Darling, the heat is on! The summer is upon us and its time to up your game for those ballets under the shimmering stars and the open air performances, but what to wear? My dear, you need a statement leotard, something sleek and sexy for those ballets that need just a hint of Parisian sophistication, oh la la!
Here are my essential steps to creating the perfect look:
First things first, you'll need your tools and essentials:
- A pair of sharp, pointy sewing scissors. Let's be precise!
- Some strong pins for holding everything in place before stitching, don’t go cheap on these girls!
- Matching coloured threads. Make sure you choose the right colours – you don't want your thread showing!
- An old-fashioned thimble. Not only is it handy to protect those precious fingertips, but it adds a touch of old world charm, darling!
- The fabulous leotard of your choice - this season it is all about sleek black, darling. Find a gorgeous, stretchy one with a lovely neckline. You can buy this at the wonderfully fashionable LaDanse shop on King's Road. This shop is truly iconic, darling!
- Fabulous mesh fabric in the colour of the hottest trend of this summer, darling - a delicious and delicate coral pink. Now go find your finest at the famous and amazing Fabrications, in Camden.
Start with your chosen black leotard. Carefully pin a panel of mesh fabric over the front and back of the leotard – we want that stunning silhouette! We’re keeping the gorgeous shape, but giving a sultry touch of peekaboo skin!
Use a small amount of fabric to make a panel for the back neckline, keeping the low, sexy dip. Pin this piece on for a test run – we want to be sure you can easily move and perform in your new outfit, darling.
Use a small amount of mesh to trim the necklines – and here you can go a little bit more crazy, a dash of artistic freedom – maybe use some geometric shapes cut from the pink mesh to embellish around the neckline, or try small, elegant cutouts for added drama! Be a bold beauty and don't be afraid to create.
Top it off!A couple of carefully chosen crystals to highlight the neckline and the seams will make your masterpiece just stunning.
The secret of a great costume is having the right fabrics, dear, the delicate mesh combined with that divine and slimming black, makes this piece absolutely divine!