Faces of the Paris Couturiers, Part 1

You know their names, but what about their faces?  In day 1 of a 3 part series, here are the faces of the French Couture from 1950.

Christian Dior

Jacques Fath

Jean Desses

Pierre Balmain

Robert Piquet

Nina Ricci

Marie-Louise Carven

All photos by George Saad for L'art et la Mode

Weekend Eye Candy - Jacques Fath, 1954

Each year in June, I devote my Weekend Eye Candy posts to brides.  Today's wedding gown was designed by Jacques Fath in 1954.  Flat in the front and very full in the back, I really like the technique where the couturier has used a curving seam in the center of the skirt in back, where even more fullness is gathered into the train.

Weekend Eye Candy - Jacques Fath, 1950

Ball gown by Jacques Fath, Spring 1950.  Need I say anything more?

Weekend Eye Candy - Jacques Fath, 1951

Petals fall diagonally around the skirt in this summer afternoon dress by Jacques Fath from 1951.  The dress is made of silk organza in white with black polka dots.  When I dream of wearing a dress from the 50s, this is my vision.  It's simply perfect in every way.

Weekend Eye Candy - Jaques Fath, 1953

If you're wearing green today, it might as well be Jacques Fath from 1953, right?  Enjoy your St. Patrick's Day!

Paris Couture: Jacques Fath, 1950

Jacques Fath was considered one of the most important influences in post-war Parisian couture.  These suits and dresses are all from his line for Spring 1950.  Fath was a superb tailor and I covet one of his garments for my collection.  Which is your favorite?

Weekend Eye Candy - Jacques Fath, 1957

Jacques Fath weaves black silk ribbons into a tight fitting cap. The loops at the back resemble a fun coiffure. Notice too the mix of a double strand of pearls AND a brooch. Love!

Vacation Time!

Dear friends, I am headed off to the West Coast to visit family for a few days. The website will be closed, and there will be no shipping until October 12. But the blog will still be active, with fresh new posts every day while I am away.

While I have no desire to take 6 suitcases with me, I do wish I had this sweet little jacket from 1949. The original was designed by Jacques Fath and was copied in the US by Jaunty Junior in suede. Sold in 1949 for $55 (about $508 in today's dollar).

Weekend Eye Candy - Jacques Fath 1947

By 1947, Paris couture had bounced back from the war. Jacques Fath showed this suit in his Fall 1947 collection. Brown wool crepe tailors to perfection. The flared peplum is trimmed in mink fur.

Weekend Eye Candy - Jacques Fath 1949

Pink silk faille evening coat by Jacques Fath, 1949. Looks like there is something in the sleeve hem to help hold it out. I wonder how many yards of fabric it took to make this?

Jacques Fath Made in America - 1949

Parisian couturier Jacques Fath was known for his designs that glorified the female figure. In 1948, Fath signed an agreement with American manufacturer Joseph Halpert to produce a line of Made in America ready-to-wear clothing for women in the U.S. The line was carried in high end department stores like Lord & Taylor, Bonwit Teller, Julius Garfinkle, and Hudson's.

Here are 4 of the designs from the first collection produced for Spring of 1949.

This black Moygashel linen dress is accented with decorative black buttons at the shoulders and hips. Sold for $90 in 1949 (about $818 in today's dollar). Hat by John Frederics.

Left: A white pique ankle length dress is accented with pink satin shoulder straps and belt. Sold for $200 in 1949 (about $1818 in today's dollar).
Right: A stylized bow forms the collar of this white pique evening gown. Worn with a gold lizard belt and gold lizard gloves. Sold for $165 in 1949 (about $1500 in today's dollar). Jewels by David Webb.

Fath's love of asymmetry is used to great affect in this Moygashel linen dress. The skirt has a diagonal line of black buttons and bound buttonholes. The brown lining shows when the skirt panel is folded back. Hat by John Frederics.

Weekend Eye Candy - Jacques Fath Draped Dress

October 1946 - Jacques Fath couture draped crepe dress in two tones of grey. Yum.