………………..Above, is the original “working sketch”, and the “look” sketch for the TUXEDO JACKET…..A343558…………A working sketch is the sketch I give to the pattern makers. We discuss it and they write down all of the details like the seaming placement and the shape I’m looking for, length, type of pockets and shoulder pads, lining, buttons etc. etc….every detail that goes into making the jacket a reality…….The “look” sketches are the final ways I have decided to show the tuxedo on the models………For my newest Linea Ladies….a little back story. Some years ago, don’t remember how many, I did a beautiful tuxedo and coordinating pant for QVC. It was for an end of Oct. early Nov. show. The production was made and shipped to NYC, where it was held in a warehouse in Long Island City awaiting OK from QVC to ship…..All was good and everyone was excited about the new Tuxedo jacket and pant………….Then we heard a Hurricane was on its’ way to NYC. I don’t remember the name of the Hurricane, but I’m sure some of you do! It caused a great deal of anxiety. I remember discussing this with Elaine, who manufacturers all of my apparel. She told me not to worry. She had already spoken to the shipper, and they were putting the shipment of Tuxedos and other items on the truck and moving it out of the warehouse which was very near the East River…….The hurricane hit, and it was devastating! Floods were all over, but my Tuxedos were safe…..or so we thought……………Elaine got a phone call from the shipper after the hurricane passed. She was given the bad news that not only were the trucks not moved, but the boxes of Tuxedos were never even put on the trucks!…………The end result was the entire shipment was caught in the flood and everything was destroyed……We were heart broken. All of those months of developing and fitting and finding the right fabric and satin to trim the tuxedo were for nothing……Every time I mentioned doing another Tuxedo you would have thought I dropped a bomb in the room!….Well time has passed, and all of you who wanted that tuxedo have made it very clear to me over the years that this was something you still wanted……Tuxedos have never been more popular, and I convinced both the buyer and Elaine that the time was RIGHT!!!!………SEQUIN PANTS and a TUXEDO JACKET…..all in one collection.. Hip Hip Hurray!…………I am a strong believer that there is a reason for everything……..Sometimes I struggle terribly to understand what the reason is for why things happen to us………..Some reasons are never, nor could they be ever be answered…..I do, however believe there was a reason for the first Tuxedo being destroyed…….If it hadn’t there is no way I would have ever been able to bring to you this new version. I learned from the original jacket that there were things I would have changed, but I’m never ever 100% happy with anything I do….The new tuxedo is an improved version….the perfect marriage of fabric and design, and I’m sure you will all love it………….It is now POSTED ON THE LINEA SITE!…………………………………………Happy Holidays…………………………..enjoy……………………….much Love………………………….Louis
Louis, do you think it is possible to wear the tuxedo jacket with the crushed velvet skirt? I’m concerned the skirt is too full for a tailored jacket, but I like the contrast of the textures.
Terri….I think it could. I haven’t tried them together, but honestly I wouldn’t know for sure without seeing it on someone. I think the look could be very bohemian with boots, if that’s the look you’re going for. It would also look good with an ivory blouse or a white button down for a dressier look. I still like a dressier boot with this look. If the choice is no boots, keep the leg darker either with black sheer tights, lace tights or opaque tights. A sleek shoe boot would work too.
Thanks Louis! Either way I’m sure I will get a lot of wear out of the two pieces separately.
Just perfect, Louis, and worth the wait — thank you! Thanks, too, for sharing your sketches. Beautiful works of art on their own, but always so helpful in showcasing the details that make your designs so special!
Wow! This is so cool!! Yes, I’m using the word cool. It is also chic, classic, elegant, gorgeous. I just ordered mine to go along with the sequin pants. Also ordered the velvet skirts in black and port, the pearl sweaters in grey and lilac with their matching necklaces, and the tassel necklace. I’ve done enough damage for now.
Good night and thank you!!
Ordered and could not be more thrilled. I’m gonna rock that baby desk to dinner and everywhere in between. Thank you so much for always listening to our requests (in this case and that of the sequin pants, whining, begging, nagging…) to give us the clothes we need for all the facets of our busy lives. It might be in the next post, but maybe I can ask here. Does it button high enough that I could wear it with just a lace bra or do I need a cami or other top?
I think it buttons high enough….that was my plan for those of YOU who would wear it that way!
Well, of course you did! I’ll let you know if it works. Betting it will! I actually sized up on this so that I can get it perfectly tailored. Your clothes are so worth the small expense of custom fitting.
So glad to hear this! I’m one of the “Linea Floozies” who will be wearing it this way. Thanks so much for insisting on the lovely, finished details on this jacket. The buttonholes and pockets are gorgeous.
I just went online and it appears they are not available? Sold out? I have the pants and anticipating the jacket to complete the outfit.
Have you found the jacket yet? If not, in the Search QVC space, either type in A343558 or tuxedo jacket. I often find there’s some lag time from when something is posted to when it shows up in the “New” search.
Louis posted the wrong number. He listed A353558 instead of A343558
Thank you Simone, I corrected it. I’m always in a battle with numbers!
What a story! I had a friend who had a similar experience. She was moving back to CT after living in London for 8 yrs and all of her beautiful European furniture was stuck in a container with US Customs. It did not survive either. Too bad QVC couldn’t name the garment “The Comeback Tuxedo” or something like that. I can imagine you as Rick Blaine and telling QVC, “If you never buy that jacket, you’ll regret it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life.”
STUNNING….worth the wait for sure! Thank you for your persistence, Louis! Just ordered mine.
Louis, it was Hurricane Sandy in early November 2012. You posted about it on this blog. You also had damage at your house in Connecticut. I just searched under the word “flood.”
Sheila
Oh YES….how could I not remember Sandy….the worst damage I ever got!
Louis! Thank you! What a fabulous surprise this morning – just ordered my long awaited Tuxedo Jacket! I remember when we heard the earlier version was destroyed by the flooding. But – now we have this NEW version in a fabric that is spectacular! LOVE this Jacket!
Seka.
Louis, your sketches are amazing! In giving us your working drawing, we can “see” the details that make this Tuxedo a standout. Your attention to detail is a true gift. Bound buttonholes, a true tailor detail and more difficult to achieve, the added satin trim and satin buttons elevates this to a couture level. It makes me appreciate your designs even more if that’s possible. I have so much respect for you to refuse to lower your standards or compromise your talent. The “look” sketches are wonderful to see and enhances your vision of a total and complete look. You enable us to have our own personal designer. You were the only designer that was praised for listening to his clients and their needs. You and your designs have added light into my life. I am very, very proud whenever I wear any of your designs, it elevates me to another level. Thank you so much for all that you do for us. May God bless you, always! oxoxoxo
Dear Somersault…..you thank me, but I thank you all. You have all given me a purpose. It is my pleasure to make you all happy in any small way