Vintage fashion explained

Where I come from, vintage fashion is not very well known. Some people have absolutely no clue what it is and when you mention vintage, the only connection they make is with vintage cars.

Isn't it just second-hand clothes? When they ask me to explain, I therefore like to use the vintage car comparison.

You will all agree that vintage cars are usually second-hand cars. But not all second-hand cars are vintage cars. An old car is not necessarily a vintage car and a vintage car may not look very old in appearance, except for the fact that its' style gives it away and automatically associates it with a time gone by.

So when I talk about vintage clothes, I explain that although these are, generally speaking, second-hand clothes, they are as fine and exclusive as vintage cars. Everybody stops and looks admiringly at a vintage car as it rolls down the road. You may not be seen dead driving a vintage car, but hey, it is a crowd-puller. It is an attention grabber isn't it?

Vintage clothes are just like a vintage car - you look on admiringly because they have class, a style all their own, remind you the the most beautiful parts of yesteryear. You won't find many of them around and the few good ones are literally few and far between

Vintage fashion like vintage cars, is incomparable, stylish, elegant and a one-off affair that most people will never be able to own.

By the time I'm through with this explanation - most people are convinced.

Then again, I like to point out that a vintage 70s dress which was made in Italy, is all-Italian. It was designed in Italy, made with Italian fabric, by Italian seamstresses and in an Italian factory. It was even sold from an Italian boutique and probably worn on the shoulders of an Italian lady. Today an 'Italian' dress may very well be made with Hungarian fabric, by a Chinese seamstressi n a Taiwanese factory...... who can tell!?!

Believe you me..... the quality of vintage is something worth harping on about, whether people are converted or otherwise!

My Wildest Treasury on Etsy

Starling Beauty by Nigel Wedge on Flickr



Hop over to this link to check out my wildest Etsy Treasury ever. Leave your comment and pay a visit to these great Etsy sellers when you have the time.

Have a gorgeous weekend.

Japanese silk

Japan Raw Silk Pack Sticker - circa 1880.

Reproduction in "Soie et Lumieres", Christian Polak.

Ever since an excited Japanese bride-to-be allowe me a sneak peek into the large cardboard box that kept her traditional Japanese wedding kimono safely ensconced in sheets and sheets of soft paper, I have been fascinated by the beauty of silk and the manner in which Japanese women use it in their exquisite garments.

I chanced upon this picture and couldn't let it pass. I thought I'd share it with you.

Boston Calling

  John Singer Sargent (American, 1856–1925)

Oil on canvas

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Gift of Mary Louisa Boit, Julia Overing Boit, Jane Hubbard Boit, and Florence D. Boit in memory of their father, Edward Darley Boit

Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, USA is engaged in one of the most expansive initiatives focused on American art and culture happening in the world today.

White Rose with Larkspur No. 2, 1927  

Georgia O'Keeffe (American, 1887–1986)

Oil on canvas

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Henry H. and Zoe Oliver Sherman Fund

Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

 

On November 20, the MFA will open a new wing for the Art of the Americas, designed by Foster + Partners (London), which integrates a contemporary structure within the Museum’s 1909 Beaux Arts building.

The Art of the Americas Wing enables the MFA to more than double the number of American works on view and features more than 5,000 objects ranging from pre-Columbian gold and Native American textiles to portraits of Revolutionaries and Abstract Expressionist paintings. These will be displayed on four floors in 53 galleries, including nine period rooms and four Behind the Scenes educational galleries.

The new wing is the central component of the Museum’s transformational expansion and renovation project, which also incorporates a soaring glass-enclosed courtyard, a new space for special exhibitions, an auditorium, classrooms, a visitor center, conservation labs, and other enhancements to the Museum’s historic building.

For those of you in the area in the coming days, here is what will be on:

Saturday, November 13: Gala

Sunday, November 14: MFA Members Days

Friday, November 19: America Remix Party

Saturday, November 20: Free Community Day & Night

Wednesday, November 24: Free Community Day

The Grandmother's Wardrobe

I came across this extraordinary painting entitled

'The Grandmother's Wardrobe' (1912) by George Phoenix (1863–1935) who lived through the Victorian and Edwardian periods and painted landscapes, figurative art and portraiture  apart from also being  a sculptor.

