Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Weekend Eye Candy - Greta Garbo 1929
Greta Garbo in her 11th film, "Wild Orchids", from 1929. Here she wears a coat trimmed in lush racoon fur and a cloche hat. Adrian is listed as the costume designer for the film. The film is not available on Netflix, so I'm going to have to find another way to see it!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Couture Allure Giveaway #6
Today's giveaway is for 4 books from Dover Publications with clothing from the 1800s - 1890s. These books are great to have for helping to identify and date antique garments. And they're lots of fun if you just want to look at the fashions of the time!
"Antique Fashion Paper Dolls of the 1890s"
A page from the book above.
"French Fashion Plates of the Romantic Era"
A page from the book above.
"Thomas Jefferson and his Family Paper Dolls"
A page from the book above.
"Fashion Paper Dolls from Godey's Lady's Book, 1840-1854"
A page from the book above.
How do you enter to win? Simple! Visit my website, www.coutureallure.com and pick your favorite item for sale. Leave a comment here with a link to that item and you're entered! OR become a new fan of Couture Allure on Facebook, come back here and leave a comment that you've done so. Do both, and you're entered twice! The winner will be drawn on Friday, February 5th. Please note: If your Blogger profile does not include your email address, please leave it in your comment so I have a way to contact you. The magazines will be shipped via Media Mail in the U.S. and First Class International Mail outside the U.S. It is important to note - if you live outside the U.S. or Canada, I will need to ask you to pay the postage costs, which could be as much as $25.00 depending upon where in the world you live.
"Antique Fashion Paper Dolls of the 1890s"
A page from the book above.
"French Fashion Plates of the Romantic Era"
A page from the book above.
"Thomas Jefferson and his Family Paper Dolls"
A page from the book above.
"Fashion Paper Dolls from Godey's Lady's Book, 1840-1854"
A page from the book above.How do you enter to win? Simple! Visit my website, www.coutureallure.com and pick your favorite item for sale. Leave a comment here with a link to that item and you're entered! OR become a new fan of Couture Allure on Facebook, come back here and leave a comment that you've done so. Do both, and you're entered twice! The winner will be drawn on Friday, February 5th. Please note: If your Blogger profile does not include your email address, please leave it in your comment so I have a way to contact you. The magazines will be shipped via Media Mail in the U.S. and First Class International Mail outside the U.S. It is important to note - if you live outside the U.S. or Canada, I will need to ask you to pay the postage costs, which could be as much as $25.00 depending upon where in the world you live.
Giveaway #5 Winner!
The winner of the "Vintage Fashions" magazines is FairyFiligree! Congratulations! I'll be in touch to arrange shipment of your magazines.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Fashions of Fortuny
Mariano Fortuny was born in 1871 in Grenada, Spain. His father died when he was three, and the family then moved to Paris, where Fortuny studied painting with his uncle. In 1889, the family moved to a palazzo on the Grand Canal in Venice. Fortuny was enchanted with the exotic city, and immersed himself in Medieval, Renaissance and Eastern influences, as well as the Arts and Crafts Movement.
In 1899, Fortuny established his own studio in the 13th century Palazzo Orfei. He became well known for his textile designs and in 1906 was hired to design a stage curtain and ballet costumes for a production in Paris. He printed large silk veils with stencils inspired by ancient Cycladic art and draped these around each dancer. The stenciled patterns were built in layers, often shimmering with silver and gold.
Fortuny named the garment the Knossos veil, and it remains one of his best known works and continued to sell well into the 1930s to women all over the world.
Fortuny designed the Delphos dress in 1907 to wear with the Knossos veil. Each Delphos dress was constructed of 4 or 5 widths of pleated silk and finished with cords that laced at the neck and shoulders so the wearer could adjust the dress as she saw fit. The dress came with a narrow stenciled belt or braided silk cord. Fortuny ordered Murano glass beads, which were sewn along the sides and around the hem of the dresses to add weight so the dresses would cling to the body.
Each Delphos dress was twisted and coiled, then stored in a round white box tied with black ribbon. Fortuny made subtle variations of the Delphos gowns for more than 30 years. Each dress was completely made by hand and each was unique.
