Ultramarine Blue Motion Jumpsuit

Posted on July 3, 2017 by Jamie

Ultramarine Blue Motion Jumpsuit 1

Hei from Helsinki! For my vacation, I created a few travel outfits for my Scandinavian summer adventure. Working with some core JLD silhouettes, I updated my wardrobe, including the addition of a new Motion Jumpsuit design. I love designing with textured solids and selected this ultramarine blue linen, wool, and silk blend from Italy.

The bodice features relaxed short kimono sleeves and a center back zipper. This easy-to-wear pleated jumpsuit also incorporates deep hip yoke pockets, perfect for travel. The fabric blend is drapey and soft, and the subtle sheen adds textured interest to the movement of the silhouette.

Ultramarine Blue Motion Jumpsuit 2

Ultramarine Blue Motion Jumpsuit 3

For contrast, I styled the look with semi-sheer polka dot socks and wore the jumpsuit in Helsinki during my visit to the Iittala & Arabia Design Centre.

Ultramarine Blue Motion Jumpsuit 4

I am very inspired by color and offer my core silhouettes to customers in a variety of colors and prints. I love finding design inspiration while traveling. On this trip, I learned about Iittala’s color development process. Iittala is one of Finland’s most celebrated design and lifestyle brands. With over 100 active production colors, each color recipe is cast to a “stair model” to see how the material thickness affects the color. Iittala has over 10,000 different color recipes in the archives!

Ultramarine Blue Motion Jumpsuit 5

Follow me on Instagram for more scenes from this trip. If you are interested in placing an order for this jumpsuit in this fabric or another cotton option, email us at jamielaudesigns [at] gmail [dot] com. For those of you in San Francisco who would like to shop in person, I will be vending at the Renegade Craft Fair at Fort Mason the weekend of July 15-16, 2017. The event is free and open to the public.

Ultramarine Blue Motion Jumpsuit 6

This new design is also featured on the Britex Fabrics blog.

Metallic Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Jamie

Metallic Linen Palazzo Pan Jumpsuit Main The JLD Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit silhouette has been a customer favorite. We’ve decided to update this look in new fabrics for 2017, starting with a luxurious linen with a silvery sheen. The metallic finish adds visual interest and elevates the material, yet still meets the functionality criteria since it is a linen.

The inspiration for this design came after a trip to Palm Springs earlier this year. (And yes, I brought along another version of this jumpsuit to wear during my trip!) In Palm Springs, I was surrounded by Old Hollywood glamour—Mid-century modern architecture, poolside bungalows, and vintage shopping—as well as the city’s modern makeover. I visited several art museums and dined at stylish restaurants around town. What I noticed when looking back at my phone was the number of photos I took of lighting fixtures. They all happened to be my favorite images from the camera roll and themed around the bright, shiny, and geometric.

Similar to the intersection of old and new that I observed in the desert, I wanted to update this vintage-inspired silhouette in a modern fabric. Here are some of the lighting design pieces that caught my eye.

Lindsey Adelman’s Branching Bubbles at L’Horizon Palm Springs

Marjorie Edris Chandelier with its 365 bulbs at the Palm Springs Art Museum

Jim Campbell’s low-res light art experiment in perceptual cognition on view at the Palm Springs Art Museum, based on the digital pixel and the information it carries

To break up the shininess, I decided to cut and sew the necktie in black using the wrong side of the fabric for some contrast. I added side seam pockets—just like in the original version—and used woven flat non-roll elastic for the waistband to help resist rolling or twisting.

Left: Our Blue Cotton-Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit; Right: Our new Metallic Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit

The elastic waistband on this garment carries the weight of the linen pant legs, creating an effortless feel when worn

I styled this wide leg silhouette with my No. 6 Crowley Tassel Slingback Clogs for some elevation. And in case you were wondering, we shot this look in the Moon Viewing Garden, quite appropriate for this silver metallic jumpsuit. If you are interested in placing an order for a jumpsuit in this new fabric (or another option), email us at jamielaudesigns [at] gmail [dot] com.

Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 4

This new design is also featured on the Britex Fabrics blog.

Silk Linen Curved Seam Midi Dress x Britex Fabrics Guest Blogging

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Jamie

This minimal silhouette is a great palette for accessorizing, styling, and personalization for year-round wear.

One of our top-selling dresses is a relaxed fit ikat midi dress with short kimono sleeves. I wanted to create a new midi style with three-quarter sleeves in a slightly heavier weight fabric.

JLD Silk Linen Curved Seam Midi Dress 2

This new style is sewn from a slubby textured silk linen blend made in Scotland and features curved seam detailing at the bustline.