This image is truly suggestive and emblematic of so many things which entice me - vintage, antique fashion, memories of times gone by, beautiful old clothing and exquisite painting technique.

This painting should be found at the Wolverhampton Art Gallery - has anybody viewed it recently?

Morning Dress and Giveaway Winner

I figured out that had I been born in the early 19th Century I would probably have been spending this blustery November morning at home, wearing something like this. Before blogging became all the rage, before even print magazines started being circulated as freely and widely as they are today, there was Ackermann's Repository. This was an illustrated British periodical which Rudolph Ackermann published in the period between 1809 and 1829.

During these 20 years, the Repository of Arts, Literature, Commerce,

Manufactures, Fashions, and Politics, as it's full name ran, served to inform and influence the elite English public.  Ackermann's dictated that the clothes shown in this historic image were suitable for staying indoors during the morning and early afternoon, during which time of day, ladies would receive female callers, attend to light household tasks, or to lounge around.

My light duties of the morning today included choosing the lucky winner of FairyFiligree's latest giveaway. Baroness Von Vintage is the winner of the fantastic handmade Sterling Silver Maltese filigree pendant. Baroness Von Vintage, would you kindly contact me with your address, so I can mail this little gift away to you pronto?

 

Last Day for Giveaway

Happy Sunday - this is just to remind you this is the last day to participate in Fairyfiligree's current giveaway. Best of luck & have a lovely day.....

Discovering Suzani

Just discovered the marvellous art of Suzani, a needlework tradition that has been perfected by urban peoples of Central Asia. The technique is based on the use of a needle sewing on cotton orlinen fabric with special traditional designs associated usually with local symbolism.

The exemplar about dates back to 1850, and includes floral and vine designs. Made in  Uzbekistan.

Now on Twitter

Just to let all Fairyfiligree readers know that Fairyfiligree is now on Twitter too. Look me up there.

Somebody asked whether I facebook - no I don't and I don't intend to.

And, you may notice that I am now following with a whole new profile image. This fantastic painting is by John William Godward entitled 'The Ring' (1898).

Filigree Artist from Malta & Silver Giveaway

I would like to introduce you to a young woman who is a filigree artist from the Mediterranean island of Malta. I have often posted about Maltese filigree because it is an art form which I have especially at heart. I became even more appreciative of its finesse and beauty after spending three years studying about its history and also attended a workshop to try my hand at making some filigree myself.

Charmaine Gerada has been creating filigree since she was a young teenager. Her teacher was her father with whom she still collaborates on specially large jobs. One of her latest accomplishments was the completion of a filigree artefact which was filmed in a promotional commercial created by Banif Bank.

As you can see from these images, sterling silver filigree can be adapted to be used for a wide variety of articles and not only for making jewellery.

And here is the giveaway to start off FairyFiligree's 2nd year of Blogging.

This dainty Sterling Silver Maltese filigree pendant complete with ruby red Swarovski crystal is here for the taking. To be eligible to participate in this giveaway you have to.....

1. Be a FairyFiligree follower.

2. Leave a comment on this post sometime between now and October 31. And you must comment on the topic of special silver jewellery. Tell us something about your favourite item of silver jewellery, describe it, where you got it from, and what makes it special to you.

3. Include your contact email address or a link leading to it.
Good luck and enjoy...

Picture acknowledgements: Top picture taken by Andrew Rizzo.

Isadora's passion for Cameos

The great Isadora Duncan (1877 - 1927), renown stage actress who graced many a theatre with her dancing, and who is hailed as the mother of modern dancing, posed several times for the French artist and designer Rene Lalique. Duncan commissioned him to create stage jewellery for some of her most important performances. She received regular gifts of impressive jewellery from her many (male) admirers but it is said that one of her favourite accessories was a belt of hardstone cameos which was a gift made to her by gold miners in her native California.

The cameo is basically a carved relief image that is created and juxtaposed against  a contrasting color background found in the material's lower layers. Cameos experienced a revival during the 1990s, which revival is somewhat still lingering as the penchant for shabby chic fashion remains alive and kicking. Beware when buying cameos however. If you're after the real thing, you need expert advice to be sure you are not being sold an imitation. These works of minute sculpture are made of so many different materials, ranging from jet or onyx to sardonyx, to coral, to shell, ceramics or multi-layered glass also referred to as cameo glass. 

