Sweet Revenge's white embroidered nightie with gold cincher, jewelry by Cheeky Couture. Photo by TV Ryan

Let’s start with this: it is unbearably hot and humid in Indianapolis right now. I believe we have some rain forest birds and frogs currently living in our yard. So when you put several hundred people in two (albeit very large) rooms, the air handlers couldn’t quite keep up. But apparently we are dedicated to our craft, because we stuck it out for a very long day. A cooler full of wine, water and Diet Coke (in that order) keep me in good spirits, as did meeting a lot of interesting and creative people.

I’m including a very short video clip–which I didn’t intentionally take, because it sums up the craziness back stage. I had tucked my camera into my bra strap (stupid pocketless dress), and of course dropped it twice in the course of the night. Therefore, when I attempted to take a quick snapshot backstage I ended up with this video instead…

I’d asked Amanda to model for me at the last minute–literally about 15 minutes before we were to be backstage–because another model had a conflict (the hair and makeup used for another designer was too extreme for my items). Amanda was gracious enough to agree and we did her hair and makeup VERY quickly. Luckily, she looks great to begin with.

She’s wearing an ivory corset by Sweet Revenge made of satin taffeta, embellished with machine embroidered pink flowers. We’ve laced the corset up the back with ivory satin ribbon, which is surprisingly sturdy but also looks pretty cute. The corset is an overbust style, made to be worn by itself or with something under it, as seen here.

The slip or nightgown underneath, also by Sweet Revenge, is a sheer cotton gauze cut on the bias, with crisscrossed spaghetti straps. It has a gentle elastic across the back to hug it to your body. The cups (which you can’t see because of the corset) are ruched. The hem, which hits at mid-to high thigh, is a circular ruffle finished by a serger rolled edge. Very delicate.

Amanda’s jewelry is by a local company called Cheeky Couture. She’s wearing a multi strand faux pearl bracelet and a choker with a pearl and rhinestone medallion. Visit Cheeky Couture at http://cheekycoutureonline.com.

Four locals model for one of the vendors at Fashion Expo

Beth Bennett's display of her cotton and linen line entitled "Picnic" at the vendor area of Fashion Expo

Printed velvet corset with vintage chemise.

As part of Midwest Fashion Week’s March events, Sweet Revenge will contribute to a short fashion show preceding a showing of the one woman play, Jamaica, Farewell. We’ve decided to do an unpredictable melding of lingerie, vintage and costume pieces in an effort to kick up our heels for spring. Corsets? Check. Dressing gowns? Check. Feathers? Naturally. Silks, lace, tiaras…this isn’t about reality, it’s about fantasy. Come indulge!

Watch a preview of the show aired on Indy Style (March 15th): three models show off some pieces for the fashion show. Sweet Revenge Lingerie designer, Catherine Fritsch, talks to the hosts about her line.

Cabaret Lingerie will be at the IndyFringe Theatre, $30 admission for the fashion show and play. See Events page for more information.

In the world of retail, designers have to plan at least a season in advance in order to have time to bring the products to market. So that means I am now working on the Winter 2010/2011 line. And no, I don’t mean a polyester fleece sack with sleeves. That contraption make me shudder! If anything was designed to work as birth control, it’s that Snuggly thing. And by the way, if there ever was a fabric designed to create static cling–it’s polyester fleece. That stuff is a pet hair magnet!

No, I am talking about a set of pajamas that is soft against the body, in warm colors and fabrics that make you feel really pampered. I’m using thermal underwear as a place to design from. Why thermals? Well, they hug the body’s contours and don’t allow cold air to sneak in at the ankles and wrists. I have a pair of flannel pjs that in theory would be warm, but every time I sit down a puff of cold air comes up from the bottom through the neckline. Brr. Plus those buttons do get rather cold.

I wanted something that was long enough to cover my ankles and wrists, because I find that purchased pjs always shrink enough that the pants and sleeves end up about 2” too short.  But I haven’t forgotten the petite gals, because these are designed in a way that allows the cuffs to be folded back and actually look good. I’ve designed the legging bottoms to have a deep cuff, much like on thermal underwear but about 5” long. When it is folded back, it looks quite natural. But it can be rolled down over the ankle bone and even a bit onto the foot to keep your legs and ankles toasty. The sleeve cuffs are designed in much the same way.

I’m hoping to use either a rayon blend or silk blend jersey on these items, either of which is very soft and of course washable. I want something with just enough spandex to hug your body and provide slight support for all your jiggly bits. For you teeny boppers who don’t know what I’m talking about, just wait. Gravity is a harsh mistress! It’s nice to have something that fits and gently supports the bosom, butt and thighs…so you feel comfy but sleek and catlike.

Let’s talk about another issue I have always had with pjs and sweatpants, which I sometimes wear around the house in the winter. The waistband! I hate the big, bulky waistbands. I don’t particularly want to have a corrugated tummy after having worn a pair of sweats or pjs bottoms. Why do they have to dig into me like that? The answer is, they shouldn’t. My leggings have a nice smooth waistband using the gentle stretch of the jersey and a soft drawstring. No more corrugated tummy.

Printed velvet corset

We had a great open house on February 4th, so I thought I would share some images! I decided to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a few corset looks. Pictured at left is a gorgeous corset made of deep purple velvet printed with gold, mixed with a purple and black ottoman fabric. It is fully boned and laces up the back; great with or without the vintage corset cover and petticoat (pictured).

Below is a bustier look in black and white print cotton. The bustier laces up the back for an adjustable fit, and has a zipper front closure. Fur pompoms on the zipper pull add a touch of whimsy. I’m mixing and matching polka dots and stripes for dizzy textural effect! The skirt is a lawn circle skirt with a double row of ruffles, caught up at the side a la burlesque dancers…the mini petticoat adds the final touch.

Corsets are a great way to enhance your figure–they can be worn as lingerie or as a fun touch to evening wear.

Printed cotton bustier

As a thanks to new customers, Sweet Revenge is offering free gift wrap for items purchased before February 14th, 2010. To take advantage of this, please select gift wrap and add it to your cart before you check out.

Designing a Logo…

I’ve been toying with the idea of a logo tank top or camisole for a while now. I want something that promotes Sweet Revenge, but it has to have a lot of personality. I want it to convey the idea behind the brand, that is the combination of feminine and saucy, sweetness and strength. My female heroes are always the ones who are not only beautiful, but bold.

I’ve debated on the look of the logo…I wanted to use a graphic that implied the “sweet” and then give it a twist to a slightly darker feel. First I goofed around with combining a graphic version of cherries with a heart shaped shadow, which turned out pretty well, though I think I’ll save that version for a later printing. I ended up with what my husband says looks like a tattoo:  a script version of the brand name surrounding a comic-book style shattered heart.  It has that slightly tough look to it, and I used browns and pink to give it sort of a vintage 1970s feel.  I’m happy with it–it’s clean, to the point but it has a lot of personality because it’s hand drawn.

The logo is printed on an American Apparel cotton jersey camisole–it’s soft, cute and perfect to sleep in. Look for more sizes and colors in the near future…

Now I’m looking for the perfect gal to model it for the web catalog. Someone brainy, bold, sassy and perhaps even with a tat or two. Any takers?