Saturday, March 9, 2019

"The Dynasty Collection" (from McCall's Patterns, 1983)

I had something else lined up for this post, but I found these and I couldn't resist.



Linda Evans in Pattern 9032

For my readers who don't remember the 1980s,  Dynasty was a prime time soap opera, particularly notable for its soap opera divas Krystle Carrington (played by Linda Evans), Alexis Colby (played by Joan Collins) and Dominique Deveraux (played by Diahann Carroll).  The show ran for most of the decade—from 1981 to 1989.

 Joan Collins in Pattern 9037

It was also famous for its costumes (which won four Prime Time Emmy Awards).  They exemplified a certain kind of eighties look: big hair, big shoulders and lots of bling. 


Joan Collins in Pattern 9244

McCall's put out a range of patterns—its "Dynasty Collection"—based on these costume for home dressmakers who wanted to recreate the "Dynasty" look.


Diahann Carroll in Pattern 9247

 I found these in a McCall's counter catalogue from 1983.  There was actually a whole section of the catalogue devoted to these patterns!

Joan Collins in Pattern 9310

By the standards of today, the fashions look boxy and overdone.  However they suited the "greed is good" decade perfectly!


Linda Evans in Pattern 9360

... And just a little something I noticed.  While "bad girl" Alexis displays a little cleavage, "good girl" Krystle sticks to high necklines, frills and lots of ruffles! 

2 comments:

  1. I am one of the sewists that purchased many of the Dynasty patterns. I purchased mostly the suits but some of these especially the blouses I don't remember. I made some of them at the time but in the late 80's and early 90's I was really busy working and ended up without alot of time to sew. In 2011 I started sewing again and made a few of those patterns. I cut down the shoulder pads but I still like them. I just recently made the Alexis full white cape and dress.

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  2. I found these in an old counter catalogue from 1983, and I only had space to post a small selection of the patterns. There were far too many for any one person to sew, so I'm not surprised you don't recognise all of them!

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