Today, I am absolutely thrilled to share with you the first part of a very special interview. Over the next two weeks, we’ll delve into the enchanting world of Resa McConaghy, a remarkably talented dress designer whose creations are nothing short of magical. Resa recently designed and created a beautiful dress for me, which she named ‘Midnight Nightingale’. This exquisite piece not only captivated my heart but also inspired me to explore the story and the passion behind its creation.
In this exclusive interview, we’ll uncover the threads of creativity and dedication that Resa weaves into each of her designs. Her journey, filled with artistic flair and an unwavering commitment to beauty, is as inspiring as the dresses she crafts.
Join me in this two-part series as we step into Resa’s world, learning about her design philosophy and her sources of inspiration. It’s a conversation that celebrates artistry, craftsmanship, and the unspoken language of a dress that can transform a performance into an unforgettable experience.
Question 1: Resa, could you share a bit about your journey as a costume designer and what inspired you to pursue this creative path?
After graduating college with an honours degree in Fashion Design and Technology, I set out to become the world’s next Dior.
Naive, the reality of financial backing never entered my mind. With little savings, I opened a boutique, threw some fashion shows, turned my basement into a mini factory, hired a couple of sewers and soon found out rent and wages were beyond sales’ profits.
One day, a producer for commercials walked into my shop and asked if I could get men’s shirts to fit the busts of a male god neatly. No one else had been able to. I said yes and found myself working on a sound stage doing my first commercial.
The money I made was a game changer. Soon after, I closed my “Dior” operation and began styling commercials.
On the side, for no money, my boyfriend had a rock band, and I began designing their stage wear and looks for videos. This led to more bands and arty film shorts.
I joined a film union. Between commercials, film production experience was gained from the sewing room up.
My first reel was compiled using footage from the commercials and videos. Making a bit of a fool of myself, I promoted myself to high-end producers and directors. I guess one could say I had guts because I certainly did not have the credits for the positions I was aiming for.
Somewhere along the line, a producer hooked me up with a young director doing his first budget film.
One project led to another. The scripts, budgets, directors and stars climbed. One day, I found myself working for major American companies.
Question 2: Your designs are known for their unique, recycling and artistic qualities . Can you tell us about some of your most memorable projects or designs that you’re particularly proud of?
Well, for one, the Art Gown I designed and made for you. As we’ll talk more about that in the next question, let me choose some others.
Gee, It’s like picking a favorite child. I do love the Art Gowns I’ve done for the AGMs (Art Gowns Models) … blog pals who have become my defacto models for my “Gowntoon”drawings.
They each have an actual Art Gown dedicated to them: Velvet Tango, Mademoiselle Emily, Jade and Cecilia Lionheart.
There is a 5th Art Gown half done. It will be dedicated to Dale, the final AGM. Also, Belle Grâce dedicated to Tim. I’ll stop now, before I name all my children!
Question 3: I was thrilled when you designed a dress for me. Can you walk us through the creative process behind that dress? What were the key inspirations and challenges you faced while working on it?
The big inspiration was you and your wonderful soprano voice, which led me to appreciate opera. I was in heaven when you were keen on letting me design an Art Gown for you.
Your working wardrobe includes a need for gowns. Also, you appreciate the fact that I am repurposing fabrics and using up old stock, referred to as NOS (new old stock). You embrace the idea of sustainable glamour.
Creatively speaking, I had a piece of sequin fabric that was given to me by a tailor/builder. It was left over from a garment he had done for a TV show, and had been lounging in a pile of fabrics for about 5 years.
I thought that would be perfect for you, because sequins look great on stage. Once you liked the sequin fabric, I added a piece of pale plum satin (a partly cut leftover from another friend), a gift of rhinestones from the same friend
and yardage of black curtain sheers I had about at a liquidation sale for $2.00/ yd. several years before.
The challenge was huge. I was to make a gown for someone I was not going to be able to fit in person. You sent me professionally taken measurements, which I applied to my Judy.
Honestly, every step of the way it was: will this fit, what about alterations, is this comfortable enough to perform in, is the tail workable, have I finished the bodice well enough so that the sequins don’t rip Charlotte’s skin?