JLD Silk Linen Curved Seam Midi Dress 3

JLD Silk Linen Curved Seam Midi Dress 4

This style of dress would not be complete without pockets, and I added them at the side seams.

JLD Silk Linen Curved Seam Midi Dress 5

Given the minimal nature of the fabric in this silhouette, the dress makes a great palette for accessorizing, styling, and personalization for year-round wear. For spring, I chose to style it with a statement ceramic textile necklace, polka dot socks for a pop of color and pattern, and my go-to clogs.

Jamie Lau Designs dress styled with Object & Totem ceramic necklace, Bonne Maison socks, and Rachel Comey clogs.

What I love most about this fabric are the subtle specks of blue yarn woven in with the overall grey and white.

This silhouette is loosely inspired by choir robes and religious clothing.

Visit the Britex blog for my latest article on how to make and sew bias tape using this dress as an example in my tutorial.

Fashion Travelogue: Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit

Posted on April 21, 2014 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 1

Photo shoot near the waterfront this past weekend

As a follow-up to my last post, I’ve whipped up another jumpsuit design, this time using linen and going for a much bolder look – a colorblock palazzo pant style with short kimono sleeves. Silhouette-wise, I was inspired by a variety of sources, including 1940s high-waisted wide leg women’s trousers, a style which reemerged in the late 1960s/early 1970s as palazzo pants. I was also loosely inspired by the hakama trousers worn by samurai, as well as the silhouette of hanbok (traditional Korean dress).

Jamie Lau Designs Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 2

Inspiration from my visit to the Portland Art Museum last winter; (Right) Hakama trousers from 18th century Japan – divided trousers worn under armor for ceremonial occasions

For the yoke and necktie, I chose a lightweight linen that is a cross between hunter green and teal green. And for the volume-heavy part of the garment, I used a midweight linen that is a lovely mix of warm copper and terracotta tones.

Jamie Lau Designs Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 3

A mix of lightweight and midweight linen

I’ve worked with this earthy color combination before, including my Colorblock Wool Cross Front Dress design from a few years ago, and decided to revisit this duo again for spring.

Jamie Lau Designs Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 4

Colorblock Wool Cross Front Dress

Linen is a great option for warmer months and has a nice, natural luster to it. As for the pants, I felt that the natural creasing properties of the linen added to the natural flow of the intended blousey, boxy design.

Jamie Lau Designs Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 5

Pockets are a must

Jamie Lau Designs Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 6

Totally hooked on jumpsuits – be on the lookout for other versions coming to the web shop in the future

We had a lovely shoot this past weekend and I have to say, the garment is quite comfy, breathable, and billows nicely in the wind. This is definitely on the pack list for my upcoming trip! Stay tuned for the next installment of Fashion Travelogue!

P.S. This jumpsuit is also featured in my latest guest blog post for Britex Fabrics, where I sourced these beautiful linens. Hop over to their site to check it out!

Fashion Travelogue: Spring Floral Linen-Cotton Gathered-Waist Dress

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Spring Floral Linen-Cotton Gathered-Waist Dress 1

Ready for spring in a Japanese linen-cotton blend Photo by Liz Clayman

Things have been quite busy at the Jamie Lau Designs studio. We kicked off the new year with a photo shoot featuring our new textile designs inspired by the natural environment, travel, and art, with prints based on my photographs. We designed a few custom bridal dresses and also celebrated the opening of our month-long pop-up shop at Makeshift Society in San Francisco, open until the end of this month on March 31, 2014.

In keeping up with the momentum, I’ll be embarking on an exciting textile-filled journey to Japan later this spring and summer (more details coming soon!). In preparation for my two-month trip, I’m starting a new series entitled Fashion Travelogue, with the goal of designing and sewing the bulk of my wardrobe and accessories for my travel abroad (yes, even pajamas!). I’ll be sharing snapshots of my designs on the blog throughout the next few months, starting with this Spring Floral Linen-Cotton Gathered-Waist Dress. (For similar styles, check out my Yabane Gathered-Waist Dress, Electric Cranes Gathered-Waist Dress, and other items in my web shop.)

Anatomy of a dress

As you may have gathered, I love dresses and design, sew, and wear, well, mostly dresses. For this classic Jamie Lau Designs fit and flare silhouette, I chose a Japanese linen-cotton blend featuring a gridded background with a pink, orange, and lush green floral print overlay. And of course, you definitely can’t forget the pockets!

Jamie Lau Designs Spring Floral Linen-Cotton Gathered-Waist Dress Styled

Styled with accessories from two of my favorite designers

This dress is perfect for impromptu picnics and I would totally style it with my Rachel Comey wood wedge sandals and A.P.C. tortoise shell chain shoulder strap purse. Stay tuned for more Fashion Travelogue and hop over to the Hart’s Fabric blog for my latest article on how to sew a blind hem stitch using this dress as an example in my tutorial.

