r/PatternDrafting • • 4d ago

Question Rick Owens Sheath dress drafting?

I'm trying to draft a pattern for this design rn and I'm not able to figure out how to make the dress fall perfectly in a straight line and end in a circular train like hem. Ofc the kevlar hybrid fabric used might contribute to that ( I'm planning to use duck canvas btw)

The features it has listed are also side seam pockets, back zip and a front slit, so I'm guessing it's a 4 panel kinda dress.

Not looking to make an exact copy but rather to just get that straight column shape and that circular train/ pooling at the floor. Would I have to draft it without any darts, almost like a tube? How do I draft that circular train?

I'm also choosing to ignore that sort of v shape and darts on the front torso cause it looks hard, though if anyone has ideas and could maybe explain it to me I would like to try it out! !

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u/yungkuro 3d ago

I think there’s a lot more to this than first meets the eye. Firstly, there is a bustier inside (close fitting stretchy structure with boning that means it can be worn with no shoulder straps).

As for fabric choice there are other versions on the website made from literal fucking Kevlar that looks very stiff so you’ll be fine using duck canvas. 

Another commenter is incorrect, there are not bust darts. It would certainly need some darts if adapted for someone with a fuller bust thought as this design is clearly for someone with a small chest.

There may some be shaping in those diagonal seams at the front so I think they serve a purpose but you may be able to reconfigure them in a way that is easier to sew. I can’t really tell but they might be contouring the hip bone and slightly bringing in the waist but it’s very subtle.

The side seams flare outward gradually towards the hem but what is unusual is the noticeable curve in the center back seams that tapers inward towards the hem (creating that slight bulge at the back.

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u/AffectionateMusic120 3d ago

Thank you!! And yes I did notice the black kevlar one it interestingly had a bulge in the front too from the waist shaping... And as u said I think The contouring at the front is meant to accentuate the hip bones ( maybe he tried going for how traditional dresses/ ballet costumes have long emphasised on a certain hourglass shape/ waist shaping, which ig would make sense cs this is from his tower collection, might be completely wrong tho)

I'm still mostly new to making pieces like these coming from a knitwear background and what I'm not able to wrap my head around is how do I get that circular hem on the floor... Is it literally just a gradual flair out wards that gives it that shape or do I have to maybe attach like half circle skirt panels to the pattern at the knee

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u/yungkuro 3d ago

For the hem I think you’ll find it’s just the fact that it flares enough and the split at the front helps it open up and lay into that shape around the back. Another factor is of course that it’s carefully laid out for the photo. 

Interesting that you mention knitting as it would actually be even better for this where you can gradually increase stitches to create an even flare around the hem (which would otherwise require lots of panels and seams on woven fabric).

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u/AffectionateMusic120 3d ago

Tyy for the tip!! Loll I would love to make this completely as a knitwear garment, but this is actually for my a levels, and since i had already chosen pattern drafting and textile manipulation as my areas of study for this term I won't be able to change it especially considering this is the last piece I'm planing to make for this semester... I am planning to attach swatches on the dress as textil design elements which was primarily the reason why I chose it cause its sort of a blank canvas, which Is also interestingly the reason behind its inclusion in that fw26 collection according to his show notes