LED Fairy Gown

This gown uses LED technology to illuminate the dress and convey an angelic effect over the blue silk.

Step 1: Brainstorm and Sketch Idea

In my brainstorming process I realized I wanted the dress to light up, taking inspiration from the photo above or rather the cartoon character I kept thinking of: the blue fairy from pinocchio, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to match the color scheme of the light blue silk as well as creating an almost angelic look.

Step 2: Gather Supplies and Set Dress Form

For this project I upcycled one of my grandmaś favorite old nightgowns. I wanted to reuse the beautiful blue silk while adding a technology factor. I used white tulle that used to make wedding veils as well as some crystal chandelier fringe. I set my dress form to my body measurements so that I could pin the design rather than trying it on repeatedly.

Step 3: Cut Sleeves and Neckline

Using a seam ripper or scissors, cut the sleeves off and neckline. Remember: this cut will leave you with a base so only cut what is necessary.

Step 4: Pin Base

Now the I have a base of fabric, I pinned and took the waist in and pinned the new neckline into heart shape. These pins reveal how the dress would look if more fabric was taken in.

Step 5: Cut Excess and Hem Neckline/back

I cut the excess fabric around the waist and hemed the top neckline and back pannels.

Step 6: Pin Fringe, Tulle, Lights

Next, I pinned the draping fringe to the neckline and arranged the lights around the neckline with pins. I also did this with a larger strand of lights around the bottom hem line of the gown. The transparent tulle I pinned around the entire dress to create a lighter, floating look.

Step 7: Sew Fringe Neckline

Then, a machine can be used to sew the fringe in place along the neckline hem.

Step 8: Sew in Lights and Holders

Using a needle and string thread, I hand sewed the lights in. I did this by sewing particular points repeatedly to hold up the wire. Note: A machine should not be used for this, it could break the LED wire or the machines needle. For the holders I hand sewed a a box around the switch to hold it in place.

Step 9: Sew in Tulle

Similar to sewing the wire in, I hand sewed the tool in by picking points around the waist and neckline to hold the tulle in place.

Step 10: Straps

For the straps, I cut strands of pearl beads and hand sewed them into place. To keep make sure they hold, I would sew about 10-20 loops through the fabric and beads.

Step 11: Button Back

Using white glistening, buttons as a back apparatus, I cut a slit for the button on the left panel and hand sewed the buttons on the right panel.

Step 12: Finished Gown

The finished gown looked amazing in the light but even more surreal in the dark. I paired it with jewelry and an underskirt for more volume. Wings can be easily made from wire and tulle for a better fairy look.