Archive for the topic
‘1940-1950’

1940’s full skirt coat

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

We purchased this coat from our friend Betty, who lives in Corning, NY, and is 97 years old. She is more energetic and positive than most people a quarter her age, and we look to her has a great example of how to live.
1940's coat
This 1940’s coat features a nipped in waist and a full skirt. It has a lovely shape, with sleeves that start wide under the arms, and get tight around the wrists (warm!) and the full bottom has such graceful movement.

Remembering Irving Penn

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Irving Penn Window
In the early 80’s a teenage girl picked up a book of extraordinary photographs of ordinary people, and decided then and there that she wanted to be a photographer. The book was the work of Irving Penn, the famous fashion photographer for Vogue. His portraits featured very plain canvas back drops, and his studio made use of the North light. We designed this window in memory of his passing away this week. The dress is a 1950’s Suzy Perette version of a “New Look” gown. There are a couple of 50’s era Vogue magazines on the black trunk. The camera is a Burke and James 8×10 view camera. Mr. Penn’s photographs continue to inspire.

Gowns gowns gowns

Sunday, October 4th, 2009

1940's Teal Satin Gown
1940’s teal blue satin gown. The draped bow on the hip adds a touch of movie star glamour. We can see this on a torch singer, a debutant, or a really cool girl who just likes to dress up to go to the grocery store.