What a wonderful experience. I was very lucky this last month to have the opportunity to work on creating a beautiful custom made gown for the absolutely DIVINE Madeline Taylor for the 2012 Miss Universe Australia Finals.
Meeting up with Madeline is always an absolute pleasure, she is so bright, bubbly and animated, not to mention very intelligent!
We arranged to meet over lattes to discuss what she was looking for in her ideal gown; colours, fabrics, movement and of course embellishment! We reviewed inspiration, browsed inspiration and gown images and discussed elements Madeline liked and disliked.
Meeting up with Madeline is always an absolute pleasure, she is so bright, bubbly and animated, not to mention very intelligent!
We arranged to meet over lattes to discuss what she was looking for in her ideal gown; colours, fabrics, movement and of course embellishment! We reviewed inspiration, browsed inspiration and gown images and discussed elements Madeline liked and disliked.
Beautiful Madeline - Backstage at the Miss Universe Finals 2012 IMAGE: Victor Lewith
Heading back to the studio I created a moodboard with the beautiful images Madeline loved and then sketched up several designs. Then the hard part: culling down to the select few which most suited Madelines ideas and the event, then putting together all the elements with fluidity, to create the perfect balance of details and style whilst remaining true to the Begitta signature style. Madeline absolutely adored the gown sketches and promptly chose her favourite elements. We revisited a few draping angles and from there I sketched our final, and “oh-so-fabulous”, gown design!
Design Ideas | Miss Universe Australia - Madeline Taylor
Design Ideas | Miss Universe Australia - Madeline Taylor
Design Ideas | Miss Universe Australia - Madeline Taylor
From here the pattern was created then custom fitted to my beautiful client, creating the perfect fit and a svelt base for our gorgeous glamour. Scouring around for the perfect fabrics and colours from retail to supplier, finally the fabric was purchased and the stunning piece was put into production. After hours upon hours of cutting, sewing, hand work and couture techniques the Miss Universe Gown came to life; a gown that is feminine and chic with a touch of flirt in the high split, with meticulous detail combining signature Begitta draping and delicate hand beading and appliqué.
FINAL DESIGN | Miss Universe Australia - Madeline Taylor - Begitta Couture
The gown was not revealed until Madeline flew to Melbourne for the Miss Universe Australia Finals on June 5th for the long week of interviews, parades and of course the Crowning Ceremony. Madeline received so many compliments and was a favourite amongst those on the Pageant Scene. She looked absolutely stunning in her Begitta gown, dazzling the crowd; she truly shines like a luminous star.
Madeline Taylor at the Miss Universe Finals 2012
Madeline Taylor at the Miss Universe Finals 2012 wearing Begitta Couture | Image by: Marshall Dwyer Photography
Having spent hours with Madeline, gushing over fabrics and beautiful trims, designs and pageant videos I truly feel as though I have become a part of her little pageant family. Having Madeline part of every step of the journey to create her dream gown has been amazing and to share her experiences on this path has been so wonderful! She is such an inspiration and a beautiful woman. I’m so very excited to follow her next adventure!
| From hundreds of girls judged in the Miss Universe Australia pageant it came down to 33 National Finalists, our gorgeous Golden Girl Madeline made it to the final TOP 12 and we couldn’t be more proud! |
Gorgeous Madeline Taylor and designer Begitta Stolk being interviewed by Channel 9 News
A Little Media Action...
 A little article in The Bulletin today ♥ featuring a few little tid bits on Begitta working with a darling Miss Universe Contestant for the Finals! |  Gorgeous Madeline and I getting ready for the interview |  The Lovely Jenna Hudson of Channel 9 News interviewing designer Begitta Stolk on her new collection for MBFF staring Madeline in her gown |
A little bit of the footage from the Channel 9 News Interview
 |  BEHIND THE SCENES: Getting Madeline ready! |
*Images gathered from various sources including the Miss Universe Australia Website. Begitta does not claim to own the images nor distribution rights. credits have been given where possible. please contact us for additional details.
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