All About Shape

The 80s seemed to take fashion to over-the-top-heights, and this fabulous jacket by the Italian designer Krizia is a glorious example.  I paired it with black velvet pants - part of a suit by St John.  St John tends to be a bit staid for my taste, but when styled correctly, their pieces can be really fun.  These pants have a wonderful peek-a-boo ruffle in the back (as does the jacket).  I often separate sets to make them contemporary.  The 40s ribbon taffeta peplum is a good transition between the jacket and pants, and balances the amazing hat by a past well known Albuquerque milliner, Paula. Shape and how it translates two-dimensionally is the inspiration for a lot of my photo-styling.

Chiapas Ole!

The embroidery on this folklorico skirt and top from the Chiapas region of Mexico is just stunning.  In twenty-eight years of business I have had only three of these in my shop.  It's folk art pieces like this that give me chills.  I love doing show-and-tell when someone expresses an interest in older hand work. They are so much better in person. Stop by for a tour!

Skirt & Blouse: large flowers and shields embroidered in vibrant silk thread on sheer netting, from Chiapas, Mexico

Hat: mini straw faintly striped sombrero 

Matisse Stripes

 

I have loved Matisse's work since my teens, and this dress brings to mind the smaller works he did of exotic women reclining on Middle Eastern prints and stripes. I was lucky enough to see his paintings in Nice and Paris, but truly fine works are in the Chicago Art Institute, and there is a whole wing of the National Gallery of Art in D.C. devoted to his enormous cut-outs (oh my fabulous!).  He's had a big influence on my paintings and styling. Google his work and you'll see why he's still so thrilling, and let me know what paintings you love and where you've seen them.

Dress: 1930s sheer striped silk

Hat: 1960s boater straw, with fuchsia silk belt

Veil: Victorian silk scarf



Tree Chic

Montauk will be "tree chic" when this jumpsuit romps on it's beaches.

Jumpsuit: 1970s with B&W tree branch print, backless

Sash: 1940s silk corded tie with large tassels

Hat: 1960s Audrey Hepburn-style picture hat

From the Tropics to the Desert

Maxi Dress: 1960s hand printed on layers of Thai silk and made in Hawaii by designer Pauline Lake
Head Wrap: block printed bold plaid Thai silk shawl
Feather: 1920s ostrich fan
Wrist: bronze metallic 1970s belt


From the very beginning of Off Broadway it has been my philosophy to sell vintage clothing as contemporary fashion. Much more on that subject to come!.

Mixing it up 20s Style

Hat: Child's Victorian bonnet, reversed
Exterior: 20s pleated silk, monkey fur (I know) trim, corded tassels, striped blue silk lining
Interior: early 60s strapless slip
Shoes: 60s spike-heeled with 40s glass buckles

Introducing My Muse

This is the lovely Leslie Wilson who was introduced to me by my friends at Elsa Ross. She is an effortless beauty and a joy to direct.