One afternoon in August 2010 my company Desire Designs Desiree was contacted by the team organising West End Bares: Strip Britannia, which was a charity performance for the Mad Trust on September 5th, 2010. They were looking for me to create an original design for one of the dances on the show, well I didn't need to be asked twice, I was immediately on board! Not only was it an exciting concept for a show, where I would have fun designing the costume, but it would also showcase some of the hottest and talented dancers and performers working today.
The request was for me to create an original costume for Zizi Strallen who would be dancing with Mark Jennings. This costume would consist of three layers, which would each be removed to leave Zizi almost bare in a very sexy leotard. Now, if you're a performer of any kind and / or are involved in theatre or you are a lover of the theatre then you would have heard of the 'Strallen' family dynasty, a family unequivocably blessed with excesses of talent. Well Zizi is the second youngest daughter of Cherida Langford who performed in the original London production of Cats and whose Aunt is Bonnie Langford.
I had only one meeting with Zizi before the show where I had to take her measurements and confirm the design I had in mind for her, which she and Mark immediately loved, the only catch to this whole process was that I would only hav 2 1/2 weeks to produce this number which was going to be quite a challenge as we were already so busy. The only option I had was to just keep my head down and get the job done, which my team and I did. Well the final costume was a sexy silver and red leotard, which was covered with individually hand stitched red and silver sequins, along with three skirt layers. Overall the costume by Desire Designs Desiree was a great success, and what helped make it so was the fact that it was being showcased by Zizi, one of London's most dynamic and technically proficient dancers.
Take a look for yourself at pictures of Zizi Strallen wearing the costume below, the first three pictures are of Zizi at dress rehearsal and the other two are backstage on the night of the show. I've also added a video clip of her and Mark performing live at Cafe de Paris in Piccadilly, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoX-MMLG6W8. Enjoy!!!
On Saturday October 16, 2010, get ready as the exciting new dancer-turned-designer Desiree Edwards will be showcasing her new company Desire Designs Desiree and its dynamic, yet affordable, practice dancewear range, including latin skirts, ballroom skirts, latin and ballroom dresses, latin and ballroom shoes, along with a few other surprise pieces. The best part is that after the fashion show everyone will be able to purchase items from the practice line at a 10% discount. These discounted prices will not be available anywhere else!!!
Apart from the Desire Designs Desiree fashion show, which will be a must see, all patrons will be graced with a spectacular cabaret performance by current World Latin Champions, Michael Malitowski and Joanna Leunis. This October Stardust Ball will to be an event worth being at. See you all there!!
Don't miss it, book your ticket today.
Get your tickets for the Stardust Ball on October 16th at http://www.stardustball.co.uk/booking.php.
Were you transfixed by Ali Bastian’s Disney princess ballroom frocks or Ola Jordan’s sexy Latin sequins during the last series of Strictly Come Dancing, but not sure you could afford the outfits? Dancer-turned-designer Desiree Edwards of Desire Designs Desiree has the answer, with her reasonably priced custom-made dancewear range.
‘I’ve been dancing for about 15 years, and when I decided to start competing in ballroom and Latin, I was shocked at how much the major dancewear labels charge,’ says Desiree. ‘My designs are for everyone, no matter what age, shape, size or level of experience – and you can live your fashion dream without breaking the bank.’
Desire Designs Desiree has a wide range of fabulous clothes for women, including ballroom and Latin performance dresses, social wear and practice skirts, tops and dresses. You can order one of Desiree’s competitively priced items or have a bespoke version made, choosing the colour, fabric, trimmings, accessories, stones and cut that best suits you.
As an ex-dancer, Desiree knows firsthand what an expensive business it can be, and that dancewear can often be limited to a few designs that only suit certain figures. ‘I make clothes that normal women can wear as well – and feel good in,’ she explains.