Making it in 3 pieces; skirt, bodice and tail was the answer. This created an opportunity for realistic alterations. Also, if one piece turned out to be a massive failure, the others could still be worn on their own.
No other gown has taken me as long as this gown to make.
Question 4: Your work often incorporates a blend of artistry, recycling and fashion. How do you strike a balance between creating functional costumes and making them visually stunning?
Instinct, practical experience and creatively draping my Judy in whatever is in my pile of available fabrics, clothes to cut up, etc. I am allowed only to buy notions.
It is notable that since Art Gowns has become appreciated, I receive gifts of goods in the mail.
Question 5: Many aspiring costume designers look up to you as a role model. What advice would you give to those who aspire to pursue a career in costume design, especially in the world of opera and performing arts?
Wow, I’d love to design an opera. This is a world very different, yet akin to film. In my early days I did do some theatre and live performances, but my career veered into film.
However, becoming a costume designer in any area of the performing arts areas requires any and/or all of the following: passion, product knowledge, education, connections, field experience, determination and luck.
Of all the above, connections is number one. Connections are gained through: family & friends in the performing arts area you are going into, working in the industry at any and all levels (builder/sewer, on set, dresser, buyer, continuity), working for free on low budget independent projects, being mentored by someone who has had some success.
I have mentored 2 people, and they are doing well in the industry!
Come back next week and join me for the second part of interview.
Resa’s designs are works of art, Charlotte. I enjoyed reading this interview, and look forward to part 2.
Absolutely Lavinia, Resa has such a great story to tell I didn’t want to shorten the post so I decided to do two. It is a great two piece garment, so I can wear the top with black trousers, I have a pair of black velvet in mind. I can also wear the skirt with a variety of tops from bustiers to a long sleeve top I had for Christmas and a black velvet off the shoulder top.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thank you, Lavinia!
Great Part 1, Charlotte!
I love the little video you did – the setting and music is perfect for the modeling of Midnight Nightingale and you make Resa’s creation really come alive.
Resa is one of those people who make blogging pleasurable. Not only is she very talented, she appreciates the talent of others, be they someone with great talent, like you, or someone a little more (a lot more…) limited, like me. I knew a little bit about her work in the film industry and some of the projects and people she has worked with, but this is the first I heard about the background. Keeping up with her Art Gown blog I do know about her sustainable fashion, which is great.
Looking forward to reading the next installment!
Resa is a fabulous, supportive and encouraging friend. I would never have met her without blogging and that’s what I love about my blog. I love her gowns, and especially my gown, my brother took the photos, we nearly got told off in Queen Anne’s House in Greenwich because they thought we were doing a professional shoot for a magazine or something. It was freezing so I must have looked nuts outdoors hehe. The postage was the biggest problem but Resa packed it really well and the box arrived intact.
Best wishes to you
Charlotte
lol, I am sure people thought you were nuts. Or, as some did think, doing a professional shoot.
Hi Charlotte – this is out of order because I couldn’t find a way to hit reply… Quick answer about the trumpet – I used to play years ago and picked it back up in December. I’m trying to practice and hopefully get good again. I posted two videos with the trumpet. For the latest, and better of the two, you can find the video on my last “If We Were Having Coffee” post or go back to last Tuesday and find a post where I talk about the music a little more.
Thank you Trent, I’ll take a look at the weekend, when did you first learn? Do you play the first post?
(Out of order part 2) – The video with me playing trumpet uses photos I took in Scotland in 2022…
What a great idea, one of the things I miss about Scotland is the Scottish Traditional Music in the pubs and just generally in the street and the ceilidhs. Did you catch any of that scene whilst you were there?
Thank you Trent!
I am ecstatic about seeing Charlotte in ‘Midnight Nightingale”, and the little video when she sings is blowing me away.
This has turned out to be a most gratifying project.
I’m glad you’re here to see it.
Keep making your music, you’re talented and enjoy listening to it! Not to harp, but your trumpet playing is special.
