Over history, men’s fashion has been characterized and molded by rigid, functional designs. However, the winds of change are blowing, and we’re seeing an exciting shift towards incorporating elements that were once exclusive to women’s fashion. This includes a focus on more expressive and adventurous designs, softer fabrics, and intricate detailing. At its core, the Cory Jacket Redux wears a super fine, Italian Cashmere and Wool Blend Double Cloth Tartan Coating. The monotone scorpion and floral appliqués further elevate the jacket by infusing a subtle sense of luxury typically reserved for high-end fashion. The modification of raised, 3D pockets offers functionality with a trendsetting design, showing the jacket’s unique appeal and offering a fresh perspective on what modern menswear can be. The Cory Jacket Redux confidently showcases this trend with its runway-inspired elements, challenging traditional fashion norms and embracing a more dynamic fashion ethos.

Today’s era in time, men’s fashion is undergoing a renaissance, significantly influenced by the luxurious aspects of womenswear. This jacket allows us to embrace the ongoing evolution of fashion for all genders. The trend is a testament to the growing appetite for luxury and refinement in men’s fashion, pushing designers to explore beyond conventional boundaries. Menswear is increasingly being impacted by the opulent and artistic nature of couture. This intimate approach is vividly embodied in the Cory Jacket Redux, which symbolizes the extravagance of couture with the practicality valued in men’s fashion. It’s a representation of how modern menswear is evolving to incorporate elements of luxury and artistic design. This approach challenges the mainstream norms we see in fashion, proving that style and substance can coexist in harmony.  A place where innovation, comfort, and elegance all come out to play!

Making the Cory Jacket Redux-

*NOTE: This intricate project requires a lot of hand sewing and attention to detail, but the main components of the jacket’s pattern remain the same. Follow the original sewing instructions along with these new steps to make the Cory Jacket Redux.

Sewing the Appliqués :

When sewing the pockets together, sew your appliqués on first before placing the pockets on the jacket. Thread a needle and hand sew all around the figure’s outline and some stitches in between the gems as well. Once the appliqués are sewn and secured, you can sew the pockets onto the jacket.

Raising the Pockets Using the Drawstring Pattern:

In the redesigned version of the Cory Jacket, I omitted the drawstrings and used the pattern for a different purpose. In order to create 3D pockets, I used this pattern under the pockets to make them stand out. You can widen this piece depending how much you want the pockets to raise. Cut 2 pieces fabric with this pattern and sew it around the pockets.

Making the Placket Extension & Adding Buttons:

For this redux, I chose to switch the zipper out for buttons. To do this, you will need a placket extension instead of a front-facing. You can get the front-facing pattern and use a ruler to make a straight line up to the top, cutting out the rest of the pattern. Use this rectangular strip as your new pattern for the placket. Cut 2 pieces of fabric and sew with 1/2″ seam allowance.

When adding the placket extension, you will also need to extend the hood pattern by 1″ along the opening edge to match the placket. Lastly, I sewed 7 shank buttons by hand onto the placket and 2 other buttons at the pockets. When sewing Menswear, place the buttons on the right side and the buttonholes on the left. For Womenswear, sew the buttons on the left side and buttonholes on the right.

Making the Matching Scarf:

Since I had some leftover fabric after making the jacket, I decided to to make a matching scarf using the extra fabric. Making a scarf is simple and doesn’t require an actual pattern. To do this, you can simply use tailor’s chalk to make 1 long rectangle directly on the fabric measuring 67″ x 7″. Cut 2 pieces of fabric and sew them together lengthwise using 1/2″ seam allowance. Turn your scarf out, then fold the ends inward and sew both sides closed by topstitching.

Making the Embroidered Hat:

There are so many things you can do when embroidering on a hat. Whether it’s full of colors or sticks to one color theme, gems, and embroidery can add a precious touch to any garment. Might you use a new hat you just bought or grab one of your old ones to give it a revamped look? Don’t be afraid to allow your creativity to take over and truly express who you are. The hat modeled in the photos was made with several of Mood’s beads and appliqués.

• Black Opaque Seed Beads in Size 6
• Black Opaque Bugle Beads in Size 3
• 4 Black Beaded Appliques
• 1 Spool of Black Bead Thread
• 1 Pack of Assorted Beading Needles
• 3 Nylon Foam Beading Mats

True artistry is done with love. It comes from the courage to be different, the vision to see beyond trends, and the dedication to create not just a style but a legacy! In the fashion world, every fabric has a voice, every color tells a story, and every garment takes you on a journey. The power of art has the potential to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, to turn fabric into fashion, and ideas into impactful realities. Creativity lies in your ability to stay true to your vision while embracing the ever-changing dynamics of the world around you. Your designs are a powerful medium to tell stories, express emotions, and challenge the norms. Your art can inspire, influence, and ignite change for a better world. As you continue your creative journey, always guide yourself with the passion that initially brought you into the fashion world. Let your work not just reflect current trends but also contribute to shaping the future. Remember, as a designer, you’re not just creating clothes – you are crafting the visual language of our times!