1950's Dior on the Red Carpet: Go Natalie Portman!

If you look to my I wish the red carpet would have a Dior vintage moment in the post:
OSCAR, You Rascal: Vintage Pieces That Deserve a Red Carpet Moment,
You no doubt realize how happy I am about this red Dior dress sourced from New York's Rare Vintage-http://rarevintage.com/. ESP maybe- I have been meaning to give this a mention since Sunday but I wanted to give it a separate post.

Of course it is somewhat safe in terms of it being very Natalie's style, however it is a gorgeous shape and elegant nod to the 50's trend right now. She went right to the source with this Dior dress, circa 1954. The subtle black polka dots are magic.

Natalie Portman Vanity Fair Oscars Party Pictures 2012

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Red Carpet: Michelle Williams' Peplum and 50's Glittery Bow Pin

The most vintage inspired look may go again to Michelle Williams on the carpet with a peplum and the bow which is very 50's inspired bling. So pretty, I really loved Viola Davis and Jessica Chastain if I had to choose favorites. Angelina was beautiful in black, a hint of risk with the leg slit! There are also quite a few 50's ball gown styles gracing the Oscars as well. Gwen's look will be debated because of the cape but I think Tom Ford dug deep into his archive and pulled this out -reminiscing about his very his first collection for Gucci. A belt traded for a cape:) The dress itself was very pretty (The hair unfortunate). I enjoy the look myself --more risk on the red carpet please:)

Michelle Williams, Press photograph.

WireImage photo, Gwyneth Paltrow

Tom Ford for Gucci,Evening dress and belt, fall/winter 1996–97. Image by Met Museum.

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Designer You Should Know: Nettie Rosenstein

Why I love Nettie Let Me Count the Ways....I discovered Nettie Rosenstein when visiting the collection/ estate of a NYC woman. I found a bag and the rest is history. Check out this post and the eye candy:)

Nettie Rosenstein Earrings. Sarara Vintage.

Check out this post on Jewelry and the Nettie eye candy:)

Designer You Should Know: Nettie Rosenstein

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1920's Clothing and The Oscar Nominated Film: The Artist

The Artist is not just a good film, it has some amazing garments to boot. The costume designer studied authentic 1920's dresses for the main character, as well as applied actual era pieces. A great interview on www.clothesonfilm.com discusses the process with costume designer Mark Bridges. See the quotes below from the interview:

Dress for Sale at The Way We Wore in L.A.. 1920's authentic example and an almost exact style to that worn by Preppy in the film. Image property of The Way We Wore. See at here.

As a collector and vintage seller, I run across 1920s beaded dresses in this style but many times they have damage due to their weight and the fragility of the materials. Costume designers have a hard time finding originals that will hold up.  If you check major auction houses who deal in vintage you undoubtedly will see some great examples.  Mark Bridges elaborates:


"MB: Some of the dresses used in the film were real 1920s dresses, but most had some sign of age to them or a repair so they weren’t suitable to use on Peppy. I found 1920s dresses that were great shape but very fragile and had them copied in new silks for Peppy. Even before her stardom I made Peppy’s dresses in silk crepe de chine, a kind of simple, typical fabric used at the time. Many dresses in the Sears catalogue in 1927 were very inexpensive frocks made of silk crepe. The dresses that did hold up for me to use on day players and background were usually made of cotton or light wool, but being over eighty years old, most of them had a bit of damage somewhere.

CoF: Peppy Miller’s dress for her audition at the film studio was particularly short. Did you source any twenties style dresses from later eras?

MB: Her audition dress was copied from a lovely little 1920s dress that had shoulders so small it was difficult to get on and off. The length of the original was above her knee, which I liked for this bold young woman. As far as sourcing from other periods I don’t think it works because there is always the sensibility of the decade that reinterpreted the design. If anything, with our version of the twenties, changes were made to fit better and be more flattering to Bérénice to the modern eye. I always start with the actual period dress"(Laverty, Chris).

