Journal

Summer Event Edit

Warmer weather often seems synonymous with a fuller calendar. Whether you are looking for outfit inspiration as a wedding guest, attending outdoor dinner parties, food, wine, or music festivals, beach vacations - the days quickly fill up. If you're looking for something to wear for your next event or trip, here's 3 that we love. Ulyana Dress in Orchid Silk Satin; Sunglasses; Clutch; Earrings; Shoes I love the above look for its incredible color punch, the pink and gold is such a luxurious pairing IMO. Whitney Silk Satin Backless Evening Gown; Gloves; Bag; Earrings; Shoes I don't know why, but I've always pictured the Whitney gown worn with Chanel perfume and red lipstick. Probably because they're all so modern yet timeless. I love this look for any black tie event, it would be difficult not to steal the show. Classic Silk Satin Long Skirt in Cocoa; Top; Bag; Earrings; Shoes An espresso shade of brown that is both on trend yet classic, the Classic Silk Satin Long Skirt in Cocoa is a great pairing with your favorite statement top for the perfect going out look.

5 Questions for our Founder

1. What advice would you give to someone interested in fashion design? It can be overwhelming when you’re starting out. There is so much to learn (which is also the magical part of it – there is always room to grow). My suggestion is to avoid overthinking it. Grab your pencil, scissors, or computer, and just start. Whether it's sending that initial email, ordering your first drafting textbook, or learning to sew, take that first step. The path will unfold as you actively push forward—one step at a time. People often tell you to find your niche or describe what makes your work unique. In my experience, this will be revealed to you with time. The key is to keep creating. Create as much as you can. You’ll probably end up making things you don’t even like, but all of this work is important. Every piece matters, especially in the early stages; they serve as your creative incubator. This work will tell you what you don’t want to make more of, and it will spark curiosity where you didn’t think it existed. I like to think of the potter and the clay analogy. We think of ourselves, the makers, as being the potters, but I believe it is the opposite. Your work is the potter, and you are the clay. It is through each piece that you as the creator are formed. Creating as much as you can is how you find yourself and your direction. So don’t stress if you aren’t sure what your point of view is yet. You don’t need to see the whole staircase to take the first step, so to speak. What matters is that you have the desire, so choose one step and take it. 2. How do you handle a creative block? As difficult as it can be in the moment, I find that stepping away is the most effective. Most days, I am either at home or at the studio, so if I have the chance to take a weekend away for example, that always helps.Turning off work mode and changing up my physical environment always invites new ideas and contributes to feeling fresh mentally. In the beginning, when I was feeling stuck, I would get stressed that new ideas weren’t flowing, and this stress would make things worse and I would end up obsessing over it. Of course, nothing good came from this. So I’ve learned to step away, physically and mentally. Feeling stuck creatively is inevitable, but it has happened enough times that I know to trust the process and remember that it will pass. Getting off my phone also helps. There is so much digital “noise” these days and it’s easy to lose yourself in it at times. Revisiting my core vision can also promote clarity when dealing with feeling overwhelmed and blocked - it serves as a roadmap and reminds me to stay true to myself and why I started the brand. 3. What's your favorite color to work with? There is such a sense of timelessness to black and white, they are so palette-cleansing. To me, they soften emotional edges and provide a sense of serenity, plus they truly work for every season. That being said, I love a pop of color. Me with hundreds of fabric swatches is my happy place. Right now, I am loving a creamy ivory and shades of blue and green, and I will always love a good pink. 4. Why the silk slip dress? There is something so special about the drape of the bias cut fabric, how it moves with you and feels like you’re wearing nothing. Silk is visual poetry to me, and designing each piece becomes a project of constantly asking myself what else can be taken away without losing the essence of the dress. I love the quote ““Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Stripping each silhouette to its most bare, minimal self ironically gives it its most exuberant energy. 5. How do you balance creativity with wearability in your designs?To me, this comes down to empathy. When I have an idea for a new style, I like to run through (as best I can) every possible way each detail on a dress may affect the wearer. For example, I knew when I designed the Ulyana dress that I wanted it to have a really streamlined, columnar silhouette. However, I didn’t want the wearer feeling constricted when she walked, so we added a side slit for ease of movement. It’s the little details that contribute to wearability in my opinion. I love the phrase “head in the clouds, feet on the ground” to describe this. That magical dichotomy of creative freshness paired with small touches that make it comfortable and something the customer will reach for time and time again. When a person chooses to wear something you’ve made over every other item in their closet - there aren’t many feelings more incredible than that.

