YSL and His Paper Dolls

Photo by Francois Pages, 1957

Found at the Foundation Pierre Berge Yves Saint Laurent, an archive of delightful paper dolls created in painstaking detail between 1953 - 1957 by a 17 year old Yves Saint Laurent. The archive consists of 11 dolls, 443 garments, 105 accessories, 7 patterns, and 2 collection programs.

Cover of a collection program illustrated by YSL.

One of YSL's paper dolls dressed in the chic daytime ensemble 'Lord'.

Click HERE to read the fascinating article The Yves Saint Laurent Paper Dolls originally posted on Shrimpton Couture's blog, Curate in April, 2014 by Sr. Content Editor, Maria Echeverri.

All photos courtesy shrimptoncouture.com

Transitional Dressing

A classic sheath in a great color + a change in accessories = a look that easily transitions from late Summer to Fall beautifully.  Removing the original teal chiffon scarf and pin from the dress designed by Tim Kennedy for the FAO Schwarz 1998 Fall Exclusive "Warmest Wishes", reveals a flattering silhouette featuring a jewel neckline, dolman-sleeves, and working pockets. This style was common in the late 1940's and continued well into the 1950's.

Miss Gene Marshall's rich make-up palette complements the rust-colored, knit sheath topped with an unusual-shaped, crown-less, suede hat. Additional accessories include a suede belt, brooch and earrings, all from The Couture Touch. Gloves are from Ashton Drake's "Winged Inspiration" ensemble, bracelet from Integrity, and handbag from an unknown artist.

Perfect for the crisp Fall days ahead: a tweed shoulder cape and coordinating green suede topper with feather accent from The Couture Touch. Bracelet from Facets by Marcia, green leather clutch from PD Root.

Ashton Drake's "Blue Belle" Gene Marshall has been enhanced with an Integrity articulated body.

Les Femmes Chic

Dateline:  Paris, France.....

The chic women of Monolithic Studios, Miss Gene Marshall and Miss Madra Lord, took time off from filming to attend Paris Fashion Week. The ladies graciously agreed to model their favorite Fall fashions from the show.

Miss Madra Lord

Miss Lord wears a striking gown from Integrity's Gene Marshall Collection. A blush pink satin bodice is worn over black tulle accented with black feathers and sequins. Long black gloves and "diamond" jewelry complete this stunning 2008 W Club Exclusive. Miss Lord's pale blonde, size 4/5, "Brittany" wig from the Monique Collection is available in several colors from facetsbymarcia.

Madra Lord

Miss Lord models the chic daytime dress from D.A.E. Original's "Charmed Traveler" ensemble topped with a dramatic black suede hat from The Couture Touch. Additional accessories include beaded color-blocked gauntlet gloves, belt, and brooch: all from The Couture Touch. Earrings and the delightful structured handbag are from Ashton Drake.

Miss Gene Marshall

For those crisp Autumn days ahead, Miss Marshall wears "Sparkling Sepia", a smart tweed suit from Integrity. The jacket has been belted and at the neckline, a soft peach flirty bow. Additional accessories include a fur hat and embroidered gloves, both from Ashton Drake.

Credits:

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

Spotted in Vogue

Carl Erickson illustration for Vogue
Courtesy www.swingfashionista.com

Why Miss Lord, of course!  In 1957,"Spotted in Manhattan" Madra Lord made her modeling debut in the iconic fashion magazine. Join me for an exclusive look at Miss Lord's photo shoot for the Autumn Fashion Forecast layout, styled by The Couture Touch.

From the American Designer's Collection, a Betty Rose inspired suit from Sandra Stillwell wrapped in luxurious fur. Hat, fur and shoes are all from Integrity. Gloves from Ashton Drake. Handbag from Madame Alexander.

Perfect for those crisp autumn days, Robert Tonner's luscious "Cashmere Noir" coat. At the neck, a scarf tied ascot-style from Mattel. Additional accessories include leather gloves from The Couture Touch, hat and earrings from Ashton Drake.

For dramatic evenings, an intricately beaded figure-hugging gown and stunning evening coat from Violet Water's 2004 "Blues in the Night" ensemble by Ashton Drake. Jewelry from JamieShow.

Miss Lord graces the cover in the delightful shirtwaist dress from Ashton Drake's 2001 Coca-Cola Calendar Girl ensemble "April Showers", based on a March/April 1957 calendar photograph from the Coke archives. Hat from Mattel, belt from The Couture Touch, gloves and earrings from Ashton Drake, and bracelet from Facets by Marcia.

Credits:

"Spotted in Manhattan" Madra Lord is from Mel Odom and JamieShow.

Miss Lord's hairstyle provided by the "Johnny" wig, size 4/5, from Monique shown in carrot red. Available in a variety of colors from facetsbymarcia.com