Art Deco Preservation Ball and The HIGH STYLE exhibit at The SF Legion of Honor

In May, Mark and I were able to attend the Art Deco Preservation Ball at the Scottish Rite Center in downtown Oakland.  It was a magical evening, and the experience rivaled that of making my gown for the event, which took a little over a month. I absolutely love designing and making historical dresses for art deco events. 

And, I LOVE to go to fashion exhibits SO the High Style exhibit at the San Francisco Legion of Honor was quite the treat.  Of course the two dresses pictured above were my favorite and a total inspiration for next year's event.

Here are some photos of my dress in progress:

I started by draping the gold brocade on the dress form front.

I hand smocked the side panels on silk charmuse, as I wanted to have some soft drape in the skirt but a fitted bodice. Smocking was a great way to reduce the fullness on a large part of the fabric.  It's also an older technique and seemed an appropriate accent for a 1920's style dress.

I wanted the lace edge to be curved from front to back, so I cut out the scallop design on both borders and shaped the full width of the lace so that it was curved on both sides to the center of the panel.  You can see the finished effect in the photo below.

Front View

side view

Back View

 I also decided to make a corset to wear under my dress.  I really wanted the silhouette to be authentic.  It was fun to make, however, I needed to add a stretch panel in the back as the original design was a little (ahem) small.

Here are some more photos from the event:

What to wear to Gatsby this year?

 I was surfing eBay the other day and came across two amazing vintage magazines from the 1920's.  Due to my ever so slight obsession with the 1920's and figuring out my outfit for the next Gatsby Summer Afternoon, the two magazines made it into my shopping cart and are now in my hands.  I couldn't resist the great cover on Mode Pratique (above).  The Costumes are perfect for a sporting afternoon.

This cover of Le Petit Echo de la Mode is even more sporting and just what I've been thinking to do for the last couple of years.  If I start now, a sweater could be knit and a tennis skirt and blouse sewn.
Who out there wants to do this with me? 
Here are two more images from the magazines.  Such great inspiration!!!!!

This last one, is less "sporty" but couldn't resist including it.  Love the elegance of the time!

And here is a photo that is reminiscent of the time.  My grandmother Franny's friend within the Singer Midget Troop.  I think it's from the 1930's and not the 20's, but sporting just the same....

Going to the Gatsby Summer Afternoon

 Such a fun way to spend a Summer afternoon.  The Dunsmuir house in Oakland, provides and elegant background for this special day brought to us by the Art Deco Society.   Every year folks dress up in Art Deco Attire (circa 1915-1940) and come out for this Event.  Whether you like vintage clothing, vintage cars, a great picnic or croquet, you will be in for a treat.

There were many amazing picnics, but this year it was all about the clothes for me.  My friend Joy Johnson found two fabulous matching dresses for myself and my daughter (see below photo), so we were able to dress up and compliment each other. Such a thrill for a mom personally obsessed with American Girl dolls as well as sewing and times gone by.  We were so lucky that the dresses fit and we fit in beautifully.  I'm already thinking about what we'll wear next year.

 

Darling table with a lovely setting!

I was watching these two impeccably dresses ladies about all day.  Their dresses were fabulous.  I'm   not sure if they were vintage or if they made them.  In either regard - gorgeous 1930's.

Here are our dresses - Just needing a few minor repairs.

 Also Ella Schwartz above, posing on one of the cars.

 This ensemble was made from a pattern that belonged to the model's grandmother.  So cute!  Love the hat.

Wouldn't it be delightful to have a maid by your side?  And doubly special if her hair was an exact match to her dress. 

Looking forward to my next Gatsby!
Toodloo!