Resa ❦
Thanks, Resa 🙂 I am sure this has been very gratifying – everything has come together so well. I’m glad I could be here – Charolette was one of the first bloggers I followed all of those years ago and its been fun to watch her grow from a student to a professional. It is very cool to see the two of you working together. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the interview.
(Me too!)
I didn’t know Trent played the trumpet 🎺, Trent we need to talk about this 🙂
What a career to have to showcase such remarkable talent! Wonderful to connect with Resa here. Looking forward to the rest of the interview.
I have loved her work from the moment I stumbled across her blogs, it was actually her mural blog I found first I think. Like yourself she is one of the warmest most genuine women I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with.
Best wishes Annette,
Love Charlotte xx
Thank you Annette,
Charlotte has been an incredible inspiration to me, since our first encounter.
I’ve known and dressed a lot of singers, all from the world of rock & contemporary music.
To design for a classic artist from the world of opera is a new and wonderful experience.
It is fascinating that Resa has produced such a fitting dress for you. I have seen hr wok on other sites. An insightful interview
It is even better in real life. It is in two parts so I can wear the top separately with trousers or a short skirt and the skirt with other tops, fantastic. The hand sewed beads took her hours and hours. I also love that the sequins change colour and pattern if you stroke them up or down. I have a few more photographs for next week I think I will put them on as still photos.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thank you, Derrick!
Dear Charlotte and Resa, it is so wonderful to read about the career path of lovely Resa. Such a tremendous success you both are. This gorgeous gown created by Resa is perfection and you are beautiful in it. I’ve been following Resa for a long time, I admire her so much, her genius, intuitiveness, her zest for life and kindness. I adore her!
You are a magnificent talent and so lovely in this gown created just for you.
Thank you for this amazing interview, you are both remarkably gifted and lovely ladies.
❤️
Thank you for your lovely message ❤️. It is so easy and comfortable to wear, a two part set is versatile and I can wear in many different ways. I have seen the lovely collaborative blog posts between the two of you. Long may you continue blogging, I enjoy both your blogs immensely.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’ve had tremendous fun collaborating with Resa, she’s not only extremely clever and gifted but has a wonderful sense of humor
That I adore. I’m looking forward to part two Charlotte, wonderful job you’ve done here lovely lady!
Dearest Holly,
I adore you! I’m so happy you saw this wonderful presentation Charlotte did. Collaborating with other artists is a fulfilling experience, and Charlotte has filled my heart with joy. Seeing her in “Midnight Nightingale” is a reinforcing moment.
Do you just love it when she sings in the gown?
I love collaborating on our many posts, your poetry and the characters we have created.
OMG, I see you have reblogged this. Thank you dear Meece!
xoxo🐭🐭xoxo
She is a dream singing in that beautiful gown. Her voice is enchanting. You e made my day many times over and again today reading this amazing interview and seeing Charlotte in Midnight Nightingale! Thank you both for the absolute pleasure!
❤️
Yes… a dream. Charlotte is fabulous! ❤️❤️
Great interview with our enchanted artist Resa. Midnight Nightingale is a fantastically beautiful gown and you look gorgeous wearing it. There is so much talent between the two of you.
Thank you Timothy, Resa regularly enchants me with her magnificent gowns. It is very comfortable to wear the back panels are stretch black velvet which was a very clever choice. I hope you’re having a great start to the New Year.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Not only is it beautiful, it’s comfortable. You can’t beat that. Resa never falls short when it comes to cleverness.
The new year has started off well so far.
Dearest Tim,
You are a joy to know. Thank you for this lovely comment. It is special to be in a light with someone as fabulously talented as Charlotte. xx
Dear Charlotte,
Eeeee! Thank you! What a fab post. You did a terrific job putting this all together.
I’m thrilled with how you look in “Midnight Nightingale”. I’m also somewhat choked up to hear your voice while wearing her.
There was a massive wave of relief when you got the gown, and it fit. Not only does it fit your body, it fits you, the soprano.
I’m a bit giddy with all of this, and I have a meeting here with an installation artist in about 10.
So, I’ll be back in awhile, to thank you some more and to thank people for their lovely comments.
Big smiles and hugs!
