Fashion forever – Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva, by Lucy Bertoldi

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.

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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:

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!

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Oh and, So happy that my post: Fabulous Friday’s Linkup and Runway Talk was featured in IFB on Links a la Mode!!

Here are the featured bloggers chosen by IFB:

What is your body shape? by LaMoumous
Fabulous Friday’s Linkup and Runway Talk by Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva, by Lucy Bertoldi
Best Advice for Working from Home by Bombshell Whims

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I love this blogging community so much! (Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)

MONDAY LINKS

Glass of Glam

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A Pocket Full of Polka Dots

Fashion Trends and Friends

TUESDAY LINKS:

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Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas

Shelbee on the Edge

Style Splash

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WEDNESDAY LINKS:

Jersey Girl Texan Heart

Living on Cloud Nine

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Straight A Style Blog

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Mix and Match Mama

Pastries Pumps and Pi

My Purple World

THURSDAY LINKS:

A Labour of Life

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Doused in Pink and Curly Crafty Mom

Good Random Fun

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Thursday Moda by Elegance & Mommyhood

My Bijou Life Online

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FRIDAY Links:

I also do a Link Party every Friday! Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva

Sharing a Journey

Shelbee on the Edge

Nancy’s Fashion Style

Lizzie in Lace

Momfessionals.com

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:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is pin-7-1.png — **Definitely starts off : Carrie Bradshaw, Twiggy, and Brigitte Bardot.**

**Debbie Harris, Jacqui O., Diana Ross, Josephine Baker…**

**Naomi Campbell, Princess Diana, Iris Apfel…**

**Audrey Hepburn, Prince, Rod Stewart, more Naomi…**

**Definitely my David Bowie, and there’s Harry Stiles (My daughter’s love of her life)…**

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is pin-1.png — **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??