



August 4, 1938. Washington, D.C. “Miss Dorothy Parker has been selected as Miss Washington and will compete for the title of Miss America at the Atlantic City beauty pageant to be held during Labor Day week. 18 Years old, she weighs 112 pounds and is 5 feet, 4 inches in height. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Albert Parker of Washington.” Harris & Ewing glass negative. View full size.

Inspired by Dick Tracy era, Beckham illustrated that the new silhouette was still as much about structure as ever–but featured a slightly looser silhouette and drape. The contrast of light and dark and feminine and masculine were underlying motifs as she softened the shoulders while, for evening, went more daring with raw edges and asymmetric collars.

Rich neutrals set the groundwork for the lineup, peppered with such current colors as sanguine, emerald, graphite and antique gold. “Nerdy chic,” she explained of a series of draped crepe dresses. “That’s where my personal style is at.” Clever details peppered throughout included a classic grosgrain belt partially hidden as a corset to keep the waist solid or cut outs placed delicately under the arms just so.
A Forties-inspired rib jersey/wool twill drape skirt dress elegantly balanced the tension between top and bottom beautifully while a “little cloud dress” hand tacked and cut on a bias was a fine example of Beckham’s relentless pursuit of perfection.


Above: Carolina Herrera
Above: Marc Jacobs tweed trench coat with a fur collar and cuffs
Above: Victoria Beckham
Above: Ruffian
Above: Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B
And here’s an oldie, but a goodie. I just HAD to include it!
The 1940s were the inspiration behind the Carolina Herrera Fall 2008 collection, and no woman was fully dressed without a proper hat back then. The highly sculptural felt numbers were perfectly perched atop the models’ soft waves.
I’ll admit it. I love Tina Fey! She’s adorable. Just look at her in these cute little tap shorts and long gloves!!
View From the Top
The actress, who stars in next month’s Date Night, photographed in homage to Helmut Newton’s 1975 portrait of Elsa Peretti. Dolce & Gabbana black silk-jacquard bodysuit and black lace bloomers. LaCrasia gloves. Bulgari diamond necklace and bracelets. Ellen Christine Couture Millinery mouse-ears cocktail cap. Wolford tights. Shot on location at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.
Read about her here in the March Edition of Vogue.