Fridays , are for fun and relaxation anticipation- don’t you agree?! Full on-going week days have me begging for Fridays.
It started with some fun photo shoots for my new collaboration with 1ere Avenue– so much to show you about this! Click this link to read the blog post I wrote for them! 1ere Avenue is where you can find the fabulous Joseph Ribkoff collection- I’ve been in love with this line for as long as I can remember. (I still have gorgeous gowns from 30 years ago- vintage at its best!) So needless to say, I’m thrilled to be part of this collab!
If you haven’t seen my OOTD’s on Insta (for those who follow me there @lucybertoldi) here’s a few…
I wore the first outfit to my grandson’s Christening! The other was on a regular day:)
And- have been having so much fun with all the challenges by Audrey (I’m addicted to her challenges). The first look was for Fashion Week- and this week was a Hodgepodgestyle, chanelling Dolly Parton! How did I do?
That was so much fun!
There was also Dr. Ingrid Mida’s book launch: Reading Fashion in Art – given by Ryerson Fashion, with a Giveaway by Bloomsbury. This was such an amazing event! The speakers were extremely interesting- I need this book!I love everything about fashion- especially fashion books.
Speaking of fashion books- how timely that Dr. Ingrid Mida’s book: The Dress Detective arrived as well this week! I’m gonna try to get some good reading time somewhere during the weekend😊
And the week did not go by without another DIY of course!
This was a blouse with long flappy lapels. I cut them right off and created a criss-cross top that I can wear front or back! Wearing it so much more now!
Lastly, I’m part of a new monthly blogger series with 5 other fashion divas: The Thrifty Six! (wrote my first post here). Can’t wait to style up something fun and thrifty next month with them:) these ladies are so fabulous and I’m honoured to be part of this endeavour with them!
I love this blogging community so much! And I know how much goes into writing every single post, every single week. It’s a dedication thing. And- we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t love it. So we put our everything in it! Please take the time to check out these wonderful bloggers and what they have to say. It’s good for everyone:)
(Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)
If you love fashion, then I’m sure some part of you loves history- am I right? Well, that’s certainly the case for me- period costumes will get me every time; whether it’s at the museum, online, or at the movies (hello Netflix). Jaw-dropping gorgeousness that swifts you back in time…
I’ve grown attached (historically that is😉 to not only the fantastic outfits of the past, but also the ‘fashionistas’ of the time. Creating a style that went hand in hand with their rank, but even moreso with their large personalities, these historical figures have also become my fashion Muses.
Setting the pace as human fashion plates, styling their looks according to their ‘personal stylists’ (more about these in another post!). Ravishing, often decadent and certainly luxurious- the craftmanship of their garments has no such comparison. Clothes definitely made to last!
So- without taking you into a History of Fashion course here (I could though- because that’s one of the courses I do teach!)- Here are some of my favourite historical figures and a bit about them- Check out their style!
Well, you just know I’m gonna start with Marie Antoinette, how could I not?! Reigning queen of fashion, the beautiful and much- maligned queen of the French was hated from the beginning (primarily because she was Austrian) but also because she was thought of as an over-indulging and frivolous queen. If you do drop Hollywood and read the real history- you’ll see that she was wrongly accused in so many ways- But, now onto fashion! Yes- she was the ultimate fashionista with the most superb style (thanks to her stylist- for another post!) Next…
Do you know Diane de Poitiers? She was the gorgeous (and much older) mistress of the French King Henri II. Known for her beauty, brain and style- this fashion icon led the scene even more so than the queen (Catherine de Medici) herself! Her beauty potions to keep her young included washing her skin with pure gold ( and ingesting too…which leads to speculations about her death). Next…
Madame de Pompadour (Louis XV’s mistress) was a breathtaking beauty. Tending and doting on the King was a never ending, all-consuming task (due to his insatiable sexual appetite). Not always upto it, especially since she was becoming ill and very frail- Madame de Pompadour still enjoyed the king’s company as he did hers. But a king needs to be satisfied…What does she do? She selects a group of young, very, very willing seductresses (that weren’t too bright at all). Thus satisfying the king’s lusts without ever wanting to replace his mistress for he loved her mind so much. (BTW, the king was not even aware of de Pompadour’s setting this all up!). Oh did I mention (sorry for going astray there)- she was the best dressed lady in court. Her fashion reputation still stands today. Next…
