Matters of Style: Bernardo Vintage Couture for Spring!

This is a great little post with wonderful original images of the vintage Bernardo sandals! Check it out: Matters of Style: Bernardo Vintage Couture! Let's just say my hunt for a vintage pair has begun! My obsession with a good sandal really began while living in Brazil. You can imagine the vintage, new and handmade options at my fingertips(or toes) constantly!

                       From thepaperbagprincessinc. on ebay is this size 10 strap filled number!$225.











*Also,check out the scan of the Houston article about Bernardo sandals here-
http://bernardovintagecouture.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bernardo-VC-in-May-2011-Houston-PaperCity.jpg

Back from Oz: Lions and Tigers and Miyake Oh My

Well, the show is over and I had fun and met some designers both interior and fashion, as well as many great new customers. The Navajo pieces were popular as were some other pieces such as the Char bag which sold at the event. Don't despair I already have new pieces lined up to be photographed and listed. I am also in the works to update the blog and link it to a brand new website Sarara Couture where I will bring in the most unique vintage designs, historic fashions, couture and one of kind pieces.

My booth (pre-show).Sarara Vintage Manhattan Vintage Show. * A pic of me out that night in the killer huge Navajo bracelet I wore during the show is coming soon. It took me years to find one this big with a simple design. (Circa 1970's).

Fab Manhattan Vintage Show customer in his own creations paired with Issey Miyake! Miyake born 1938 and founded the Miyake Design Studio in 1970. He started his new method of pleating and innovation in the 1980's.

Issey Miyake. Vintage design demonstrating his art. The staircase series by Miyake. Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. (c) Issey Miyake. Issey just won the very coveted fashion award from the Design Museum of London for his eco friendly, origami style visionary pieces. We sometimes discuss who we should be collecting in terms of future vintage -no brainer Miyake. There are some interesting pieces coming up from the 80's now on sites such as ebay if you believe it or not. Now they are not super inexpensive even on ebay but for wearable art they not a bad price either!

Image from Pleats Please. The Kyoto prize winner launched another stunning campaign full of wonderful visuals called Pleats Please celebrating the essence of Miyake and highlighting the line. Image from developer's website. See http://www.syrupnyc.com/work/issey-miyake-pleats-please/ for a slideshow of the work.

Big Apple Vintage

It's that time of year, the Manhattan Vintage Show will kick of the spring on Friday with a bang. I am frantically trying to pack all of the shop up and bring new goodies! I'm headed into Chelsea where this event will be held this Friday. New finds include an amazing rhinestone 1930's Asian Art Deco Dream Necklace- that I cannot wait to show you all! Not to mention tons of summer evening wear and dresses! I intend to try to get some NYC vintage style photos from the eclectic group around the show. So stay tuned.  Come and see the Victorian pieces, Ewardian gown and Margaret Barton Wright shoes in person!

1920's Brass Gilded Egyptian Revival Armband. Images by Sarara Vintage.

Margaret Barton Wright shoes.(Frank Lloyd Wright's Sister embroidered these shoes herself). Image by Sarara Vintage. See the short article about them I wrote on the Vintage Bulletin by hitting this post's title link!

                           Edwardian Gown. Silk, beading and lace. Image by Sarara Vintage.

                             Hermes Tiger Royal Scarf. All images property of Sarara Vintage.

Who is Char? Not Cher although she has something to do with it...

                                1960's-70's Char Tote, image by Sarara Vintage. $380.SOLD.

Who is Char? Well, she was a wildly popular designer of leather handmade products in the 1970's and continues her work today. Yes, Cher was known to wear her goods back in the day. Let's be honest this was totally Cher style stuff in the 60's and 70's -leather etc. You have to love Cher but I deviate.
You can read Char's bio by hitting the hidden link in my title. As stated on her website;


                              "In 1968, after studying art history in university
                              and two years designing clothes for a boutique in California, Char ventured
                              to Guadalajara with her husband Aurelio Vazquez. There, like the storybook
                              Miller’s Daughter, she took a scrap of leather (instead of a wisp of straw) and
                              turned it into gold. One hand-painted leather handbag grew to become six stores
                              in Mexico and a collection that debuted in the New York Boutique show in 1972.
                              Major department store buyers saw the collection, and Char’s painted bags became
                              the proverbial overnight sensation.....Those who’ve bought her high fashion
                              leather clothes over the years include Goldie Hawn, Ellen Barkin, Donovan,
                              Jesse Colter and Waylon Jennings, Sam Shepard, Travis Tritt, Barbra Steisand
                              and Cher."