Resa ❦❦❦
A terrific dress made by a terrific artist for another terrific artist. It just doesn’t get any better than that. I loved the interview and am looking forward to part two. Congratulations to you both and for Resa 🐂🐂🐂🐂
Thank you John, my brother took the photos we had a great morning, lots of laughs and it was freezing, outside in January! It sure ain’t Texas.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Well you will be glad to know it is -3.3 C right now in Texas with forecasts of -9.4C 🥶
Oh I forget you got it very cold too. We are -1°C in London right now, it’s been sunny but chilly. We do love to talk about the weather 🌦️, it’s due to snow up North.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Yes, we love to complain about the cold.
I bet you feel it more than we do, we don’t get as hot.
We are not supposed to have cold weather.
Dearest John,
Thank you for this most lovely comment.
What a thrill it is to finally see the gown on Charlotte. The location is fabulous, and her brother did a fantastic job with the photographs.
It doesn’t get much better.
🐂🐂🐂🐂
All is good. You did a fabulous job and Charlotte looks terrific in your creation.
🐂🐂🐂🐂
Sustainable glamour – excellent!! The gown is gorgeous, and the process fascinating.
Warmest wishes to you both for 2024
Thank you Sheila, Resa makes many fabulous gowns out of recycled materials mostly by hand! I remember beading a top for my textile design GCSE I swore I’d never sew another bead again 😂.
Warmest wishes to you and all your lovely family,
Charlotte
Sustainable thank you’s to you Sheila!
Warmest wishes back!
Two amazing creative artists. The gown looks gorgeous on you Charlotte.
Thank you, Cindy!
Charlotte IS a Midnight Nightingale in this gown. I am beyond thrilled.
Thank you so much ❤️ 😊
Oh, I can imagine how thrilled you both must be!
Charlotte, you look stunning in Resa’s breathtaking Midnight Nightingale! What a wonderful interview with our Resa. She is a remarkable talent with a golden heart. An extraordinary connection of two extraordinary talents. Fascinating and I look forward to part 2! Hugs to both! ❤️❤️
Marina dahling!
I’m over the moon.
Charlotte looks beyond beautiful in”Midnight Nightingale”.
I can’t get enough of watching her sing in it.
As is shown here in Charlotte’s wonderful post; when we are creative for the pure joy of it, wonderful things happen.
Hugs to you!
❤️❤️ ❤️❤️
Oh, indeed! Wonderful things happen. Like this magical clash of beauty!
I can’t wait for the second part!
ps. I’m over the moon too!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
xoxoxo
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Marina ❤️ Midnight nightingale is a perfect name for it, I will try to do a recording wearing it. Resa is a very generous lady. She spent a lot of time on the interview questions so I didn’t want to cut them down, so we’ll have two posts I will try to find time to wear the top with trousers and the skirt with a different top to show you just how versatile they are. Hugs to you too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I loved your “Midnight Nightingale’ singing and I could just a s well hear you singing Saint- Saëns’ ‘The Nightingale and the rose’, while wearing it!
Looking forward to part two for more magic between the two of you!
xoxoxo
Oh thank you Marina bringing that song to my attention. Definitely one to add to my rep.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Dear Charlotte,
I’ll be back. Please thank your brother for me, for taking these wonderful shots of you.
The location is superb.
I’m in heaven right now. I’ll reblog this mid week.
I can’t wait for part 2.
I adore you!
Resa ❦❦❦
Fantastic, so happy you’re pleased with the photos. Matts a good egg.
Resa is a beautiful soul, thank you for sharing this!
Thank you, Oloriel!
She is indeed, I’m happy that you enjoyed the post, Part 2 coming next Sunday.
I love your opening, Charlotte – “we’ll delve into the enchanting world of Resa McConaghy”.
Your questions were excellent and brought out wonderful insights about Resa’s backstory. Resa – you are amazing. Everything you do is done with a gracious elegance that encourages and supports a creative spirit in all of us. Charlotte and Resa – together you are a dynamic duet. I look forward to what comes next.
