Military chic a-plenty. Oh for one of these coats…
Military chic with a pinup edge for this jewellery editorial with model Marcelina Sowa…
Well, The King’s Speech is the Golden Globe favourite (which makes it an Academy Award favourite too, of course), with seven nominations. I can’t wait to see it – I adore Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush, how could it not be wonderful? And the story! All us Swing Fashionistas know about Edward VIII, who abdicated to marry the American divorce, Wallis Simpson (since he was such a style icon for the 1920s and 30s, and besides, oh what a love tale!). But I certainly never knew this side of George VI and the Queen Mother’s story. When my mum explained it to me the other day I was very touched. This should be wonderful!
Anyway, plenty of fashion to admire. I’ll post some images of the real King and Queen, who Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter are depicting, since I can see the film is aiming to be historically accurate.
The Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2010 collection was all WWII French Resistance and 1930s bias cut gowns straight off the silver screen. Check out the pincurls on the model too! Can you believe that silver lamé number? If I could wear that onstage, I swear I’d learn to sing better! I like the model too, Heloise Guerin. Ahh, Galliano, how do I love thee…
In tribute to Lee 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…
From the Square America Snapshot Archive…
Harworth 1940s Weekend is an annual event in Haworth, West Yorkshire in England (that’s Bronte country). It’s held each year in springtime. Dates for the 2010 event have not been announced yet, but here are some photos from previous years, to show just how committed the town is to recreating the 1940s for this weekend. Visit to find out more.
Another great reason to live in Seattle! Costume shop 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
Another 1940s-esque Vogue editorial styled by Grace Coddington, that I love. Photographer Arthur Elgort for Vogue US October 2008 issue. The model is Isabeli Fontana, and the little boy is in fact her son.
More about the film
Categories: On Film
A very sexy re-imagining of WWII military. Not sure of the model’s name or where this was featured, drop me a line if you recognize it.
UPDATE 13/12/09: Just stumbled across these shots again on the photographer’s website. They are by UK photographer Steven Kearney, and you can check out his portfolio here:
Categories: In Magazines
More about the film
Categories: On FilmOften seen on the red carpet sporting vintage styles, finally we have Diane Kruger in full-out retro glamor, playing a German actress and spy, in Tarantino’s remake of Inglorious Basterds.
She looked a treat at the premiere too:
Exaggerated 1940s shapes, in luxe furs, feathers and satins. Elsa Schiaparelli meets Bladerunner.
From : “Good taste and chic are needed in fashion,” said Aquilano. “On the runway, you sometimes have to exaggerate, but we also just want to make clothes women will want to wear. And not to keep changing every season for the sake of it. Continuity matters.”
Thanks to for these beautiful images of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) from WWII:
“Waves (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) added a real touch of glamour to the navy during the second world war with the help of Fashion label Mainbocher and the beautiful recruitment posters designed by illustrator John Falter and McClelland Barclay.
Throughout the nation, recruiting posters were placed in countless prominent public locations. One might see Falter’s and Barclay’s designs several times throughout the day during 1943. The Navy often reused the same designs for multiple formats with differing text. Posters hung in post offices, libraries, grocery and department stores, on billboards and even in public restrooms. Car cards, or smaller rectangular posters, were mounted in subway cars by transit authorities in major metropolitan areas. Window cards were displayed in the storefronts of businesses.”
Check out the .
