The month of March is so apt for the students who will be making their graduation march into the next phase of life, whether it’s on to college, or after college and into the “real world.” The graduation ceremony and graduation ball are like turning points in the seasons of life, from carefree youth into young adulthood.
For upcoming graduation balls, these dresses in Angela Dado’s “Acropetal” collection are inspired by the changing of the seasons.
Each piece in the collection is meant to refl ect nature’s gifts of life and growth.
Angela gives a more youthful feel to the classic construction for these dresses with embroidered fl oral textiles and softer fabrics in subtle colors. She uses pleating and patterns to mimic fl owers, plus careful detailing by cutting and sewing fabric strips and floral patches by hand.
A bustier gown made completely of embroidered fl oral fabric has fi ne pastel fl orals on a dark brown background. This dress features a sweetheart neckline, peplum waist and a mermaid-cut skirt. Fabric in soft mauve further accentuates the bust. The combination of these cuts and details help create curves, and is especially fl attering for girls who want to achieve a more womanly shape.
Another gown of fl oral-embroidered chiffon billows out to a ballgown silhouette. The sweetheart neckline and voluminous skirt have a princess-like feel, especially when done in shades of pink. To add details, the skirt has irregular laser-cut layered hems. For a more modern and grown-up feel, the dress is styled with a wide gold metallic belt by Bree Esplanada.
A third gown has a strapless bodice with floral embroidery. Several layers of celadon green organza create a soft and dreamy princess-cut skirt that mimics the softness and intricacy of flowers.
Angela says of this collection: “It’s a culmination of a year-long journey, a humble homage to the grandeur that nature brings us so effortlessly each passing day,” in the same way that culminating ceremonies mark the end of the journey through academic life, and the joys and challenges that come with it.