wow I just spent 3 weeks hardly looking up from my work...

Now the main part is over with, and I think I was a bit tired of making custom orders. That is, it's great, but once all the details are agreed upon, I don't feel as free as when I am creating something from scratch.

So.. to reward myself for all the hard work ;-) I grabbed a piece of vintage fabric I only just bought and made a dress, with some delicate assorted lace on top. I am so happy with it !!! It's BRIGHT ORANGE :-))

and you can find it here:http://www.createur-de-mode.net/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=153&language=en

I think I also needed a bit of spring/summer colors, weather's been a bit dull lately!

What do you think? too bright?

Just to be clear, I am not trying to start a trend of wearing dresses over slacks ;-) It's just that I was a bit lazy, I kept my clothes on. (And it has no buttons yet)

Oh and I promised some pics of what I was working on , here's just a few, the others pics were too blurry, I'm not much of a photographer :-)

That's a corset dress, the "skirt part" is painted too :)

Featured steampunk photo

2009-02-24T00:52:00.004Z

:-))
One of the photos from the shooting in the previous post was featured in Gatehouse Gazette, an "online magazine dedicated to the speculative fiction genres of steampunk and dieselpunk".

(Click on the cover to read the magazine)

Nice heh?

I'll soon put up some pics of clothes I'm working on, which are going away this week...

Winter fashion photoshoot - part 2

2009-01-26T08:31:00.003Z

And here are a few of the other photos.. There really were more than 500 done haha. The hard part was doing a selection. Yann sent them to me and I sent him a happy message : "Ok, I'm done! I've done my selection! "
Him : "Great! How many have you selected?"
Me: "I've got rid of 250... Means I only have 250 left! "
Him:" Are you joking??? You need to select 25 of them only"
Me: "Aaaaaaargh" * falls off chair *

So enjoy the few ;-)

I love this one :-)

Winter fashion photoshoot

2009-01-18T23:41:00.004Z

I am so glad the snow stayed a bit for once!!

We had a lot of fun doing pictures in the wood last Sunday...

I was not very warm, can't say the opposite, but it did not last that long :)

I came back still healthy :-)

New cowl pictures :) I love them :)

And these are the first pics of the men's frock coat I made. Hopefully I'll soon get some pics of it worn during a concert :) What do you think of it ?

I'll put up a few more pics next time :-)

Of course, they were all done by Yann

New year, new projects...

2009-01-10T08:39:00.010Z

I'm a bit late, but I'll wish everyone now a very happy new year!!

Mine is starting a bit fast - I think ;-) but I did take a few days of holidays in London, UK

That was in Hyde Park.... with sun, unbelievably!

And the ritual pic in the tube. As you can see, we're all sporting Malam cowls ;-))

Here are a few custom orders I made before Christmas (the pics aren't as good, I know... )

That's a keyhole dress in flocked black cotton with roses and black lace with small rhinestones on an ivory background. You don't see them, but I also made assorted gauntlets in black lace on ivory.

Two custom orders : a linen French toile dress with a goblin hood and small vintage buttons, and a frock coat in black milleraies velvet with embroideries.

And lastly, a leather and pleather bag with a painted pattern :-)

Now working on some more custom orders, you'll soon get to see the man jacket I told about in a previous post, since I'm supposed to finish it today... ^-^

December designer fair

2008-12-15T19:24:00.004Z

Just did the last designer fair for this year - in Lyon (France)... It was nice but a little bit cold outside ;-) The kind of cold you don't feel at all in the morning, but which has entirely frozen your fingers by 9pm !

I met lots of lovely people.
The only bad thing about it is I broke my mirror when uninstalling in the evening :'(

So many colors ;-)

Now I just have to try and fit all the orders before Christmas. I will try hard!

Jumper Show Suit

2008-11-28T15:27:00.010Z

I don't usually do 100% custom pieces, they have to derivate from one of my already-done designs. but, well, i don't really have many designs for men, so I had to make an exception!

Just finished today a custom show suit for a singer friend (It was high time, this is going to be worn tonite ;-) )

It is basically a jumper suit, that is both vest and pants in one piece.

