Monday, October 15, 2012

From Bridal to Racing ~ Be Fascinated

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We were fascinated this week by these pieces from Louis Mariette. That would be perfect for any occasion. Something to think about with The Melbourne Cup just around the corner!

Normally feathers are used in a fascinator and this tradition dates back through the centuries from the Greeks and Romans ceremonial helmets to the time of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I (16th and 17th century) where they then started to include jewels.


The royal family have often been the leaders in wearing fascinators, demonstrating their cutting edge fashion elegance.

As we approach the 2012 Melbourne Cup Spring Carnival Racing season we know that you will be looking for something inspirational to wear.

Fascinators are a fine alternative to a veil and are very elegant. There are not many opportunities to wear a Fascinator so make the most of this choice for your wedding or for attending fashionable functions such as a Melbourne Cup event.

When you wear a fascinator it does not affect your hairstyle or outfit. It does not matter if you are going to be inside or outside at your function!

A fascinator is really nothing like a hat. It is purely there for decoration and not to protect the head like a hat.

During the Victorian era ladies began to wear fascinators for special occasions and the fashion really took off in the early 1900’s.




Fascinators have a long legacy of elegance and can be worn to reflect a vintage era or to convey a modern day chic.



Monday, October 8, 2012

Cut a Shapely Figure

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Surprisingly there are only six basic silhouettes to chose from, once you have nailed your favourite, make it truly yours with jawdropping fabric.




Ball Gown
It’s the dress favoured by teeny waisted, romantic royal brides from Queen Victoria to Princess Diana and even pop princess Victoria Beckham. the tight bodice, corseted waist and billowing skirt are pretty and ultra feminine. a bustier will most often be involved.





Princess
Princess Mary put this shape into the spotlight. Flattering and slimming, the boned dress hugs the bust and waist tightly then flares into an ungathered skirt giving a long, lean look. An elegant cut for the ultimate sophisticate, minimal in a strapless version.




A-Line
From the skinny bodice with an under-bust trim, the dress skims the waist to a wide ungathered skirt. This hip-slimming cut gives a look that’s sweet and innocent. Devotees of this flattering style have included Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson




Empire
The tight bodice is the focus, often with a deeply scooped neckline; the fabric then falls to the hemline. Nicole Kidman’s wedding dress followed this comfortable empire line in a cloud of french lace and silk chiffon, with an up to the minute micro-pleated sleeve detail.





Mini
Short is back for perky brides, the knee length shows off lovely legs and puts pretty feet and enviable shoes in focus. It’s a less formal choice, perfect for beach weddings and cocktail hour nuptials. Cindy Crawford wore this raised hemline and made the confident look a hit.





Slip Dress
Sexy and slinky but the most unforgiving shape of all, the bias cut hugs the figure all the way from the bust to the ankles and highlights every curve and bump. Carolyn Bessette’s cigarette-thin frame suited this daring and deadly sexy line.



images via firstVIEW