Gathering raw silk into roses

The romantic rustle of pure silk lent an aura of excitement to the little dressmaking shop. 

Dressmaker Nancy Weller has designed ball gowns for generations of Mardi Gras debutantes and ball attendees. Her little shop in her Constance Avenue home holds yards of gorgeous fabrics being fashioned into stunning creations as the Big Night in the hotel ballroom approaches.
Her clients find her by word of mouth. Traditions and social norms govern these exclusive societies, and they have established their favorite dressmakers.
"She's like a Rumplestilskin," her proud husband Dell exclaims, admiring his moneymaker, "she weaves fabric into gold."
These custom tailored dresses are not cheap, raw silk can cost $50 a yard, but are mandatory for a good impression, especially when you are formally introducing your daughter to polite society.

Kathleen loved the stunning color of this work
in progress. At one point in the process, the fabric will be
drawn and gathered into puffy bouffant roses. Kathleen
couldn't help but think of Cinderella  -- and
one of her daughter's memorable prom dresses.

The débutante tableau is the ultimate in traditional Mardi Gras customs, though often overshadowed in the public view by the raucous parades, throws and street parties. But the private society balls continue as ever, and getting just the right dress to make the right impression is still the right thing to do for your daughter's introduction into proper society.
Nancy's inspirations for ball gowns come from her own creative mind, influenced by fashion trends and directed by the wishes of her excited clients.
It's a wonderful enterprise and her visitors from Minnesota were grateful for their peek into her workroom, where magical fabrics are spun into gold.