For the full interview go to- clothes on film.

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OSCAR, You Rascal: Vintage Pieces That Deserve a Red Carpet Moment

The moment many you have been waiting for is almost here. The red carpet for the Oscars! There have been many vintage inspired gowns on the carpet and a few great vintage moments. However; I thought it fitting to discuss some historic pieces that I feel deserve a Red Carpet moment.

Penelope Cruz in Vintage Pierre Balmain Haute Couture, 1950. A stunning classic. Oscar in 2009 for Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Red Carpet Press Photo.

Julia Roberts: 2001 Oscar for Erin Brockovich. So Valentino! A.M.P.A.S. photo

Michelle Williams. Red Carpet photo. Photographer unknown. Vintage inspired Vera Wang.

















VINTAGE OPTIONS THAT DESERVE THEIR MOMENT:

Christian Dior Junon, 1949 Vintage Gown. I cannot find the current location of the gown. Exhibit photograph. This Gown has been sited as a favorite over the years but hasn't been pulled for the carpet and unfortunately it was used as inspiration for the overdone belted gown Miley Cirus wore. She would have looked much better in the real deal.

House of Dior, 1953. Met Museum Archive. As you almost cannot beat 1950's Dior, this dress would be a good alternative to the above.

House of Dior, 1953. Met Museum Archive. Another be a good alternative.

The iconic Givenchy gown from Sabrina.

1954 Ball Gown, Charles James. Can you imagine this on Julianne Moore? Or Viola Davis Oscars 2012 -Stunning Go Emerald. Met Museum photo and archive.

Mme. Eta Hentz, 1944. Evening dress. I love the subtle glamour of this piece. Met Museum archive.

Edward Molyneux, Evening, 1925. The chic beading is amazing. The length could be an issue but the right actress could pull this off.

Lanvin, French. Met Museum Archive, 1939.

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Fashion Institute of Technology - Upcoming Exhibitions

I am excited for this upcoming exhibit on the groundbreaking fashions of the 1960's. The clothing gives us insight into the culture and aesthetic movement of the time. There are several exhibits as well as an amazing collection at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Youthquake! The 1960s Fashion Revolution
Gallery FIT
March 6 - April 7, 2012

"Youthquake! The 1960s Fashion Revolution explores the dramatic impact of youth culture on fashion during the 1960s. More than thirty garments, accessories, videos, and other related media are featured, including fashions by Yves Saint Laurent, André Courrèges, and Giorgio di Sant’Angelo" (Museum at FIT).

Bob Dylan by Harry Gordon, paper, 1968, England, gift of Estelle Ellis. Photo by FIT.


Fashion Institute of Technology - Upcoming Exhibitions

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Tom Ford's Gucci: Vintage of Tomorrow? - Harper's BAZAAR

Check out this fun and informative article, What Will Be the Vintage of Tomorrow? - Harper's BAZAAR. I enjoyed the insights on the future must have vintage couture.

Evening dress and belt, fall/winter 1996–97. Tom Ford (American, born 1961), for Gucci. Image by Met Museum.


A great quote from the article concerns how to begin to decide which pieces to buy for a collection:

"Harold Koda, curator in charge of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, says that the basic criteria for a collectible design are that it "has wide influence, represents its time, and is idiosyncratic enough that it has individual presence." ( What Will Be the Vintage of Tomorrow? - Harper's BAZAAR).

Read on at:
http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/vintage-of-tomorrow-0507






Image Citation:
"Tom Ford: Evening dress and belt (1999.136.3a,b)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1999.136.3a,b (October 2006)

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Downton Abby: Edwardian Statement Pieces for Evening and Bridal Occasions

Film shot Downton Abby. Season 2. Image 2.PBS promo shot. Image PBS.

Possible inspiration for the above outfit from Downton Abbey. Costume, ca. 1870. Charles Frederick Worth (British, 1825–1895) French. Silk, metallic, sequins. The Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Image Met Museum.

