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About the Pratt Black & White Party
The annual Pratt Black & White Party is one of Baltimore city’s hottest social, philanthropic, and fashion events, with tickets typically selling out in minutes. Hosted by the Pratt Contemporaries, the event has grown in size since it was founded in 2010, to over 200 guests – and this year returned to the Enoch Pratt Central Library after a $115 million renovation. With a strict dress code of either black or white, the question for the local fashionista is – what, and which color, to wear?
The answer for me was simple – custom Ella Pritsker Couture, of course.
About Ella Pritsker Couture
Ella is one of Maryland’s preeminent couturiers, keeping the art and craft of haute couture alive in her Timonium atelier. Since 1996, she’s kept busy creating custom executive wardrobes and gowns for Baltimore-area #bossbabes. Ella is featured in the Maryland Historical Society’s Spectrum of Fashion exhibit alongside Bishme Cromartie and Christian Siriano, which I wrote about last October, and she founded the Maryland Center of Fashion Design which teaches haute couture techniques to those interested in pursuing careers in the fashion industry.
I had the good fortune of meeting Ella in person at a beauty event back in 2018, where she made my night by recognizing me from Instagram when my blog was just a few months old! We quickly hit it off, which wasn’t hard because Ella is one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. Last year she styled me in a stunning satin and lace custom cocktail dress for the Spectrum of Fashion Gala, so when I became a member of the Pratt Contemporaries last year, it was a no-brainer to reach out to Ella to create my look.
Designing the Look
When we first sat down with pencil and paper, we talked about a gown – but I realized I wanted something versatile enough that I could wear it multiple times and style it different ways throughout the year. We picked winter white and silver as our color palette for maximum impact, and decided on a two-piece statement suit with a cropped jacket and wide-leg pants.
The rest I left up to Ella’s artistry! After taking my measurements, she fit me with a sloper, a basic fitting shell that took into account all my measurements before making the muslin (above) that became the pattern for the suit. I got some sneak peeks at fabric swatches, and then she worked her magic – and the result took my breath away!
The softly structured jacket is made from a Chanel winter-white and silver bouclé that I fell in love with as soon as I saw it. With an eye-catching white fringe, the jacket’s trim echoes the layers of white feathers that span from knee to hem of the sequined wide-leg pants.
Incorporating cream, silver, and a true white, the effect is multi-dimensional and effortlessly wearable. I already know I’m going to be styling each piece separately during New York Fashion Week this weekend!
Styled with the Senreve Aria bag (read my review here) and Inez Alta pumps (reviewed here).
If you’re planning on attending the Pratt Black & White Party, you’re in for a treat! It’s a super fun event, and it’s fun to dress up. Here are three key tips I recommend keeping in mind.
What to Wear to the Pratt Black & White Party:
- Only wear black or white – no bending the rules! I was even nervous wearing cream, but I reached out to the Pratt team and they said it was ok. Don’t stray too far though – It’s gauche to flaunt the dress code.
- Take the theme into consideration – there’s one every year, and this year’s was The Wizard of Oz. A couple people will always go full costume, and many won’t reference the theme at all. I recommend a happy middle ground – something not too costume-y that alludes to the theme, like my glittery almost-Glinda suit.
- Don’t just dig something out of the closet! Baltimore has such a burgeoning fashion scene – whether you commission a custom look, rent the runway, or treat yourself to something new, have fun with the opportunity to dress to the nines!
Ella’s look made for an extra special evening – it was so much fun walking into the party and making a big statement, and I received so many lovely compliments on the suit throughout the night. With feathers, fringe, and a fit to die for, I felt like a star on the red carpet!
See more of Ella’s stunning custom work on EllaPritsker.com and follow her on Instagram @ellapritskercouture. She specializes in custom capsule wardrobes for the discerning executive woman – don’t hesitate to reach out if you need suiting that will stand out in the boardroom and command attention. And if you need a headshot or event photography? Jan Galvan is your man. I’ve shot with him many times and as you can see, his work is phenomenal!
Shop My Look
Curious about custom couture? Ask me anything in the comments! One of my aunts was a couturier before she retired, and I grew up playing in her scrap fabric bins and having her make me little dresses out of Thai silk. It’s part of what started my interest in fashion, and my obsession with clothing that fits perfectly!
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I’ve always wanted to go! Incredible outfit!
Thank you! Ella’s work is so beautiful and unique – it definitely made the night special!
HONESTLY I need these pants in black!!