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Introducing Selene: Modern Fit, Classic Style
Selene’s Story
-Haley
On my first morning in Paris last autumn I stepped onto the intricately tiled sidewalk in front of my hotel, my stomach begging for food after an early morning flight.
I started to make my way through the chilly and charming cafe lined streets of the 2nd arrondissement in search of food — specifically I needed a burger. As I walked I allowed myself to become captivated with the city that surrounded me, and I began to notice that the rumors seemed to be true — every woman who passed me seemed so effortlessly dressed in flattering skirts, silk blouses, and well-tailored coats, all paired perfectly with well-appointed accessories.
I was instantly smitten with the city’s seemingly inherent fashion sense, and felt a bit out of place in an outfit that would normally be considered stylish in Portland.
As I spent time wandering and observing the street style of Paris, I became determined to infuse more French fashion into my own wardrobe while maintaining my own distinct fashion identity.
I wanted more fine fabrics, fitted jackets, and form fitting pencil skirts. After all, I reasoned, putting on a nice dress in the morning is just as easy as putting on my usual uniform of skinny jeans and a button down.
And that’s where the idea of Selene was born – an effort to fuse my love for Parisian and American street style.
The plain front of version 1 and the tailored welt pockets of version 2 are perfectly suited to be spotted on any cobblestoned, cafe lined alleyway of a major European metropolis.
Version 3 invites a bit more of an American sophistication with the notched menswear inspired angled pockets. All three versions are designed to become wardrobe staples that you can wear year round in any city, so you’ll never feel out of place.
Learn These Skills
Version 1: The Simple Classic
Show off your love for vintage-influenced style in a modern pencil skirt that boasts classic details.
Selene combines a contemporary silhouette with timeless details such as a lapped zipper. Take advantage of the simplicity of version 1 by using a gorgeous floral or bold stripes.
Version 2: The Tailored Classic
Welt pockets are a classic, tailored detail that look stunning on jackets and skirts alike.
Flex your sewing chops by sewing version 2. With its single welt pockets, this version sews up beautifully in wool. Or sew up a version in linen for an effortless look ideal for sunny days.
Version 3: The Modern Classic
Who doesn’t love pockets? Version 3 features diagonal seamed pockets with a menswear inspired notch.
This version is ideal for color blocking. Go bold by using a high contrast fabric for the side panels and pockets, or try using a contrast pocket lining for a more subtle color pop.
Selene looks great in…
Selene is a truly versatile skirt. It looks just as stunning in a dark wash denim as it does in a lush tropical wool.
Get 15% Off + Win!
Can’t wait to start stitching this versatile skirt? Lucky for you, Selene is 15% off through April 19th! No promo code needed, just add Selene to your cart and the discount will be applied at checkout.
In celebration of Selene, we are also giving away three hand-picked Selene kits. These gorgeous kits include all the fabric and notions needed to make Selene (pattern not included).
Kit One Includes: 1 3/4 yards of 60″ wide wool gabardine in lipstick red, 2 yards of 45″ wide tone-on-tone pin dot lining, 1 yard lightweight fusible interfacing, 1 matching 9″ zipper, matching thread, and 1 trouser clasp.
Kit Two Includes: 2 yards of 60″ wide dark wash denim, 2 yards of 45″ wide acetate polkadot lining, 1 yard lightweight fusible interfacing, 1 matching 9″ zipper, matching thread, and 1 trouser clasp.
Kit Three Includes: 1 3/4 yards of 60″ wide cotton rayon yarn dyed suiting, 2 yards of 45″ wide pink rayon lining, 1 yard lightweight fusible interfacing, 1 matching 9″ zipper, matching thread, and 1 trouser clasp.
Leave a comment below sharing which kit is your favorite for a chance to win! Three lucky winners will receive their favorite kit pick. Winners will be announced here on the blog on Tuesday April 19th.
Find Selene Locally
Support your local shewing shop. Check out this list of retailers from all over this globe.
Comments
Rebecca
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 1 is my preference. Lovely new pattern – well done!
Maria Pacheco
April 12, 2016 #
The red one is calling my name! :-) Awesome new pattern.
Kelley Camp
April 12, 2016 #
Love Love Love kit #3! Can’t wait to make this skirt!!
Denise jackson
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit two with the polka dot lining! So cute! I can’t wait to try out this pattern. I’ve never tried a kick pleat before and recently was looking for directions online so this pattern came out at the perfect time!
Nora
April 12, 2016 #
I love all of them. I’d love to try working with dark denim – it seems really classic for a skirt.