Announcing…Jamie Lau Designs Prints!

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Jamie

Blue Gradient A-line Shift Dress – available in linen-cotton canvas and organic cotton sateen

I’m so excited to announce the debut collection of Jamie Lau Designs prints this season! I am both print and color obsessed and always wanted to design my own textiles. Here’s a glimpse of some of my new designs which will be available at this year’s holiday shows and beyond.

One of my favorite designs is the bias cut Blue Gradient A-line Shift Dress (above) – available in both linen-cotton canvas and organic cotton sateen. I was inspired by the painterly landscape surrounding the Arashiyama and Sagano area of Kyoto and a piece of Japanese stoneware reminiscent of rippling water. For a more behind-the-scenes look into the inspiration and design of this dress, check out my four-part Hand-Crafted Clothing guest blog series on Spoonflower – from color palette and design inspiration, to textile design and garment construction (Part I and Part II).

Blue Gradient Tote Bags in a textured linen-cotton canvas and organic cotton sateen

We also have unisex tote bags in the blue gradient print, available in both linen-cotton canvas and organic cotton sateen – perfect for gifting during the holiday season!

Jamie Lau Designs Color Palette Inspiration Blue-Green

Blue-green color palette inspiration

For my prints, I was heavily inspired by nature and gradients occurring in the natural environment. I also love an ombré color palette and collect paint chips for inspiration. In addition to dresses, we also have separates, starting with a fun pair of textured linen-cotton canvas Blue Gradient Resort Shorts in a rippling water print – great for wearing as-is or layering with opaque tights during colder winter months.

Jamie Lau Designs Blue Gradient Resort Shorts

Blue Gradient Resort Shorts in a ripple print

You may also recall my ombré red velvet and pink wedding color palette, which I wanted to explore again with clothing.

Jamie Lau Designs Color Palette Inspiration Pink Ombré

Pink ombé color palette inspiration

For the Niwa Draped Cocoon Dress, I was inspired by strolls in The Regent’s Park in London. I love this draped silhouette and the interplay between the flora and grass – another piece that is great for layering.

Jamie Lau Designs Niwa Draped Cocoon Dress

Niwa Draped Cocoon Dress in a luscious organic cotton sateen floral print

This floral printed dress is sewn in a luscious organic cotton sateen and features a front and back yoke.

Jamie Lau Designs Niwa Draped Cocoon Dress Back Detail

Back yoke detail

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting two very talented Marimekko designers (illustrator Aino Maija-Metsola and clothing designer Mika Piirainen) during their visit from Finland for the Cooper-Hewitt Design by Hand series. Their work is so inspiring and I love the bold pops of color and use of prints in their designs. Of course, I had to wear something that was also designed by hand and print filled.

Jamie Lau Designs Marimekko Design by Hand

At the Cooper-Hewitt Design Center with Marimekko designers Aino-Maija Metsola and Mika Piirainen

This is just a snippet of what’s new. Stay tuned for more to come and I hope to see you all at this year’s holiday shows! If you’d like to place an order, email us at jamielaudesigns@gmail.com.

Sneak peek of more Jamie Lau Designs fabric swatches

Textured Geometry Dress x Britex Fabrics Guest Blogging

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Textured Geometry Dress

Textured Geometry Dress sewn in a striped cotton and linen blend styled with colorful oxfords

With New York Fashion Week just around the corner, I was inspired to create a high-fashion fall look using a heavier weight fabric for my latest Britex Fabrics guest blogger post. When I saw the thick, bold charcoal and oatmeal colored stripes on this textured cotton/linen/lycra blend, I immediately thought of playing with stripes and creating a strong, structured silhouette.

Pattern play with stripes

I added asymmetrical style lines and cut the front bodice on the bias, keeping in mind the rule of thirds…

The perfect prisoner’s (wardrobe) dilemma?

And paired it with an inverted box pleat skirt design for a fit and flare dress, with all the horizontal stripes lining up perfectly.

Classic round toe oxfords by Dieppa Restrepo in red metallic leather

To complete the look, I’d add a pop of color with my red metallic Dieppa Restrepo leather oxfords for a more casual look. To dress it up, I could see this styled with some black and gold accents.

For a more “behind the seams” look at my pattern making process, check out my full article on Britex Fabrics. Love this dress? Email me at jamielaudesigns@gmail.com to place an order.

Thanks again for the amazing fabric, Britex!

jamie lau designs

Fashion Designer | Sewing Instructor | Craft Author

Tag Archives: Linen