I also transformed a silly brooch I had made into a neck piece. Funnier than a tie,isn't it ? ;-)

This is only the first part, I am also working on the jacket to go with it, which will more or less resemble my sketch below... but won't be done this week!

Dear Santa, can I get some more hours in my day?

And thank you Riz and Joniphippin for the awards, I am greatly touched :-)

Paris Design Exhibit - Pictures

2008-11-19T14:26:00.003Z

I just realised I more or less forgot to take any pics. Didn't have the time to, to tell the truth....

So this was taken right after everything was installed:-)

Many people came, even though the weather was not really inviting...

Gives some hope for the next exhibit :-)

A few pics of sold pieces (Custom slacks, and neckwarmer beautifully worn by Hélène and Pierre)

Live Photo-video from the runway show :-)

2008-11-14T17:43:00.001Z

Here's the photo-video from the runway show :-) before I post the actual pics...

Runway fashion show in Paris

2008-11-12T01:54:00.005Z

Yes!!! I just got the pictures from yesterday's runway show in Paris...

It went really well - just lacking a bit of light I suppose, but then it looks good on the pics;)

It's a bit late right now, so I'll just post the backstage ones but I'll be back tomorrow for the actual runway pics:))

Going round Paris and the news

2008-11-08T00:45:00.007Z

I've been sooo busy recently! What between custom orders, preparing the exhibit for next week....

I lent some clothes at the beginning of the week to photography students who were trying their hands on fashion shoots... Hopefully I'll get to see the pics someday! Especially as I spent two days there...

I will be doing a runway show in a nightclub in Paris on monday as well :-))

And I've been working on some new things too!
Here's a new dress design: this is the prototype, and I'll be making more soon :)

(It's green really, even if it looks blue here)

And for dessert... here are a few more circular motion pictures:))

(click on them :) )

Enter Malam's world :))

2008-10-23T12:03:00.015+01:00

Malam in Paris

Malam in the woods

Click on the image to enter it :-)
(it will open in another window, and might take a little time to load)

then use your mouse to move around.

what do you think ?

New blue frock coat - the end

2008-10-21T22:27:00.006+01:00

So this is how it turned out once finished :)
I have to say it is very well worn too....

(you can also see it is not very sunny in Paris at the moment ;o))

Final design - Paris designer exhibit

2008-10-20T18:51:00.003+01:00

Thank you for all your lovely comments! After many changes... here is the final flyer design !

I took all the advice I could, and tried to concile it all with what I had in mind too:-)

It's been sent to print now...

If any Parisians read this ;o) The private sale event will be held on Sunday, November 16th,

from 11am to 8pm,

at the following address:

Pica Pica, 20 rue de Nemours, Paris 11e

(Métro Parmentier or Oberkampf)

Designer exhibit - Flyer designing

2008-10-16T12:18:00.004+01:00

I just spent a whole day designing the flyer for the sale event.....

It's quite nice to take a pause, and not sew or anything for a whole day :-)

Someone will be happy I post more drawings ;o)

Here's the progression... I started with drawing the main character and deciding of the layout.

Then I scanned it, touched it up and started installing the settings...

I hesitated a lot about the misses' position...

About the settings ...

About the bubbles....

About the frames...

More or less about everything in fact.

Oh and she looked too much like Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic, with her pointy hood... so I turned it the other way!

This one should be the final one. Or at least, it is not far from what the final one will look like :-)

Feel free to comment on what elements you like best, it is not printed yet :-)

New frock coats

2008-10-14T22:52:00.006+01:00

It may not look like it on the picture but I'm really happy with this custom frock coat! This is the one I was talking about in the previous post, I love the colors!
I think blue is so elegant.

It is a bit longer than my usual ones, and it has different sleeves and a different hood as well...

It is still missing buttons though, but that will be fixed tomorrow....

Since I was making one, I started a second one at the same time, I quite like it too, but it is not fun enough yet. Here is a pic of it, it is not lined for the moment.

I want to add something on the front, or on the side, or at the hem... I don't know yet :)

(See, I'm thinking!)

