Brocade and Crystal - 1958

Yesterday, I showed you a beautiful image taken by Gleb Derujinsky in 1958.  Here is another in the same series.  I'd really love to see behind the scenes shots of Derujinsky setting up the lighting and the placement of the models for these photos.  As you'll see, each is very different.  More tomorrow!

The white silk brocade dress is by Mollie Parnis.  Interesting shape to that armhole.  Dress sold for $145 in 1958 (about $1,169 in today's dollar.)  Hat by Irene of New York.

Photo by Gleb Derujinsky for Harper's Bazaar, 1958.
Fashion editor, Diana Vreeland.

Mollie Parnis Dress - 1956

"My dear, you're the most exciting woman in this room...in a Mollie Parnis dress of William Rose black taffeta. 125.00"

This dress had every opportunity of being austere with its long sleeves and solid black color.  But note how Parnis offsets that by making the neckline as wide as it can be with the sleeves sitting just at the very edge of the shoulders.  Those shoulders become the center of attention, don't they?

Dress by Mollie Parnis shown in a full page ad for Harper's Bazaar, December 1956.

Mollie Parnis Dress - 1949

Designer Mollie Parnis takes a simple shirtwaist style and makes it more formal by using silk twill in navy with red polka dots.  Love that graceful rounded collar.  Sold for $70 in 1949 (about $665 in today's dollar.)

The Look for Parties - 1965

What's the news in party looks for 1965? Beads, beads, and more beads. Metallics and pink. Big, big hair. Heavy eye make-up and pale lips. Bold jewelry.

Sophie of Saks white lace cocktail dress with beaded lace jacket. Necklaces by Star of Siam.

Mollie Parnis cocktail dress in beaded net that floats over a nude crepe lining. Huge pearl ring by Schreiner.

Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner pink mohair suit completely covered in pink sequins. Suit came with the pink silk blouse. Necklace by K.J.L.

At left: Sarmi red silk satin gown with a bow on one shoulder. Earrings by Mimi di N, rings by Schreiner.
At right: Sarmi golden jacquard silk one shoulder dress. Bracelet by Hattie Carnegie, earrings by Apex Art.

Larry Aldrich red and gold brocade cocktail dress edged in beaded embroidery. Sold for $225 in 1965 (about $1560 in today's dollar.) White mink bubble hat by Halston.