I don't think I've ever worn this dress just to relax. I was in the mood to make something that would be comfortable in a lot of situations, but also a bit more versatile. This grey maxi dress was originally meant to be a sort of slip. It's essentially a very long T-Shirt with long sleeves.
I had my personal needs in mind when I created it. I wanted something that would be easy to pray in, even if I was on the move. I can honestly say that the number of things this grey dress can accomplish is astonishing.
I had my personal needs in mind when I created it. I wanted something that would be easy to pray in, even if I was on the move. I can honestly say that the number of things this grey dress can accomplish is astonishing.
The material may not look like it, but it's both lightweight and thin. Even the smallest gust of air just moves right through it. I've folded it up and worn it as a scarf on a night out with the girls and was very happy when I could quickly unfold it and have a full-length gown to cover myself with at the end of the night! I can honestly say I've never been cozier in a Lyft.
The fabric is soft and breathable, but also collects warmth if you wrap it tightly enough. This means when there's a breeze it floats right through it so I don't get hot, but it can also make a great piece for layering. When pressed against the body it does wonders with heat. It was an essential undergarment when I was camping one winter by the North Sea in the Dutch naval town of Den Helder.
It's super stretchy so it doubles as a blanket on airplanes. It's more comfortable than the standard plane blanket as well (and it's definitely more sanitary to just bring your own comfy items instead of using the plane blankets).
The blue dress that it's paired with here is a re-creation of one of my old pieces. One of the hardest and most rewarding parts of being a designer is taking something you once loved and knowing that it needs to be cut to shreds so that it can be reborn.
The blue outer dress started out being a bit tight on the top end when I first made it for the Spring 2017 Lookbook. However, I tore the skirt off entirely then gave it a new torso and some short sleeves. I wore it with the long-sleeve grey dress underneath to give a more whimsical impression. Without the wide-flaring sleeves it looks a little more spring party dress and the look I wanted was travel snuggie, but dramatic.
What started as an experiment has become an item I can't imagine traveling without. It comes in handy for everything from international flights to road trips to New York. I had thought about making it a hoodie or maybe even making it a top and a skirt, but I believe in sticking with a good thing.
And if no one has told you lately, I believe in you!
xoxo, Alishah
And if no one has told you lately, I believe in you!
xoxo, Alishah