Thank you Rebecca, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post it is easy when celebrating Resa’s amazing talents.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Hello Rebecca,
Thank you! I’m thrilled to see Charlotte in “Midnight Nightingale”. What a crazy trip this whole thing has been, from the finding of the fabrics, to shipping a big box to the U.K.
There’s nothing like a good challenge, especially when it comes out so beautifully.
Charlotte is inspiring! Hugs
You are the inspiration Resa, in fact I’m thinking which songs and arias best fit for a program. Xxx
XXxx OH BOY!!!!!!
P.S. Charlotte – you were stunning in Resa’s art gown. The photographs were brilliant.
Thank you, my Brother got dragged out early before the museum ‘Queen Annes House’ got too busy. It was very chilly but worth it.
Where do I start to say how amazing this is? Vibrant, fascinating, Resa right there on the screen, alive in everything she says? And you Charlotte looking wonderful in that breathtaking gown, that fits perfectly? you’re not singing but I can hear your voice. Pure magic in every way. Thank you for this. It is amazing.
My dear Shey,
I’m so happy you saw this post. What a delight it is to see “Midnight Nightingale” on Charlotte.
During the thick of making the gown, I wondered if I would ever see it end up where it was supposed to, on the most fabulous Charlotte.
Here it is, and I couldn’t be happier.
xxxxxxx
It is a wonderful gown. I could straight off hear and see her singing in it, like that midnight nightingale. You are epic in every way. I’m so glad you couldn’t be happier. You’ve given so much of that with this gown. AND the interview.
Adore you! xxxx
Backatcha xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
Thank you Shehanne, the gown is vibrant, the skirt has a sheer overlay which gives off different shimmers and colours as I move and the sequins change colour as you rub your hand over them, I love it. The people at Queen Anne’s House thought we were bonkers enough without singing, although that would have been fun. As it is a two part set it is very versatile and the bustle at the back is removable the hand-sewn sequins on it are fantastic. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I can see from the superb photographs that the skirt has life. it wasn’t just the shape that caught my eye instantly. I loved the post. Absolutely brilliant. a great collaboration. Thank you for doing it.
Thank you ☺️
What a fabulous gown and interview. I learned a lot about Resa, especially about how she got her start and her artistic journey. What came across more than anything else is her persistence and determination. I guess that happens when you love what you do and are endlessly inspired, but still… Thanks, Charlotte, for modeling your gorgeous gown and for the fascinating interview with our talented friend.
Diana,
Thank you for your wonderful words!
Inspiration is everywhere, making it difficult to focus on 1 thing. Still, somehow I manage. (lol)
Charlotte was the inspiration for this Art Gown, and its outcome is invigorating.
Her video was wonderful. I like seeing your creations of real people. They come alive.
Thank you for your super message. Resa is a fascinating woman, I have loved getting to know her through our blogs. She is very understanding too when my schedule gets crazy busy at times because she understands as it happens to her.
Best wishes
Charlotte
How lovely. THE gown has arrived.
You look stunning. That gown was indeed made for you. 😉
Compliments to Resa and you.
Thanks a mil too for the interview. Though I have E-known Resa for years, one only grabs bits and pieces of the other’s lives… So that’s how it happened for her… Not surprised. She has the talent and guts to succeed…
Bravísimo alle due…
Thank you, Brian!
This has been a wild thrill for me. Charlotte is a joy to design for.
She said it was cold out during the shoot.
Still, looking at her in “Midnight Nightingale”, it seems the most perfect day of the year.
All perfect. Those moments of magic that can be so rare, thus so precious…
👏🏻 to two talented artists…
PS. “A midnight nightingale” could also be an Agatha Christie story… 😉
Yes… a mystery!
You should write that story, a young opera singer in Paris…..
Could be. Though many of many my stories end up badly for the main protagonist… And I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to you…
Aww 🥰
Thank you Brian, It is so comfortable to wear, the skirt is a perfect length and fit, I had to have the zip taken in by a wonder seamstress called Marie who works in a little cabin at a designer outlet store called Cheshire Oaks at Christmas, my Mum and I were going to alter it by hand but when we saw how exquisite the finishing was we felt a professional dressmaker was required to make it tighter.
