Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Something old, something new: Turning vintage materials into new creations

  Vintage objects and inspiration seems more popular than ever, and there are so many choices!
We can buy actual vintage garments, or new possessions inspired by past eras OR we can have items that are both new and incorporate old materials!

vintage retro floral fabric bundle pile materials


I've done this with jewelry, clothing, art..it means that at the end of the day you have an amazing and unique piece that can't really be replicated.

vintage ring rings spoons jewelry cutlery floral silver steel

I am in love with these rings by Leanne who sells her range at our shop By Design, she's actually made them out of vintage spoons! This means that every ring is unique.


vintage rings by design ring jewelry spoons cutlery craft


We also were offered some vintage fabrics to purchase recently as well, it was such a treat to view and pick fabrics that you know you will never come across again.
Both me and my friend Julz who is a fellow designer both use vintage fabrics in some of our designs, and our clients get so excited knowing that they're getting a unique garment.

barkcloth fashion vintage fabric material floral 50s burgandy

Julz turned this amazing floral fabric into these awesome skirts, available to purchase here

julz skirts fashion style retro vintage barkcloth burgandy floral

And here are a few of my designs using vintage fabrics..

clothes fashion style retro vintage dress skirt box pleated floral rose fabric


Sunday, 19 May 2013

Vintage coats

The colder weather has arrived here in New Zealand and I've been drooling over vintage coats.
For the first time I'm going to have a coat in my next collection, nothing complicated (I do love minimalism!) but something classic.

Here are some amazing coat patterns that are available on Etsy, there's something out there for everyone!

xx

1950s 1930s vintage retro fashion style coat jacket
Sources: 1 & 2

1950s vintage retro fashion style coat jacket gingham red
Sources: 1 & 2

1950s vintage retro fashion style coat jacket vogue pattern
Sources: 1 & 2

1950s vintage retro fashion style coat jacket
Source here

1950s  vintage retro fashion style coat jacket dress
Source: 1 & 2

1950s 1930s vintage retro fashion style house coat jacket
Source: 1 & 2






Saturday, 18 May 2013

Dior Haute Couture Spring 2007

Dior will always be one of my favorites. It's what got me interested in fashion all those years ago, so I thought I would post some images of one of the collections I love most.

Enjoy xx

dior haute couture fashion japan japanese 2007 spring

"What psychological process did it take to lift John Galliano to the extraordinary place of brilliance he reached—or rather, rediscovered—in his Spring couture? Everything about the Dior collection—inspired, he said, "by Pinkerton's affair with Cio-Cio San, Madame Butterfly"—reconfirmed his unique talent to evoke beauty, sensitivity, narrative, and emotion in a fashion show. "

dior haute couture fashion japan japanese 2007 spring

dior haute couture fashion japan japanese 2007 spring
"Kimonos, obis, and geisha makeup were Dior-ified, transformed into delicate translations of New Look peplum suits and full-skirted dance dresses. Each look sprouted yet more miraculous planes of origami folding, their stiff geometries creating necklines like flowers or hovering birds. "

dior haute couture fashion japan japanese 2007 spring


dior haute couture fashion japan japanese 2007 spring

dior haute couture fashion japan japanese 2007 spring

Sunday, 12 May 2013

Incorporating vintage into everyday life

Because of what I do as a vintage-inspired fashion designer, I come across many women who want to be styled in a 1940s/1950s manner but are too scared of standing out or not being able to pull it off.
Any women can wear vintage! So I thought I would put together a few little styles for those women who want to add just a touch of vintage to their everyday look-you don't need to look like you walked off during a photo shoot.

vintage retro 1940s 40s hair hairstyles pinup rita hayworth

Hair can make such a difference to someones overall look. 
Victory rolls are still very popular with those wanting a 1940's style, but as these photos show even having a wave/curl to your hair can make a huge difference.
The photo of me on the right was my first attempt at pin curls following a wonderful tutorial over at Vixen Vintage which you can find here. 
I simply took the bobby pins out after my hair had set, and then took one part of my hair on each side and pinned it back with a single bobby pin.
On other days where I'm in a hurry, I place my hair in heated rollers and save time by doing my makeup while they set.

lana del ray red lipstick vintage eyeliner cat
There are many easy vintage makeup tips out there! These two aren't groundbreaking but I always go with them when I'm having a retro day.
Cat eyeliner is an easy one, you may or may not team this with false eyelashes, and the style you may draw them in can depend on your overall eye shape.
Red lipstick is also very popular, there's a shade to suit everyone but I also find that if I'm wearing a shade of red that I have to make sure that any spots I have are well concealed as the hue of the lipstick can sometimes draw attention to similar colors elsewhere on my face!

vintage pinup pencil skirt 1940s 1950s marilyn monroe

I could go on and on about different garments that have a vintage look, but skirts are a fantastic staple with a variety to choose from depending on what you feel most comfortable with.
Pencil skirts are great if you want a more 1940's feel with an hourglass silhouette and are wonderful teamed with a beautiful blouse or fitted jacket.
Box pleated skirts are beautifully feminine and have the fullness of a circle skirt without the need for a petticoat, creating a silhouette all on their own.
Circle skirts are easy to create and find, for a more dramatic look they can be worn with a petticoat underneath to give them more shape.

These are just a few tiny tips! It's all about being comfortable and confident in your look-the more satisfied you are with your outfit, the more your confidence will radiate.
There are many different options for shoes and bags, I personally prefer kitten heels as I find them easier to walk in yet I still get the height I want for my outfit.

Hope you've had a great weekend! xx 


Friday, 10 May 2013

What I'm loving

doris mayday vintage dress red hair pinup

samantha wakelin design dress lace sweetheart vintage

james bond the world is not enough pierce brosnan

vogue magazine collection fashion romance dame

modcloth bags pink satchel handbag retro vintage


marilyn monroe bride bridal vintage 1950s romance dame


1. Doris Mayday, I've become obsessed with her look recently!
2. My latest dress design now available at By Design
3. The world is not enough-I actually thoroughly enjoyed the film and Pierce Brosnan's portrayal of Bond.
4. Collecting fashion magazines, I sometimes wonder how I'm going to transport these if I ever move!
5. My wishlist of Modcloth bags has reached unhealthy levels.
6. I've started thinking recently of going into vintage inspired bridal-think more minimalist pieces but still heavy on romantacism.