Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Une Toque

A toque is a round brimless hat made of fabric, folded or twisted over a frame.  A style with decidedly fashion possibilities and perfectly suited for daywear as well as an informal evening on the town.

A taupe and navy knit toque accented with a navy satin ribbon nestled in marabou tops Jazz great Violet Waters' chic suit ensemble.  Hat, gloves, scarf, and jewels are from The Couture Touch.  Suit from Integrity.  Handbag is from Ashton Drake.


From sublime to simply divine....


Spring blossoms juxtaposed against a backdrop of black along with a side drape add a touch of drama to Director Ivy Jordan's fanciful toque.  Dress is from Ashton Drake.  The luxurious fur cape is from Dimitha.  Gloves are from Integrity, necklace from StrayCat, and purse from PD Root.  Hat, belt, and earrings are from The Couture Touch.

Sunset Serenade Violet Waters and V for Tea Ivy Jordan are from Integrity.

Source:
Color and Design in Apparel by Bernice G. Chambers, M.A.  Published 1945.



Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Head First for a Stylish Wardrobe

A wardrobe rejuvenation is often most impactful when you start at the top. A new hat can breathe new life to a weary outfit. Whether for a film role or a star's personal wardrobe, the costume designers at Monolithic Studios frequently remodel hats from their massive collection.

For Monolithic Studios' 1930's film Riviera Romp, star Madra Lord wears her own "Golden Riviera" dress and shoes with the sequin jacket borrowed from Zita Charles' "Wrap Party" costume, all Integrity. Handbag and gloves are from Ashton Drake. Jewelry from StrayCat.

Cruella De Vil's hat from the Disney film 101 Dalmations provides the drama achieved by simply re-shaping the brim and applying new trim. A coverlet of black straw hides the original glitter crown.

Cruella De Vil from Mattel's Great Villians Collection.


Madra Lord wears a smart suit ensemble for a 1940's publicity tour. The restyled jacket borrowed from J'Adore Gene Marshall is paired with a black and white pinstriped skirt from The Couture Touch. Fur is from miniature furrier to the stars PD Root. Gloves, handbag, and jewels are from Ashton Drake. The hat from Barbie's "Sunday Best" is transformed into a black and white charmer. The original lilac trim was removed to reveal a classic cartwheel buckram style. The brim was re-shaped and trimmed with black fold-over bias tape accented with buttons and bows for a distinctive look.

Grace Kelly wearing Mattel's "Sunday Best" fashion.
Photo by Jurrie de Vries.

Additional Credits:

Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord and J'Adore Gene Marshall are from JamieShow.