Breaks don’t happen overnight for most people, some get lucky and win the right competition or get the best connections early on, but anyone working in the arts has to learn to push through barriers and noes at some point. She is an amazing talent and I’m so happy we met on our blogs.
Best wishes
Charlotte
You did right.
And I agree about barriers. They don’t just tumble down. (For either of you). I think the French saying apllies:
“Aide-toi, le Ciel t’aidera…”
(Not sure what the English version would be…)
One English version is the harder you work the luckier you get and/or Heaven helps those that help themselves.
Yes, yes. I’ve heard both. Though the latter is closer to the French version.
As an afterthought: do put a jumper on please. I can’t imagine the cold and wind between these very appropriate columns.
😉
(A very dear friend of ours used to tell her 6 year-old son: “Please put a sweater on, because I… am cold…”)
lol, 😂 I know people were looking at me as though I was mad. It was freezing but as you say those columns cried out for the dress. I’d only just got over laryngitis so when my Mum saw them she said a similar thing, “omg couldn’t you have gone indoors you’ll get pneumonia”.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Sounds cliché, but there is no art without some suffering”. (And a lot of joy)
Mums (And dads) are like that. Had the grandkids over this afternoon. My wife picks them for lunch at the French school on MOnday. Then I do homework with the eldest. Writing, spelling, grammar, maths, reading. But the house is cold and I’m always running after both of them to put a jumper on… But no. They’re little fountains of energy…
Cheers Charlotte
Fabulous, I wished we’d lived closer to our Grandparents. Every day when we got home from school, we learnt our spelling (especially important for me because I’m dyslexic and it wasn’t diagnosed until university so without that practice I would have struggled). My brothers and I love Maths and we had lots of maths based games, dice games, card games, we’d have races with times table tests and long division tests and I would get a head start to make it harder for my older brother. We would paint and draw, and we didn’t watch tv, thats why I feel we always had enough time.
I have a hoodie top I love putting that on.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Spelling is so fundamental. (I remember your mentioning dislexia, you’ve had your share of struggles haven’t you?)
Math now? Seems so remote from a career in art. Though Maths and music are intimately linked…
Bonne nuit
They’re my superpower, I just think and remember things differently, I have a great visual memory, once I had the tricks to help from a fantastic dyslexia woman at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland even simple suggestions like using cream paper instead of white, using coloured plastic film to put over white book pages, she gave me a good reasons for why I liked to naturally stabillo colour scores etc. I just wish I’d been told a lot earlier. Structuring essay classes and programs for my computer like Grammarly were great too but actually working harder to learn my spellings and overcoming writing struggles probably helped too I got two A grades in English GCSE and A* grades in all other subjects when I was 16 so hard work pays off.
Math is a perfect accompaniment to Music I took Maths at A level, my favourite subjects were Maths and Science after the Performing Arts.
Bonne soirée
Compliments.
I’d never have thought of colours. I might try that with my grandson. He tends to jump ahead when reading. Which may or may not be a hint of dyslexia. (I’m not pushing for early tests yet. His parents are MD’s and already have a tendency to test their kids for everything… (I’ll let you know)
Meanwhile… enjoy Art…
I cut out a bookmark size piece of coloured plastic overlays and keep it in the book then use it over a paragraph I’m reading. I know what you’re saying about testing and labelling, I managed to keep out of making excuses and was just expected to work harder which helped in the long game.
Coloured plastic? Amazing.
Do you use colours to memorise your music?
I imagine your visual memory helps you with reading music too. Linking eye, ear and voice… Pretty neat.
Yes in multi singer scores I use stabillo, and I also draw illustrations I have developed a number of tools naturally and the dyslexia department in Scotland just gave me the icing on top🧁. Thats one of the reasons I started my blog to develop my writing skills, practice makes improvements. I never say perfect, perfect is boring, you need an edge 😜.
Is that right? One of the reasons you started this blog? Wonderful. So we have the pleasure of your company…
I also like “Perfect is boring”. Very accurate.