The first drawing featured at the top of this post is a watercolor and ink over graphite on off-white, medium-weight, moderately textured laid paper, showing Isadora Duncan. It was made by Abraham Wolkowitz and is presently at the Brooklyn Museum, NY.

Manish Arora

I recently found out about Manish Arora. This Indian fashion designer has been coined as the Galliano of India. And no wonder. Just look at this picture. It shows  a design from the Manish Arora Spring 2007 collection at London fashion Week. Yes sure, it's not springtime now, it's not even 2007 but I wanted to share. Don't you just love that dress?

FairyFiligree's First Anniversary & Giveaways

Hello all. It's today, the 18th of October that FairyFiligree is officially one year old. I'm so excited - 120 posts later, many pictures, words, comments and shared ideas later, a new look and quite a bit of development have been thrown in. FairyFiligree has accumulated 75 followers, so first of all THANK YOU for following, and it is quite incredible that amongst so many hundreds of blogs out there, this blog from the Mediterranean excited you enough to press that Follow This Blog button.

 I have met lots of interesting people, artists, creative jewellers, fashion experts and bloggers who have all contributed in some way or another, so thank you for the ideas, the pictures, the guest posts, the interviews, the giveaways, the paintings, the lot.

What is FairyFiligree today? A blog about Vintage Jewellery, Vintage Fashion and Art.

I want to treat you to a rally of some of what I consider to be the best pictures featured on FairyFiligree during this past year. I also want to tell you who the winner of my last giveaway is ... but just go through the pictures first - the winner is being announced at the end.....

Shoes in Dubai....

Do you remember this picture? It was FairyFiligree's header for a long time.

Beautiful hand-crafted Maltese Filigree



Flowers keep me happy......

Paris my love.....

1950s Fashion and my country's colours

FairyFiligree's First Giveaway

Sophie's Baby

The kind of art that inspire me....

Intimate Fashion

Antique hand-made Maltese lace

My Travels

Things I like

You might like to know that the FairyFiligree Etsy store was featured in this Treasury over the weekend. Do leave your comments. Thank you RealFaery!

Now for the Giveaway....
the lucky person picked out of the bag is .......Hope Adela of Pink Champagne.
She will be receiving an email from me today and will soon be getting a CSN gift voucher in the post. Enjoy! And thanks to all for participating and sending in your helpful comments on how to organise handbags in the wardrobe.

Keep your eyes open this week - FairyFiligree is starting its second year of blogging by launching a fantastic Giveaway. You must not miss it! Have a great week ahead and take care always.

Dori Csengeri

Dori Csengeri is the creator of some incredible hand-embroidered jewellery pieces amongst which is a jaw-dropping vintage collection that is called The Ephrah Collection. This is divided into two distinct groups. The 'Exceptionally Dori' group includes one-of-a-kind pieces which are collectible. The other group is the Ephrah ready-to-wear collection.

The collectible pieces are an assemblage of true vintage parts (brooches, earrings and other jewellery parts) which are all encapsulated with special embroidery stitches. The ready-to-wear items on the other hand are made of vintage-style parts, so the pieces can be remade.

Dori is an avid flea market treasure hunter. Additionally, friends and family members who know about her love of vintage pieces, keep 'building-up' her vintage treasures collection (wish I had friends like that!).

When I contacted Dori I asked about what it takes to make the haute couture pieces and I was told this is a long creative process. Dori embroiders each of the pieces spontaneously without a preliminary design, adding vintage parts, stepping back, taking pieces apart, making changes and so on. It is impossible to know how many hours each treasured jewel takes to be completed. Likewise, each jewel comes with its individual collection of vintage components, making every item different, completely different from all the others. Each collectible necklace for instance can cost between Euros 2500 - 3600. Staggering prices to be sure, but these are haute couture items with just as staggering an impact. I mean.... have you looked at them well!?!?

Try to spot the individual vintage components in the necklace (sold to a private collector) pictured above in the first picture - you will find a golden French poodle brooch, a green patinated spider brooch, the delicate gilded mother-of-pearl vine brooch......and a man's necktie!

