Saturday 27 October 2012

Hollywood Costume Exhibition

I am very excited I have recently been to the Hollywood Costume exhibition at the V&A, which was definitely worth it`s money. Classic costumes such as Batman, Superman, The Terminator and not to mention Cat Woman were featured in this incredible exhibition.
What was amazing was the whole sections devoted to film such as a Meryl Streep whose costumes from Mamma Mia and The Iron Lady showed how different an actor or actress could look in different roles!
There was a whole film on how the costume jewellery and pinball suits in Avatar worked. Which was really interesting since every piece of jewellery in Avatar was made by a whole team of jewellery designers.
In whole, looking back on the experience seeing the costume drama costumes` had to be the best part. It was fascinating to see a whole array of dresses which had been made even in the 40s and 50s in  perfect condition!  Pearls had been embedded into long laced trains and even ships were balancing on the tops of towering wigs from Antoinette.
It was even better than the Ballgowns Exhibition last year.
Highly recommended but get your tickets soon !

Friday 26 October 2012

Fairisle or Glasses



                                                             The Fair isle jumper vs glasses                                        






Fair isle Jumper



The Fair isle jumper was first worn by 19th Century fishermen. It`s comeback was in 1922 when the Prince of Wales wore it to a golf game. Ever since it`s been a big hit in the high street.
This British sweater is worn by celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Fearne Cotton,Emma Watson, 1D etc.

Big frames like these have come into fashion since Ray Band made their own pair which got opticians and designers in awe. Four eyes like me have been delighted to find ourselves looking chic rather than a stereotype.
Even celebrities who are not known for having bad eye sight have been spotted wearing this eye-wear in music videos and films. These have almost become the next sunglasses and I hope are going to stay in fashion until the price of laser eye surgery goes down.
 
 
 
Which brings me to the real question:
If  you had to choose,glasses or fair isle?
 
 
 
 
 

Clotheslines: Downton Abbey Downstairs costumes 1

Clotheslines: Downton Abbey Downstairs costumes 1: Carson is well loved character being a the Grandfather figure who often displays his tough love. Even his casuals look like something we ...

Downton Abbey Downstairs costumes 1

Carson is well loved character being a the Grandfather figure who often displays his tough love. Even his casuals look like something we would wear to a dinner party. With his pinstripe trousers and stiff collar he looks like Jeeves! I accidentally drew him to the side so he looks like Stephen Fry! He seems to have the same uniform as the footmen even though he`s the head butler.

Mrs Hughes is often put in her more Victorian and practical looking dresses for her role as housekeeper. The dress does have a lace trim to it which shows her status and also her personality. If Carson is the tough-loving Grandfather she is the stealthy Great-Aunt who does seem to have a warm side under her forward personality. Her hat is also practical looking but not too modest.

Bates a man who seems to be in trouble without causing it. Looks cuddly but can be aggressive in bad situations. Being a valet he wears plain clothing but has hair gelled back like the other male staff for formality. Wears a simple black bowler-hat often worn by the middle class.
 

Our nasty and defencive lady`s maid! Always ready to cause trouble lets everyone know of her status in Downton. Has three main dresses two for everyday one for formal. Fairly fashionable button up dresses with pan-collars and white cuffs seems old-fashioned but the pan-collar is having a comeback in real life.  Shops such as Boden still sell cardigans with large buttons on.

Venetian Carnevale Costumes


For years children have dreamed of going to balls in floating gowns and tiaras like characters out of a fairytale. In Venice once every year everyone does exactly that in the Venetian Carnivale. The Carnival is held just before lent and ends on Shrove Tuesday.  It is said to be a celebration of victory in 1162.  People still celebrate it to this day, attracting 3 million visitors every year.





Mask shops like this one sell masks made from leather, porcelain and glass.They are decorated with gesso and gold-leaf. They are well known to be hand-painted and covered with gems or feathers. For centuries people could spend nearly all year round with hidden identities and there are stories told about the crimes people could get away with.