A Modern Take on Vintage

Gene Marshall, the iconic star of Monolithic Studios, wears a modern gown that gives a nod to the Art Deco style of the 1930's and early 1940's. Many of the glamorous gowns of this period made use of color-blocking and geometric shapes.

1930's illustration courtesy uglycutedesigns.blogspot.com
 

The color combination of mustard yellow and black was frequently seen during the Art Deco period, not only in fashion but home decor as well.

Tall, faceted, black & yellow Palda vase
 courtesy artdecocollection.com

Mustard yellow crepe gown with black accents
courtesy 1937 Dry Goods

Mustard yellow and black satin gown with color-blocked detail was borrowed from Main Feature Elsa Lin by Integrity. Black suede gauntlet gloves are from The Couture Touch, earrings and black/gold beaded bracelet are from Ashton Drake, cuff bracelet is from Integrity.  Priceless Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Black, White & Striped

The striking combination of black, white, and diagonal stripes make this evening gown by D.A.E. Originals a stand-out. A #4 Lingerie Silkstone Barbie doll is ready for her grand entrance in the black and white slim sheath with detachable dramatic tiered, black ruffled train. Dress and jewelry are from "Weekend in New York", an Haute Doll exclusive Vivette gift set, circa 1950's. Floral bouquet is from Ashton Drake.

1930's black & white silk evening gown,
courtesy Mid-Century Love



1940's halter gown from Stylehive

Linda Evangelista in a Valentino rtw evening gown, 1992
Courtesy dailymail.co.uk

Resort Wear

It's that time of the year again....The Holidays are over and the weather outside is frightful.....Time to relax and get away to a tropical destination.....Ah, Summer!

Photo from Life magazine, 1947
Courtesy piroskawolf.blogspot.com
 

Resort wear (sometimes referred to as "cruise wear") was a specialized clothing style originally marketed by upscale boutiques, department stores, and designers to their affluent clientele who would spend the post-Christmas/New Year's weeks in a warm-weather locale. Resort collections included beach/swim wear and accessories, as well as day and evening dresses.

Photo courtesy violetsvintagevault.wordpress.com

Photo courtesy stylebubble.co.uk

1930's beach pajamas were first created by Coco Chanel to be worn at chic seaside resorts. They were available in an array of delightful patterns and bright colors.

Film diva Madra Lord does a little sightseeing on the Riviera, 1930's style!  For a chic daytime ensemble, the dotted top from Integrity's Stepping High Collection is worn over Miss Lord's white dress from Golden Riviera. Topping it off is an OOAK beaded, knit cap (artist unknown).

5 bathing beauties from the 1940's
Courtesy glossi.com

Gene Marshall relaxes in a black and white play suit designed by Joan Greene for Ashton Drake. This late 1940's, early 1950's style was based on an actual bathing suit from Valentino's of Hollywood. Handbag, bracelet, and floral hair comb are from Ashton Drake, sunglasses from Madame Alexander, earrings & shoes are from Robert Tonner. Queen of Hearts Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake and has been enhanced with an articulated body from Integrity.

1940's Lawson of California ad
Courtesy glossi.com

Tropical prints and side-draped skirts, or sarongs added a touch of glamour to 1940's resort wear.

Café Society, circa 1945
In a private collection

Madra Lord is ready for those glamorous warm nights in a simple yet stunning black and white gown. The white satin cowl top from Miss Lord's Golden Riviera set is layered over the black strapless, satin under-dress from Dream Sequence. Belt is from Madame Alexander's Betrayal gown. Jewelry from Ashton Drake, cigarette holder from The Couture Touch.