I’ve always had a thing for 3D embellishments. Everyone has that feature that gets their pulse racing. Some girls are all about the rose prints. Others spend their lives hunting down the perfect Lilli Ann jacket. For me, nothing will pull my stomach into my throat faster than appliqué. Enter the incredible Maison Murasaki, home to some of the most amazing bespoke vintage-inspired garments in the world.
I was introduced to Maison Murasaki through a facebook group that is full of vintage-loving ladies who love to share their treasures and pass on tips to those hunting down their Unicorns. I posted a woeful cry to anyone with information on my elusive buttercup yellow Marjorie Montgomery dress, and one of my fellow noveltians introduced me to the wonders of Maki’s vintage-inspired creations. Needless to say, I fell down a daffodil-lined rabbit hole.
Simply scrolling through Maki’s instagram is like scrolling through a dream. The fact that someone can create such amazing, intricate pieces of art is mind-blowing. I immediately contacted her about the one that stole my heart – the Daffodil skirt. Although not true vintage, it had all of the qualities I love about vintage: the beauty and elegance, the care and attention to detail. So reminiscent of a by-gone era where women saved for that special piece, wore it with reverence, later to be turned into an heirloom passed down through the generations. So I scrimped and saved, and knew I would soon make her mine…
After consulting with Maki and sending her my measurements, my piece went into production. I received photos of its progress, which really gave me an appreciation for the work that went into every level of this skirt. Seeing the elements start to come together, from the pile of daffodils that took her days, to the rows of satin binding, pinned and waiting for Maki’s artful hand.
For this piece, I went with a 28″ waist and a length from waist to hem of 27″ to suit my favorite petticoats. I prefer my skirts to hit just below my knee, and 26-27″ is always perfect. As you may have seen in an earlier blog post, I also commissioned Maki’s previous business partner Laura Kimsey for the matching bag, which is every bit as beautiful in person as it looks on screen. And then I just had to wait for my dream skirt to find her way to me and join her friends waiting in my wardrobe….
Photo via Maison Murasaki
Photo via Maison Murasaki
Photo by Maison Murasaki
When this skirt arrived, artfully wrapped and with complimentary hair clips, my first thought was: this is true couture. Every detail spoke of hard work and careful design. Each daffodil was handmade, folded and stitched with a beaded centre. Each piece of 100% silk satin binding hand sewn, arcing in three perfect circles around the hem. Even the flower leaves were carefully folded with a line of green beading. The more my eyes drank in this skirt, the more details I saw.
And then there was the fit. This fits as if it were moulded to my shape. One of my absolute favorite features is the waistband – it gently dips in the center and has boning for support (a skirt with a boned waistband?? I am fully converted). The skirt is a full circle and is made of a lux buttercup medium weight cotton, with a light weight cotton lining. She closes with a side zipper and two shimmery faceted buttons on the side for an added bit of glam. And I was never one to mind a bit of added glam…
When she’s not in use for a garden party or a date with my Mr., I have this skirt hanging on my wall, as a constant daily reminder of the beauty that someone can create from nothing. Of the way we need to appreciate our small businesses and artists, and support the magic they create. And truly, because it’s just so freakin’ gorgeous. And though I plan to wear this piece and give her many fields to twirl in and many adventures to embark on, I also plan to preserve and protect her as I would my most treasured vintage pieces.
Sometime in the very distant future, I also hope to pass her on to my niece, who might have inherited my same fiery passion for twirly dresses and sparkly shoes (if her current penchants are anything to go by). I imagine she might one day find the box where this confection sits, carefully wrapped in a whisper of sass and daydreams, with a few salacious stories to tell of adventures past. And maybe she’ll lift her up and see all the beauty and possibility her own future holds. At the very least, I hope she says, “DANG, my aunt had good taste.”
Maki is in the process of creating her website (which will be coming soon!), but you can follow her on IG, Facebook, and Twitter in the meantime. And if there’s something (like me) that you just can’t live without, you can contact her through her Instagram page, where you can view her latest creations and request a commissioned piece of your very own. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
So, have you ever worn a daydream?
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Skirt: Handmade by Maison Murasaki
Top: Modcloth (similar)
Hair clip: c/o Maison Murasaki
Vintage gloves: Jess James + Co (similar)
Handbag: Vintage (similar here & here)
Shoes: gift, Poetic License (similar here & here)
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