Originala was known for its high end ready to wear coats and suits and
several well known designers including Marc Bohan and Louis Dell'Olio
designed for the company. This spectacular belted dressmaker coat of
fine textured wool is one of my favorites.
My Favorite Things
Military Inspired Bill Blass Dress & Jacket
This lovely dress and jacket have a simplicity of design and are oh so easy to wear. The dress is a fitted sleeveless sheath fashioned of dark navy wool gabardine with front pockets. The jacket is double breasted with a simple collar and chain belt.
Vintage 1950s Persian Lamb Karakul Stole & Matching Muff
A gorgeous wrap to top off any vintage or contemporary outfit. This Karakul stole features a back bow treatment setting it apart from the rest and, it comes with a matching zippered muff/purse, just right for keeping your hands warm with a zippered top opening for keeping essentials handy.
Opulent Vintage 1920s Orientalist Lamé Tunic Dress
In the first quarter of the 20th century many of the most sought
after fashion designers were influenced by orientalism, a movement to
adapt the exotic flavor of the east to western fashions. Embellishment
was at its height and textile arts were heavily influenced as seen in
this gold lamé tunic dress dating to the mid 1920's.
1950s Vintage Orlon Rhinestone Bolero Sweater Shrug
What a perfect addition to any wardrobe! This sweater will be your new go to piece and you'll find yourself wearing it with everything from jeans to cocktail dresses. Made of orlon it is studded with prong set rhinestones and pearls.
Exquisite Victorian Irish Crochet & Lace Child's Bonnet
This Edwardian period straw hat dates between 1908 and 1912. With an enormous straw crown and brim made to perch atop an upswept hair style, the hat is simply decorated with fuchsia silk ribbon wrapping the crown and forming a large bow at the back. The brim is covered with metallic embroidered tulle lace that is further embellished with pink crepe paper rose buds applied in rows across the brim.
Opulent 1940's Vintage Jeweled Velvet & Mink Hat
Dating to the mid 1940's this unusual hat certainly makes a statement! Styled with a high, mink crown and fitted velvet sides. The velvet wrap ties at the back of the head in a turban like manner and can then be worn like a scarf around the neck or left to fall loosely in the back.
Elegant Gage Brothers Velvet Hat with Beaded Brim Circa 1915
The Gage Brothers began making hats in the mid 1850's and continued through at least the 1920's. This wide brim hat dates between 1915 - 1920. With a beaded brim and large, painted comb- like decoration through the crown it makes quite a statement!
Delightful 1870's Victorian Dolly Varden Style Polonaise Dress of Harriet Augusta Richardson
This bright and beautiful cotton polonaise dress is made in the Dolly
Varden style, of leaf printed cotton and would have been worn by a
young Harriet Augusta Richardson of Billerica, MA. The Dolly Varden
style came into fashion in 1872. Named for a Charles Dickens character
from Barnaby Rudge, a historical novel set in 1780.
Victorian 1882 Silk Wedding Gown of Harriet Augusta Richardson
Harriet Augusta Richardson was born in Billerica, MA in 1862 and was
married in 1882, at the age of 20, to Lester Harris. According to the
accompanying note, this rich maroon silk dress was her wedding dress.
The antique Victorian dress features a fitted cuirass bodice with a
shirred front panel and upper sleeves.
Cohorts
Recommended Reading
Harold Koda: Poiret (Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications)
Jonathan Walford: The Seductive Shoe: Four Centuries of Fashion Footwear
18th Century Costume in the National Museums and Galleries of Mersyside
Dressed for the Photographer: Ordinary Americans and Fashion, 1840-1900
Dangerous Liasons: Fashion and Furniture in the Eighteenth Century
What Clothes Reveal: The Language of Clothing in Colonial and Federal America
From Paris to Providence, Fashion, Art and the Tirocchi Dressmakers' Shop, 1915-1947
Style & Splendor: The Wardrobe of Queen Maud of Norway 1896-1938
