Upgrade a Dress
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Kyung Lee of Albertine with a model in a formerly frumpy frock.
Posted by ReadyMade
by Ariel Ramchandani; Photo by Laura Moss
Since Kyung Lee opened her boutique Albertine in 2003, the designer has been keeping New York City women in feminine, fresh classics while introducing them to fashion’s emerging talents. At her sewing machine, Lee is capable of spinning straw into gold or, more likely, turning a floor-length gold-sequined dress into something you would actually wear.
We tasked designer Kyung Lee with converting a vintage sailor dress into something more sophisticated. Apply similar techniques to any dress in your closet that needs some love, and watch your castoffs come alive.
Skill Level
Moderate
Active Time
Half a day
Cost
$
- 1 vintage dress (collar optional)
- 4-inch piece elastic
- Ribbon, 3-4 inches wide, at least 42 inches long, in coordinating color
Materials
- Shears
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Thread
Tools
Remove the bib collar, or any ornamentation, if necessary. Put the dress on.
Pin straight around the bustline and under the sleeves, to mark where you want the top of the dress. Factor in a 1-inch seam allowance.
Remove garment. Cut in a straight line along your pins. Sew the seam closed.
Put the dress back on. Find the middle of the top of the back of the dress. Gather in the excess fabric from either side and pin a 4-inch piece of elastic to the center (2 inches on either side of the center). Remove dress and sew.
Check to make sure the dress is snug on the body. Add tiny pleats in front if not.
Tie coordinating ribbon around bustline; bow in back.
