HOW IT WAS MADE: Topaz Blue Shirt

HOW THE IDEA WAS BORN?

I remember visiting Première Vision in Paris, looking for ideas to my new collection. When I saw this topaz blue silk, it mesmerized me with its color, incredible light, and fluid fabric. I instantly knew that this fabric MUST be in my new collection.

Usually, the creative process starts with fabric. When you find the right one, everything falls into places. I think that I see fabric differently from other people. It’s like a chef picking the fish or meat for his restaurant -  you have to know exactly how it supposed to look and feel, and what experience you want to give to your customers. 

WHY THIS SILK?

This one felt like a second skin, fluid, almost weightless, like water on your skin (girls in the office laugh at this expression, but really, you can barely feel the shirt on your body).

The weight of the material is an essential part when creating a piece of clothing.  Crafted from Italian silk, it almost feels like a second skin. 

More importantly, it is breathable - so you do not have to worry about sweat stains - let’s be honest - it happens more than often, that is why you have to choose the best quality fabrics. 

The other important thing while choosing the fabric was its composition. This silk has elastane that makes it stretchy and super easy to wear. When the fabric has elastane, the fit looks much better, and the piece of clothing adapts to many body shapes. 

And of course, last but not the least - the appearance. This topaz blue silk has a luxurious and very chic look. I promise you will feel like a million dollars wearing it. 

WHAT YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE LOOKING FOR?

When creating a piece, I always think about that.  What do always busy and hard-working women need and keep that in mind in every part of the creation process. 

FG atelier women appreciate the comfort and only the highest quality - because they have no time for average stuff. Our customer base usually doesn’t shop by trends; they are looking for a timeless style. Investing in a piece that you can wear for many seasons always pays off. Classical elegance is our signature style. 

But probably the most important criteria is the perfect fit. Actually, it is the hardest part of the creation process. You have to pick the right fabric, the right cut the proper technique and overall look. I always do the test wear of every piece I create. I wear them a couple of days, then - wash them, or take It to dry cleaning - afterward, I do the review. Was the fabric comfortable to wear? How did it looked after a day at work and then I decide will it be in my collection. Many will not pass the test. 

IT SEEMS LIKE THE DETAILS ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOU, WHY?

The devil is in the details, that is why I always invest my time in thinking and experimenting with them.

The most important details in these Topaz Blue Shirts are the cuffs and a big pussy-bow at the front, which gives a festive touch to your daily look and it looks great with skinny jeans as well as a long silk skirt. Knot the pussy-bow ties at the neck or leave them long and loose.

IS IT TRUE THAT IT IS HARD TO TAKE CARE OF SILK BY YOURSELF?

I always think of the fabrics that are easy to take care of. Like machine washable dresses in our spring/summer collection. But when we talk about silk, there is no careless way to do the washing. This luxurious glossy satin silk demands extra attention. I would recommend washing it with hands. It is the safest way to wash silk at home. Believe it or not, it isn’t as hard as it sounds. 

Here are a couple of tips for washing silk fabric at home:

- Use lukewarm or cold water.

Fill a clean sink or small tub with cold water and a small amount of liquid detergent. Leave the piece of clothing in the water for 5 to 10 minutes, let the liquid to soak in, then very carefully wash the sweat stains from the armpit and rinse well. 

- Test for colorfastness.

The rich colors of silk can often bleed, so be sure to test before washing anything: Dip a cotton swab in mild laundry detergent and water, then dab it on a hidden seam to see if any dye comes off on the swab. Bright prints or colors that bleed should be dry-cleaned.

- Never spot-treat silk.

Rubbing one area of silk can cause lightening in just that spot. For moderate stain removal, especially ones in the middle of a pattern, wash the entire garment. Dark or unsightly stains should be taken to a dry cleaner.

- Avoid the dryer.

Lay wet silk clothing flat onto a clean, absorbent towel and roll it up in the towel to rid excess moisture. Unroll and repeat using a second dry towel, then lay flat on a drying rack or dry towel.

- Use a low setting on your iron.

If the fabric care label says the garment can be ironed, then you should use a low setting on your iron. Iron while garments are still slightly damp. Hang to dry on a padded hanger. Should the care label instruct otherwise, do not iron the item.

If still, you are not sure about that - take it to dry cleaning, and they will do the proper job. But from my experience - it is easier and faster to do it by yourself at home. I always do that, and it takes around 10 minutes to hang my Topaz Blue Shirt on a hanger to dry. The next morning I am ready to go. 

HOW WOULD YOU ADVICE TO STYLE THESE SHIRTS?

I love these Topaz Blue Shirt because of their versatility. It looks fantastic even with washed-off mom style jeans and black pumps - tuck it in and let the pussy-bow loose to create an easy-going look of the day. And for the evening style - choose the best jewelry. This shirt looks amazing with gemstones like aquamarine, moonstone, pearls, ruby, sapphire and of course turquoise. The color of the gemstones reveals the fabulous color of Topaz Blue Shirt and creates a perfect duo of the work day or the evening party.