It's Only a Paper Swoon

If I could only collect one, I would choose this Andy Warhol, Campbell's Soup dress.

Many years ago, I discovered the existence of the 1960's paper dress and instantly fell in love. In my research, I discovered that they were initially made by advertisers as  promotional offers starting around 1966. Customers could send in a coupon and $1.25 to receive their dress. This marketing stint quickly kicked off a fashion craze where they were eventually sold at department stores for up to $8! They also ended up making other paper clothing, including underwear (how uncomfortable!), men's vests, children's clothes and even bridal gowns!

An actual advert for "The Souper Dress."

Nothin wrong with advertising your love of cats! Meow!

Whenever I see old ads like this, I wish SO MUCH that I could send in the order form and it would magically travel back in time to get me my clothing order!

I really think Hallmark should do this again. Matching dress, wrapping paper, decor, plates, napkins... It's everything a girl could wish for!

Unfortunately, like all fashion crazes, the paper dress died out in just a few short years. It is my dream to someday collect some of these gems. I just love the idea of disposable fashion (no matter how impractical that may be). I think it also says a lot about the 60's, from an historic standpoint. That's probably a big reason why they are so fascinating to me. Not to mention the fact that I love the fashions from that time period anyway. Call me a school girl, but I am also a big fan of paper and paper products in general.

I would wear this today, or frame it on my wall.

I like the close up detail, and I'm pretty sure this is the same Hallmark dress.

The awesome thing I also discovered is that there have been a select few designers and artists who have continued to explore the wonderful world of paper clothing! Though they are not the little, 60's, mini-dress, they are often so intricate and amazing that it's hard to believe they are made from paper! And I would give anything to be able to see them in person! Again, I believe that the marriage of paper and fashion can only lead to happiness. Prepare to be amazed!

Awesome picture and dress!

I love how they created the graphic on this!

Origami gone crazy! I love it!

As a side note, Project Runway had a newspaper challenge that was very exciting! That one on the right is my favorite!

Apparently, designer Yeohlee uses paper in her designs from time to time.

OK, here's where it gets really amazing! Edward Maeder has made a whole bunch of these paper dresses from 18th century fashion. 

He considers himself an artist and a "needle man."

He uses reclaimed paper products like coffee filters and Q-Tips (which you can see here).

Can you believe this is paper?! 

Here and here are a few links about Edward Maeder. Amazing!!!

Here we have the stunning paper workings of Isabelle de Borchgrave!

The beauty of this creation is beyond compare!

Is it to be believed that someone can be this intricate and accurate with paper?!

Yup. That's paper.

She has had many commissioned pieces that are permanent fixtures at museums around the world. Most of them are either copies from paintings or of real-life pieces.

Here is another stunning commissioned piece! Apparently, she does a lot of the intricate detail with paints.

This might be my favorite (of the one's I've seen). The stripes and pleats leave me breathless! Who am I kidding? There's no way I could choose a favorite!

Here is a link to her website. Maybe we can all take a field trip to see her stuff together! (I think her studio is in Brussels.) Lets go!

Crazy Hair through History

An element that is crucial to fashion is definitely your hair. Think of prom, when so many girls go to the hair salon to have their hair done up perfectly. Women spend hours on their hair, it's a justifiably important part of the ensemble of how you look and how you feel every day. 

Of course, I'm looking at hair in the past, and focussing on the period between the 1780s and the 1940s.

So, we'll start with the 1780s, and the crazy huge wigs the women wore during that decade.

A fashion-plate from the time showing the monstrous high wig.

A fabulous example of this from the 2006 film "Marie Antoinette "

In order to get away from this look, and possibly a result of the French Revolution, in the early days of the Empire period we see a very, very short and very modern look in hair: 

18th century pixie-cut? Shades of Anne Hathaway in "Les Miserables", though of course, she didn't do it for fashion!

Another portrait of a girl with shorn hair. 

An example from the film "Wives & Daughters". I admire the way they did their hair, though I'm not sure that by the late 1820s, early 1830s, women still sported the short look. 

The next look will be a broader sweep: the Regency period, from around 1810 to 1830. 

If my historical knowledge is accurate, I'd date this portrait at around 1820? The big-lopsided curls are quite interesting. 