Oh and I have a new project - since yesterday...

I have decided to organize a private sale event in Paris in a few weeks.

Besides my clothes, there will be Yann's pictures, and our collaborative work :

There will also be fun jewelry from La Fille du Consul

How cool is that :-)

Just a little more work needed, I've got to design the flyer.... quick:)

(Any ideas, please feel free to let me know :) )

Blog award and fresh news

2008-10-08T17:19:00.005+01:00

OMG I just looked at the date of my last post... I suppose time flew by too quick!

First of all, I'd like to thank all of you for your very nice messages after my featured seller interview. Enquiries about clothes were a bit lost among them lol

It's great to see there are so many lovely people out there!

Then I would like to thank Sara from Crafts of Texture for awarding me a Brillante weblog award:))
How cool is that? :-)))

so the hard bit now is to choose only a few blogs I'd like to give it to as well.... I'll choose

Clothes-Pin for great finds

Pamela Angus because I love her work

Fly Tie for her cool designs & interesting posts!

River Mist Expression because he's really nice and friendly

Congrats ;o)

Apart from that, I've been reaaallllly busy with work, custom orders, the new collection...

I'm currently working on an altered custom frock coat in navy blue faux suede and green and silver flower and checks inside... it may sound weird like this, but it looks great so far:-))

I'm very happy with the choice of fabrics the future owner did :-)

So... i'll post a pic as soon as it's done!

Fall Designer Fair in Strasbourg

2008-09-15T21:58:00.004+01:00

Finally, the designer fair time has come and gone ! It was in Strasbourg this week-end (in the East of France), which is a really nice city. I wish I could have stayed one more day to visit... and to see it in the daylight!

I did not bother too much about the booth, since it is all ready to set up now ! I just had to finish a lot of pieces to show there... The hard part about it was having to get there for 7 am in the cold ;o) It took us only 3 hours to set it up.

Many different crafts were exhibited there: painting, sculpting, metalworking... Made me wish I had a big house and enough money to buy one of each!

There weren't too many visitors on the first day, since it poured down all day long. This is how I realised the tent was waterproof... only up to a certain amount of water !

But the following day was great, it even almost felt like summer ;o) Luckily, there was two of us to welcome people on the booth, because I would never have coped with the crowd by myself ^-^

All in all, it was a tiring, but great fair. And now... I'm off to start all the custom orders!

Fall Fashion Sneak Previews

2008-08-31T21:54:00.006+01:00

I'm currently being taken over by time... My next exhibition is in two weeks, and will take place in another beautiful castle, see by yourself...

Of course I am not totally ready, but now that September is beginning, I really feel holidays are over... So I'll start serious work tomorrow? I always want to make a gazillion new things before a show :)

Thanks for your comments on my look proposals! I relied a bit on it for my last photo session...
Here are a few sneak peaks of what will be next in my shop :-)

How to accessorize a dress - 3 different styles

2008-08-24T12:59:00.010+01:00

On this rainy Sunday (if this is summer, what is winter going to be like??.. :-/), I decided to inaugurate a new category: how to wear one item of Malam clothing in three different styles :)

Today is : How to wear a fairy dress

Casual

Malam Broceliande dress
Malam Sissi short jacket
Black mid-calf boots bought in Prague

Pin-up

Malam Broceliande dress
Malam Vertdegry petticoat skirt
Handmade silver vintage lace embroidered necklace by Nevaleen, bought in Paris
Purple and Black lace patterned high-heeled shoes by Inamagura, bought in Köln

Rock

Malam Broceliande dress
Kookai black cropped trousers
Bershka soft leather jacket
Thrifted high heeled small boots

What is your favorite style among the three?

And how would YOU wear it yourself?

New Online Shop :-))

2008-08-20T14:52:00.006+01:00

One more "done" thing on my list... I just finished setting up my new online shop today!
It's France-based, but everything is translated in English too. I know, I know, only half of the German translation is done though, and I'm not too sure it's done well either... I think I am going to have to bribe my Berlin-based sister to correct it ;)

Here's the baby :)

I tried to give it the same feel as my booth ;) I used old wallpaper from a castle as a background, and an old wooden frame for the side boxes:)

I intend to add a new section soon, where it will be possible to design one's own garment (as in: choose the fabric, the trimming, the buttons...)

