Categories
Assiut/Assuit Publications

The Cloth of Egypt: All About Assiut – Status Update

 

59109cea5dea5073304261847e460090_largeI’ve been sooo busy working on my upcoming book, The Cloth of Egypt: All About Assiut that I’ve been let blogging slide for the moment.  However, I thought you might want to know how the book is progressing.  I recently posted a detailed breakdown of my current status over on the Kickstarter page – remember that campaign I ran last summer?  There was such an outpouring of support that I was able to invest the money in more research materials, ephemera, image rights, and sewing materials.  This has lead to a much more interesting and comprehensive book than I had initially described in my Kickstarter pitch video!

Read Kickstarter Update Here

My plan is to have the images and text laid into the master document by Mid-May, and final edits until done.   At this current production rate, I’ll be anticipate being finished by the end of June/early July.   I’m so committed to this timeline, that I’m scheduling a big book release party in August.    I look forward to resuming my regularly scheduled blogging activities in May when the book is in final edits!

I’ll be sending out my next newsletter end of April – so be sure to sign up for my mailing list!

Thank you for your continued interest and support!  ~ Dawn

497f0bc02a78fe4563d7f200ed540b09_large

052114c3d9dbd3f177adeba73bcebb4f_large

Categories
Assiut/Assuit Belly Dance General

Photo Style Concept: Vintage Assiut Shawl Worn as Head Scarf

Assiut Over Head

Getting ready for your next photo shoot? Have a vintage shawl and you’re looking for ideas for posing for pictures? Why not try this flapper favorite, the assiut shawl worn over the head. In both of these shots, the model is apparently topless, and draped artfully with a glittering assiut shawl.

The image on the top, of Ziegfeld girl and silent screen actress Nita Naldi features a demure pose paired with a direct gaze. Below, in Frank Eugene’s iconic image “Oriental Bride,” the modesty of the model is played up in the soft tilt of her head and downward gaze. A metal circlet keeps her shawl in place and gives her a royal demeanor.

In both of these images, the model takes center stage, elegantly seated and large in close-cropped vertical frame. This monumental pose and the soft drape of the assiut combine to create images that echo centuries of enthroned Madonna’s.  These photos are at once period to the early 20th century and evocative of iconic religious imagery. Be daring or demure – or try both and experiment with how much you reveal and conceal, the direction of your gaze, and the extension through your torso.

Best of Luck and Enjoy!

Dawn Devine ~ Davina,
Feb 11, 2014.

Categories
Assiut/Assuit Publications

Photo Editing for the Cloth of Egypt: All About Assiut

I’ve been working on the book furiously over the past weeks! This week, I’m prepping a large batch of photos for the book.  Together with my principle photographer, Alisha Westerfeld, we’ve travelled throughout Northern California shooting dance events, performers, models, and collections.  But sometimes, the pictures need a little “help.”   So I thought I would share a before and after. This little shrug was designed and made by the noted costume designer Alnisa for dancer and assiut collector Sindaiya.  Alisha and I were fortunate enough to shoot her collection.  While this started as a really nice photo, I did a little photoshop magic to darken the background, remove the light stand leg, and adjust the contrast so the pattern pops just a wee bit more.   I’ve got another 300+ photos to massage in preparation for the book.   Photo editing is a delightful winter task!

Photo-Editing-Before-and-after-Web

Categories
Assiut/Assuit Design

Assiut in High Fashion: Etro Collection – Spring 2014

Assiut makes a splash on the high-fashion runway in the Etro spring 2014 collection during fashion week in Milan. Designed by Veronica Etro and inspired by vintage photos from her family’s Bohemian past, her collection includes beautiful silk floral and paisley prints the Italian design house known for.  These luxurious silk is paired with the drape and shine of modern assiut. Dresses, tanks, and fringed scarves made from densely embroidered assiut cloth add a vintage flavor to this lighter, brighter take on boho eclecticism.  Want to see more?  Be sure to watch the runway who’s to catch the back views of the assiut halter dress at center, and a gorgeous coat that moves with the weight and swing that only assiut can bring to a garment.

Watch the runway show on Fashiontv
See photos of the show over on Vogue
Photos below from Style.com
Etro-Spring2014-Collection-Assiut

Categories
Assiut/Assuit Belly Dance Costuming DIY General

Belly Dance Costuming Supply Sources

Blog-Nov-2013-BarIt’s Thanksgiving day 2013, and I find myself feeling thankful for living in a land of abundance. So today, I’m sharing my favorite online resources, the ones that I am most thankful for and go back to again and again. Each of these suppliers was instrumental in supplying materials for multiple projects in my upcoming book, Cloth of Egypt: All About Assiut. Happy Thanksgiving!

Velvet and Velvet Ribbon
Jo-Ann’s has great sales – so when they are rocking an amazing sale, I stock up on velvet ribbon. I love the contrast of texture between the matte cotton of the assiut and the depth and richness of the velvet pile.  www.joann.com

Silk Dupioni
Practically the largest selection of colors. This company is local to me, so going over to their store is always a delightful selection. This is also a great source for white silk in a variety of weights in color and white ready to dye. www.thaisilks.com

Spandex Fabric
Make a comfortable, but stretchy dress to wear with your assiut bedlah – like the gorgeous dress designed by Poppy Maya and worn by international dance instructor, Sara Sharpnell. One of the biggest offerings of spandex are available via the internet from Spandex World. spandexworld.com

Rhinestones
Rhinestone Guy has a huge selection and fast service! If you work with rhinestones a lot, be sure to order one of their rhinestone sample cards so you can select the best colors and shapes for your products from the comfort of your home. www.rhinestoneguy.com

Rings
Interested in those sexy x-back tribal style bra closures? Here’s my favorite source for O-rings in four different finishes. Fast and accurate delivery.  www.pursesupplydepot.com

Unusual Bra Sizes
If I have a customer who requires an unusual size, this is where I go. Their website allows you to conduct searches by size, saving time. Sign up for their mailing list – some of their sales are excellent.  www.barenecessities.com

Tribal Bra Components
I love coins, chains, and all sorts of lovely tribal jewelry components. I find myself going back to Paul at Tribal Bazaar over and over again. This is my go-to source for coins, filets, kuchi jewelry, and more. www.tribalbazaar.com

(PS – special thanks to model Sara Sharpnell and costume designer Poppy Maya for this photo. Photograph by Alisha Westerfeld)