Polka Dot Heaven

Bill Cunningham is one of my all-time faves, one of the most iconic photographers in fashion history and of course known for his raw street style. So whenever I do get to catch his column "On The Street"in the New York Times, it is always a treat.

This past Sunday he featured the art adorning the facade of Louis Vuitton's Fifth Avenue store in New York City. LV has been collaborating as of late with the mercurial Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who is renown for the heavy emphasis on polka dots in her work. The Whitney Museum also launched a retrospective featuring Kusama to coincide with the Louis Vuitton unveiling. Notably, another Japanese designer, Rei Kawakubo showed a collection heavily laden with huge polka dots last spring.

So apparently its now officially a love affair again, but I did want to show you some beautiful bakelite bangles from the 1930s and 1940s that featured inlaid polka dot designs. There has long been a fascination with this geometrical shape, especially when it can be used to complement and to contrast. Bakelite jewelry in general enjoys a cult-like devotion among vintage connoisseurs today, and we are proud to have some great pieces in our collection here at CTVC.

I do however also share a love for polka dots, so yes, if I do get down to New York City in the coming weeks, I will be sure to stop by the Whitney Museum to take in what should be a very interesting exhibit!

Stay Fabulous, Carole

Downton Gatsby

We seem to be looking at a fall/winter season rich in hair adornments! These divine treasures reference the much-talked-about premier of The Great Gatsby, as well as the ongoing hit series Downton Abbey.

A creative way of achieving these looks could be to pin a favourite large-scale brooch onto a simple headband! We love this deco trend.

Stay Fabulous,
Carole

Impossible Conversations: My Thoughts

I finally made it to the Schiaparelli and Prada Exhibition at the Met. Although their individual styles don’t necessarily echo each other’s’, I found that both designers were unconventional in their approach to fashion. They came from diverse backgrounds (Schiaparelli from humble means and Prada from privilege), and they both rebelled against the ‘safe’ styling in fashion jewelry during their respective times.
One of the most interesting things I found about the show was that they were both influenced by the concept of “ugly”, with Schiaparelli being told by her mother from an early age that she was ugly, and by Prada using “ugly” as a fashion statement. The exhibit itself tended to favor Schiaparelli’s short jackets and hats. Prada was well-represented by her extraordinary sculpted shoes and unusual skirts.
All in all, an inspirational show, and a must-see for those of us who are interested in the connection between the artist and his work.

Stay Fabulous,
Carole

Spring Blitz

I always feel so fresh and optimistic when warm weather begins to be the norm. So, we at CTVC have selected two wonderful pages of rings and seasonal sets for your perusal. Hope you enjoy. Stay Fabulous, Carole

Impossible Conversations

Earlier this week marked the launch of the Schiaparelli and Prada retrospective at the Met in NYC. The two women, Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, were both Italian fashion trailblazers and leading women of their time. Though the two never got to meet in real life, this exhibition is set up against a backdrop of imaginary filmed conversations between the two, featuring the real Prada and actress Judy Davis in the role of Schiaparelli.

I have been collecting vintage Schiaparelli jewels and illustrations for years; the use of colour and uniquely cut stones have always captured my heart. To see a modern-day resurgence of popularity for the designer is so exciting! I can't wait to see the show, which is on until August 19th. For more information on the show please go here.

Stay Fabulous,
Carole