The Bodice--Playing around with fabric

I have sewn one approach for the bodice.  I constructed it with princess line seams, a wide v-neck and cap sleeves.  The left side has been kept open for now.  A zipper and hooks and eyes will be used to close this seam in the finished garment.  

If this approach is taken, the piece shown below would be constructed from crepe de chine underlined with silk organza.  Silk chiffon would be draped over this bodice.  The bodice would be attached to the corset, providing stability.  I might make a harness to hold the shoulders in place.  The use of a harness for this purpose was commonly used by Christobal Ballenciaga.

Here are pictures of the practice bodice (called a toile) on the dress form.  The skirt has been pinned to the bodice.

This is the front.  (Don't you just love the tire iron in the background.)

Here is the back.

I think this approach could work.  The neckline seems to be what we were looking for in the design.  The cap sleeves will provide a structure to tack the chiffon to and keep it from slipping off the shoulder.

I will baste the skirt to the bodice and send it to Ginny for a trial fit.  

I will keep playing around with the alternative approach I outlined in my last blog post.