Pelly
April 12, 2016 #
This pattern has arrived at the perfect time! I’m normally an A-line girl, but with winter approaching in the southern hemisphere, the Seamwork Camden cape is at the top of my to-do list and I think it will look better with a pencil skirt than an A-line. I would probably make version 1 to begin with, but the pockets on version 3 are also very appealing. All the fabrics in your kits are exquisite and would fit well with my wardrobe, but the denim would get most wear, so I’ll put my hand up for that one (and that lining is adorable!).
Haley
April 13, 2016 #
I have been hoping someone would sew up a Camden and Selene set! Can’t wait to see it!!
Katie
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 1 is my absolute favourite is there anything more stylish and sexy as a red fitted skirt?
Keep up the great work!!!
boocat
April 12, 2016 #
Yuck.
Kerri
April 12, 2016 #
I really love kit #3, with slant pockets. How light and elegant! I loved the story behind the pattern development. Nice job.
Liz
April 12, 2016 #
That lipstick red wool is divine! It would add a pop of colour to my rather demure office wardrobe.
Patti
April 12, 2016 #
I really like the pattern on the cotton rayon suiting. My favorite version is #2 with the welt pockets. While my workplace is casual, I enjoy dressing up a bit every week.
Lisa
April 12, 2016 #
I’m a new teacher and Selena looks perfect for my new semi-professional wardrobe! I love the bright red in Kit 1.
Sylvia D. Stevenson
April 12, 2016 #
This skirt is wonderful! Your blog of PARIS made the creation of the Selene Skirt a must have! Kit 3 is my favorite.
Kimberly
April 12, 2016 #
You cannot go wrong with dark wash denim! :)
Kerynne
April 12, 2016 #
Oh my, the gray and pink is delicious! Perfect for work.
Juanita Vega DeJoseph
April 12, 2016 #
LOVE the red! The shade is the perfect color to introduce a classy statement like Selene!
KK
April 12, 2016 #
Love the red kit and would go for version 3!
Lucy Palmer
April 12, 2016 #
Oh I love love love this pattern. I am instantly drawn to kit number three. Just beautiful.
Amanda Janke
April 12, 2016 #
Ohhh so hard to pick but I’m going with door 3 – the rayon lining tipped me over the edge. Off to get my pattern now. Perfect for an Australian autumn.
Kathleen M Hanyok
April 12, 2016 #
I would love to work with kit #3. Texture is always important. I have been looking for a skirt pattern like this!
Aimee
April 12, 2016 #
Love Colette patterns. This one looks like another great pattern. I like kit number 3.
Judy
April 12, 2016 #
I love this skirt because it is so versatile. Red is my favorite color so kit 1 is my pick.
Clare
April 12, 2016 #
Beautiful skirt!! Pocket options, yay! I like #3 best :)
Amanda
April 12, 2016 #
The Rayon yarn dyed suiting is my absolute favourite! What a versatile fabric :)
Robin
April 12, 2016 #
Number 3 is my favorite. You’ve done a great job of styling all three options, very inspiring. Terrific model too!
Nickala
April 12, 2016 #
Kit three! Coming into winter in Australia and digging that tailored professional look.. It’s perfect!
Jacqueline Doyle
April 12, 2016 #
I’m loving the new pattern and the pocket choices! Lipstick red all the way.
Judy Leise
April 12, 2016 #
Kit #3 is the one for me!
Clare K. R. Miller
April 12, 2016 #
Oh, what a fabulous skirt! It’s tough to choose between the kits–if the red one weren’t wool (I’m allergic) I might go for that one, but I have to pick the last one, the cotton rayon. The pattern on the fabric is perfect–interesting enough that I would enjoy taking it out of my closet to put on in the morning, but professional enough to wear to work when I have a meeting. Plus… the lining is PINK. <3
Angela
April 12, 2016 #
I love all 3 kits but kit 2 would be the most practical for my current lifestyle. Fingers crossed!
Jo-Ann Georges
April 12, 2016 #
The red! The red! That is the skirt for me. Please!!!
Tonya
April 12, 2016 #
What a beautiful pattern! All three versions are going to be made for sure! I adore kit #1, have been wanting to make a red skirt for some time…this pattern is perfect!
Dolores
April 12, 2016 #
Kit three!
Lodi
April 12, 2016 #
Sadly, red makes me look flushed. The denim suits my style, with the added fun of the polka dot lining. HOWEVER, door number three is just so classy…I love it. Hard choice, but number 3 it is! A fabulous classic!
Katie Schippers
April 12, 2016 #
Wow, these kits were obviously well-considered. This is a really magnificently useful silhouette and I think I would rock it in the red wool gabardine kit. Good luck me!
Linda
April 12, 2016 #
Very nice! I love the denim combo. I also love how you used a real women as a model, not a stick figure!!
eve
April 12, 2016 #
Tough decision; red or denim? Denim wins as I’m more likely to wear it.