Veronica Franco the great Venetian courtesan of the 16th c was known (amongst other qualities) for her literary and artistic accomplishments. But- we’re talking fashion- so! Obviously wearing more audacious and seductive attire, courtesans of the day were ornately styled up! Expensive and sought out materials adorned their bodies- and often set trends way before nobility and royalty…Not very difficult to believe if you think that their lovers were mostly men of the highest ranks who could muster up the most exquisite gifts at a whim in exchange for the courtesan’s art. Veronica Franco was also a mistress to King Henry III of France. Let’s just say her wardrobe must have been over the top. Next…
Let’s get into history’s influencer muse…the Countess of Castiglione. This beauty set up her own photo shoots- leaving a lasting legacy that still follows her today. The photo shoots were way ahead of her times, artistically speaking, and she made quite the reputation for herself. She came from a highly aristocratic family. Her beauty was immeasurable and so was her charm. So much so that her uncle sent her to France to butter up Napoleon III to reunify Italy. Suffice it to say that the liaison was short , but worked! In the meantime, she made quite an impression as she became the icon to follow. The French relished in her looks – she became known as the Queen of hearts- again, because of a famous photo-shoot (above left). Next…
Oh dear, have you heard of Marchesa Luisa Caschi? Eccentricity to the max! Muse to several artist of the early 19th c, the Marchesa was an outrageous fashionista. She collected a menagerie of exotic animals- and could be found walking them in the parks. Anyway- her style was incomparable and trend setting as well! Next…
Looking for some good od Renaissance fashion. Look no further than the utterly breathtaking Giulia Farnese (seductress to the Pope)- you may have seen her on the Borgia’s (but that’s Hollywood). In reality, she was forced into that relationship. And- being in a relationship with the most powerful man (probably on the planet back then – there was no higher rank)- Giulia got what Giulia wanted in exchange. And what did Giulia love more than jewels and the latest fashion (not much more really). Being the beauty she was- Giulia was the trend setting Madonna of the Roman hills; with a scandalous painting of her representing the Virgin… Next…
How can we look at historical fashionistas and not talk about Cleopatra! Oh my goodness- this Greek sublimeness (yes she was Greek; from the line of Ptolemy- descendants of Alexander the Great)- No other woman on earth could have been more powerful. She had first pick on everything and gold was her element of choice! Ornate you say? Who would I pick as her doppelganger…Cher of course! What do you think? Next…
Leaving you with my two favourite historical women in fashion. Starting with Alienore (Eleanor) of Aquitaine. Power you ask? Notorious Fashion Queen of the Mideival. She was all about silk, fine wool and gems, gold…lots of gold. Her beauty matched her unharnessed strength. There’s a recounting of her while married to the French King Louis VII on their trip through Palestine during the Crusades, where Alienore rode with her ladies through battle, loose long hair looking like Amazons. There’s so much to her power and strength, every girl and woman should read up on her. Next…
Lastly, Josephine Bonaparte- my all time favourite muse! Impeccable style this Martinique beauty (the Rose of Martinique) was the Viktoria Beckham fashionista of the 18thc. She caught Bonaparte’s fancy and that was it! He made her Empress. She is well-known for the ‘empire’ style dress (more on her stylist as well in a later post!) Empire because she was an empress.
There are more! But I didn’t want this post to be never-ending! If you want to see more, please visit my Historical Fashion Muses Board on Pinterest- can check it out HERE
Here’s just a glimpse:
#Confessionoftheday: There’s a bit of each of these muses in every woman I believe…but I’d rather just pick colorful elements from their fashion sense rather than their lifestyle- oof!
It would be impossible for me to speak about Fashion as my Muse without any reference to historical attire. As we all know, everything in fashion repeats itself; or comes back in some form or another.
Designers are always referring to the past when they create- And what a rich source of inspiration that can be! Alexander McQueen was notorious for doing this! He loved Victorian and Gothic fashion and it can be seen in his own designs.
How does this even relate to us?? These designs are at the very top of creativity. These are a springboard for all other creatives to base themselves on and to produce garments that have a nuance or taste of these beauties. Consequently, they create tones or patterns or cuts that we can actually wear and keep looking trendy.
Hard to imagine? Not really-You already own some of these ‘historical fashion’ items! Let’s see; do you own…
Flair sleeve tops?
