ELKINS — Maid Silvia Lilly Ryan, LXXXVI, will be wearing an exquisite design, custom envisioned for her very tall and slender frame.
She will descend Coronation Hill today in the color of deep amethyst purple velvet. The velvet gown is an A-Line design, but with many new features not seen before on our festival queens.
“This year’s ‘Timeless Traditions’ theme inspired me to create a gown which showcases the subtle curves found in the leaves of the white oak. Oak trees possess the deepest root system. The idea of ‘deep roots’ along with ‘Timeless Traditions’ resonated with me,” said Connie Linger, designer of the gown and owner of Miss Connie’s.
Lilly’s gown features a “V” neckline, embroidered with a garland of simple gold and purple leaves. Crystals and gold beadwork enhance the garland, making it appear as a necklace. Reaching well above her neckline is a stunning sheer gold organza ruff inspired by the Queens of early Europe! It is edged in gold lurex and accented with golden crystal clusters.
At the waistline, a warrior’s belt of gold lurex is softened by the same embroidered leaves in purple and gold. A simple abstract butterfly rests at the center front, its body created from golden Swarovski crystals. The belt is the perfect waistline accent for a tall, slim model like Lilly and serves to cinch her iridescent purple taffeta over skirt. The taffeta overskirt features a never-before-seen pleated high waist extension pointing upwards to caress the bodice and is edged at the top with gold beadwork.
https://www.theintermountain.com/news/local-news/2024/10/maid-silvia-lxxvi-lilly-harper-ryan/