I am attempting to make my own version of Bjork's red carpet swan dress (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=swan%20dress&btnG=Google+Search&sa=N&tab=wi)

I'm sure I can make the bodice but the skirt is baffling me... do I ruffle by hand or with my machine? should the ruffled part start only at the bottom of each layer, or all the way up underneath?

I've looked all over cyberspace for advice... I'm hoping someone here has some good ideas... I've never made a skirt that puffy!