Fortuny also designed coats and wraps adapted from traditional kimonos, saris, and other ethnic clothing. Each article of clothing was made from Fortuny's custom made fabrics, which he printed and stenciled in his studio. And each garment was unique and one-of-a-kind.
Please note: Biographical information about Fortuny is copyright of Couture Allure and may not be copied without permission.
Images courtesy of Houston Museum of Fine Arts, New York Metropolitan Museum, and the Phoenix Art Museum.
In 1899, Fortuny established his own studio in the 13th century Palazzo Orfei. He became well known for his textile designs and in 1906 was hired to design a stage curtain and ballet costumes for a production in Paris. He printed large silk veils with stencils inspired by ancient Cycladic art and draped these around each dancer. The stenciled patterns were built in layers, often shimmering with silver and gold.
Fortuny named the garment the Knossos veil, and it remains one of his best known works and continued to sell well into the 1930s to women all over the world.
Fortuny designed the Delphos dress in 1907 to wear with the Knossos veil. Each Delphos dress was constructed of 4 or 5 widths of pleated silk and finished with cords that laced at the neck and shoulders so the wearer could adjust the dress as she saw fit. The dress came with a narrow stenciled belt or braided silk cord. Fortuny ordered Murano glass beads, which were sewn along the sides and around the hem of the dresses to add weight so the dresses would cling to the body.
Each Delphos dress was twisted and coiled, then stored in a round white box tied with black ribbon. Fortuny made subtle variations of the Delphos gowns for more than 30 years. Each dress was completely made by hand and each was unique.
Fortuny also designed coats and wraps adapted from traditional kimonos, saris, and other ethnic clothing. Each article of clothing was made from Fortuny's custom made fabrics, which he printed and stenciled in his studio. And each garment was unique and one-of-a-kind.
Please note: Biographical information about Fortuny is copyright of Couture Allure and may not be copied without permission.Images courtesy of Houston Museum of Fine Arts, New York Metropolitan Museum, and the Phoenix Art Museum.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sweet Summer Dresses - 1961
It's the end of January. About this time every year, I start to get tired of cold weather and wish for tropical breezes through open windows. You know, the type of weather that allows you to wear sweet little summer dresses like these from 1961. Take note of the adorable headbands accented with flowers and brooches and the wonderful bouffant hairdos.
I should mention here that the dollar values given are not what the dresses should sell for today on the vintage market. I am strictly comparing what each particular dress cost in 1961 to the amount that cost would equal today using an inflation calculator. In doing so, I am not assigning a value to a vintage dress you may have in your closet. There seems to have been some confusion about that. OK, disclaimer over!
Left: Orange and white gingham check edged in white braid by McArthur. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).
Right: Black polka dots on white with black velvet ribbon trim by R&K Originals. Sold in 1961 for $22.95 (about $165 in today's dollar).
Country Set separates feature embroidered Maypole dancers on yellow and white striped cotton chambray. Left: Skirt with attached petticoat worn with sleeveless blouse. Sold in 1961 for $20.00 (about $144 in today's dollar).
Right: Embroidered popover top with button back worn over fully lined "deck pants". Sold in 1961 for $15.00 (about $108 in today's dollar).
Sue Brett black and white plaid voile shirtwaist. Sold in 1961 for $17.98 (about $129 in today's dollar).
Juniorite orange broadcloth appliqued with oversize flowers. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).
Left: Pale blue voile decorated with white lace medallions by Betty Barclay. Sold in 1961 for $14.98 (about $107 in today's dollar).
Right: Orange and red diagonal stripes by Jeanne D'Arc. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).
I should mention here that the dollar values given are not what the dresses should sell for today on the vintage market. I am strictly comparing what each particular dress cost in 1961 to the amount that cost would equal today using an inflation calculator. In doing so, I am not assigning a value to a vintage dress you may have in your closet. There seems to have been some confusion about that. OK, disclaimer over!
Left: Orange and white gingham check edged in white braid by McArthur. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).Right: Black polka dots on white with black velvet ribbon trim by R&K Originals. Sold in 1961 for $22.95 (about $165 in today's dollar).
