1930's Golden Riviera

Dateline New York:  A reliable source told me that film star Madra Lord is relaxing on the Riviera and will be returning home in style by way of a luxury ocean liner.

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Madra is looking tanned and relaxed for a day of sightseeing on the Riviera.  A white, quilted, satin coat is layered over pink satin capri pants and a white blouse with a cowl drape neckline.  These pieces are from the 2008 Golden Riviera Madra Lord Dressed Doll Gift Set from Integrity.  I wasn't a fan of the original hat so I made this little white hat from one of those sailor style hats available at craft stores.  The purse and bracelet are from other outfits.

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For those chilly nights aboard ship, the white satin coat does double duty over a black velvet bias gown.  The gown is from Tonner's Award Night convention ensemble and the hat is from Joan Crawford's Cinema Siren.  The lace gloves are from Integrity's Ooh La La Gene Marshall and the earrings are from Integrity's Heat Wave Violet Waters.  Cig holder from The Couture Touch.

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Here is a closer view of the beautifully detailed coat right down to the delicate covered buttons and fabulous wing collar. 

Vintage Fashion Resource

In order to support their dealers, home sewing pattern companies published monthly booklets that highlighted their latest styles.  These wonderfully illustrated booklets were a free promotional give-away tool for retailers. They provide a glimpse of 20th Century fashions that were available at the time to the home sewer.  You can still find these booklets at flea markets, antique malls, and online.  Because they were printed on newsprint, they are often in delicate condition but are still an excellent resource for costume designers and collectors of vintage fashion.  The following scans of vintage sewing pattern booklets are from my personal collection. As always, click on the photos to enlarge.

McCall Style News

"Insist on a McCall Pattern - It's the short cut to Paris style."  Perfectly illustrating that point are 2 fabulous Fall suit ensembles from 1936 and 1938 respectively.

Prevue Simplicity Fashions

Both of these booklets are from December 1940 and 1941 respectively.  I love their use of vivid color and dramatic accessorizing.

Vogue Patterns

Published by Conde Nast, October 1939 for Marshall Field & Company in Oak Park, Illinois.  My favorite place to shop for the most fabulous fabrics was at Marshall Fields in Chicago.

New York Gold Seal Patterns

Young, flirty Spring styles from New York Patterns, March 1940 and February 1942 respectively.  New York Pattern Company was short-lived, approximately circa 1930 - early 1950's.

Fanciful Feathers

Feathers have long been used as decorations for women's hats up until the latter years of World War II when they became difficult to obtain.  After the war cock, pigeon, and glycerinized ostrich feathers were again revived.

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Not only did they utilize feathers, but sometimes the entire bird!  The latter half of the 1930's showed a variety of hat styles like this unusual white feathered bird hat.  Photo from a Vogue 1936 Elizabeth Arden make-up ad. 

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Vogue says:  "You'll be preening your plumage, this autumn - what with feathers on practically every other hat."  That was the caption for this wonderful illustration by Eric from Vogue, 1938.  The black felt tricorn hat is from Louise Bourbon.

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Here is a sensational Vogue cover from 1939.  The fur and feathered tilt hat is by John Frederics.  Photo by Horst.

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This show-stopping, mustard colored felt hat with fabulous ostrich feathers dates from the late thirties, early forties. Maker unknown.   From my private collection. 

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Olive green feathers completely cover this fantastic hat.  Note the two delightful birds in the front.  Labeled: Northridge, New York. Circa 1940's.  From my private collection.

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Turquoise feathers overlay this smart black felt tilt hat. Circa 1940's  Maker unknown.  From my private collection.

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Michelle Tibbetts designed this marvelous, miniature, feathered, cocktail hat for Jose Ferrand's "Cognac Evening" ensemble.  Circa 1951.  From the Gene Marshall Collection by Ashton Drake.  OOAK necklace and fur from PD Root.  My model/muse is Gil-ty Girl Gene Marshall from Integrity.

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Here is a feathered hat I designed for Ashton Drake's "Fit For a Queen" suit ensemble.  Fur from Affordable Designs.  My model/muse is Integrity's Blush Gene Marshall.  Hair by Jim Gaddis.