                                         1960's-70's Char Tote, image by Sarara Vintage.

Now I have been a fan of her patchwork designed bags and finally ran across one which I cannot believe I am saying this- that I will list at my store on etsy and bring to the Manhattan Vintage Show if it doesn't sell before then. Another great iconic example was sold by shrimpton couture.com recently.

Bag from Shrimpton Couture. Image by Shrimpton Couture.

Things to look for are her easy to spot signature inside the bags and her overall style. She used amazing earth tones in suedes and leathers with handmade piping. I have also seen the simple modern use of fringe on her bags, which is evident in my example and that of Shrimpton Couture. Now, let's not forget she made clothing as well. She did entire outfits, vests, skirts and pants which exemplified the hippie aesthetic. Hand painted details are indicative of her work especially in terms of her clothing.

                                          Char label. Example image by Sarara Vintage.

                          For sale on http://www.poshgirlvintage.com. Image by Posh Girl Vintage.

         Example of Char's painted leather via www.moda.com- fashion history article, image moda.com.

The 50's are in but I do love a 1930's or 40's Gown!

Lucille Ball, Lover Come Back, 1946.Image from www.doctormacro.com.

I know we are focused somewhat on the 1950's inspired trends this season, but I cannot help but love a 1930's or 40's gown. There is something about the 30's, that long sweeping silhouette, the lux fabrics and simply chic designs. I will be bringing a gown to the Manhattan Vintage Show in April that is a long 1930's tulle gown with paste rhinestones.

Film shot, The Women. 1939.

Maria Montez as Queen Antinea in the Film, Siren of Atlantis 1946. Via, elegancehasnames.tumblr.com.

Currently, I also have a few 1940's gowns in the shop and will be adding another -I am including a sneak peak pic here. The early 1940's gowns, in particular still have a old hollywood glam aspect to them that cannot be duplicated. So, for evening or an event just thought I would suggest adorning yourself with a 1940's gown!

1940's Beaded and Sequin long gown. Sarara Vintage.

1930's-40's Long gown with cream, silver and turquoise beading on the collar. Sarara Vintage.

1940's Lilac Gown with beautiful lace and draping in Chiffon. Sarara Vintage.

1940's Gowns. Via bobbinsandbombshells.blogspot.com

The Hottest 1950's Dress For Sale Online Right Now!

1950's Chic-The Best of the 50's Dresses Online:

1.Dear Golden's 1950's Wedding Dress.$345. Dear Golden Etsy.http://www.etsy.com/shop/DearGolden?ref=seller_info

2. Shrimpton Couture. Estevez Dress. 1950's. $650.www.shrimptoncouture.com.

3.1950s New Look Black Silk Taffeta Ball Gown. Past Perfect Vintage. $350. Image property of Past Perfect Vintage.www.pastperfectvintage.com.

4.1950's Mollie Parnis Dress. $2,200. Image by the Frock.www.thefrock.com. Various dresses available seen in images below.

5. NOD TO MOD Vintage on Etsy-1950's Rona Dress
http://www.etsy.com/listing/94015060/vintage-1950s-dress-50s-dress-full-skirt. Image by Nod to Mod. $270.

6.Couture Allure. Vintage Dot Dress. 1950's. Image by Couture Allure.www.coutureallure.com.$225.

7.Traven7 on Etsy. Image property of Traven7. Rare Frank Starr.$370. Dress.http://www.etsy.com/shop/traven7?ref=seller_info

8.Fab Gabs on Etsy. Image by Fab Gabs.Print 1950's Dress. $185.

9. Swing Kat Vintage on Etsy. Image and dress by swingkatsvintage $285.













Thanks to all these stores-many of which post great 1950's pieces often. I am still adding as I find them. If you have a great one just drop by and let me know!