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Writer's pictureelinestelle

Friends Pop-Up

September 22, 1994 marks the day that Friends premiered on national television. 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of the show, and to celebrate the occasion, a Friends-themed pop-up is in NYC for the month of September. Tickets sold out the day of the release, however standing-line tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis daily.


I called up my friend from college who used to watch the Friends series with me using my dvd box set. Netflix has since picked up the series, making it even easier to binge watch. The show will be removed from the streaming platform in early 2020 and will only be available for viewing on HBO Max. During my days off and in-between classes in college my friend Mary and I would eat HyVee chinese food and binge the show together.



Mary was able to fly in for the exhibit and we attended the event during opening weekend. To mark such a special event I decided to sew clothing for the both of us. Mood has the perfect fabric - Mood Exclusive Fabrics In the Lamp light stretch cotton sateen in navy. The print comes from their newest collection and features mid-century chairs, lamps, and a couch mixed with flowers. While kitschy, it is the perfect print to represent the Friends cast NYC apartment and Central Perk coffee shop.







Since I love dresses, I wanted to create a dress that resembled the clothing the cast wore in the 90s. McCall's recently released a simplistic shirt dress in their spring 2019 collection. McCall's M7920 view A, a misses dress with belt features a button-front closure, kimono sleeve, and waist seam with a full skirt.


I love the fit of this dress, and especially love how easy it is to make. With only two darts in the front and two in the back bodice, it was a cinch to sew up the top. The skirt has optional side seam pockets, which add a great finishing touch to the full skirt. The hardest part is finishing the front with eight buttons and buttonholes. I found the perfect brown marbled buttons at Astoria Fashion Fabrics to finish off my 90s dress.


For Mary I made the True Bias Ogden Cami. A simple, loose-fitting tank top with 1/2" straps and a V-neckline. This top is easy to make for others, the only measurement you need to know is their bust size. The cotton sateen fabric drapes really well and works perfectly for both of these patterns.


Arriving at the event you are greeted by a spectacular museum-worthy set up. Large photos of the cast line the walls mixed with short video clips and information about the cast and show. Props from the seasons are displayed in glass cases all throughout the exhibit. Several scenes have been set up to resemble the apartments the Friends cast lived in. Joey and Chandler's apartment is complete with their Lazy Boys, handmade TV stand, and dog statue. Central Perk is as functional as it is decorative. At the end is a small "Central Perk" cafe complete with coffee and treats for purchase.


I won't spoil all the surprises. Check out the event through the end of September 2019. Check out photos below:




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