This tribal print quilted jacket is my latest handmade design, and this time I decided to step it up a notch both in the design and the photography of the piece. If I go through all the trouble of designing my own fabric, creating a pattern, and sewing a jacket, I don’t want it to be something you’ve seen before. And even though taking ‘serious’ fashion photos is a scary thought, this jacket is worth it. Plus with the mastermind-like photography of Lindsey Stafford Photography, I really just had to put on lipstick and sit and she took on the rest.
This tribal print quilted jacket was originally intended to have an old school quilted Chanel jacket like fit, but soon took on a culture clash all it’s own, with a mix of african tribal prints, woven french trims, spanish bolero shaping and 80’s Michael Jackson shoulders. I originally couldn’t decide what to wear it with for the photoshoot- It is equally powerful with a white dress or jeans, a black leather skirt or a flowing red skirt. I ultimately decided to pair it with all black and volume, in order to balance out the shapes but not overpower. The bangles were a fun accessory I whipped up for this shoot, but stay tuned for a DIY on these coming you way soon!
I know you are probably questioning the point of showing something on the blog that you can’t buy- I realize that it does you no service. Someday I hope you will be able to purchase my designs, but for now you can at least buy the fabric, and I can show you how I intended to utilize the prints in my mind. Hopefully by seeing something I made come to life, it will inspire you to try something different. Whether it’s to learn to sew, upholster a chair, or even mix and match some prints in your existing wardrobe, I hope you find inspiration here to look at something with a fresh eye.
But let’s be honest, I do really want you to learn how to sew. Like, really really. I know you all have pants to hem, children’s halloween costumes to design, and pillow covers to make because DAMN why are they so expensive? So of course you have a small need/wish to learn to sew, but let’s take it a step further. Designing your own home and personal fashions is truly a liberating experience. I could go on and on about how much better it is for the environment, but let’s talk about the personal satisfaction it brings. Learning how to sew opens a world of fashion possibilities and allows the creative juices to flow. Once you have this skill you would be amazed at how many things are within you reach, and all them you can be proud of showing off to your extremely impressed friends. #humblebrag. Does it take time? Sure. Are you going to suck at first? Absolutely! But how many times did you try to ice those cupcakes perfectly or get the right ratio of secret spices on your special sauce? You know the point I’m making. It’s the lesson that we aim to teach our kids but that we forget as adults: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. And also, ruined fabric projects make great cat toys, so…. there’s that.
Why am I pushing you to sew? Because as a 30 year old semi-adult I realized I am so so happy that I have a hobby like sewing. And I know that you will love it too. And I would love to be your teacher! And you would love for me to love to to be your teacher. And I would love for you to love…. ok ok you get it.
Want to learn to hem pants? Sure, I can do a post on that. Want to make a pencil skirt? Great! Want to know what machine to buy or how to thread a needle? No question is too big or small. If you’re interested, let’s do this! If not, well then thanks for reading and purdy purdy pleaseee still come and read my blog :)
Anyway hope you loooved my tribal print quilted jacket as much as I do, because next week I am going to put my thing down, flip it, and REVERSE it, and show you the other side!
Oh and, you know, feel free to like and share and tweet and comment this for me. Share the love, k ya’ll?
Shop the Shoot:
Fabric available for sale in TheStyleSafari shop on Spoonflower, Pants by Allsaints (similar here), Zara Boots (similar), DIY bangles (coming soon), T by Alexander Wang tank (similar), Hanky Panky bralette.
Photos by the awesome incomparable Lindsey Stafford Photography
