The Melanie Dress

The Melanie Dress is a feminine, vintage-inspired silhouette crafted from 100% cotton in a brown polka dot print. It features princess seams for a flattering, contoured fit, a square neckline, puffed short sleeves, and a flared skirt for a classic look. The dress is fully lined with 100% white polyester for added comfort and structure.

This piece is named in honor of Mrs. Melanie Pavlides, one of the most impactful teachers from my high school career. Her guidance, support, and encouragement inspired me during formative years, and this design is a tribute to the lasting impression she left on me. She consistently showed up to class dressed with confidence and individuality, and her presence taught me how style can be a powerful form of self-expression. The Melanie Dress blends thoughtful construction with heartfelt intention, and stands as a reflection of the confidence, beauty, and inspiration that Mrs. Melanie Pavlides brought into the classroom every day.

During the construction process for this Apparel II Construction course, I struggled with aligning the lining cleanly to the outer fabric, as well as managing the curves of the princess seams to ensure a smooth finish. Setting in the puff sleeves while maintaining their shape was also a challenge that tested my previous knowledge and attention to detail. However, through these difficulties, I strengthened my skills in lining application, sleeve construction, and garment finishing techniques. This project allowed me to grow both technically and creatively, reinforcing the importance of precision and perseverance in bringing a design to life.