How to Style a Black Slip Dress 3 Ways

The black slip dress is a powerful tool for transitioning through the seasons. I admit that I'm not always in the mood to think too hard about what to wear on some days. There are times when adding one more decision to my day (ie. what to wear) is more of a chore than something to get excited about. My fondness for a bold statement dress, one that requires little more than your favorite earrings, runs deep (the Ulyana dress in Orchid never fails to bring me joy). That being said, as fall approaches, I also value an assortment of neutral pieces that allow for effortless mixing and matching. As we transition into the autumn months, here are three of our favorite ways to style a timeless black silk slip dress. Denim jacket; White button-up; Isla silk slip dress; Sneakers I love the above look for the changing seasons when layering options are most appreciated. Not to mention this look is incredibly comfortable. Trench coat; Azalea silk slip dress; Boots; Tote The Azalea silk slip dress is generally pictured along with heels and a beautiful event to attend or date night, but I also love dressing her down with practical boots and an everyday tote. A trench coat is great for the cooler months. Blazer; Azalea silk slip dress; Heels; Bag; Red lipstick No one can deny the versatility of a great blazer in a neutral color. Blazers are my favorite thing to browse vintage and reseller sites for (I have spent an unreasonable amount of time the past few weeks doing exactly this). I love their practicality and added warmth, as well as their ability to complete an outfit.

How to Choose Your Size

When selecting your size in our dresses and blouses (and any other bias cut garment) the bust measurement is always the most important number. While the waist and hip measurements are helpful, they aren't as important as the bust when it comes to finding the perfect fit. The fluid nature of the fabric cut on the bias means that gravity will naturally allow the fabric to drape beautifully over the waist and hips. Our dresses and blouses fit true to size - we recommend choosing your usual size. However, here are a few tips if your measurements spread across two sizes: If your bust measurement falls into a smaller size range, but your hips fall into a larger one: we suggest taking the one that your bust falls into (the smaller of the two) for a true fit, or take the one your hips fall into for a more relaxed fit. If your hip measurement falls into a smaller size range, but your bust falls into a larger one: we suggest taking the one your bust falls into (the larger of the two) for a perfectly easy fit. The bias cut will drape over the waist and hips, accentuating your figure with an effortless feeling. In summary, if your measurements spread across two different sizes, we suggest taking the size that your bust measurements falls into, regardless of where your waist and hips fall. How to measure your body: Use a soft measuring tape, which is the most accurate tool for taking body measurements. If you don't have a soft measuring tape, you can use a piece of string or ribbon and then measure it against a ruler or stiff measuring tape. To get the most accurate measurements, wear form-fitting clothing or no clothing at all. This will help ensure there is no distortion from loose clothing. If you have a specific bra or shapewear garment you plan to wear underneath, wear this now. Stand up straight with your arms at your sides and your feet together. Keep your posture relaxed and natural. Use the measuring tape to take the following measurements: Bust - Measure around the fullest part of your bust, making sure the tape measure is level across your back. Waist - Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, which is usually located about an inch above your belly button. Hips - Measure around the fullest part of your hips, which is usually about 7-9 inches below your waist. If you have any questions, send us an email to info@jacobajane.com and we will be happy to help! VIEW SIZE CHART