Seems like, you found your, chosen, career path, doing what you love, and, that’s, what’s, most, important in, finding the, right career. Many of us, don’t get that, because, we are, trapped by, everyday, living. And, you’d found something you can, use to, make a living on, using the, training you had in your, schooling, years, so, you’re, faring, better that, most of, us.
Training in whatever field is never truly lost, one day it bubbles up to the top. I have blogger friends that worked away in industry always harbouring a wish to have become a writer and some of them achieving it evenutally. It is great to be able to be able to do what you love and love what you do, or find a way of using those skills around other opportunities.
Best wishes always,
Charlotte
Beautiful designs, Resa. You look lovely in those unique gowns, Charlotte. An interesting interview!
Thank you, Iris!
Thank you Iris, I’m pleased you enjoyed the interview with Resa, I love her honesty and generosity.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Great interview, Charlotte, and you look fabulous in the gown she created. 😊 Such talent! ❤
Charlotte looks sensational. I’m thrilled. Thank you!
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed our interview. I learnt a little more about Resa’s world. She is a massive talent.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I greatly enjoyed learning more about Resa’s background as a designer and the process by which she created your beautiful gown. You look stunning in it.
What a wonderful post. Resa is a wonder. Magic comes through her and pours into her gowns. You look beautiful in your special gown, made just for you.
Thank you Resa is a wonder you are quite correct, I felt like Ariel emerging from the ocean, I must make a video recording in it. My brother took the photos in Queen Anne’s House it made a great setting. It also has a fabulous art collection too and a spiral staircase but outside called to me.
Best wishes
Charlotte
GI,
I couldn’t be happier. What a joy to see Charlotte in the gown. Yes….. Magic!! xo
Hi Charlotte, I remember your name and your gown being mentioned in one of Resa’s boook posts last year. Actually, you were the star of the post. It is wonderful to learn more about Resa and her work here 🤗💜
Thank you Robbie, thank you for coming over to my blog and your lovely message.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I loved learning more about Resa! Beautiful gown.
What a stunning gown that Resa created, Charlotte, and you gook gorgeous in it! I loved reading about Resa’s earlier days that brought her to the level she’s at today. Thanks to you both for this insightful and wonderful interview. You both are so talented and we are lucky to know you! Hugs 💖
Dear Lauren,
Thank you!
You say we are talented. It takes one to know one.
Also, when I hear Charlotte sing, I become inspired.
I’m so happy you got to see this! Hugs 💖
💝💝💝
Thank you Lauren, I am absolutely thrilled with it. Resa is so generous in her time and encouragement to me. I’m going to try to book some recording time if not in February then April and sing some arias in it. Maybe Greenfinch and Linnet Bird or The Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.
Best wishes
Charlotte
How wonderful to have such a creation made specifically for you by Resa! Looking forward to seeing the many occasions in which you’ll wear your new gown.
Thank you so much!
Thank you I’m going to try to do a video recording in the dress. I’m also going to try to get some more photos to show the versatility of the three pieces. Thanks for checking in on me.
Best wishes
Charlotte
You look great in Resa’s wonderful creation. I especially like how she used the lower black to emphasize the upper color. I loved learning more about Resa’s journey. I toast her for her creations and for being a special lady! Clink
A toast back to you, Frank, for this lovely comment! Clink!
🙂
Clink 🥂 right back to you Frank and thank you for your super message. I loved learning more about Resa’s journey. Most people on social media only share the good photos the good messages and its important that people also see the fuller picture of what it takes.
Best wishes
Charlotte
It’s so interesting to learn more about Resa’s backstory, as well as this creation. Thank you for the interview.
Charlotte, you look stunning in Resa’s fabulous gown!
Thank you, Merril!
Charlotte looks divine in “Midnight Nightingale”. I’m thrilled.
You’re welcome, Resa! She does, and the gown is beautiful!
Thank you so much, is Merrild your first name, what a beautiful unique name if so. The stitching on the gown is exquisite and the hand stitched beading she is a true artist.
Best wishes
Charlotte
You’re welcome. My name is Merril. 🙂 D is my middle initial.
Beautiful name.
Thank you!
The gown is beautiful, and suits you wonderfully well, Charlotte.