Bell sleeve tops?
Ruffled blouses?
Hoop skirts?
Long dresses or skirts?
Velvet pants or jacket?
Chunky gold accessories?
Platform shoes?
Ankle booties?
Ballerinas?
Button-down vests or jackets?
Turtlenecks?
High-collar shirts?
Gloves?
Lace (something or other)?
This list can go on and on!!
So it’s no wonder that designers need to rehash what has already been done and bring back with a twist of their own. From there, the rest of us will end up buying (or thrifting!) diluted forms of these creations. So why not take some of those incredible elements and bring them into our own styling?
Here are more designers getting inspired by history:
Dior’s Rococo
The genius, Galliano and his take:
Givenchy:
And- I could not write about this without making note of fashion’s all-time bad boy- who also plucked his creativity straight from the past…Here are some of Jean Paul Gauthier’s creations.
When his Exhibit came to Montreal, I just had to go! Here’s a mini clip of one magnificent ‘caged’ creation taken right out of the ‘pallier’ times.
And as for myself, I can’t really pinpoint which part of the history inspired my own two dresses (for when my daughters got married both in the same year- 3 months apart). But I know that the inspiration and idea of these two designs (I helped co-create) were definitely a spin-off from the past. What do you think?
STAY TUNED for the last part of this Fashion is My Muse Edition, for next week when I highlight my Historical Muses…You’re gonna love them!
Here’s a glimpse:
#Confessionoftheday: My go-to inspiration will forever be a fantastically dramatic sleeve…and I wonder where I got that inspiration from…past life for sure lol!
What drives your styling inspiration? Where do you turn to quench that thirst for creativity? What sparks your next look- or purchase?
Just like an artist’s muse is the inspiration for his canvas, my muse for styling is fashion. Yes, Fashion is my Muse. Of course, there are faces behind those looks that inspire me so. I have scrapbooks and Mood boards filled from the years of collecting. This exercise has helped me during my career, my teaching, my art, and personally as well.
Not only are Mood boards great tools for collecting creative info, but they are especially useful as springboards for future projects. You can add or transform as you go along or evolve. And- this doesn’t always have to be with paper and glue (although that process can be incredibly satisfying!). There are great online platforms to help you plan your boards. You know what I’m gonna say: Pinterest, of course!
Today I’m sharing with you one of my Fashion Boards from Pinterest: Fashion is My Muse This board is filled with my very Favourite Fashion Icons. For me, there’s nothing ‘ordinary’ about these Muses; they are all Extraordinary.
I’m inspired primarily by their look and style, the patterns and forms, colors and accessories- the stories their appearance unfolds. Flamboyance and over-the-top creations help bring us out of our comfort zone. We may not go to these extremes…but certainly edge us on a bit. And that’s a good thing- moving forward and accepting change!
Here are my Muses, in no particular order:
Definitely starts off : Carrie Bradshaw, Twiggy, and Brigitte Bardot.
Definitely my David Bowie, and there’s Harry Stiles (My daughter’s love of her life)…
More Twiggy, Harry and Bowie…
Crazy about Vanessa Paradis, Marilyn Monroe, Lady Gaga, Cher and Rachel Zoe (who I happen to think is Bardot’s doppelganger- don’t you find?)
And, of course everything and everyone that has to do with Ru Paul!
There’s more… I keep on adding to this list. Stay tuned for Part 2; where I disclose my historical fashion muses!
Do you create Moodboards? Who are your Fashion Muses?
#Confessionoftheday:I secretly dream of recreating each and every one of these looks! I’m thinking of maybe doing a challenge on this! Would you join me??
(An unusual summer taking place elsewhere this year; definitely different than last year- Even for the Fashion Runway…)
Paris Digital Couture Week was on…not your usual Runway – this season everything took place online. Paris cancelled live shows due to the Pandemic- at least for one season.
So the shows were almost like music videos. For the most part designers kept the clips quite simple; running one minute for most (except for Dior; 10 minutes). Let’s just say…way less exciting (for me at least!)
Women’s fashion ran from Monday to Wednesday and Men’s from Thursday on. Did you get to watch?
Here are some great photos of three of my favourite designer collections.