Simple Silk Wedding Dresses

A simple wedding dress can mean different things to different people, but generally, it refers to a dress that is elegant and understated, without too many embellishments or intricate details. Silk fabric is known for its softness, shine, and draping quality, which make it an ideal choice for creating elegant and timeless wedding gowns. These dresses can easily be worn long after your wedding day is over. Slip dress: This is a classic silhouette that is flattering on many body types. The Azalea Silk Satin Maxi Dress is fully lined and cut on the bias from our ivory silk satin. This dress flows over your figure and gives us 90's nostalgia. The maxi length highlights your wedding shoes. Sheath dress: This is a form-fitting dress that skims the body's curves. A simple sheath dress can be made from a matte satin or crepe fabric with a clean, minimalistic design. Our Ulyana Silk Crepe Wedding Gown is cut from bridal weight silk crepe that moulds to your body without feeling tight or restrictive. The bias cut allows it to flow over your curves while still highlighting your figure. It is fully lined. Low back dress: Our Stella Low Back Silk Wedding Dress is a striking, feminine silhouette with a gathered detail that highlights the waist and a floor-skimming flounce for the perfect level of playful. The dramatic low back is suspended by slim straps with gold hardware. It's cut from our stunning 30 momme silk satin, one of the most luxurious silk fabrics available. Cowl neck midi dress: This is a dress that falls below the knee but above the ankle. A classic cowl neckline is timeless, and the midi length makes our Mandy Silk Satin Slip Dress the perfect reception dress, or a great option for the low-key bride. Minimalist dress: This is a dress that has no embellishments and a clean and simple design. The columnar silhouette of the Isla Silk Satin Wedding Dress pares everything back with no fussy details. The thigh high slit keeps it fun while remaining grounded in classic details such as adjustable spaghetti straps and a modern scoop neckline. The bridal weight silk satin is one of the most luxurious fabrics available. Ultimately, the key to a simple wedding dress is to focus on the quality of the fabric and the fit of the dress, rather than relying on lots of embellishments or intricate details. All wedding dresses can be customized to your measurements and height via our simple Custom Orders process.

Can Silk Slip Dresses be Altered?

Yes, silk slip dresses can be altered. However, it is important to keep in mind that silk is a delicate and slippery fabric, and alterations should be done by a professional tailor or seamstress with experience working with silk that is cut on the bias. The fabric must be handled gently to avoid distorting the drape and shape of the final silhouette. Specific techniques and tools are used when sewing with silk, such as fine silk pins and French seams. Some common alterations that can be made to silk slip dresses include shortening or lengthening the hemline, taking in the waistline or bust, or adjusting the straps or neckline. We offer customization on almost every detail of our dresses, as well as over 130 color choices. If you'd like a shorter length to suit your height, or you'd like a dress made to your specific measurements, please get in touch via our simple Custom Order Form. It's worth noting that it may be difficult to let out a silk dress due to the French seams that are often used when sewing slip dresses, so if you are planning to have your dress professionally tailored to fit you, we recommend sizing up to allow for the most fitting options.

What is Silk "Momme"?

Some brands (like us!) choose to include the weight of the silk in their product descriptions to give a better idea to the customer how substantial the silk garment (or bedding) is. Originating in Japan, this unit of measurement is called "momme." Momme (pronounced "moe-mee") is a standard measurement of silk weight that uses a length of silk fabric measuring 100 feet long by 45 inches wide (the width of most silk fabrics). As an example, if this 100 ft x 45 inch wide piece of fabric weighed 19 pounds, it would have a weight of 19 momme. Because silk threads are extremely fine, a low 6-8 momme silk chiffon that is very see-through will still have a high thread count, which is why we don't use thread count to determine silk weight. The higher the silk weight, the higher the price and the more opaque it will be. Dyed silk will also be more opaque as the dye will stop light from passing through the fabric. This is why we line some of our 19 momme white and ivory dresses and not our colored ones. The standard weight of silk for most silk slip dresses on the market is anywhere from 16-22 momme, with 22 momme being the least commonly available. 19 momme silk is known to have a great balance of fluidity, durability, and cost. Most of our dresses are made from it for this reason. If the silk weight isn't listed in the description, it's difficult to know how substantial it will be without feeling it first. While 3 momme doesn't seem like a big gap, you will be able to feel the difference between a 16 momme silk dress and a 19 momme silk dress. Each weight serves a different purpose and will give a slightly different look. Silk gets less fluid and drapey as the momme count increases. Jumping into heavier eveningwear and bridal silk weights, 30 momme is a very luxurious silk that is substantial enough that a lining isn't necessary even for lighter colors. 30 momme silk is our choice for bridal because its heavier weight lends a more formal finish while maintaining that effortless, drapey feeling that we love about the classic silk slip dress.

