Ode to Eugenia Emma saunders

While growing up, I was always a grandma's girl. I have adored my grandmother with everything in me ever since I was a baby. We always bonded over art, and whenever I visited her, we would do small crafts together. Whether it was painting, drawing, or crocheting, I loved to spend time doing what I loved with my grandma.

My grandmother often talks about her mother's talent and love for fashion. She shares childhood stories of the beautiful outfits her mother would handmake for her and the girls in her neighborhood. My grandma's entire closet was designed for her by her own mother. As soon as I began my path in fashion, I knew I wanted to dedicate a project to my grandmother and her mother.

While contemplating what to design in honor of my great grandmother, I thought back to the dresses my grandma told me about. Her mother would make her dresses for all of the local dances, including prom and homecoming. The one dress my grandmother has reminisced on more than any others was her wedding dress. Her wedding dress, the maid of honor dress, and all of the bridesmaids dresses were handmade by her mother. Even at the age of 83, sometimes my grandmother will run into an old friend that remembers her wedding dress like it was yesterday. I knew this was the garment I had to pay homage to.

My grandmother, Madalyn, and grandfather, Evan, on their wedding day
My grandmother and her mother, Eugenia Ortolani Giovino (L)

The inspiration for my designs comes from my great grandmother, Eugenia’s, designs. My interpretation is a 1950s wedding dress transformed into a modern day dress. The design incorporates original design details while staying up to date with present-day fashion.

My vision for the design
The garments it all started with
Detail shots
1950s bodice inspired by maid of honor dress (left)
Crocheted chain detail on waistline, made by my grandmother

⬇️ Click to watch my design process below ⬇️