Showing posts with label Vintage Designer Fashion History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vintage Designer Fashion History. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Doin' It Old School — Vintage 1980s Designer Runway Shows
Have you watched runway shows from the 1980s?
Here are some classics in all their glitz & glamour.
The hair, the makeup, the music and of course the designs of 20+ years ago made a permanent mark on the fashion industry.
But perhaps most notable is the lack of celebs in the front rows.
Have a bit of fun and check these out.
Chanel Spring Summer 1988
Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring Summer 1987
YSL Spring Summer 1988
Valentino Spring Summer 1986
__________________________________ Why not look your best every day?
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Et tu, ETRO?
Etro is one of those labels that flies under the radar.
A theme contradictory to their bold design style.
Founder Gimmo Etro established the Etro label in 1968.
As a leading designer of high-end textiles, Etro supplied couture houses including Armani & Lacroix before
expanding into ready-to-wear in the 1990s.
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| The Etro Family |
Today Etro remains a family run business
upholding its well-earned reputation for
rich colorful fabrics, wild prints & signature bohemian style.
Love it or hate it. Where do you stand?
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| Printed Stretch Silk Dress at Net-a-Porter |
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| Silk Patterned Dress at My Theresa |
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| Sleeveless Panelled Dress at FarFetch |
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| Silk Dress with Ruching at MyTheresa |
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| Floral Print Stretch Twill Coat at Net-a-Porter |
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| Ethnic Pattern Shift Dress at MyTheresa |
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| Paisley Print Long Dress at FarFetch |
____________________________ Why not look your best every day?
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Fairytales for Fashionistas & Vintage Vixens
This post began as a book review but evolved into something else once the research began. If interested in vintage fashion history or design education, this post is a must-read. About a month ago I stumbled upon a gorgeous not-for-profit used bookstore. Inside sitting on as shelf as if it knew I was coming, was this book, Dreaming of Chanel. How I didn't know about author Charlotte Smith, her two books or the fascinating story surrounding The Darnell Collection, is a mystery. But now that I know, I must share!
BookVu: Dreaming of Chanel
Author Charlotte Smith
Illustrator Grant Cowan
Publisher HarperCollins, 292 pages
This gorgeous little book reminds me of a Hemingway novel with its breezy, vintage
feel and dreamy stories about international diplomats,
designers & socialites—and their clothes.
feel and dreamy stories about international diplomats,
designers & socialites—and their clothes.
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| Photo: HarperCollins |
To give this book perspective requires a bit of background.
Author Charlotte Smith inherited a vast collection of
more than 5000 vintage pieces from her godmother Doris Darnell.
The Darnell Collection as it’s known includes Dior, Chanel, Givenchy and
countless other originals dating from 1790-1995.
The Collection toured for many years with its original owner as a live “fashion talk.”
The video below tells the story, but ends abruptly.
Author Charlotte Smith inherited a vast collection of
more than 5000 vintage pieces from her godmother Doris Darnell.
The Darnell Collection as it’s known includes Dior, Chanel, Givenchy and
countless other originals dating from 1790-1995.
The Collection toured for many years with its original owner as a live “fashion talk.”
The video below tells the story, but ends abruptly.
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| Author Charlotte Smith |
Her second book, Dreaming of Chanel, is a follow-up that reveals additional snapshots of fashion stories that read like fairytales for fashionistas.
Each page is a complete story, in 200 words or fewer, based on a person or an event with the clothing taking center stage.
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| Grant Cowan Illustration from Dreaming of Dior |
The illustrations by Grant Cowan are undeniably amazing, and contribute greatly to this being not only a book on fashion, design and history, but also an art book.
If you are left like myself wanting to see actual photos of the collection though, pay a visit to the Darnell Collection blog for a peek. It would take years of work, but I would love to see the entire collection photographed with as much detail and information given as is available regarding designers, materials, value—online like a living gallery and design resource. So the world can see and appreciate it.
I firmly believe a book should stand on its own and this one left me a bit confused at first, but always entertained. It was only after some research that I realized the gem I'd discovered in that little bookstore.
This would be a lovely book club selection—seeing who selected which story as their favourite?! I can also see exquisitely fun dinner party based on its theme!
This is an absolutely enjoyable and delightful read with fascinating historical fashion value. Have a look at the blogs and video above and see if you agree.
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| Photo: The Darnell Collection |
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| Photo: The Darnell Collection |
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| 1960's Pucci Shift Dress. Photo: Bertie Smith, The Darnell Collection |
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| Vintage Chanel Suit. Photo: The Darnell Collection |
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| Sleeve embellishment of a 1930's dress. Photo: Bertie Smith |
_______________________________ Why not look your best every day?
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