Are Silk and Satin the Same?

If you're interested in diving into fabric weaves and types, keep reading. In short, the words “satin dress” and “silk satin dress” usually indicate the difference between synthetic and silk. To put it bluntly, it’s an apples and oranges comparison. Silk refers to the material – an “ingredient” if you will. Satin refers to the weave. A weave can be anything from twill to satin to velvet to herringbone. It describes the way the fabric was woven together. Weave gives you a clue how the fabric will behave. Whether it will move with you and drape softly against your body (satin) or provide more shape and structure (twill or jacquard, for example). A description of the weave can almost give you more information about the garment than the fabric can. While certain fabrics breath and others don’t – regardless of weave – a cotton denim jacket is going to be much more dense, thick, and structured than a cotton sateen jacket. Both are made of cotton, but the weave is different. If we use baking with fruit as an example: You need your main ingredient, such as: blackberries, blueberries, apples or strawberries. Let’s say these describe fabrics such as polyester, cotton, linen and silk. From this fruit, you can make things like pie, muffins, fruit salad or crumble. These describe your weave, such as twill, satin, velvet, or jacquard. Many are surprised when they learn that velvet is not a fabric, but a weave. You can have rayon velvet or silk velvet, to name a few. This goes for satin too. You can have polyester satin or silk satin. Though they are the same weave, their composition is different. Many brands will sell high end satin dresses in the hopes that their customer will assume it’s silk. The price of the garment used to be a good indicator of what kind of fabric was used, but not as much anymore. If a brand’s “satin dresses” are made from silk, it’s likely they will include that in the description and make it very obvious to the customer due to the high cost of working with silk. If you see a slip dress with the description of “satin dress” and you’re assuming it’s silk and that’s important to you, double check the description. In short, the words “satin dress” and “silk satin dress” are usually the difference between synthetic and silk. If there’s silk involved, the brand will make it obvious. This also applies to silk pillowcases and sleepwear that have become increasingly popular. If you’re looking for a silk pillowcase, don’t assume that the words “satin pillowcase” will give you silk. While synthetic satin has come a long way in terms of quality – with many feeling very similar to silk – it is still a very different material than silk. If this matters to you, the only way to know for sure is to check the label.

What Does "Bias Cut" Mean?

Bias cut means that the pieces used to make the garment were cut on the diagonal grain of the fabric, not parallel to the straight or cross grains. In layman’s terms, cutting fabric at a 45 degree angle gives it more stretch which results in it softly accentuating body lines and curves while still offering ease of movement. Our favourite part of the finished bias cut dress is the easy fluidity of the fabric, which is why all the dresses in the collection are cut on the bias. Visually, it creates a superior drape. Practically, it creates stretch without spandex. It’s important to note that bias cut items don’t offer the same wearing experience as spandex, which grabs the body because there is no ease. Ease is defined as the space between the body and the garment when it’s worn. To get into the nitty gritty, when a garment has spandex in it, there is usually a negative amount of ease built in which is why it hugs you tightly. This isn’t always the goal when choosing a dress, so if you are looking for something that skims the waist and flows over the hips without hugging you tightly, a dress cut on the bias may be worth considering. For those of you that have tried a bias garment and thought it wasn’t for you—quality fabric is essential. A good silk will lie smoothly against your skin and be a joy to wear.

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