After battling some of the worst traffic we’ve ever experienced, we’re finally back home. Wheew! What would normally be a five-hour drive became nearly an eight-hour drive and everyone was exhausted, even the terrier peeps. But, after a good night’s sleep, we’re ready to sort out everything from our trip up north and start working on various new projects. 🙂

In spite of the long drive, we do want to add that Clockwork Alchemy was a delight to attend and we have a very good time. Naturally, the fashion show was the high point of our experience and it went off for us without a hitch, in spite of having to do some last-minute adjustments in the hotel room the night before (when it comes to fashion, that’s a given).

Getting Ready For The Show

The show staging was amazing and the director masterfully designed and executed his vision with the assistance of an extremely dedicated and talented staff. As an alternative to the catwalk that’s a staple of fashion shows, the director opted to utilize more of a salon setting in which the models occupied various risers scattered throughout the room- it was a large ballroom- with each model framed with a large picture frame made up steampunk style to simulate metal with rivets.

Setting The Scene

Showtime!

The lighting was contrived towards creating an evening scene, utilizing bright LED lights, and engineered to show off the clothes in the most optimal fashion; the background tended to blue out thus bringing the model forward. While the LED lighting tended to wash out the faces of the models, it did emphasize the clothes; taking photographs was a bit of a challenge but in no way did it detract from the overall experience.

I’m Ready For My Close-Up

Striking A Pose

Once everything was set, the doors were opened and the public was admitted. The show was well-attended by a large crowd and it seemed that everyone was taking pictures of all the models. The models were instructed to strike any sort of pose that they wanted and to change periodically- the goal was not to create stiff figures as if they were in a painting. Also, the models could interact with audience, responding to their questions in regard to their outfits.

Dressed For Success As The Light Man Does His Magic

The Lucy dress was modeled by a good friend of ours who did an excellent job of making the dress come to life, displaying its details to the greatest advantage and especially with the train. 🙂 Karin modeled the Camille dress and her position was such that it was the first dress that was seen with people entered the room. The modeling took place over an hour and while it might have seemed effortless to the audience, it’s actually pretty draining but our models rose to the challenge and went far above and beyond. Kudos to both of them! 🙂

A Full-Length View Of The Train

The last day of the convention was spent with Karin visiting with clients while I gave our last presentation on Victorian fashion styles and the American West. Finally, with a quick wardrobe change into travelling clothes and began packing everything up for the long trip south.

As we sort through our various pictures from the fashion show and the convention in general, we’ll be posting them along with commentary so stay tuned for more. 🙂

Showing Off The Train – A Vision In Amethyst