As a stylists to many clients, I love working with and featuring Chicago designers as much as I possibly can. Naturally, for an Oscar-worthy gown I turned to celebrity designer Borris Powell to find something fabulous. I sat down with him to talk about his black feathered creation that won the 2011 Oscar’s Design Challenge. However, this gown is anything but basic.
Jessi: What inspired this gown?
Borris: The gown was inspired by the movie the Black Swan so ironically, it's called the Black Swan.
Jessi: Explain the fabric and construction of the dress.
Borris: The gown is made in a black satin shantung. The bodice is made up of 14 different pieces. It may appear simple, but it's a seamstress nightmare due to all of the seams being on a curve. And it also takes a lot of thought and manipulation while constructing the dress. It's then finished with beautiful black feather pinwheels adding the perfect touch of drama.
Jessi: If you could pick one woman who is attending the Oscars this year to wear your gown, who would it be??
Borris: Nicole Kidman! She's been at the top of my list to dress since I can remember.