I'm not a huge fan of musicals, however I love Cecil Beaton, and his costume and set designs for the "Ascot Gavotte" scene from My Fair Lady are simply stunning. Even though his designs date from the 60's, the combination of black, white and gray patterns still feels glamorous and fresh.
(click image for a larger version)Have you ever wanted to make your own jewelry, but didn't quite know where to start? Then you should make an appointment at Femmegems new studio in Chelsea.
Femmegems stocks all the raw materials (clasps, wires, beads, etc.) and shows you how to assemble everything into a unique piece of jewelry. You can make necklaces, earrings, or bracelets and if you don't want to start from scratch, they even do jewelry makeovers, where they take your old jewelry (an old string of pearls, charm bracelets, etc.) and update it by restringing, embellishing, or simply changing the clasp. They also do parties which could make for a fun night out with your bridal party. Imagine, sipping wine and snacking on crudités while you and your bridesmaids make something beautiful to wear to the wedding. Sounds lovely...
CHELSEA STUDIO
134 West 26th Street, #400
New York, NY 10001
212.625.1611
www.Femmegems.com
By Appointment Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday 8:30am – 1:00pm
I'm a magazine addict and there is nothing I like better than to browse through vintage magazines on Paper Pursuits. The site has tons of images from fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar (I especially love the issues from the 1950s), interior design magazines (be sure to check out House Beautiful and House & Garden), old advertisements, and even sewing patterns. These publications are a wonderful source of interesting colorways, graphics and period details. Many of the fashion magazines also produced special bridal issues that have gorgeous photos of gowns, veils and bouquets - who knows, maybe it will inspire you to add a vintage touch to your own ensemble!
All the images of vintage Vogue magazines are from Paper Pursuits. From top left: February 1956; March 1956; February 1956 (interior); July 1956; March 15, 1956; July 1956 (interior); October 15 1955, November 15 1955, October 1955 (interior).
A great way to incorporate your invitation design into the reception is to re-use design elements from your wedding stationery (colors, borders, monograms, etc.) for the decoration of your cake. Below are some lovely examples of how brides I have worked with used their invitations as the inspiration for their cakes.
Wedding cake photos above by Iris Photography.I am always trying to come up with new ways to use some of the leftover trimmings and letterpress scraps I have here my studio. In the past I've made mini gift enclosures and favor tags, and now I've started making these little cupcake flags. Since they are made from scraps, the alignment of the artwork is a little different on each one - which I like, since it keeps everything from looking too formal - I think cupcakes should be fun!
I saw Valentino: The Last Emperor last week and I can honestly say it's the best thing I've seen in a long time. The documentary chronicles the two years leading up to Valentino's retirement and features so many beautiful clothes, people, and homes it will make you giddy. The film ends with Valentino's three-day 45th anniversary celebration in Rome and seeing all the work that went into producing the spectacle is awe inspiring - this man (and all the creative people who work for him) certainly knows how to throw a party!