Dior and dolls this time! Almost reminded me of the Pandora times- when these kind of dolls were the fashion plates of back then…
So Monday’s show began with Dior:
Just unbelievably precious AND…just wondering who gets these afterwards? Ideas???
Next up on Tuesday: CHANEL. More of a Rococo meets punk… I found the line more upbeat and much younger focused. Refreshing and edgy!
Wednesday was for my other favourite: Maison Margiela- by the genius Galliano. So much sheer goodness! I’m crazy for sheer and there was some everywhere in this show!
And how are we on making steps towards Sustainability in the Fashion world? Well, I was especially delighted to learn that both St-Laurent and Gucci (my favourite!!) will opt out of doing 4 shows a year. And, it appears that Mugler has agreed upon this as well. This will reduce so much waste in many ways- so that is definitely a step in the right direction!
Fact: Carrie Bradshaw is my fashion muse. I’m completely obsessed with her styling. Where do you think my love for mixing patterns, styles and colors comes from? And that whole thing with her being a writer…another thing we both have in common.
So, as I bring you fashion inspiration here and on my Insta feed, it got me pondering about what Carrie might be wearing if she were in quarantine. Hmm, based on what she wore, it would probably be original, creative, laissez-faire – but most of all, fun!
Let’s look at some of her looks from Sex in the City and see how she can inspire us during this confinement time.
Let’s start by rummaging in our own closets. Ahh we should all look at our wardrobes in such an endearing way- just look at her whole demeanour!
And trying on some of your clothes and just dress up for the fun of it!
And maybe doing some unboxing of things you haven’t had a chance to wear yet!
Choosing the right fresh looks that are both invigorating and yet still laid back- like this cutesy shirt outfit!
Putting your feet up to relax while still upholding a bit a glam…maybe sipping something cool…confinement at its best!
Or maybe a cutesy Tee with motif pants just for hanging out and chit chatting on the phone, catching up with people you miss seeing.
But a girl’s gotta work- and that doesn’t mean staying in your pj’s just because you’re working from home…unless that’s your statement for the day. Check out all these cute looks Carrie wears while hammering away at her laptop…
How chic is this?And this one!Slip dress!Love the KImono look! Every working girl needs a Rolling Stones Tee. Something about pearls and the feeling they give you…ahhh! Adorable little dress… Dresses can be darling as well as super comfy (just look at how she’s sitting!) And…we still have to eat…so for a quick trip to the grocery store- look how cute! And obviously if it really were during this quarantine- betcha Carrie would have the ultimate fashionable mask! Ok…This has got to be my very favourite grocery shopping look! And we can’t forget puppy duty! Isn’t this outfit da bomb?! Just try not to get closer than 2 meters from others! And after all that…just call it a day! Adorable silk top and she’s got her blanky to snuggle…luxury! And it starts all over again in the morning…Back to the closet!
Hope you’ve enjoyed these ‘what would Carrie wear during confinement’ moments! Keeps me dreaming of fun styling whatever the situation. And now…Back to Work!!!!
How are you styling your looks during this quarantine? Please let me know in your comments.
I love reading other great blog posts- so I thought to include some really good ones for you to check out! They have linkup parties where you can link your own posts. Go check them out and show some love. Have a good one!
Creative artists that baffle us with fantastical fashion are the ones that capture our attention and set the trends. But what if a fashion designer could do more than that? What if they could alter the way they create for the better…for sustainability? What if they could do this without limiting their creativity? These would be the true geniuses prancing one step ahead of the game.
I’m always on the lookout for such geniuses and am pleased to find that there is truly a movement happening! And who’s at the helm of it all? Don’t look any further than Stella McCartney.
From her fabrics, right down to her manufacturing, offices and retail outlets- all is in regard for the environment and its protection. Her products are sustainable in every way. Her motto is to make clothing that last- quality is key. She is a pioneer in her field and there are others are quickly following suit.
As we become more educated and sensitized, we realize how much it makes all sense. But bear in mind that ultimately, design, comfort, color, originality and trend, flash first in our mind and that’s mainly what sells if you don’t know any better. Bottom line: We must fall in love! So, it’s imperative that sustainability matches a desire for the garment!
Check out these following designers who have adapted sustainability in their practice- you’ll agree that they don’t disappoint! When you can marry good sense with extraordinary beauty and creativity- well that’s a match that can’t be beaten. These are the fashion designers that must be applauded…as well as lauded.
