This Brandon Maxwell-inspired dress combines classic tailoring with modern sophistication. Designed with a flattering A-line silhouette, it features short sleeves, a graceful shawl collar, and a front opening that closes with four discreet snaps. The dress includes side seam pockets for practicality, seamlessly integrated into the flowing lines of the skirt.
The pattern is rare and appears in the PATRONES 430 magazine, which can be found online as an open-source download. The original instructions were published in Russian, and all the construction details have been translated into English for easy accessibility by sewists around the world. The pattern is available in sizes 36, 40, 44, and 48, and is composed of five main pieces along with integrated facings and pocket linings. It requires approximately 3.45 meters of 150 cm-wide artificial silk twill, plus fusible interfacing for structure. The construction process begins by joining the central and side panels for both the front and back, pressing the seams open for a crisp finish. Pockets are assembled within the side seams, with careful attention to aligning and pressing the pocket openings. The back panels are joined along the center seam, followed by shoulder seams, and the sleeves are prepared and set in with slight ease at the sleeve cap.
The shawl collar, cut in one with the front facings, is assembled and attached to the neckline with precision, ensuring smooth corners and clean edges. For lined versions, the collar stand seam is joined neatly to the lining; for unlined versions, the collar stand allowance is turned in and hand-stitched invisibly. Sleeve hems and the skirt hem are finished with a narrow turn-under and pressing for a polished drape. The final touch is the placement of the snaps along the front edge, with optional topstitching along the collar and front edges to enhance the tailored look.
This dress offers a refined yet relaxed style—perfect for daytime elegance or evening sophistication—its flow, structure, and understated details making it a versatile wardrobe statement.
Note: Original pattern and instructions courtesy of PATRONES 430 magazine (Russian edition). All descriptions and instructions here have been translated into English for the convenience of international sewists.
