Vintage Designers: Vintage 1950s Evening Dress by Sarmi for Elizabeth Arden

I had to catch my breath when I saw this vintage gown designed by Italian designer Fernando Sarmi when he was head designer for Elizabeth Arden in the 1950s.

I mean come on, isn't it just the most exquisite gown you ever did see? The skirt looks like a blanket of stars and clouds that runneth over!



A snippet from a 1965 article entitled "Bugles, Bangles, & All Woman"

"In Italy," says Count Ferdinando Sarmi, "when the oldest son tells his father he wants to be a dress designer, it's like a woman saying she intends to be a prostitute." Sarmi's own father responded by packing his son off to the university in Siena. The result was to make Sarmi, some 30 years later, the only Seventh Avenue designer who holds a doctor of law degree.

src: met museum & the fashion spot

Celebrities Wearing Vintage Diamonds & Jewelry at the 2010 Oscars

I don't think I spotted any vintage gowns at the Oscars this year, but there were plenty of vintage diamonds on the red carpet.


1.} British actress Carey Mulligan, the Best Actress nominee wore a stunning pair of 19th century cascading diamond earrings from Fred Leighton.
2.} Presenter Elizabeth Banks also wore a vintage Fred Leighton - an understated diamond headband.
3.} Julianne Moore wore 2 diamond and platinum Bulgari (circa 1930) - from their historical archives collection.


4.} Vera Farmiga wore a pair of 1920s diamond clip earrings vintage Fred Leighton and a 1960's diamond cluster cocktail ring.
5.} Sarah Jessica Parker wore 19th century diamond cluster earrings.
6.} Maggie Gyllenhaal's bracelet is a Fred Leighton 1940's diamond cluster statement bracelet.


7.} Charlize Theron wearing a vintage marquise diamond wave bracelet by Harry Winston.
8.} Jennifer Lopez wore vintage Cartier diamond clip earrings circa 1934.
9.} Meryl Streep wore a magnificent Fred Leighton Art Deco diamond and oynx bracelet teamed with a silver purse.

Sources: Diamonds Take Center Stage as The Academy Awards Ushers in the Next Generation of Hollywood Royalty.

Image credits: Picapp.com & Wireimage.com

Who's Who in Fashion: Charles Frederick Worth, 19th Century Designer

He is regarded as the "Father of Haute Couture" or "the first couturier"... English born but became a household name in France. Charles Frederick Worth was prominent fashion designer in the later part of the 19th century.

He drew some of his design inspirations from historic portraits and used very lavish fabrics and trimmings on his clothing. Nearly all of his designs were one-of-a-kind and made specifically for a certain client.

I really love all the pale and muted colors he uses. I imagine many of his inspirations came from portraits painted by Thomas Gainsborough.


Evening/Reception
Gown by Charles Frederick Worth c. 1890


Paris, France Pale pink and cream satin, machine-made lace, c. 1880



And here are a few Thomas Gainsborough paintings from the late 18th century... lovely similarities, hm?



Image Credits: 1.} Mint Musuem 2.} Victoria and Albert Musuem 3.} Met Museum 4.} Met Museum 5.} Penwith.co.uk 6.} Guardian.co.uk 7.} Olga's Gallery

Designer Vintage Favorites from 1stDibs.com

1stDibs.com is my favorite "look-but-don't-touch" online vintage store mostly because the price tags on most of these pieces are more than the average take home paycheck.

But, no harm in looking, eh? So, here are few designer vintage pieces I am currently lusting over.



Sources: 1.] Christian Dior Bowler Hat 2.] Wool Navy Coat $775 3.] Fabiani Silk Dress 4.] French Beaded Clutch $395

Vintage Designer Couture Clothing on 1stDibs.com

If you have money to spare and you're looking for high-end designer couture vintage, I highly suggest stopping by the Vintage Couture section of 1stDibs.com

1st Dibs Vintage Couture carries designers such as Chanel, Emilio Pucci, Judith Leiber, Lanvin, Christian Dior, and Halston.

My favorites:
(if I won the lottery I'd buy in a heartbeat)
Vintage Hermes Birkin
Scary price... :(

Vintage Chloe Dress by Karl Lagerfeld

Vintage John Patou Gown