Country Set separates feature embroidered Maypole dancers on yellow and white striped cotton chambray. Left: Skirt with attached petticoat worn with sleeveless blouse. Sold in 1961 for $20.00 (about $144 in today's dollar).Right: Embroidered popover top with button back worn over fully lined "deck pants". Sold in 1961 for $15.00 (about $108 in today's dollar).
Sue Brett black and white plaid voile shirtwaist. Sold in 1961 for $17.98 (about $129 in today's dollar).
Juniorite orange broadcloth appliqued with oversize flowers. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).
Left: Pale blue voile decorated with white lace medallions by Betty Barclay. Sold in 1961 for $14.98 (about $107 in today's dollar).Right: Orange and red diagonal stripes by Jeanne D'Arc. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Awful 80s Fashion #2
Awhile back, I promised you an ongoing series of fashion faux-pas from the 80s. But first, don't forget to sign up for our latest giveaway - 4 issues of "Vintage Fashions" magazine!
And now, for your Monday morning wake up call. Don't ever dress like this again, OK?
Honey, I lost my underarms!
A shaggy jacket made from acrylic string. I kid you not.
A lovely zip-up cardigan in acrylic popcorn crochet. Again, I kid you not.
And since you can't have a post about bad 80s fashion without some big-ass plaid....
You can't get much worse than a cotton terrycloth jumpsuit.
Or maybe you can, if it's a cotton velour tracksuit.
Plaid for men. Help meeeeeeeeeeeee......
And now, for your Monday morning wake up call. Don't ever dress like this again, OK?
Honey, I lost my underarms!
A shaggy jacket made from acrylic string. I kid you not.
A lovely zip-up cardigan in acrylic popcorn crochet. Again, I kid you not.
And since you can't have a post about bad 80s fashion without some big-ass plaid....Lest you think awful 80s fashion was the exclusive domain of women, here are the guys.
You can't get much worse than a cotton terrycloth jumpsuit.
Or maybe you can, if it's a cotton velour tracksuit.
Plaid for men. Help meeeeeeeeeeeee......
Sunday, January 24, 2010
New at Couture Allure - Vintage Dresses, Scarves, and a Chanel Suit
New this week at Couture Allure are several vintage dresses and designer scarves, as well as this fabulous 1997 Chanel suit! We've also marked down lots of items in our Sale Room, with remaining winter coats priced to move, as we need the space for new Spring items.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Weekend Eye Candy - Nina Ricci 1967
Exquisite tailoring. That's what you want in a suit. This one by Paris couturier Nina Ricci is from 1967.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Couture Allure Giveaway #5
Today's giveaway is for 4 issues of out-of-print magazine "Vintage Fashions". There's lots of great articles and photographs in these magazines for all you vintage clothing lovers. You can see the highlights of each issue on the covers. That second one? In depth article about Fortuny with photos of several of his garments including Delphos gowns.
How do you enter to win? Simple! Visit my website, www.coutureallure.com and pick your favorite item for sale. Leave a comment here with a link to that item and you're entered! OR become a new fan of Couture Allure on Facebook, come back here and leave a comment that you've done so. Do both, and you're entered twice! The winner will be drawn on Friday, January 22nd. Please note: If your Blogger profile does not include your email address, please leave it in your comment so I have a way to contact you. The magazines will be shipped via Media Mail in the U.S. and First Class International Mail outside the U.S. It is important to note - if you live outside the U.S. or Canada, I will need to ask you to pay the postage costs, which could be as much as $25.00 depending upon where in the world you live.
How do you enter to win? Simple! Visit my website, www.coutureallure.com and pick your favorite item for sale. Leave a comment here with a link to that item and you're entered! OR become a new fan of Couture Allure on Facebook, come back here and leave a comment that you've done so. Do both, and you're entered twice! The winner will be drawn on Friday, January 22nd. Please note: If your Blogger profile does not include your email address, please leave it in your comment so I have a way to contact you. The magazines will be shipped via Media Mail in the U.S. and First Class International Mail outside the U.S. It is important to note - if you live outside the U.S. or Canada, I will need to ask you to pay the postage costs, which could be as much as $25.00 depending upon where in the world you live.