In the second picture you can view a  Dori Csengeri bracelet (sold to a private collector) which contains amongst others, the following vintage components: a sparkling heart, a great golden flower, a circular turquoise pin and a dazzling starburst element.

Cold Weekends Ahoy!

Madison Square After the Rain by Paul Cornoyer (1864-1923) -  circa 1900

So we're in for the cold, at least those of us living on this side of the hemisphere. I found this painting of Madison Square, where I've never been before but which I'd like to vist one day. I find it especially lovely - the colours, the setting, the atmosphere. You can actually feel the wet, don't you think?
And it got me thinking of these cold afternoons which await us. Especially long winter afternoons on a weekend. Yesterday was just such a day here. Dull, bleak, overcast, wet and dark. For somebody used to sunshine and basking in it all year round, just one day like that can get on my nerves. As I drove somewhere on an errand I'd rather not have had, I wondered how some people can actually claim to enjoy overcast weather. If it were windy, perhaps I'd enjoy a walk on the cliffs or on the seafront. Nothing like some high wind to get your adrenalin flowing. But when it's calm and bleak.... not even some thunder or lightening to liven up the works... then it's utterly boring. But hey, we need the rain here, so one has to be thankful. It definitely brightened up my car which was screaming out for a wash!


Which gets me thinking - what does one do on a bleak afternoon, on a Sunday afternoon especially when the world seems to halt and hold still, waiting for the energetic rush of a Monday morning? Ok, we could blog, we could read, watch the telly. But if there's nothing doing? Recently I went through some old boxes stores away somewhere and unearthed the most extraordinary things I'd completely forgotten I still possessed.


By the way, does anybody know where this painting is found? I researched some about this artist who was born in St Louis, Missouri and painted in the Impressionistic style, at times going into Pointillism. Have seen some of his paintings on the web and they all seem to be about bleak weather. Did he like it that much or did he paint is so often to fill his bleak Sunday afternoons?

Italian Inspiration Illustration

Some time ago I came across the art of a young Italian woman whose work caught my attention. As happens with my online musings, I came across her work perchance and liked it immediately.

Arianna Operamolla hails from the Italian city of Bari. This 26-year-old adored design and drawing from a very young age, possibly also strongly influenced by her mother who is an artist.
She says she always loved cartoons and comics and so decided to take up art studies eventually following a two-year course in cartoons. In 2008 she enrolled for a course of studies with Ars In Fabula in the Italian city of Macerata and there she studied for a Master in Illustrations for Publishing.
The images featured here are from a series of publicity postcards created for book which never saw the light of day but for which Arianna created 16 different designs. Today she works as a freelance illustrator and collaborates withthe London agency Advocate Art.

Jewellery in Malta

My very good friend Francesca Balzan, recently had her dream come true with the publication of a very important book on jewellery.

'Jewellery in Malta Treasures from the Island of the Knights (1530-1798)' (Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, Malta 2009), totally researched and written by Francesca, is a study that has made extensive use of primary sources to build up a history of jewellery in Malta, which focuses on the art of jewellery, its social histroy and trade practices, and is the first study of its kind to be published in Malta.

The book is in two parts, the first of which contains essays on historical aspects of jewellery in Malta while the second part is devoted to analytical case studies of a number of jewellery items. The book chooses not to focus on Maltese production solely but on what was present in Malta at the time (1530-1798), thereby including some particularly beautiful examples of jewellery which derived from Sicilian, Italian and Spanish sources.

A must-have for those of you who are into jewellery.... & the images are simply stunning too.

