A Spanish Influence

Here's a little cocktail number with a Spanish Influence.  Recognize any of the pieces?

Ashton Drake's "Song of Spain" halter top and bolero were layered over the strapless sheath from the "Black Ribbon" costume to create a sensational cocktail dress, circa 1943.  The original gold beads were easily removed from the top and jacket.  Accessories include the fur stole borrowed from Golden Gate Glamour's "Bandolier Morado" suit ensemble, shoes and purse from Robert Tonner, OOAK cocktail hat and gauntlet gloves from The Couture Touch.  OOAK jewelry set unknown.  My model is "Star Entrance" Gene Marshall from Integrity.

Tip:  Position the back of the halter top just above the sheath so that the top will snap securely.

Gene Marshall and Turban

Loretta Young was photographed for the November 15, 1940 issue of Vogue wearing the new cashmere turbans, this one infused with pink tulips, by Lilly Dache.

Loretta Young and Turban
Photo for Vogue by Rawlings

I was inspired to create my own version for Gene Marshall.  I have always loved the look of a turban paired with a tailored suit.  It's the ultimate in 1940's glamour!

Gene Marshall and Turban

Ashton Drake's "To Have and To Hold" Gene Marshall wears an OOAK nubby knit turban accented with vintage flowers with her "Doing Her Part" tailored suit, circa 1942.  Fur from PD Root, scarf from Ashton Drake's "Hi Fi" costume, gloves from Ashton Drake.  The OOAK hat, earrings, and pin are from The Couture Touch.

Spring Style, 1953

Monolithic Studio's star Miss Gene Marshall shows her Spring style in a chic 1950's afternoon dress.  The skirt from Ashton Drake's "Love Paris" suit ensemble is paired with an ooak blouse and hat from Bogue's Vogues.  Completing the iconic look is a waist sash made from vintage fabric accented with the flower corsage from Ashton Drake's "Love After Hours" costume.

Credits:

Shoes from Joe Tai.

Gloves and jewelry from Ashton Drake.

Purse from unknown source.

Model:  Integrity's "Star Entrance" Gene Marshall.

Set Credits:

Backdrop wall from http://www.raihing.com

Floor is a shiny white poster board.

Salon chair from Haute Doll Magazine.

Table is the glass top from Ashton Drake's "Patio Set" paired with a candle stand.

Floral arrangement found at a gift shop.

Spring Style, 1948

Monolithic Studio's songstress Violet Waters wears an ensemble of rich earth tones perfect for a sunny Spring day in 1948.

Credits:

Deep brown and white dotted halter dress from Ashton Drake's "A Woman for All Seasons" set designed by Jim Howard.

Sweater from Ashton Drake's "Hi Fi" costume designed by Doug James.

OOAK hat and earrings from The Couture Touch.

Bracelet from Facets by Marcia.

Sunglasses from Ashton Drake's FAO Schwarz exclusive "Spotted in the Park" ensemble.

Gloves from Ashton Drake's "Black Ribbon" costume.

Shoes from Robert Tonner.

OOAK clutch from PD Root.

Model:  Ashton Drake's "Fascination" Violet Waters enhanced with an Integrity articulated body.

Set Credits:

Backdrop from http://www.raihing.com

Greenery from Michaels.

Wicker lounge purchased at a local gift shop that went out of business.

End table from Retros by Liz Cole.

Spring Style, 1943

Madra Lord, Monolithic Studio's diva extraordinaire, is a picture of 1940's tailored elegance in Ashton Drake's "Tea Time at the Plaza" daywear ensemble.  Based on a 1941 fashion illustration of an American afternoon dress designed by Louise Barnes Gallagher, Tea Time was a 1999 FAO Schwarz Exclusive designed by Lynne Day.

Accenting this smart dress is a dramatic OOAK navy Ultrasuede tilt hat utilizing the ribbon trim from the original hat and vintage mother-of-pearl buttons.  Due to wartime fabric restrictions, women would often recycle old trims to make a new hat or dress look new.  Completing the ensemble are reversible cream and navy suede gloves and the original clutch handbag. 

Credits:

OOAK hat and matching reversible Ultrasuede gloves from The Couture Touch.

Bracelet from Ashton Drake's "Mad About Mitzi" costume.

Model:  Ashton Drake's "Top This" Madra Lord enhanced with an Integrity articulated body.

Set Credits:

Backdrop from http://www.raihing.com

Spring Style, 1938

The thermometer reads, it's time for Spring Style.  Throughout the month, look for a fresh take on some old favorites modeled by Monolithic Studio's leading ladies.  First up, Madra Lord in a chic Spring/Summer ensemble, circa 1938.

Credits:

Navy and white dotted dress, straw hat, and matching purse are from Ashton Drake's "Sunday Afternoon" costume designed by Abigail Haskell, Young Designers of America Winner.

The short, fitted jacket is from Integrity's "Gilty Girl" ensemble.

The navy and white dotted turban worn under the hat is from Tonner's Brenda Starr "Bathing Beauty" swim ensemble.

Gloves, shoes, and bracelet are from Integrity.  Earrings and necklace are from Ashton Drake.

The corsage was made from an artificial flower.

Model:  "Cold Shoulder" Madra Lord from Ashton Drake.

Set Credits: 

Chair from Ashton Drake.

Backdrop wall from http://www.raihing.com

Floor is a shiny black poster board.

Design Detail: Pockets

Pockets come in many styles and shapes and can be pleated, gathered, trimmed with buttons, piping or top-stitched.  They are not only functional but give a professional touch to garments.  Pocket designs in the late 1930's and early 1940's ranged from utilitarian to decorative.  Recently I was browsing the André Fashion Studios website for inspiration and came across these fabulous designs.

Click HERE to visit the André Fashion Studios website.