In tribute to Alexander McQueen, I have been posting a retrospective of past collections, from a SwingFashionista perspective. The best of Alexander McQueen for retro-loving folk. May he rest in peace. In part 2, my top picks from the Fall 2002 ready-to-wear show. More to come…
In tribute to Alexander McQueen, I am going to post a retrospective of past collections, from a SwingFashionista perspective. The best of Alexander McQueen for retro-loving folk. May he rest in peace. To start, my top picks from the Fall 2001 ready-to-wear show. More to come…
I’m in Belgium right now, relaxing a little after Swingin’ in the Rain, and tomorrow I fly to Ye Old London Towne for three whole weeks! Those familiar with my travel schedule will know that this is an astonishingly long time for me to be in one city. Hoorah! My to-do list involves things like going swing dancing, seeing burlesque shows, eating Indian food, maybe see a show on the West End, visit V&A, and of course, SHOPPING! Friends have been sending suggestions (if you have any more, please post a comment!) and here are four reasons why I’m excited about London:
This is a monthly event, and there is indeed one on while I’m in London, but sadly it’s all sold out. Oh well maybe next time - unless anyone knows how to weedle me a ticket? *wink wink nudge nudge*
With the Wam Bam Belles! The lady in blue in the first photo is my drop-dead gorgeous friend Hayley, can’t wait to see her!
These two ladies have been giving 1920s Charleston a good name around London for years now, and I’ve been admiring their costumes from afar. Maybe I’ll get a chance to meet them or see them perform.
Really, need I say more?
As usual, fun and funky from Betsey Johnson. The Spring 2010 ready-to-wear collection has a 1950s twist, with above-the-knee poodle skirts and plenty of crinolines in girly colors… I can see Jo (card-carrying Betsey Johnson fan) rocking all these numbers:
What a great looking show! The fabrics are gorgeous and I adore the backdrop! Not too sure about the enormous hair, but it certainly frames the clothing.
I want that sweater!
Perhaps not so overtly retro as the last collection I posted up here, but nonetheless, a lot of feminine, vintage touches in a palette of creams, violets and dusky fall colors.
Click here to see my picks from the Spring/Summer 2009 collection, which had more of a 1920s feel…
Categories: On CatwalksI wasted a whole lot of time on this doll blog, so that you don’t have to! Check out these retro doll fashions, can you believe it? The downside is, you can’t buy any of these outfits… you know, unless you’re 6″ tall. I’d wear all of these outfits! If anyone out there is a wizz with a sewing machine and wants to recreate one of these for me, just let me know!!
From the Square America Snapshot Archive…
Fashion illustrations, mostly from Simplicity and Butterick dressmaking patterns, from the 1930s….
From Moschino’s Cheap & Chic line, ready-to-wear collection for Spring 2010. Cute little jumpers and playsuits, ruffles and polka dots, bows and belted waists, high-waisted bikinis, gingham and plenty of striking black & white.
Another great reason to live in Seattle! Costume shop Vintage Costumers specialising in authentic vintage styles to hire. Here’s a sampler, I think I’ll post some more later, there’s so many great things to hire!
7011 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
Monday to Friday 11am - 7pm
Saturdays & Sundays 11am - 6pm
This looks like a fantastic book! Do any of you own this book? Have you flipped through it? What is your personal review?
Here is a great review from Super Kawaii Mama!
Information provided by seller:
Love Vintage takes the reader on a charming visual and literary journey through the annals of 20th-century fashion design.
With beautiful photography and an elegant text, It effortlessly reveals both the recurring themes of fashion whilst also identifying the distinct features and innovations of each era.
Vintage clothing is much valued, not least because if its graceful and fluid appearance, but also on account of the wearability and durability of the garments. Unlike the mass-manufactured clothing of today, where garments are more-often-than-not two-sided grabs of fabric hastily stitched together, much of the clothing of the past was designed to be refashioned and reworn as time went by. They were shaped garments, structured in three dimensions, and designed to impose form upon the wearer.
Love Vintage covers both the glamorous and everyday garments of the past and, despite the apparent complexity of some, shows how each was perfectly designed to suit the occasion for which it was worn. They were ultimately so much more functional, wearable and sustainable than the clothing of today.
The book also contains a wealth of information about fashion design, of high value to both the experienced and novice collector, together with an inspirational collection of photography that helps describe each piece to its full. Also included are valuable notes on dress construction, vintage designers, and fabrics.
This book is the culmination of almost 30 years of studying, collecting and repairing vintage clothes, fuelled by a passion for the art of design and a humble respect for the dressmaking skills of a bygone era that brought such creative visions into reality.
Nicole Jenkins is a costume designer, vintage clothing afficionado, and owner of the highly respected vintage clothing store, CIRCA, in the heart of Melbourne’s vintage district in Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.
Categories: Books, Vintage PhotosSome pics of the über cool LA swing crew, which I Facebook-swiped from Chandrae Roettig. I spy some buddies of ours, like Minn Vo, Nick Williams and Katie Anderson. Looking awesome, you guys!
This is unbelievably cool. De L’Officiel magazine (think French fashion mag) has recently published their archives and now you (yes, you!) can read through the past editions starting from 1920!!! If you read French this should be even more amazing, but even if you don’t, this is still wonderful. Here is a screen shot of the archives:
Click here to go to the gallery!
Here is a quick preview of what you can see if you head on over to the archives. This is from 1927, #66:
Go, go now! Click on the link above and peruse through the archives of L’Officiel de la Mode! What cover do you like best? What era do you most enjoy? Let us know!!!
Categories: In Magazines, Vintage PhotosWell, the 2nd Annual Seattle Vintage Fashion Runway Show and Lecture just happened on December 4th as part of the Killer Diller Weekend, and here are some snaps of the gorgeous vintage clothes, circa 1920-1950, that were on display. If you’re a swing dancer, you’ll recognize some familiar faces strutting their stuff on the runway, and some of you may also know the mastermind behind the event, Lorraine O’Neal. Photos are by Jared Luxenberg. Click on the photo to see it larger. Enjoy!
Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2010 collection, shown at Milan Fashion Week. A lot in the parade didn’t interest me, but here are a few picks with retro details that I like. Plenty of vintage lingerie as outerwear, like so many of the shows that season.
Photography and styling Julia Galdo.
Source: Nadinoo Blog
Categories: In Magazines
Red lipstick, side-split hair falling in long shiny waves (oh so Lauren Bacall), trench coats, platform heels, ruffled skirts, cinched waists, lacy lingerie details and flimsy feminine fabrics… love it! God bless John Galliano…
