I thought you guys might find these images from Marie Claire interesting! Some Australian fashion designers had the task to turn thrift store items from St Vincent de Paul into couture designs. Lets have a look at their before sketches, what they had to work with and their finished results.

Alex Perry

 

Alex Perry

It’s such a beautiful dress, however, I think he may have cheated. I don’t see any floral prints on his thrift store dress! Nevertheless, it’s simple, elegant and feminine, much like all of Perry’s designs.

 

Alice McCall

 

Alice McCall

I’m quite baffled as to how she made two dresses out of her thrift store finds. But I absolutely love how she used the Rubik’s cube! Check out the dress on the left; it has the cube’s stickers all over the skirt. And although she has doilies for boob shields, it doesn’t look too crazy. Although the model doesn’t look very impressed. The dress on the right has flowers embroidered on the skirt by using the plastic strings - she’s a genius! Love this woman.

 

Jonathan Ward

 

Jonathan Ward

I think Mr.Ward got lucky in the thrift store. No, I don’t mean he pashed a customer, I mean he found two gorgeous dresses to begin with! I like the dress, although it seems like it’s been done before. It reminds me of Marilyn Monroe’s infamous white dress. Extra points for his personal attire, though! He’s looking swank.

 

Kirrily Johnston

 

Kirrily Johnston

I am in love with this woman’s brain. Who goes to the thrift store and buys four woolen jumpers thinking to make an entire outfit? Ms.Johnston does! I think she’s one of the most creative designers out of the lot. I even love the way she sketches her models, they have confidence and an alluring attitude. Even though I personally wouldn’t wear this, this is my favourite design because of her innovativeness .

 

Mad Cortes

 

Mad Cortes

I think I like the sketch more than the outcome. The dress was beautiful to begin with, so she had a great start. But it looks like she’s just made the dress shorter and added a grey bow. I don’t see a major transformation - am I being harsh? I do like Mad’s shoes though! Brogue heaven.

 

 

 

Tina Kalivas

 

Tina Kalivas

This one is a huge transformation. Tina had a lot to work with, but she still created a dress that didn’t look anything like the originals. And I absolutely dig ruffles. 10 points to the lady in peach!

After looking at all these pieces, I really feel like hunting through thrift stores and getting my needle and thread out. Their creativity is inspiring!

Oh! And you can actually buy these designs from eBay.com.au when the bidding starts from the 16th July.

So which designer do you think did the best job?

Big love,

Ivyology on July 4th, 2008 | File Under Fashion | -