The Ornamented Being
Ornamented: -verb: Adorn; beautify
Be·ing: -noun: Fulfillment of possibilities; essential completeness
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I study historic costuming and in class the other day we were having a discussion on our favorite designers. When it came to my turn I confessed that I couldn’t pick between Worth, Lucille, Callot Soeurs, Paquin, Lanvin, and Doucet, it’s just too difficult! I received so many blank stares in return.
That aside Doucet will always have a place in my heart. This dress dates from c. 1905-07 (from the Met) and is typical of the Belle Époque style.
(Source: metmuseum.org)
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Cleo de Merode, Beauty of le Belle Epoque
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Jacques Doucet (French, Paris 1853–1929 Paris)
c. 1902
Jacques Doucet was first, and foremost, a connoisseur of art. Additionally, his passion for the refined and exquisite overflowed into his dealings with fashion, making him one of the finest French couturiers during the Belle Époque. The House of Doucet began as a family business, specializing in women’s lingerie and laces, as well as articles of clothing for men. Founded in 1817, the company rose to fame under the hand of Jacques. The house was known for its luxurious offerings, which were worn and coveted by royalty, members of the elite society in both Europe and America, and actresses of the stage.The Met says:
This evening dress is an exquisite example of the surface embellishment of the Belle Époque era. The multiple layers of silk, net and lace, accented with satin ribbon, beads, sequins and embroidery show how carefully each piece of couture was constructed. This dress is especially interesting, for it was worn by Mrs. Frederick Augustus Constable, wife of the manager of the high-end New York store Arnold Constable & Co. The establishment imported European dresses, some being Doucet’s, as illustrated by both names being included on the petersham. -
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
The Royal colour purple.
In the exhibition this costume was described as: “Supremacy. Purple silk moire robe, growing in stature to unapproachable scale and authority. Military command sealed with cut steel orders across a hardened bodice.”
(Source: costumersguide.com)
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Call me a total sap but when they just kissed my hand went to my cheek and I had the cheesiest smile ever. I wish movies could still be filmed like this. I love 1938 films (Marie Antoinette I am looking at you!) because even the extras are dressed just as well (if not better on some occasions) as the main cast. I just adore old movies.
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Part of a Suite of Kunzite, amethyst and diamond “Triphanes” jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels, from Elizabeth Taylor’s estate, is shown in this photograph at Christie’s in New York, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011. It is estimated at $70,000-$100,000.
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Elizabeth Taylor’s gold and ivory necklace featuring ivory opera passes, circa 18th and 19th centuries, a gift from the estate of Edith Head, is shown in this photograph at Christie’s in New York, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011. It is estimated at $1,500-$2,000.
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Marlon Brando “Napoleon Bonaparte” velvet, fur, and ermine-tail trimmed robe from Desirée (1954)
Look closely—those are BEES in gold on the red. !!!
Marlon Brando “Napoleon Bonaparte” elaborate coronation costume of cream satin tunic with crimson velvet and white fur, ermine-tail trimmed robe from Desirée. (TCF, 1954) Exquisite crimson silk velvet cape with gold bullion bee design lined entirely with ermine fur. No label. Ivory satin period long coat with gold bullion tassels and gold metal necklace with Western Costume label typed “’77-2706-2 Marlon Brando 40 Ch #8,” ivory satin sash with gold bullion tassels. Western Costume label handwritten “Marlon Brando 77-2706-5 Ch. 8.” Ivory satin dickie with lace trim. Western Costume label handwritten “Marlon Brando Ch 8.” Gold leaf crown. No label. In fragile condition. Worn by Marlon Brando as “Napoleon Bonaparte” in the coronation scene where he crowns himself emperor of France in Desirée.
$60,000 – $80,000
