RECREATING DIOR

CREDITS

Photography . . . . . Bryan John Hendon

Vintage Gowns . . . .Divine Elegance

Model . . . .Loren Juliet Paige

Make up and Hair . . . . Christal Saville

Jewelry . . . . Loren's jewel box

Location . . . .Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael

When I first laid eyes on these stunning images I followed the links leading me to the work of photographer Bryan John Hendon. A master of composition, his specialty is his incredible use of both artificial and natural light. Here with his favorite muse and model, Loren Juliet Paige, they have created real fashion poetry showcasing these gorgeous vintage gowns from Divine Elegance .  When I ran this post last year under the title, Legacies in Tulle it got off-the-charts reactions.  Now, with a few more images added to the series, and gala season a few weeks off, I'm reminding everyone this is what recreating Dior's 'New Look' is all about: Elegance at its finest . . .What's your interpretation of Dior's legacy for the 21st Century?

REMEMBERING THE GREAT PRAIRIE REVIVAL OF THE 1980S

Laura Ashley 1983

source

Lately I've been thinking a lot about cottons and how hard it is to find quality stuff.  So you'll find me traipsing down memory lane here.  While Jessica McClintock revived the Prairie Gown with her Gunne Sax line in the seventies, the more haute couture versions of Prairie came to us through the stunning creations of  British designer, Laura Ashley.  She used finer imported cottons and voiles and in the images above and below we can see perfect examples of this look at it's best.  Vintage elements were really brought out in the accessories like the straw hat and crochet gloves below. 

Laura Ashley 1986

Source

Today there is very little in the Prairie look that has survived except for the fact the dresses remain to-the-floor and in cotton.  Contemporary brides find the high collars restricting and with all the added ruffles and laces, the overall look rather babyish.  In the photos above and below, certain elements of Prairie Revival are updated for today's bride who has embraced it as a vintage look . . .I for one love the intricate strips of lace running vertically and horizontally all over the blouse and skirts.  Dresses like these are the perfect opportunity to wear the best imported cottons you can find.

The Prairie look updated circa 2010

Photos by Berit New York

SeaJae - Cirque Studios

PLUMED

This exquisite feathered bridal hat was fashioned by Powder Blue Bijoux out of Vancover BC where you will find just about everything you need on your bridal accessory want list.  I'm pretty much smitten with everything in the shop which includes some pretty fab jewelry of the finest quality . . .

UP AND COMING: OPENING NIGHTS

Afsaneh Akhtari wears a Christian Siriano

Oh what a parade of chic!  Last night was the opening of the San Francisco Opera's 2011-12 season.  Not only is the SF opening a major social event, it's a serious fashion happening world-wide and has been for as long as I can remember.   I'm posting more about it this coming week because we're still sorting through such an array of extraordinary gowns, I can't believe my eyes.  This is just my way of saying hold tight and stay tuned. Till then, enjoy this mini-preview and be prepared for a few surprises in the eye candy department . .

RAPSODIES IN BLUE

 Usually I'm either 1 to 2 weeks ahead of the game bloggingwise but this year I have some serious wedding deadlines. Add the kick off of gala season here in San Francisco and I'm pretty swamped.  So today I'm very behind getting you a little inspiration here and I apologize  All this wonderful blue caught my eye  via Pinterest.  These shades are so lovely and there's something soothing about blue that seems to put one in a mood of total tranquility. 

 

 Top photo: pastel blue gown by Karen Caldwell Design. Second Photo credits.  Third photo credits Fourth photo credits

THE PICTURE HAT

Ron Greystar Photography

I saw a great old flick recently, It Happened One Night, with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert.  The end scenes culminate with a wedding where all the bridesmaids wore picture hats.  The bride can wear a hat too and these are such gems just perfect for the end of summer.

Stephanie Williams

Hats by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

TUESDAY INSPIRATION

I found this a couple days back on Pinterest.  Originally it was on Wedding Inspirasi with a spread of absolutely, magnificently gorgeous vintage-style gowns by Spanish Designer, Yolan Chris.  This is, out of all of his 2011 creations, my fave . . .