Thank you for visiting and your lovely message Jo 😊
Best wishes
Charlotte
🤗🩵
What a fascinating world I’ve stepped into, here with Resa. Loving that black and red design too. My daughter does something very similar with materials, buttons and bows she picks up on Ebay or sometimes in Asian shops. She designed and made her own wedding gown and her groom’s frockcoat, richly embroidered. She is a statuesque lady and specialises in basques and Victoriana. She did work in partnership for a time making ‘alternative style’ wedding dresses, but the amount of sewing was never able to make a living for both of them and keep prices reasonable. It’s a shame, but now she makes the clothes purely for pleasure (and for LARPing, of which she’s a huge fan)
Fabulous to learn of your daughter’s artistic talents. I took textile design at High School and went to Asian shops for the beads and swirls to add to my designs and often very beautiful fabric. How brave to make your own wedding dress she must be very skilled. I’m so happy that she is still using her talents.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thanks, sweetheart 🤗🩷
Thank. you, Jo!
Your daughter sounds like a creative force!
She is, darlin!
xo
What a wonderful treat as I have seen so many gowns made by Resa and they are all beautiful as is this one. I was so surprise when I hit the video button to hear your beautiful voice Charlotte. It was a great interview and it was so interesting to learn about both of you. Best to both of you and thank you so much Rene for sharing this with us.
Thank you Joni, for visiting and your lovely message. I love Rene’s blog her writing truly inspires me and she was very generous to share our post.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thank you, Joni!
I know… Charlotte’s beautiful voice, and my design for her.
It doesn’t get more exciting and satisfying.
Well, maybe it does, but this is up there!
Wow, what a spectacular interview, and a most spectacular gown. Charlotte’s dress looks like mermaid magic. I loved the interview and learning so much about your background and journey through your beginnings, Resa, and I love your entrepreneurial chutzpah Resa! Also, that chartreuse gown would be fab for Cleopatra! Looking forward to Part 2! Hugs <3
Thank you Dale, I have admired Resa’s Art Gowns for years and to actually have one to wear has been a real treat for me. I also love Resa’s entrepreneurialism.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Hello Debby!
Glad you made it over here to see Charlotte in “Midnight Nightingale”.
She’s a nightingale. I love and am inspired by her voice.
“entrepreneurial chutzpah “- thank you, my friend! HUGS!!!!
It was a treat seeing you here with Charlotte. Stunning creation! <3 xx
❤ xx❤ xx
What a creation! You look fabulous! 🤗🙋♂️
Fabulous! The very word I was thinking of!
Thank you Ashley 🥰
Best wishes
Charlotte
🤗💌🙋♂️
Fascinating post and a wonderfully serendipitous story. The designs are marvelous, stupendous, celestial! My favorite by a hair is the jade Art Deco masterpiece. The juxtaposition of Charlotte’s and Resa’s artistry is heaven-sent.
Yes the jade art deco is a masterpiece. Thank you for your lovely message. My life seems full of serendipity, new paths that open up.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thank you! Jade is a wonderful gown.
Designing fr Charlotte is like a dream come true.
What a delight to hear your voice and see the dress merge together to create art in the video! I so loved the chance to get to learn more about Resa’s backstory and what went into this creation. Lovely! <3
Thank you Layla, so happy you enjoyed the post, I’ve just put part two on tonight.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thank you, Layla! What a treat it is to hear Charlotte sing in “Midnight Nightingale”!
So beautiful ~ I must admit I had been waiting for a while to hear the story behind Resa and you and this magnificent dress, Midnight Nightengale… Two incredibly creative talents who are able to do what you both love, and with collaboration you both create a higher level of magic. Excellent post, Charlotte. I wish you, your family, and Resa an incredible start to the Year of the Dragon!
Resa truly is amazing. I met her through the blog world several years ago and have since then been captivated by her lovely, sustainable gown creations. They are truly works of art! You have showcased her so well here with the interview and photos of magical Midnight Nightengale.
Thank you for your lovely message Christy.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Inspiring interview with Resa McConaghy, love learning about her creative process and journey!
Thank you I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
Best wishes
Charlotte