Adam’s Atelier

Robes Noires Redux…

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Today we continue the “Black- Not Just For Mourning” theme a bit more with this day dress/afternoon dress:

Afternoon Dress, c. 1898; Metropolitan Museum of Art (C.I.56.16.2a, b)

Here’s a close-up view of the bodice. The beading and soutache bring a three-dimensional “live” effect to the dress while at the same time they give a luster that offsets what would a somewhat dull dress.

The rear of the bodice especially shows off the decorative effects of the beading on the collar combines with beading and soutache work on the bodice back and shoulders.

William Boeklage is relatively unknown today but was one of the many ladies’ tailors in Paris from the 1890s through 1920. Not much is known about the firm but that may change in the future. This is a beautiful dress and certainly demonstrates how far design effects can be used to show off the dress’s color to its greatest advantage.

And For A Little Portraiture…

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And just for something different today, here’s a portrait from 1891 of Madame Albert Cahen d’Anvers. Portraiture from a particular historical period can often give us an idea of what was worn then, or at least an idealized version of that clothing. In this case, we see an elegant evening dress combined with a long opera cloak. The gold color of the cloak lining nicely contrasts with the silk ivory evening dress. It would be nice to have been able to actually view the dress itself but unfortunately it’s no longer in existence (as far as we can determine) so we’ll have to content ourselves with the portrait.

LĂ©on Joseph Florentin Bonnat, Portrait de madame Albert Cahen d’Anvers, 1891; Bayonne, MusĂ©e Bonnat

Here’s a closer view:

LĂ©on Joseph Florentin Bonnat, Portrait de madame Albert Cahen d’Anvers, 1891; Bayonne, MusĂ©e Bonnat

Lily Absinthe Goes To The The Armistice Tea Dance

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We’re happy to say that the Armistice Tea Dance went off without a hitch and a good time was had by all. With this success, we’re looking on planing another tea dance possibly in January 2021 so we’ll have even more time to perfect our Teens fashions. 🙂 Stay tuned for more!

 

 

Happening Today! It’s 1918!

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Looking for an historical event to start off the New Year? Well, if you’re going to be in Southern California, we have just the thing- A tea dance to commemorate the end of the First World War! The dance will be held on February 1, 2020 from 1:30 to 5:30 at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena. The War Memorial Building was built in 1923 and dedicated by Marshal Foch of France and it’s the perfect venue for this sort of event. There will be live music with a caller to help everyone through the dances. This definitely promises to be a lot of fun and it’s an era that we haven’t done much with so far…but that will change. 🙂  For more details, please click HERE.

Here’s a few pictures of the wonderful venue: