I was looking at press coverage of the recent Academy Awards ceremony trying to spot historical references. The Dior designed ensemble worn by Natalie Portman (pictured above) incorporated several details of the past.
- The gold embroidery on the long gown is reminiscent of the heavily embellished fabrics that the Byzantines (AD 339 – 1453) favored.
- The gold rope sash reminds me of Greek and Roman ties that were used with tunics.
- The black cape echoes the Mantle from the Early Middle Ages (10th & 11th centuries).
(Ms. Portman’s cape was embroidered with the names of women directors whom she felt had been snubbed by the Academy. Her actions are apparently controversial and since I don’t really know much about it, I don’t have a comment. Except to say that I do enjoy seeing clothing used to communicate messages – as long as it’s done subtly.)
A depiction of Byzantine Empress Theodora surrounded by her courtiers. The men are wearing short tunics under an outer layer called the Paludamentum, as is the Empress who was the only woman allowed to wear this garment. The other women are wearing a long-sleeved tunic called Dalmatic, and on top a Palla (shawl). All the fabrics used are heavy and elaborately embellished.
Women from the Byzantine and Middle Ages kept covered from head to toe, so hair and chest would not be revealed. In that regard Ms. Portman’s ensemble is very modern. But what an interesting mix!
Posted in Events, Fashion, Uncategorized, Vintage | Tagged Academy Award fashion controversy, Academy Awards 2020, Academy Awards fashion, Byzantine dress, Dior, historic dress, Natalie Portman, red carpet gowns, the Academy Awards | Leave a Comment »
I was 26 years old and making $90,000 a year. I went on the internet and purchased a pair of $500 boots that I knew were fashionable in New York, but, it turned out, I was embarrassed to wear in San Francisco – they looked so professional.
Anna Weiner, author of Uncanny Valley: A Memoir (FS&G).
So, it’s a bad thing to look professional?
What a shame that Ms. Weiner was intimidated by the low fashion standards of the Bay Area. Had she just worn the boots, she could have been a standout and perhaps even a role model for others.
As long as people are afraid of not looking like everyone else, we will never shift away from athleisure.
Posted in Fashion, Uncategorized | Tagged Anna Weiner, fashion in the Bay Area, fashionable quotes, Tech industry style, Uncanny Valley: A Memoir | Leave a Comment »
Conde Nast: The Man and His Empire by biographer and historian Susan Ronald, covers Nast’s glamorous life and successful career as an American publishing giant.
There is much to cover and Ronald moves quickly over Nast’s early life from his birth in 1873 to his marriage to his initial interest in magazines. Once he enters into publishing she slows down and settles in on how Nast started with Collier’s magazine, moved on to Ladies Home Journal Patterns and eventually Vogue magazine.
Publishing Vogue and Vanity Fair are most of the story but we also read details about Nast’s famous “cafe society” parties and his grand apartment at 1040 Park Avenue in Manhattan. There are intriguing tales about fashionable characters such as Vogue fashion editor Carmel Snow, photographer Cecil Beaton, and writer Dorothy Parker.
The financial crash in 1929 hit Nast hard and he nearly lost his empire. We learn how over several years Nast fought to keep his business going by calling in favors. WWII was not an easy time either as French Vogue had to shut down and British Vogue (based in London) struggled to publish facing paper shortages and The Blitz.
But Nast and his empire did survive these challenges and that makes for great reading. Thoroughly researched with help from surviving letters and company documents, Conde Nast: The Man and His Empire is an excellent read for fashion and publishing industry history.
Posted in Fashion, Uncategorized, Vintage | Tagged British Vogue, Cande Nast, fashion books, fashion icons, fashion magazines, Vanity Fair, Vogue magazine | Leave a Comment »
Romance lurks in strange places, but perhaps nowhere so much as behind shop windows.
British Vogue, January 1922.
British Vogue, like Vogue in America was published by Conde Nast. In the 1920s the covers were illustrated, such as the one pictured here. I find the illustrations have a certain charm that photographs just don’t have however artistic and slick they might be.
I just finished reading Conde Nast: The Man and His Empire, by Susan Ronald (St. Martin’s Press). Check back Wednesday for my review.
Posted in Arts, Events, Fashion, Vintage | Tagged British Vogue, Conde Nast, fashion, fashion icons, fashion magazines, fashionable quotes, Vintage Vogue covers, Vogue magazine | 2 Comments »
Above images are from Survey of Historic Costume, 5th edition, by Phyllis G. Tortora (Fairchild Books)
Did you know that women in Ancient Rome were not allowed to wear Togas?
The Roman Toga (fabric draped and wrapped around the body) was a complex garment, a symbol of Roman citizenship made and worn a certain way to reflect different roles in Roman society.
Although initially for both men and women, by the 2nd century B.C. togas were restricted to male Roman citizens. An average male Roman citizen wore a linen tunic under a plain white Toga Virilis made of wool. Someone special like a high-ranking official wore the Toga Praetexta – a toga with a band of purple several inches wide along the edge of the fabric.
What you wore communicated who you were.
It was the same for women.
Free, married women sported a long, sleeveless dress with shoulder straps called a Stola. They wore the stola over a tunic. Topping off the outfit she might have worn a Palla, which was a draped shawl that wrapped around the body and was sometimes pulled over the head.
I’m learning all this and so much more in Fashion History, a class I’m taking this semester at City College of San Francisco taught by local costume designer Judith Jackson. This is a fast and furious course in western costume history from ancient times to present day. I have previously taken three classes in the Fashion Department at CCSF, including Fashion Icons of the 20th Century, Hot Topics in Fashion, and my favorite – Textiles Analysis also taught by Ms. Jackson who is an excellent instructor.
My fashion plate is very full with this class and every moment taking notes, reading, studying, writing is pure pleasure. Stay tuned in the coming months as I share other fashion history facts.
Posted in Fashion, Uncategorized | Tagged Ancient Roman dress, CCSF, fashion history, fashion studies, Judith Jackson, Palla, Stola, Survey of Historic Costume, togas, women's dress in Ancient Rome | 2 Comments »
Resort 2020 for Louis Vuitton.
On my first trip to New York, I was fascinated by the incredible craftsmanship of the Art Deco buildings. I tried to go back to those emotions with this collection. It’s about rediscovery of American Heritage.
Nicolas Ghesquiere – French fashion designer and creative director for Louis Vuitton.
Posted in Arts, Fashion, Mom's Closet, Vintage | Tagged Art Deco Architecture, Art Deco inspiration, fashionable quotes, New York City Art Deco, New York city style, Nicolas Ghesquiere | Leave a Comment »
Is it too early to talk about spring 2020 shoe trends? Ah, no! Indeed, it’s just the right time as the shoe show of the year, FN Platform, is coming up February 5-7 in Las Vegas.
Lucky for us, Leslie Gallin, President of Footwear Informa took time out of her busy schedule for a Question and Answer with OverDressedforLife.
1. How do shoe styles develop?
Ah, a very good question and could prompt a long response, so here goes in the condensed version. Since footwear is a utilitarian product, meaning answering the needs for waterproof, activities and safety etc. … this category of footwear is developed based upon lifestyle – trends in developing lighter and more durable and comfort go into the creations. Fashion – Women’s and Men’s dress shoes – will most likely follow the color trends of the season along with the styling of fashion – pointy toes and heel heights.
2. Sustainability is a big word in fashion, how is the shoe industry addressing the issue?
This is a hot topic – we are seeing more and more footwear brands looking to sustainably and ethically sourced materials. Many companies are looking to reduce their carbon footprint as well. I think we will be seeing more and more footwear made from plants and recycled materials.
3. There are so many shoes made these days from around the world it seems, and the quality varies. Can you tell us what to look for in a well-crafted pair of shoes?
Yes, fit varies based upon the factory where the shoe is made. There is a tremendous amount of labor – human touch which goes into making shoes. Think about it, the right foot and the left foot must ultimately be identical! This does not happen from a machine. A sewn sole to the upper of the shoe provides a greater stability and finer shoe. Quality of the leather, you want a shoe that the more you wear it the more comfortable it feels. Servicing one’s shoes is important to your health. Think about it – if the heel of your shoe is worn down that can create an imbalance to your walk and ultimately your back. Having well serviced shoes helps with your health. Shoes need to allow your feet to breath, therefore finding a shoe with natural – real leather, sheepskin – fabrics will be a better shoe.
Leslie says the platform sneaker is back for 2020. We haven’t seen the platform sneaker since the late 90s.
4. Sneakers have been popular lately; do you see that going away or are they here to stay? How might they change to keep interest?
Sneakers are evolving- no longer are they just performance driven. This generation recognized one does not need to suffer for fashion. It is a youthful look to wear “sneakers” with dresses and suits. We are seeing in men’s shoes an evolution of sorts – combining sneaker insides and soles with the an historic men’s dress shoe upper. I do think the trend of comfort being a wider acceptable factor in our shoes is here to stay.
5. What’s your favorite shoe trend for spring 2020?
My favorite trend for spring- mules for women and the new casual dress shoe for men.
Mules! I just noticed a beautiful pair of mules by Brother Vellies in Harper’s Bazaar. As for sneakers, they are this walking girl’s best friend. Style and comfort all in one. I also agree that taking care of our shoes is essential for our health, pocketbook, and the environment.
Thank you, Leslie! I really appreciate your shoe expertise.
Posted in Events, Fashion, Uncategorized | Tagged FN Platform, Footwear Informa Markets, Leslie Gallin, mules 2020, Q&A, shoe trends, shoe trends 2020, shoes, sneakers | Leave a Comment »
