Showing posts with label Balenciaga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Balenciaga. Show all posts

Monday, November 26, 2012

Matador Hats

The Spanish influence on fashion in the 1940's included whimsical matador-style hats to accessorize suits and dresses.


Miss Gene Marshall accessorizes her daytime ensemble with the hat from her matador costume she wore in the 1943 film Sea Spree for her flamenco dance number "Song of Spain".  OOAK silk dress and gloves are from PD Root.  Hat, fur, and purse are from Ashton Drake.  Gene is a restyled "Monaco" Gene Marshall from Ashton Drake.

Photo by Horst P. Horst
Two society ladies model matador hats, circa 1940.  Photo courtesy craigleaper.wordpress.com

Photo by Horst P. Horst
Another view of the same photo shoot.  Modelling these delightful matador hats are the future Mrs. William Paley (Babe) and the future Mrs. Ronald Tree.  Artwork by Goya.
Photo courtesy onlyoldphotography.tumbir.com



Two Balenciaga hats inspired by the costume of the matador.  Photos courtesy the-coveted.com

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Bandolier Morado

Bandolier Morado is a sumptuous silk, color-blocked cocktail suit created by Sandra Stillwell exclusively for her Golden Gate Glamour event that was held last year in San Francisco.  The event celebrated the iconic fashions of Balenciaga.  Although I wasn't able to attend, I was able to snag this stunning ensemble.  Here are two ways I styled the suit modeled by Integrity's Star Entrance Gene Marshall.

I created this look with a mixture of accessories original to the outfit and OOAK pieces.  The fabulous shoes, fur wrap, and gloves are original to Bandolier Morado.  The hat is from Bogue's Vogues, earrings and cigarette holder are from The Couture Touch, evening clutch from Dressmaker Details, and the "corsage" was made from the floral hat that was included with Ashton Drake's "Little Black Dress" costume.  Not shown from the original accessories are the floral scarf and pleated bandeau hat.

I added the little black bows to the front of the jacket with tiny silk pins.  These pre-made bows are readily available at fabric or craft stores and come in several colors. 

Gene becomes a woman of mystery with a simple change of accessories.  Hat with attached scarf and fur muff are from Ashton Drake's "Dark Desire" costume, suede gauntlet gloves from The Couture Touch, and the pin is from Integrity's "Suited with Fur" ensemble.  "Diamond" bracelet from Ashton Drake.

Don't be afraid to mix and match accessories and wardrobe pieces from different outfits.  The possibilities are endless!  And be sure to visit Sandra Stillwell Presents to view and purchase goodies still available from her previous events. 

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

1950's Balenciaga-Inspired Glamour

Click photo to enlarge
Miss Gene Marshall (Ashton Drake's "USO" Gene) heads to the couture salon for the latest in 1950's cocktail and evening attire inspired by some of the fabulous designs of Balenciaga from Sandra Stillwell's Golden Gate Glamour Event.  Here she models a classic sheath with matching reversible wrap from The Couture Touch.  Accessories include a burgandy Ultrasuede cocktail hat and matching structured handbag (also from The Couture Touch), jewelry from D.A.E. Originals, and gloves from Ashton Drake's "Lotta Moola" convention ensemble. 

Click photo to enlarge
The same burgandy Ultrasuede cocktail hat and handbag accents this dramatic coat from FAO's "Noble Invitation" Gene Marshall ensemble.  Underneath is the burgandy velvet gown from Franklin Mint's Liz Taylor Collection.  OOAK jewelry from The Couture Touch.  Ashton Drake's "Love Paris" Gene Marshall is my model/muse.