As I was settling in to watch the season finale of Downton Abby last night, the success that suddenly crept up on many a viewer, I thought why don't I write something about getting that Edwardian look. Checking to see if anyone else had done this, I saw Time Magazine had talked to the costume designer from Downton in their recent article, Downton Abbey's Costume Designer on How to Dress Like an Edwardian.

I, of course, call foul! How dare they scoop me and have access to the costume designer to boot?:) The images are wonderful but the article really only mentions vintage authentic pieces when she is asked-"What percentage of costumes do you make from scratch?" One might think they appropriate more authentic finds but Susannah explained:

"About a third of the costumes are made entirely from new. I often try to use vintage beading and try to restore an original dress. The only completely original dress, which I bought from a collection, is the one that Daisy the scullery maid wears in the second series. It’s an original Edwardian dress. It had never been worn. It was just so right somehow that I bought it for the show. No production could ever afford to make all the costumes. Many are hired [rented] from different costume houses and then re-trimmed or re-dyed. For the first series I went to costume houses in Madrid as well as London. In the second series I went to Paris just to find some different looks and some particular hats" (Susannah quote by Adams, William Lee).

This makes sense, as the clothing which has been around since the Edwardian era (1901-1910) is often fragile and looks its age. Thus, if these events are supposed to be happening at Downton Abby as we watch then the dresses need to be in new condition. She mentions in the PBS behind the scenes documentary, that she has used vintage beading to create new dresses...The front of the dress being mostly vintage. Early 1920's Chanel pieces also inspired dresses for Mary.

Okay, how can one get a little of Lady Mary's style and make it work today? Her hair styles for instance, could be great for a summer party.


JEWELRY:

Image by Sarara Vintage. Topaz Ring. Circa 1908-9

The easiest way to channel Downton Abby is to acquire some Edwardian jewelry. You can find some wonderful pieces online at Etsy, Ebay, Auctions or speciality vintage stores. In terms of authentic jewelry, rings of this era are often small and if purchasing one should make sure the back band is not too thin if you plan on resizing it affordably. Popular stones during the era like topaz can look amazing! This era is also great if you are looking for a wedding ring which is unique and classic. The belts created during this era are beautiful as well and can be placed on a ribbon or velvet band with a snap and worn as a bracelet.

ACCESSORIES AND CLOTHING:

Bags are also possible to use, but due to the smaller size versus what is trendy now you are really talking about using it for an evening party or Wedding. These can be a wonderful "something old" for the bride to carry her necessities inside.

Image and bag property of Sarara Vintage. Rights reserved.













Wearable Clothing? Well, it is possible to incorporate an Edwardian Coat, Shawl or Dress. I am including a few usable examples below. In most cases, applying authentic Edwardian pieces usually involve evening or formal looks as they are not able to stand daily wear. Also, the daily styles of the time tend to read antique or out of date outside of Downton Abby. I think the most practical application of authentic Edwardian vintage items is for evening. Givenchy has a great take on Edwardian evening wear. Go to Givenchy.com and see women's Spring Summer 2012- Haute Couture.

For Sale at shopREiNViNTAGE on etsy. Image property of ShopREinVintage.

Edwardian Shawl. Circa 1905. Met Museum Collection. Image property of Met Museum.

Image property of Givenchy. Spring Summer 2012 Haute Couture. Paris. www.givenchy.com


















Read more from Time Magazine's article:http://entertainment.time.com/2012/02/19/downton-abbeys-costume-designer-on-how-to-dress-like-an-edwardian/?iid=ent-article-latest#ixzz1mtEXjWhl

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Elle Magazine's Premium Vintage

Well, the fashion industry has always been inspired by vintage and historic pieces. As of recently it has become chic to admit it! Premium vintage is a little web series on elle.com and it focuses on showing fashion lovers how to wear vintage and be inspired by older pieces. It features tips from some great Vintage shop owners and current fashion designers. Don't miss it!