Sally Kendall
April 12, 2016 #
Wow it looks amazing I’d love kit 3!
renee morgan
April 12, 2016 #
they are all lovely! I would love to see kit 3 completed- I could see either myself or my adult daughters wearing this ! The texture, the color- all perfect . I struggle with picking out fabric that best suit a pattern and this is stunning !
Vanessa
April 12, 2016 #
Great, stylish skirt! I’d pick kit number 3. I love the pink lining. And the outer fabric, too, of course!
Kim
April 12, 2016 #
I’ve been smitten with Colette and Seamwork mag that launched me into sewing my own clothes last year. This new pattern doesn’t disappoint. Definitely denim for me in version 3. Beautiful!
Dana
April 12, 2016 #
How lovely! I love kit 2 and would wear the heck out of a version 3 Selene made up in it. I will be sewing several of these. It’s such a classy pattern with the perfect amount of details. Well done team Colette!
Pauline
April 12, 2016 #
As I live in a hot climate the wool is not overly practical although the red is delicious. The grey and pink are sublime but the denim it must be. My main occupation is as a mum and so a stylish one it would be. Kit 2 wins for me!
Diana Z
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit #3! This pattern is great and has a very versatile classic style.
Sharon
April 12, 2016 #
Oh Kit two would be perfect for our autumn/winter with tights.
Lara
April 12, 2016 #
All of them are great but I would have to pick the denim with polka dot lining. It would be so versatile to dress up or dress down. But my second would be #3. This pattern is terrific!
Wallis
April 13, 2016 #
A denim pencil skirt is a must have in your wardrobe! I made a denim Selene for myself and have worn it many times already.
Liz
April 12, 2016 #
Superbe! Tailored denim is fun; I’d do kit 2 in either view A or view C.
Teresa
April 12, 2016 #
I look forward to you patterns as the fit is great n my heavy frame!! I would really like kit 3 as the fabric and lining go together well. Even if Imdo not win, can you please advise where youmpurchasd the fabric/lining? Thanks so much
Elizabeth Lewis
April 12, 2016 #
I love the kit #3. The suiting is a great base to add different jackets or sweaters. I love the lines in this skirt!
Denise
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit #3! It looks like the perfect summer neutral. Love the pattern!
LyndaP
April 12, 2016 #
So Frenchy, So Chic, what a great skirt, definitely buying this one! My favourite kit – I’ve never had a denim skirt before so I’d go for Kit 2, if anything can get me out of the jeans and pants that are my weekend uniform, it would be the denim/polka dot combination – what fun.
Onkuri
April 12, 2016 #
I would love to make Version 3 in Kit 2, with contrast topstitching to define the pockets!
Ariane
April 12, 2016 #
I love this pattern. I can definitely see myself making it. I love kit #2. Thanks for the chance to win.
Claire
April 12, 2016 #
This is one of the few new patterns I’ve seen where I knew instantly I would 110% make it. Fantastic design. View 2 is absolutely my favourite and Kit 1 is divine. Red wool! ♡♡
Lyndalee Korn
April 12, 2016 #
I. Like kit #3 best. I don’t have a skirt of my own to wear. I especially like version 3. I think this one is the most stylish.
BCE
April 12, 2016 #
I love the third kit, gray wool is a classic and would be so fun to wear with black accessories.
Thank you for the contest opportunity.
Sarah
April 12, 2016 #
I love this skirt!! The denim with the polka dot lining is amazing!
Sarah
April 12, 2016 #
I did competitive speech for a long time, so I always love a nice biz-cash (that’s business casual to the uninitiated!). I’d go with Kit 3 and rock it in sensible heels. Thanks for another wonderful pattern!
Suyin
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is my favourite, the colour combination is feminine and classic and would be great with a silk blouse
MC
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit 2&3 equally. I love the color combos and looks the fabrics create
Stacey
April 12, 2016 #
Oooh… I love all three, but since I really need to revamp my work wardrobe since my last baby, I’d say Kit 3 is really speaking to me. That is a beautiful suiting and would work with all of the colors I like to wear up top.
Vilna Bashi Treitler
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is just my style. I’d make it in Version 3! I never win these give-aways – I only ever win contests like “answer these 10 questions and…!” But I’m putting my comment here because I’d love to be the proud owner of that skirt, and be able to say “I made it myself!”
mattie gabston
April 12, 2016 #
I would love kit three! It would be a great addition to my work wardrobe.
Susan
April 12, 2016 #
I’m a sucker for bright red skirts!! I’m so excited to learn some more skills with the pockets and zipper!!
Karin
April 12, 2016 #
Love all the kits but kit 2 would be the one for me as I’d definitely get the most wear out of it!
