Photograph by Steichen, Vogue 1925. Scan property of Sarara Vintage.
From time to time I find an old image or ad with a piece of fashion history that I would love to own. I call these my if I had a time machine posts. Currently, I am putting together a post on the coats in fashion for the fall and winter of 25 right now. As I was taking a break looking through the summer-June First of 1925 Vogue when I saw magic. I found this wonderful image of a stunning hand made one of a kind scarf. It is everything that the era was -so deco so lux. The photograph by Steichen itself is pure art! I focused in on the item and have scanned it here for you to enjoy as well. The title of the spread is Modernistic Art Has a Daring Way With The Mode.
Photographs by Steichen, Vogue 1925. Scans property of Sarara Vintage.
The images display four glorious pages of what they call the "modern spirit" hand colored onto silk frocks and scarfs. The designs are proudly attributed to New York at the Colour Studio- not from France. Most fashion trends of the time did come from France and many Vogue previews and such discuss the new trend hot from France. I am in love with the first scarf but perhaps you will fall for a frock. I love learning new things and Colour Studio of New York was news to me. However, it was love at first sight. I mean those scarfs are huge works of silky art!
I have been working on gathering up my magazine archives and adding to them. I am focusing on the 1920s and 30s right now. I have just added two Vogue magazines from the 1920s to the collection. I will be sharing some of those images here on the blog. They are great sources for fashion inspiration and vintage collectors. The Fashion Service Magazine was published under the Women's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences. This little 16 page publication contained new millinery styles being discussed, women's financial security and business opportunities, daytime frocks, the mode for autumn, winter outfits and Halloween ideas.
Fashion Service Magazine Illustration. Alice Seipp. Image archive by Sarara Vintage.
The issue I own is the October 1928 edition. The illustration I chose to bring you is that of the cover, by Alice Seipp. Alice illustrated and wrote articles on the current fashions. Alice was born in 1889 and a known illustrator based in New York City. This particular cover image seen above, pertained to the inside article on page 11- How to Handle Velvet. It is described as: "an afternoon frock of sheer velvet, the acme of chic among fabrics, in wine red, as suggestive of the season as the color of ripening fruits"(Fashion Service). Firstly, why doesn't anyone write about fashion like this anymore! Wow, so delicious. The article discusses how to sew and handle velvet.
The Fashion Service was a publication by the Women's Institute as mentioned, which was meant to school women and young seamstresses in the current techniques, patterns and styles.