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DECADES INC.: DECADES DAILY FASHION FACT: BRING THE BLING

Vintage Bling! More is More is More:) Decades brought the chic to vintage storefronts when it opened in L.A. in 1997. If you haven't seen the store online or in person check out the blog to get acquainted. Check out their most recent post:

Decades Storefront. Image property of Decades, from Decades Blog.



DECADES INC.: DECADES DAILY FASHION FACT: BRING THE BLING: We believe it was Mae West who once remarked, " I never worry about diamonds. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in...

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Adele Photo Shoot: Vogue March 2012.

I love the images of Adele in the March Vogue. The shoot has a very 50's-60's vibe. The makeup and clothing--So CHIC!!

March 2012. Vogue. photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Image property of Vogue Magazine.


Check out the Video and other images on newstands or at http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/adele-one-and-only/#

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Fashion Week -Fall 2012 or Fall 1930?

Marlene Dietrich by James N. Doolittle. Circa 1936. Property of the Met Museum of Art.

There are some amazing pieces on the runway next door to me, over in NYC walking the runway as we speak. As fashion week winds down what can we take away? Well, I know many of you want to be way ahead of the trends and others are just catching up on Spring. The looks that stood out to me, both as culturally appealing and vintage inspired, were based in the 1930's. There were also a few 80's inspired collections and cuts as well, which made an impact. As always, many also were innovative and unique-Thakoon never disappoints in those terms. I chose to focus on a few magical pieces by Tadashi Shoji, of course far from everyday attire but a great distraction from the mundane. Inspired by the 1930's elegance and eye for detail, his dresses for the fall 2012 are uplifting and chic. We will be seeing some of these on the red carpet.


Tadashi Shoji 2012:

Tadashi Shoji. Show Lincoln Center. Photo: Getty Images

Tadashi Shoji. Show Lincoln Center. Photo: Getty Images

















1930's ERA DRESSES:


Elizabeth Hawes. Dress 1- Circa 1938. Dress 2- Fall 1933. Met Museum of Art Collection. Images property of the Met Museum of Art.

Image property of The Frock. Available at thefrock.com. Circa 1930's.

Jessie Franklin Turner Dress. Circa 1933. Lame. Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Images property of the Met Museum of Art.

Amazing Art Deco Era Dress at thefrock.com. Image property of The Frock.

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Spring 2012 Prada Campaign:50's Edge

I just wanted put this up today so you could take a look at how Prada did the 50's! Enjoy! I love the coat in the last frame. I think that their 50's enamelesque white sunglasses are a way to get a 50's inspired look this season.

Prada Frames. Vogue Brasil. November 2011.

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50's Feminine Shapes Dominate the Runway- Time to Shop in Granny's Closet ?

50's Female?
So, what does this mean for us mortals off the runway? Well.. the anthropologist in me knows that notions of gender in society are constantly changing and that clothing can tell us much about a culture. If you have watched one second of Mad Men you know it took a lot for Peggy to make it into the lion's den and that January Jone's character was anything but happy in her feminine cage.

Skirt. Little Things Vintage on Etsy. $79. Image property of Little Things Vintage.

However; today it isn't so black and white. There are articles in gender studies and anthropology which discuss how clothing reflects specific gender roles. The fitted waist and full skirts of the 50's accentuated fertility and the woman's role in the home after the men came home again. The 20's boyish shapes were neutral not fitted -the 80's went full suit and hide the female and broadened the shoulders. Curiously, we see shoulder pads and large shoulders in the 40's also around the time women were in factories and taking on what were seen as traditionally masculine roles.