Tell me what you think about it!

P.S. Help me spread the word about it by linking to it or writing about it... Tell me you have and I'll send you a 4 months illimited discount code on it :)

Steampunk Corset Dress - Custom Work

2008-08-18T19:01:00.028+01:00

Well, well well... I'm back from holidays... Seems like I was never gone really! When are the next ones?? ;o)

Here is a dress I custom-made in July - I only recently got the pics, courtesy of Helene.

It was long, but quite fun to make actually!
This is a variation of my fairy dress, with a corset piece, black lace trimming, painted compasses in black and bronze, straps, watch parts, vintage metal buttons, two brooches and a shoulder decoration, a black lace ruffle trimmed petticoat...

It was a joint design collaboration, and what's funny is that, a few days later, I found this drawing I did last year, when thinking about new variations :)

(I have tons of drawings waiting ... but never enough time to make them come alive :-)

I took advantage of this custom order to make the pattern for it and grade it to the next sizes, so... get ready for some more corset dresses! Here's the first one ;o)

EDIT : It is now sold though. But others are available here

Wedding outfits :-)

2008-07-22T23:02:00.007+01:00

Last week before the holidays... Is very busy, with all the things that need to be finished! Working on new designs, making the last orders, choosing some new fabrics.. and making this summer's wedding outfits:)

It's not something I usually do, I mean I won't make from scratch a new design just for one person, but I can alter one of mine to make something that will suit a special occasion!
I just finished these:

Here, I altered my Goblin short jacket (no hood, shorter sleeves and no closure in the front) and made a coordinated mid-length skirt, in patterned upholstery fabric, with vintage rhinestone buttons. It will be worn with one of the new summer tops, but not the one on the picture, instead it will be pink silk and that same grey patterned fabric as the rest of the outfit, with a zip closure.

The other one was a lot longer to make, and necessitated dress shipping back and forth to England! here, I altered my strapless bustier dress design to make a backless one in silk and voile. Here was the first trial in cheap fabric:

And the final result, with which I am quite happy:-) I had to make it right, since the green silk was bought in Dubai and there was no more of it afterwards!!

I'm eagerly waiting for the pics of these two outfits worn!

Phewww... And what am I going to wear for my cousin's wedding??? I'll have at least two days to think about it after I come back from holidays.. ;o) You know, shoemakers are the ones with the worst shoes ;o)
By the way, I'm going to the north of Poland, so if anyone wants to recommend a place to visit, I am all ears!

And in the meantime, thanks a lot to those who participated in my "poll" concerning the summer tops:)
i think i'll make more of the pink and blue ones then :)

New summer top design

2008-07-15T00:57:00.001+01:00

Among many many things such as preparing new models for septembre, trying to finish all the orders before closing for the holidays, and hmmmm... preparing my holidays... ;o) I spent some of my week making new summer tops which look like this:

I will offer them in limited edition of about 10 maximum (some will be unique though :-)) in three ready-made sizes and custom sizes of course.
Here are the combinations I have come up with so far...

Which one(s) do you like best?

I knew it was well worn :-)

2008-07-09T23:37:00.006+01:00

I did say this neckwarmer was very well worn, didn't I?

Well, thanks to missbeahaven, it was on Etsy front page tonight :-))

(i did not manage to take a full screenshot though...)

Runway show and designer fair

2008-07-08T16:00:00.020+01:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the last designer fair I went to was taking place in this castle, near Nancy, in the eastern part of France.

I am quite pleased with the way my tent looked! By chance, I was under the same tent as a friend who makes beautiful jewelry, and has the same kind of "universe" as I do, so it really looked like both sides of the tent were really one thing. It got funny though after a few people asked "But how do you find the time to make ALL this???" "Mmmm... actually I only make the clothes :-)"

A big show was organised in the evening, to showcase all the talents reunited there, among which various dancers, costumed artists... here are pictures of the runway, where lovely models showed off Malam clothes. Some of them are pictured below...