Wardrobes, Giveaways & Bags



courtesy of peagreengirl

I just received an email from CSN Stores which I strongly advice you to visit because CSN Stores has amazing online stores where you can find everything from beautiful wardrobes to cookware to chic lighting pieces!
The email arrived just in the nick of time since it's that time of year when we're all going through the change of seasons, and trying to make heads or tails of our wardrobes. I am constantly going through a tug of war with SPACE. I hoard. That is my problem. I love beautiful things, buy them, hoard them and sometimes don't ever wear them. My wardrobe contents have been accumulated in piecemeal fashion and this means sometimes I have the odd item which is just plain lovely to look at but which I cannot match with anything else in my wardrobe.
Sooo, come Autumn, I am yearning for a whole day of wardrobe surveying. I do this at every change of season. Take out everything and I mean everything, from my summer wardrobe, empty all the closets & drawers and take stock.
What I have worn endlessly is scrutinised carefully for flaws. If there are none, it stays. What I have not worn at least twice this past summer is scrutinsed for wearability, fit, practicality. If it has none and even lacks good old sentimental value, then it goes. There are things that I haven't even worn all summer and taking stock of the reason for this, I soon find it's because they are boring, lack great fit, have nothing to match with, and probably will have to go to.
What goes, usually goes to charity unless it's completely unretrievably unwearable. Then it gets thrown out. I have very few of the latter category.
The benefit of buying clothes from charity shops, thrift stores, vintage sellers and the like is that sometimes they have been bought for literally a few pennies. Meaning that letting them go back to charity is not breaking my bank, is not making me feel guilty and is allowing me to have a liquid wardrobe that can be changed, moved around and shaped up each and every season.
This year, my favourite charity is going to get a largish bag of summer clothes because some of my favourites I've now possessed for some 4 or 5 years and that's way too long to cling on to a garment unless it's incomparable vintage.
So ladies, it's time to change.... have you made any changes?

Giveaway News
Going back to CSN Stores, this online catalogue company has kindly offered a giveaway to FairyFiligree followers residing in the US, Canada, the UK or Germany.This is a one-time-use gift voucher for you to use as they wish on their websites.  If the winner happens to be from the US/Canada she/he will get a $45 gift certificate, if they are from the UK it will be £30, and if they are from Germany it will be €35.

To be eligible to enter this giveaway you have to:

1.  Be a FairyFiligree follower from the US, Canada, the UK or Germany. 
2. Leave a comment on this post sometime between now and October 18. And you must comment on the topic of wardrobes, possibly leaving some feedback of value to the rest of all FairyFiligree followers.
3. Include your contact email address or a link leading to it.

Now... for some questions in the bag.....


I need advice - where on earth do you store all your bags, handbags, clutches, purses, holdalls etc? I have mine stowed away in a large drawer and some more in a trunk. But they are not easily displayed that way and so some get overlooked easily. Short of having to buy a new piece of furniture to keept my bags, I need innovative ideas on how to store them easily and practically without squashing them, without letting them gather dust and without taking over all our bedroom space..... What comments on this?
By the way... cute little vintage bag above can be better viewed here.

Under the Layers - My Latest Etsy Treasury

For a sneak peek on some beautiful lingerie and underwear ideas check out my latest Treasury on Etsy and leave a comment here

To view the gorgeous lacy garment featured in this post's picture, click here

Brocade and Pearls

I could not resist this beautiful painting. This is Amalie von Schintling, one of the most beautiful aristocratic women of her time. We are precisely in 1831and this is an oil painting by J.K.Stieler found at the Schloss Nymphenburg, Munich.

A painting evoking so many different facets of the Victorian era, apart from being an exquisitely made portrait, it also treats us to some exceptional detailed brocade material (look at the intricacy and the colours here!), and delicate pearl jewellery, some fascinating lace and just observe the glossy hair-do. Imagine what the real painting must transmit. Such finesse......

Glorious Gloria

Gloria Swanson 1954

I have already featured Gloria Swanson in my blog. I was intrigued by this star of the silent movies of the 1920s after reading her autobiography - the story of a very exciting life lived in very exciting times.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered real life images and film dating back to 1954 and to Swanson's memorable trip to Italy. Even at 55 years of age (Swanson was born in 1899), she was still as ravishing as ever.
Check out the film on British Pathe.
Images courtesy of British Pathe.



For more images of Swanson check out these previous posts:
http://fairyfiligree.blogspot.com/2010/01/winter-coats.html
http://fairyfiligree.blogspot.com/2010/05/flappers-flair.html

Grace in London

Victoria & Albert Museum London

If you're in London these days, you are just in time to view the spectacular wardrobe of Grace Kelly, one of the most popular actresses of the 1950s, which will be on display at the V&A until September 26. Featuring dresses from her films High Society and Rear Window, as well as the gown she wore to accept her Oscar in 1955, the display examines Grace Kelly’s glamorous Hollywood image and enduring appeal. It also explores the evolution of her style as Princess Grace of Monaco, from the outfit she wore to her first meeting with Prince Rainier in 1955 to her haute couture gowns of the 1960s and ‘70s by her favourite couturiers Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Yves St Laurent.