In our society we fought for the right to vote, to marry whom we choose, to inherit property, to work outside the home and get paid as much as men (even though this is ongoing) and along the way we may have swung to the extreme in our dress and attitudes? Fashion wise, I am the first one come summer to dawn a flip flop and I love a pair of jeans. But is there is something to say about just how lazy we have gotten in terms of how we often dress? If I see another person with their hair uncombed and in pajamas shopping I might loose it. Perhaps, some cultures have it right less is more? We work hard and sometimes all of us in this culture forget to take time to care for ourselves. Does this means roles are reversing and women will be back in the home exclusively? Not necessarily, there is a middle ground and maybe it's just leveling out.... There are many women who work and have children, some who have worked but choose to stay home for a few years to raise their children and others who choose not to have children at all.

The Runway: It's all about reinventing bags and dresses using the 50's lines and shapes. About capturing and reworking femininity. You should see Prada's new bag! Vintage fashion aficionados will recognize that shape and metal lip instantly! Honestly, I see the women of now in these clothing as well. Either way, I do think the look is something fun to try again. Especially, in the spring and summer when dresses are a welcome sight.


Granny Chic?
Okay then, how can we use vintage pieces without our outfits seeming tired, looking like Grandma (no offense) or backtracking?

1. I think firstly, you can look at some unique vintage pieces for inspiration in terms of shapes, prints or colors to have in mind when shopping for new pieces- maybe use pin it or a scrapbook and create an exclusively vintage 50's inspiration board.

Nettie Rosenstein Clip Earring. Circa 1950's. Image by Sarara Vintage all rights reserved.


Wear it:
2.You can combine some of the new trendy labels with the older original jewelry or accessories:

Nettie Rosenstein jewelry
Gator bags
50's-60's clutches in general
Clasp style 50's purses
1950's Shoes if you can find a pair in your size
Colorful or round beads or print SCARVES- these are a big yes now Finally!

Clutches Circa 50's -60's. Image by Sarara Vintage.

Late 40's-50's Clutch.Image by Sarara Vintage.















3. You can throw one 1950s dress and one circa 50's skirt into your current wardrobe. Be careful in terms of the dress, as you don't want to look like a museum exhibit. If you are feeling uncertain stick with the skirt and a few authentic accessories. The skirts can be worn just like you see the new versions done in magazines- grab a couple of them and see how they are doing it.

This bridal moment is stunning and might be something to think about for a fashion forward bride. Image by Salvage Life on etsy. For sale currently, property of Salvage Life.
















4. Have some fun and make this your version of the feminine- maybe just sprinkle in a little. The silver lining fuller figures and shapes were actually sexy back then so in some ways the trend celebrates the beauty of the female body. Think Adele at this year's Grammy's with the lips and hair/jewelry- channeling the trend on her own terms:)

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The Peacock in Jewelry and Fashion

1909 Vogue Magazine


What is the allure of the Peacock that has inspired Fashion throughout the eras? From ancient cultures to Enid Collin's bejeweled bags. The peacock has been a symbol of renewal,immortality, resurrection,excess, to ward off evil and associated with various god/goddesses in different cultures. So it is no wonder the Peacock seems to be immortal. If you are interested in specific cultures or religions you can look up more about the Greek goddess Hera. Hera was the wife of Zeus and the peacock her symbol.








THE VICTORIANS ADORED THE PEACOCK AND OFTEN USED IT IN MOURNING JEWELRY

Victorian Cape. The Way We Wore, Los Angeles. Available on 1stdibs.

Victorian Peacock bracelet. From the shop Wicked Darling on etsy.















THE PEACOCK PERSONIFIED THE DECADENCE OF THE 1920'S

Image of Gloria Swanson, actress.

Bag sold. Image by Vintage à la Mode, San Francisco.

Swank Vintage Peacock Shawl. Circa 1920. Image property of Swank Vintage.

Fabulous Shrimpton Couture Dress. Image property of ShrimptonCouture.com. Sequin Peacock Feather Design. Circa 1920.

















1940's BAGS AND JEWELRY USED THE PEACOCK AS A THEME

Amazing 1940's De Rosa Bracelet. Vintage Luxury. 1stdibs.com

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