Ali, the birthday girl, was planning to celebrate with a Gatsby-themed party in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Monaco. The most memorable times are when we are young and beautiful, free to choose our life paths without worrying about the future. It's a time when dreaming comes easily. I was thrilled when this amazing birthday girl reached out to me. Her ideas for her luxury bespoke beaded gold birthday gown were grand, and I was determined to make it spectacular.
Ali's reference pictures were incredible Kendall Jenner, Sequin Detailing, Versace Dress, Orange Dress | Kendall Jenner Orange Feather Maxi Gown Red Carpet Met Gala 2019
I realized it would be a significant challenge due to the feathers. At that time, I didn't have a reliable feather supplier, but now I do. Regardless, I discovered the finest beaded embroidered tulle mesh fabric with ostrich feathers at the bottom... in Ukraine. Just as I purchased it online, the Ukrainian war began, and my entire life was upended.
An Israeli designer I was working with in London, was manufacturing the dresses in Ukraine and at that time the deliveries stopped. In a sheer panic I started making dresses from scratch for their desperate brides over nigh, I didn't sleep for months. And another designer reached out asking for help as well. You can read more about this in a related journal entry.
The seller, a Ukrainian woman, was incredible; she had to hide from the bombings and flee the country to save her life. But, unbelievably, her husband stayed behind and... I'm going to cry again as I tell you this... he managed to send the fabric package to me from Ukraine to Poland to London, UK. How remarkable these people are, how they can be so responsible under such terrible circumstances, I will never understand. I know Ali is very grateful as well. What an incredible journey already, and the creation has only just begun.
The main beaded fabric was white, which was completely unsuitable for a birthday party, as you might imagine. I had to attempt dyeing it, and I only had one chance to get it right. Fortunately, after a few intense days, I achieved the goldish colour I desired. I aimed to create a dress fit for the occasion while also giving Ali a dress she could wear multiple times. So, I designed a gold sparkly backless mermaid-style dress with an overlay of embroidered beaded net. Not just one Gatsby luxury bespoke beaded gold gown. But Two!
After a couple of fittings, we could cheer and celebrate with a bang!
ALI DELANEY
"The dress was AMAZING!! It looks fantastic! Love!! Everyone couldn’t stop complimenting it! You did the best job Margo thank you so much 💗"
VERSACE MET GALA and GATSBY INSPIRED GOLD BACKLESS DRESS WITH BEADED EMBROIDERED OEVRLAY AND FEATHER DESIGNED BY MARGO STANKOVA - LONDON BASED FASHION AND BRIDAL DESIGNER