Date: 7/3/09 0:41 AM

Ok. This may sound like a dumb question to all of you. But what is a Duro dress? I've seen the name here and there and I've never heard of it before.

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Michelle, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Too impatient to finish projects properly (ie have a nice neat inner), so excited when I have a project finished... too lazy to take photos so I can post reviews.

Univeral Truth #9: Bad decisions make good stories.

Date: 7/3/09 2:58 AM

The name refers to Duro Olowu the British designer of Nigerian descent, who popularized this style (although I don't think it's a new style). If I had to summarize it:

Two or more fabrics, Kimono sleeves, V-neck, empire banded waist. The trim fabric often appears on the hem of the sleeves and the dress and on the V-neck band and waist band.

Although Duro Olowu's dresses were/are enormously popular, part of his appeal is the fabrics that he uses. The style and shape of the dress tends to show off the vintage and ethnic fabrics he favored. At any rate, the pattern companies have produced a number of patterns and variations of the basic design. I like the basic shape and design myself, and it would appear that I am not the only one.

Some photos, many from PR reviews

I first read the phase "Duro dresses" on the Dress A Day Blog (link to Darth Vader Duro post). I am especially charmed by this Darth Vader version.

HTH,
CMC

Reply to CM_Sews
Date: 7/3/09 1:39 PM

The style is definitely not new. I had a maxi dress in 1970 that was made in this style in batik fabric.

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http://thesewingjournal.blogspot.com/

Date: 7/6/09 3:14 AM

Thanks so much. I now understand what style they are talking about. (Must admit though I've never heard of Duro Olowu tho'!)

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Michelle, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Too impatient to finish projects properly (ie have a nice neat inner), so excited when I have a project finished... too lazy to take photos so I can post reviews.

Univeral Truth #9: Bad decisions make good stories.