There is a wide range of events at the V&A to complement the exhibition, including films screenings, a film and fashion study day, a short course on 1950s haute couture and practical worshops making Grace Kelly-inspired hats and scarfs. You may just make it to one of these. If any of you have been to visit this exhibition, perhaps you'd like to send us your comment about it.

Rhonda's Pretty Pictures

I fell in love with these fashion pictures because of the fast sketchy way they come across, the brilliance of the colours and the expressive freshness. Aren't they simply eye candy?

Rhonda’s subject matter makes it obvious her training in Fashion Illustration and love of clothing. She uses a variety of mediums including acrylic, pastels, paper and ink and is known for her chaotically controlled lines and vibrant colorful figures, abstracts and portraits. Rhonda calls herself an abstract expressionist who generally deal with spiritual and personal issues.

Rhonda is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City with a major in Fashion Illustration and Graphic Design.
She began her career as an Art Director at Abraham and Straus in Brooklyn New York, followed by numerous freelance design jobs for various corporations in New York City and Atlanta. She has also taught illustration classes at various educational institutions in the Richmond, Virginia. Visit her Etsy shop here.



Visit France's Oldest Museum

The great Isadora Duncan (1877 - 1927), renown stage actress who graced many a theatre with her dancing, and who is hailed as the mother of modern dancing, posed several times for the French artist and designer Rene Lalique. Duncan commissioned him to create stage jewellery for some of her most important performances. She received regular gifts of impressive jewellery from her many (male) admirers but it is said that one of her favourite accessories was a belt of hardstone cameos which was a gift made to her by gold miners in her native California.

The cameo is basically a carved relief image that is created and juxtaposed against a contrasting color background found in the material's lower layers. Cameos experienced a revival during the 1990s, which revival is somewhat still lingering as the penchant for shabby chic fashion remains alive and kicking. Beware when buying cameos however. If you're after the real thing, you need expert advice to be sure you are not being sold an imitation. These works of minute sculpture are made of so many different materials, ranging from jet or onyx to sardonyx, to coral, to shell, ceramics or multi-layered glass also referred to as cameo glass.

You could view the cameo in the picture above if you manage to visit the oldest French Museum.... if it remains open long enough, that is. The truth is that this museum risks closing down for good.

The Cabinet des Médailles et Antiques is the oldest French Museum. Open since the 17th century, it started as a means to display the treasures gathered by Kings of France. For centuries, collections of the highest grade (Caylus’ antiques, duke of Luynes donation, Froehner collection …) and French Revolution (Saint-Denis treasure …) have entered the museum. It is today particularly rich in Greek Ceramics, Glyptic, Coins, Roman Sculptures, gold and silver jewels and treasures, bronzes from every period, and all these collections make references in there areas.

Known nowadays as the Department of Coins, Medals and Antiques of the French national Library, the museum has unfortunately been weakened for a few years : its reduced exhibition space (540 m2) allows only a minimal part of the collections to be displayed, the resources are more than insufficient, and no publicity is made for it, even during the temporary exhibitions that have been organized. And maybe haven’t you even heard about it before ?

The future of the Cabinet des Médailles et Antiques is now raising growing concerns. The renovation project for the National Library of France’s Richelieu site in Paris plans the disappearance of the Museum altogether. The Association for the Safeguard of the Museum of Medals and Antiques was thus created in January 2010 to ensure its defense and to encourage its development.

You are welcome to join up!

Sign the petition here.

So if you're in Paris just now or if you're planning to be there any time this summer, vist the Musée du Cabinet des médailles et antiques - BnF - 58, rue de Richelieu 75002 Paris.

Etsy Treasury

For some beautiful blooms check out my latest Treasury on Etsy and leave a comment here.

Fantastic Fall Bracelet

One of my favourite ebay sellers has this fantastic bracelet for sale at the mo. It's a fall themed colour scheme, all made from vintage jewellery pieces and components which have been recycled and revamped to create this astouding piece. Check out CL Designs here....