Henry Rosenfeld Dress - 1955

Dress it up, dress it down, there's nothing like the versatility of a little black dress.  This one by Henry Rosenfeld is fashioned of a cotton knit.  Shown here belted and blousoned, you could also wear this as a straight column with completely different accessories. 

I know it is difficult to see, but the model is wearing a multi-strand pearl necklace that is tucked inside the square neckline.  I really like that idea.....a lot.  The dress sold for $17 in 1955, equivalent to about $148 in today's dollar.  I can assure you, this dress was far superior in fabric and construction that anything you can buy for the same amount today.  Choose vintage!

Photo by Irving Penn for Vogue

Striking Moment, 1971

It happens every once in awhile.  I'll be flipping through a vintage magazine and an image stops me cold.  That happened to me last night when I was looking through some 1971 issues doing research for a friend.  The model is Naomi Sims, often called the "First Black Supermodel."  The dress is by Hanae Mori (worn here sans slip.)  And the jewelry?  18k hammered gold necklace and cuff bracelet by Greek artist and jeweler Lisa Sotilis.  The three combined make for an incredibly striking photo taken by Irving Penn.  Do you agree?