I remember reading in a book about the 1995 Pride & Prejudice that a similar portrait was found and they purposefully gave the character Lydia this sort-of silly lopsided look to be in keeping with her character.

Another nod to "Wives & Daughters" and their excellent hair. 

Next is a bit of a jump to the 1880s. I find it fascinating that fashion repeats itself. Interestingly enough, the 1880s echo in many ways the 1780s (though I love the fashion of the 1780s and don't really like the 1880s - figure that out!).

It's not a huge wig, but it's a LOT of hair, and a LOT of curls! 

A beautiful example from the opulent "Daniel Deronda"

Obviously, all that hair wasn't your own. Wild hairpieces! 

The last look is another jump: the 1940s. They had some crazy stuff going on then! One of the mysteries of the late 1930s/ early 1940s was this odd, short, curly thing. Why, just why?

You see this odd, short do on Joan Crawford & Norma Shearer (left & centre). In my opinion, at least, I don't think it's that nice. 

The lovely Myrna Loy succumbed to this look as well. 

In the 1940s proper, however, most of the hair was longer, and often very sculptured. Not all of the hairstyles were like this. Some were more loose and natural (think Lauren Bacall & Veronica Lake). But as that's not really crazy, I'm just focussing on this sort: 

Hair defines a period as well. I can't really see Rosie the Riveter sporting a high wig, or Jane Austen scampering about with huge, heavy curls halfway down her back. Anyone willing to sport lopsided curls with their jeans? 

                        Dangerous Liaisons 

 This movie has to be one of my favorites.  I love all the actors and the costuming is above reproach.  To me good costuming adds to the theme, the characters and story line.  The costumes in this movie help you understand each character.  It is a story of deceit and passion, opulence and betrayal!

Glenn Close' character, Marquise Isabella de Mertevil is a powerful woman who is trying to survive in a man's world.  She must walk the edge of being feminine yet powerful.  The only way she does this is to hide her true feelings.  Her costumes give her away and in the end you see her fully "uncovered" and exposed.

John Malkovich the Vicomte de Valmont is the worst kind of man.  He uses women and shows no concern for anyone but himself.  Of course love changes all that.  In the film you see him transform with costuming.

He goes from playboy to

(notice no wig and softer colors and more simple)

being in love to

(sorry it's dark-now a wig and dark and opulent clothing)

back to protecting himself and in the end he chooses death.

Then there is Madame de Tourvel, Michelle Pfeiffer.  Her character is all innocence and simplicity.  She holds herself in high regard and prides herself on being perfectly demure.  Her costuming also reflects her personality.

I  couldn't find a picture of when she finally gives in to herself and to the Vicomte.  She also chooses death in the end.  Kind of a sad story.

Of course there are other side stories along the way with equally beautiful costumes.  I have included some more of my favorite from the film.  

In closing, costumes can make or break a film and are much more than what some one might wear.  They are part of the character and the story and cannot be separated without the the film waisting away.

I love the way it show's the Marquise being "built" from to to bottom.

 Look at that Hat!

Glen Close and Uma Thurman

I think this dress is exquisite! 

Star Spangled Style

I am completely in love with this Catherina Malandrino dress! Plus, the photo itself is beautiful!

In honor of Independence Day, I thought I would collect some fun "Old Glory" inspired fashion photos. Some might think that these are a little over-the-top. But I love stars, I love stripes, and one of my favorite color combinations is navy and red. (Plus, some of these just happen to fit the color scheme, and I wanted to include them.) So, with the American flag inspiration, you can't go wrong in my book. Hope you enjoy, and Happy Fourth!

I don't know the designer on this, but it's wonderful! I especially love those ruffles done with the pattern!

I am not a big Katy Perry fan, but even I'll admit that she has some amazing stage costumes!

Zoe Saldana would make a dinner napkin look beautiful! I love this dress because it's so unexpected but still elegant!

I would totally wear this sweater (just not right now, in the 116 degree heat)!

Wonder Woman is definitely the coolest of these women. I just love the juxtaposition of colors in this!

Again, I would wear this! It's so much fun!

I couldn't write this post without giving a nod to Pin Up's of the 40's. It may be wrong of me as a woman, but I love them SO much! This one is delightful!

A Winning Combination!

Honestly, doesn't this make you want to go out and vote?!