‘Since shows like Strictly Come Dancing, So You Think You Can Dance and Got to Dance, people all across Britain are getting dance fever, and I want to provide them with bespoke outfits that are original, fun, sexy and glamorous – and, most importantly, something for everyone, whether you’re taking your first steps or entering a major competition.’
Desiree tested her skills when designing for the 16-person formation team at Stardust Ballroom in Oval, London. Mark and Melina, who run the studio, comment: ‘We were immensely impressed by Desiree’s professionalism, talent and innovative ideas. She communicated well with our dancers, who range dramatically in age, figure, taste and level of experience.
‘She came up with a compromise that suited everyone and made them feel confident in their gorgeous new looks. She delivered beautiful dresses for the girls and smart, well-tailored suits for the guys very punctually – and gave us a really good group rate.’
Desiree can also provide the perfect dress for your big day. You can either choose from one of her elegant and unique wedding dress designs or help her craft your dream look – ‘If you can think it, we can create it!’ says Desiree.
Due to the popularity of her range, Desiree is now expanding her offering to include menswear and childrenswear (including ballet, modern and jazz), shoes and accessories – all at reasonable prices. More information will be provided on her website soon.
For more information on DESIRE DESIGNS DESIREE or to order images, telephone Desiree Edwards on 08452 712 812 or 07789 775 434, email her on desiree@desiredesignsdesiree.co.uk or visit www.desiredesignsdesiree.co.uk
Struggling to find an original ballroom competition outfit for a reasonable price or stylish yet affordable practice wear? Dancer-turned-designer Desiree Edwards of Desire Designs Desiree has the answer, with her new competitively priced custom-made dancewear range.
‘I’ve been a dancer for about 15 years, and when I decided to start competing in ballroom and Latin, I was shocked at how much the major dancewear labels charge,’ says Desiree. ‘My designs are for everyone, no matter what age, shape, size or level of experience – and, most importantly, they won’t break the bank.’
Desire Designs Desiree has a wide range of fabulous clothes for women, including competition looks that will really stand out on the floor, innovative social wear and durable skirts, tops and dresses for practice. You can order one of Desiree’s competitively priced items or have a bespoke version made, choosing the colour, fabric, trimmings, accessories, stones and cut that best suits you.
‘As a dancer, I have a unique perspective when it comes to design,’ explains Desiree. ‘Once you’re on the floor, all kinds of things can go wrong, and the last thing you want is to worry about straps coming loose or material sliding around. My designs will give you confidence – that you look unique and fabulous, and that your outfit will flatter your figure and your best assets and enhance your dancing without causing any problems.’
Desiree also knows firsthand what an expensive business it can be, and that dancewear can often be limited to a few designs that only suit certain figures. ‘People all across Britain are getting dance fever, and I want to provide them with bespoke outfits that are original, fun, sexy and glamorous – and, most importantly, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re taking your first steps or entering a major competition.’
Desiree tested her skills when designing for the 16-person formation team at Stardust Ballroom in Oval, London. Mark and Melina, who run the studio, comment: ‘We were immensely impressed by Desiree’s professionalism, talent and innovative ideas. She communicated well with our dancers, who range dramatically in age, figure, taste and level of experience.
‘She came up with a compromise that suited everyone and made them feel confident in their gorgeous new looks. She delivered beautiful dresses for the girls and smart, well-tailored suits for the guys very punctually – and gave us a really good group rate.’
Desiree can also provide the perfect dress for your big day. You can either choose from one of her elegant and unique wedding dress designs or help her craft your dream look – ‘If you can think it, we can create it!’ says Desiree.
Due to the popularity of her range, Desiree is now expanding her offering to include menswear and childrenswear (including ballet, modern and jazz), shoes and accessories – all at reasonable prices. More information will be provided on her website soon.
For more information on DESIRE DESIGNS DESIREE or to order images, telephone Desiree Edwards on 08452 712 812 or 07789 775 434, email her on desiree@desiredesignsdesiree.co.uk or visit http://www.desiredesignsdesiree.co.uk/