(All pictures by Yann. )

It was a bit stressful to help the models into the clothes in the dark (because the light from the window of the castle would have been seen by the audience.. . so we had no light :-/ ) but the result was great all the same! One of the dresses actually got sold afterwards :-)

This is for the men !

2008-07-02T17:05:00.005+01:00

Before I write about the runway show...
Here are my latest additions to my masculine neckwarmer range. For my part, i think they are beautifully worn !!

How to create an ambiance - (Part II) - Technical tips...

2008-07-01T13:09:00.022+01:00

So.. the main elements were set, but I still needed a few extra things to complete it!

First, an elegant tablecloth to hide my round folding table's horrible plain legs!
This was realised using pale blue sateen cotton, and 3 old white crochet window curtains:)

Very quickly, how to make this simple tablecloth...
The first step is to measure the table's diameter and twice the height. This way, I needed a 2,50m wide round tablecloth. Of course, my piece of fabric came in a 1,40 width, so I cut in it a 1,40m side square, folded it in 4, and traced a quarter of a circle on the side that looked up to me.

I then sewed the three window crochet panels end to end together, and assembled them to the blue fabric, with little pleats every 5cm to make them hang nicely from the center of the tablecloth. And that's it, easy peasy ;o)

I also needed to fit my mirror in the frame I had... but the mirror-cutter did a wrong move and cut 20cm too many :-/
Hence I moved to plan B...

Making a frame from a wood beading, cut to the right dimensions, painted in brown, and glued to the front of the mirror panel.

Once everything was dry, I brushed gold paint irregularly on the frame with a tissue.

And this is how you get a wonderful vintage-looking frame ;o)

I also needed to fill all the old frames supposed to decorate the booth. I measured them all, and chose a set of pictures to print at the right size... after having given them an "old canvas" effect, such as the neckwarmer picture below.

I was taking part in another designer fair before the "castle" one, so I tested my decoration there... I had almost as many comments about the decoration as about my clothes ;o)

My dear helpers Yann and Hélène helping me set up the booth, and more exactly, trying to fix the folding screen ;)

Pictures of the booth taken by Yann

How to create an ambiance ... (Part I)

2008-06-29T12:18:00.003+01:00

When I learnt I was going to take part in a fair in a castle, I thought...No way I was going to have plain white tent walls! I needed to have a castle-worthy decoration:-)

A few flea markets later, I had almost everything I needed:
- an old steamer trunk I fell in love with... The inside was all dirty so my mum and I made it like new again by gluing bluewallpaper inside, cleaning and varnishing the outside, sticking bits of old newspapers on the side...( and I glued back inside the old picture that was under the lid!)

- a second, smaller trunk because it was lovely too, and shone like new once revarnished
- a wicker folding screen my mum revarnished

- a round folding table
- a small chandelier to light up the scene.

I had the choice between two chandeliers, but I think I chose the best one :-) For what I needed at least! My mum made the second one on the right from an old lantern.

Oh, and I needed a better mirror than the plain one I had been using so far, and which would not have fit at all in the castle ambiance! So, from another flea market, came this easel. We made a mock up of a mirror with a frame that we had, and I planned to cut my plain mirror to the frame's dimension.

Rummaging in the attic, we found the rest of the necessary elements:
- satin curtains
- old frames
- a bronze vase
- a red carpet
- a candelabrum

I was told I would have a 9m2 tent to myself, so we did a mock up of the setting... I was quite happy with it! I had to refrain from preparing more decoration though, because... I had to fit the clothes racks somewhere :-)
This was a full week-end's work, but... It was worth it, wasn't it?

Welcome :-)

2008-06-27T07:55:00.000+01:00

Hi and welcome:)
I'll try to keep this blog up with pictures and relations of events, latest designs, and anything that relates to my work as a fashion designer.
I am preparing a small article about the latest designer fair I took part in, in a castle in the Eastern part of France... and in the meantime, feel free to browse here and here
:-)