How we all love a pocket
Pockets have been talked about a lot on social media after a photograph of our Queen looking relaxed with her hands in the patch pockets of her dress made the front pages of national newspapers. Women just love pockets it seems whether it’s a day dress, special occasion or bridal wear. Why, because a good pocket is so useful yet in 1954 French couturier Christian Dior declared that: ‘Men have pockets to keep things in, women for decoration”.
How things have changed. Women now expect pockets in coats and macs that are deep enough to store a phone, purse and keys or simply to put hands in to keep warm. Side pockets are brilliant too and can be used to create a stylish swagger when walking. At the start of my career, I modeled for a well-known raincoat brand and remember how we were taught to show off the macs with our hands in the pockets swinging as we walked down the catwalk and flipping as we turned. This made a functional garment look frivolous and fun.
But pockets aren’t just for day wear, my clients often ask for pockets in a dress for special occasions – so useful when hands-free is required for greeting guests or holding a glass of champagne while balancing a canapé in the other hand. Some dress styles lend themselves to pockets especially those with a looser or full skirt. Patch pockets, like the Queen’s, can be fun and functional but only work on heavier fabrics such as wool tweed or denim.
I have also put pockets in wedding dresses for some of my brides who love the security of knowing their lipstick or a tissue is at hand if needed. When I made Amy’s wedding dress side pockets in the overskirt were high on her list of requests. The appliquéd overskirt was worn over a slinky dress and created volume but it was quite heavy. By putting her hands in the pockets, Amy could control the swish of her dress and show off the appliqué on the underside as well. The pockets were perfect for posing and creating a confident stance.
Sally is also a big fan of pockets. Last year I made her a navy and white cotton summer dress that she wore with the ivory Chanel-style wool tweed jacket I had made her the year before. I put pockets in the side seams of the dress. The pockets were deep and hidden, perfect for putting hands in to pose for photos…
If you would like to have a dress made with pockets or even have pockets added to your favourite dress email me for advice at [email protected]
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