Giveaway #4 Winner!
The winner of the vintage McCall's magazines is The Cupcake Goddess! Congratulations, Cupcake! You didn't leave your email address, so please get in touch with me through my website so I can arrange shipment of your magazines.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
My Customers are Beautiful
I have the most beautiful customers in the world. Need proof?
Meet Deb from Reno. Deb has a closet filled with the most stunning vintage wardrobe and she looks incredible in everything she wears. Here she is wearing a 1950s dress by Marusia that she purchased from Couture Allure. Deb says, "I LOVE these tea length dresses with gloriously full skirts....and the details on this dress are so gorgeous."
Meet Carmen from Dallas. Carmen wore this early 1960s red chiffon dress to three different Christmas parties and was overwhelmed with compliments. She says, "It was truly magical wearing that dress and feeling over the top glamorous. Vintage is more fun than I ever dreamed and how I wish I had discovered it sooner."
Meet Tilda from Louisville. Tilda is blessed with the ability to look at a garment online and see the possibilities. She purchased this vintage 3 piece cashmere suit by Italian couturier Balestra from Couture Allure. She then took the suit to her tailor, who shortened the full length skirt and tailored the coat to fit her. The fox fur drape is a separate piece. She wore it with a matching coral silk sweater that she had edged with a coral silk ruffle around the V neckline. Tilda says, "I wore this to dinner and the Nutcracker Ballet. Everyone LOVED this outfit. When I took off the coat, I draped the cape around the sweater, but at an angle...with long side over one arm, the short side on the other shoulder...So many fun ways to wear this."
Meet Yvonne's daughter who wore this 1950s Anne Fogarty dress she purchased from Couture Allure to her Winter Ball. Yvonne says, "What a magnificent dress! She wore it with a large black crinoline we ordered online, and with a "capelet" that has sweater sleeves from Anthropologie. The hair comb is Anthropologie, too." I'm sure she was the Belle of the Ball in a dress that stood out from the crowd.
In other news, today is the last day to sign up for our latest giveaway of 3 vintage McCall's magazines. What are you waiting for?
And finally, thank you to Coskun Hürsel, who did a lovely post about Couture Allure on his blog Fur and Fashion.
Meet Deb from Reno. Deb has a closet filled with the most stunning vintage wardrobe and she looks incredible in everything she wears. Here she is wearing a 1950s dress by Marusia that she purchased from Couture Allure. Deb says, "I LOVE these tea length dresses with gloriously full skirts....and the details on this dress are so gorgeous."
Meet Carmen from Dallas. Carmen wore this early 1960s red chiffon dress to three different Christmas parties and was overwhelmed with compliments. She says, "It was truly magical wearing that dress and feeling over the top glamorous. Vintage is more fun than I ever dreamed and how I wish I had discovered it sooner."
Meet Tilda from Louisville. Tilda is blessed with the ability to look at a garment online and see the possibilities. She purchased this vintage 3 piece cashmere suit by Italian couturier Balestra from Couture Allure. She then took the suit to her tailor, who shortened the full length skirt and tailored the coat to fit her. The fox fur drape is a separate piece. She wore it with a matching coral silk sweater that she had edged with a coral silk ruffle around the V neckline. Tilda says, "I wore this to dinner and the Nutcracker Ballet. Everyone LOVED this outfit. When I took off the coat, I draped the cape around the sweater, but at an angle...with long side over one arm, the short side on the other shoulder...So many fun ways to wear this."
Meet Yvonne's daughter who wore this 1950s Anne Fogarty dress she purchased from Couture Allure to her Winter Ball. Yvonne says, "What a magnificent dress! She wore it with a large black crinoline we ordered online, and with a "capelet" that has sweater sleeves from Anthropologie. The hair comb is Anthropologie, too." I'm sure she was the Belle of the Ball in a dress that stood out from the crowd.
In other news, today is the last day to sign up for our latest giveaway of 3 vintage McCall's magazines. What are you waiting for?And finally, thank you to Coskun Hürsel, who did a lovely post about Couture Allure on his blog Fur and Fashion.
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