Zena
April 12, 2016 #
My work wardrobe has been waiting for this skirt!
I love all three kits, but would probably choose kit 2; the dark denim an polka dot combination is just perfection!
Chloe
April 12, 2016 #
Kit three!! Can’t wait to try making this skirt. I like how each version gets more challenging!
Alison Krause
April 12, 2016 #
Definitely denim for me. Love this skirt!
Christine
April 12, 2016 #
I need to get out of my comfort zone and get some patterned bottoms in my life. Kit 3 looks so soft and beautiful.
Teresa
April 12, 2016 #
I really love grey and pink together. The pattern on the grey fabric is so sweet I’d love to feel that fabric. The texture looks really nice.
Janet
April 12, 2016 #
What a fantastic opportunity. Kit #3 is my absolute favourite, so versatile and would show the detail wonderfully.
Sharon
April 12, 2016 #
I LOVE that lipstick RED. It’s amazing! I would ROCK that at work, with a beige peplum top and costume red beaded necklace! It’s beautiful.
Meris
April 12, 2016 #
I love the gray kit, it has a subtle pattern that adds intrigue to the neutral color. It also matches a lot of my existing wardrobe.
Denise
April 12, 2016 #
I think that kit number 2 is my favorite. I would try one of the pocket versions. Love this! I was in Stonemountain and Daughter today in Berkeley and people were swooning over it.
Anemone
April 12, 2016 #
I looove the new pattern! The denim with polka dot lining kit is my favorite :)
Lorinda
April 12, 2016 #
Love the pattern. It will make a great addition to my wardrobe. I especially llike the red kit.
Sarah Leis
April 12, 2016 #
I’m head over hills for that red wool kit. Would love to win that one!
Laura
April 12, 2016 #
It’s a tough choice but I think I’d go for kit #2. I’m a sucker for a great denim skirt (with polka dot lining to boot!).
Jo
April 12, 2016 #
Kit #3 for me – so useful for a cross-season work wardrobe! I think I’d have to go with style 2.
Megashree
April 12, 2016 #
Totally in love with red one (kit 1), Colette pattern collection are awesome can’t wait to add Selene in my wardrobe ?
Sarah
April 12, 2016 #
I love the denim kit! :)
Paula McConnell
April 12, 2016 #
No contest – red! Well, maybe the denim too…
Ali Stewart
April 12, 2016 #
Excited for more separates. Love the bold red skirt option.
Kristine
April 12, 2016 #
I love Kit 1 with the red wool. Great pattern, looking forward to making it!
Caroline
April 12, 2016 #
Kit One is my definitive favorite. It perfectly matches my favorite red lipstick (worn almost daily), and I can already see myself rocking both with a sweet vintage blouse at work during the week and a sweet vintage band tee on the weekends.
Sarah
April 12, 2016 #
Oooh, I’m so excited about this release! My favorite kit is #2 – I love fun surprise linings with classic garments.
Krissy
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 2 suits me best…navy blue is classic and versatile…I love it!
Melani
April 12, 2016 #
I pick kit 2 … Thank you for the chance …
Elizabeth
April 12, 2016 #
Oh, lovely skirt! I think I would pick kit 2 as my favorite.
Pam
April 12, 2016 #
Lovely skirt. Kudos on adding more challenging details to the individual versions. My favorite version is #2 and if I were to win one of the kits, I would be pleased to sew up my new skirt with Kit #3. :)
Haley
April 13, 2016 #
We have been excited to release a pattern with a good mix of skill building details and challenging techniques. Glad that you like it!
Angelina S.
April 12, 2016 #
Ooooh I’ve been wishing for a denim skirt lately, and I love dots! Kit 2 for me, please! Though kit 1 is a close second. :-)
Marissa
April 12, 2016 #
All the kits are lovely, but I like kit 3 the best. Selene looks like it would be a great asset to my pattern library!
amber lamadrid
April 12, 2016 #
I love the pocket options … especially the welts. My choice is liostick red, because i have waaaaaay too many denim skirts already!
Jaclyn
April 12, 2016 #
They’re all gorgeous, but I think I’d have to go with the grey. My favorite neutral! What a lovely skirt. Pencil skirts are always classy.
Susan
April 12, 2016 #
All are lovely but kit # 3 is my favorite.
AnneSATX
April 12, 2016 #
Kit number 3 would have to be my choice. I love that beautiful print!
Olivia
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 1 is my favorite :) I’m too into wool and it’s so hard to find and expensive where I live.
Crystal
April 12, 2016 #
I would never say no to denim and polka dots…doesn’t get better than that! This is a great pattern in all variations. :-)
Linda F.
April 12, 2016 #
I love the denim kit!
Annie
April 12, 2016 #
Wool forever!