Tuesday 28 January 2014

Which fashion era is for you? Part 1:The Belle Epoque to the 1930's

The Belle Epoque 


The Belle epoque was a time of great luxury and wealth for a select portion of society. It was an era which ran from 1890 to 1914.
Fashion at the time was purely an indulgent hobby and a way for the ladies in high society to showcase their wealth.
Garments were extremely elaborate, extravagant and painstakingly made! 
High neck blouses, ruffles, embroidery and puffed sleeves were signature elements of the time, with low-cut necklines and bare backs fashionable for evening wear.
Corsets were an absolute must and ladies were remoulded into an exaggerated S-silhouette that was popular at the time.


It was absolutely beyond comprehension to wear clothing that didn't require a third party to help you into, in fact it would have been vulgar to get dressed on your own!

1913 Tea Dress

Images from Pinterest

Towards the end of the era, also referred to as the Edwardian or Titanic era, corsetry and ladies silhouettes became looser, fashion became more innovative and women became freer.
Downton Abbey has been able to highlight many of the styles from this era from the constricting outfits worn by Maggie Smiths, Dowager Countess to the younger ladies of the house looser and more feminine dresses.


The 1920's - Flappers and Coco Chanel

After the First World War fashion became more dynamic. Trends changed quickly, hem lines rose and fell and hair styles became more daring with the introduction of the blunt bob.
Women abandoned the corsets and began wearing loose fitting "Flapper Dresses" on their boyish frames.
Coco Chanel also championed the wearing of suits and sports wear on a daily basis. Her look was more restrained and chic.


Louise Brooks, Flapper icon!

Cloche hats and elaborate headpieces became hugely popular as they could be worn easily with the shorter bobbed hairstyle of the time.

images from Pinterest

1920's Chanel fashion

Dirty Fabulous 1920's cream silk, beaded, flapper dress

1930's - Hollywood Glamour

Captured in the decadence and glamour of the movie stars of the era, the 1930's saw fashion take on a more elegant and womanly appearance.
Waists became nipped in once more and dresses were cut on the bias and draped seductively to show of feminine curves.
Courtesy of Pinterest

Courtesy of The Met

1930's Vogue from My Vintage Vogue
The Great Depression meant that restraint was used by both designers and customers. Fashion became practical but sophisticated.  New, cheaper fabrics were introduced and fashion started to become more accessible to the masses.
Hollywood did allow for most to get lost in the heddy glamour, which was a much needed form of escapism.

Bette Davis in the 1930's

1930's fashion has had a huge revival recently as designers such as Jenny Packham and Ellie Sabb recreate the bias-cut, draping of this time. 
I adore the 1930's. The original fashion offers a real feast for the eyes as do the movies of this era. You could easily get lost in this world of glamour!

Dirty Fabulous 1930's blush silk wedding dress 

Dirty Fabulous 1930's chartreuse velvet gown


lace collar detail on Dirty Fabulous candlelight silk wedding gown

Find your perfect era in Dirty Fabulous, call us on 01 6111842 or email info@dirtyfabulous.com for your appointment








Tuesday 21 January 2014

Jewelled headpiece for an Oyster silk wedding dress





We were delighted to be able to help stunning bride Ann to find the perfect headpiece to suit her Art Deco style, oyster silk wedding gown,
The geometric shape and rhinestones of our bespoke headpiece compliment her dress perfectly!
Congratulations on your recent wedding!

Thursday 16 January 2014

It's all about the ankles for award season!












Did you watch the Golden Globes? We watched the red carpet entrances for the fashion and a little of Tina Fey and Amy Poehlers hilarious hosting.
Even though, this year, a huge amount of movies that are on my "must see" happen to be up for nominations, here at Dirty Fabulous HQ we're all about the fashion!
The first thing we noticed about the Golden Globes red carpet was that many a Starlet had their ankles on show.
This may be a new trend for the red carpet but one that we are very familiar with. It was the norm from the 1940's to 1960's to show off your elegant shoes and wear your dresses raised to the ankles.
It can be hard to get your head around this style when you are used to wearing full length dresses that skim the floor but we think it's only gorgeous to show off some killer heels and shapely ankles!

1960's ivory lace wedding gown with dipped hem at back. 


1950s Cobalt Emma Domb gown with contrasting lining.

 

1930's Charteuse velvet gown with rhinestone pins.

 1950's emerald satin gown with train detail.


1960's ivory lace gown with train.

1960's fully beaded column gown.

1960's Emma Domb Satin Brocade empire gown.



1950's lace wedding gown

All these and more fabulous gowns in stock!






Tuesday 14 January 2014

A 1930's Bride!




Sarah chose an absolutely stunning liquid silk 1930's bias cut dress for her wedding.
This was a luscious, form fitting wedding gown which Sarah wore to perfection. As many of the 1930's wedding dresses have high sash necks, Sarah had her dress altered to give a flattering v-neck.
I hope you agree the whole look was amazing!
We wish you both a fabulous marriage!!!




Wednesday 8 January 2014

An engagement shoot with White Tea Photography

One Fab Day are featuring a fabulous prize of an engagement shoot with the super talented Aga of White Tea Photography here .
I thought I would share our own White Tea engagement shoot to show you the fun we had.
 We hadn't wanted any formal shots on the wedding day itself but I did like the idea of having a few nice shots of us as a couple, when both of us were actually looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. So enter Aga!
My husband to be hadn't heard of "an engagement shoot" and wasn't entirely sure what it was all about but he chilled out once we got going. Aga shot us at home in our apartment with our own stuff and nonsense around us, including the cat, so we felt very comfortable. I've lived in a lot of different flats but this one is my favourite space and it's the first place that we lived together so it's lovely to have a photographic record of it!

Anyway if you are thinking of having a portrait / engagement / wedding photographer, I can highly  recommend the charms and artistry of Aga!

























xxx Caroline xxx