The Ornamented Being

My closet is organized alphabetically by colour and even though I put all of my browns and greens together, my blues are all organized by different names. I have an aqua section and cornflower blue section. So even though these are aqua and I don’t normally include them in my blues, they still count for my theme

Tea gown, 1890 Met

Parasol: Telescoping 1810-1811 (made) parasol V&A

Blue thou art, intensely blue; Flower, whence came thy dazzling hue

Dress AA 1869

Boots Met 1870

Bonnet LACMA 1845

Aqua satin shoes with silver braid, c. 1770  The Charleston Museum

Dress Met 1873

c. 1870

IMA says: This two-piece visiting dress is made in two shades of gray silk faille. The skirt is lavishly trimmed with pleated silk swags, silk fringe, flounces and piping. Pleated ruching and silk fringe are also used on the bodice. The skirt has a short train and is worn with a bustle. The triangular pocket on the right side of the skirt, trimmed with buttons and cord lacing, was designed to hold a parasol.

(Source: imamuseum.org)

I think Da Vinci would like this!

Parasol

Elsa Schiaparelli  (Italian, 1890–1973

c. 1937-40

The Met says: Parasols have been in fashion in the Western world since the seventeenth century. Most popular during the nineteenth century, they were used as both a shade from the sun and as a flirtation device. This example by Schiaparelli, owned by style icon Millicent Rogers, bears classic Schiaparelli characteristics of an unexpected shape combined with an unusual choice of materials. As this was most likely used to shield from the sun, perhaps while on holiday at Rogers’ Jamaican estate “Wharf House” or one of her family homes on Long Island, the materials carry out a beach theme, and are reminiscent of a straw beach hat. The asymmetric shape is indicative of Schiaparelli’s desire to design objects with an artistic quality. Bamboo, a wood more traditionally used for parasol handles, is used for the ribs, an unexpected twist. The canopy material, more commonly silk, cotton or linen, has the appearance of straw, again evoking the idea of a straw hat. The overall effect is very eye-catching and chic.

This looks like something Da Vinci would be proud of!

Parasol

Elsa Schiaparelli  (Italian, 1890–1973

c. 1937-40

The Met says: Parasols have been in fashion in the Western world since the seventeenth century. Most popular during the nineteenth century, they were used as both a shade from the sun and as a flirtation device. This example by Schiaparelli, owned by style icon Millicent Rogers, bears classic Schiaparelli characteristics of an unexpected shape combined with an unusual choice of materials. As this was most likely used to shield from the sun, perhaps while on holiday at Rogers’ Jamaican estate “Wharf House” or one of her family homes on Long Island, the materials carry out a beach theme, and are reminiscent of a straw beach hat. The asymmetric shape is indicative of Schiaparelli’s desire to design objects with an artistic quality. Bamboo, a wood more traditionally used for parasol handles, is used for the ribs, an unexpected twist. The canopy material, more commonly silk, cotton or linen, has the appearance of straw, again evoking the idea of a straw hat. The overall effect is very eye-catching and chic.

This post is for decrepit-telephone  because whenever I see Parasols I think of you!

Met

1) 1915-29 This parasol represents the apogee of parasol design of the early 1910s and 1920s, and the inclusion of an animal motif sets this parasol apart from others. Additionally, the motif is an identifiable breed fashionable in high society and a further nod to high style. The silk covered handle is also evidence of the high quality of this piece, and the fact that the crepe has been cut away, making the dog design visible from the inner side of the canopy as well as the outside.

2) c. 1920-39 The snakeskin trim found on this parasol sets it apart from the normal parasols of the day and may have coordinated the piece with other accessories such as shoes and a handbag. It is the characteristic parasol shape and size for the 1920s with a feminine color scheme, including pink stained wood to compliment the chiffon canopy.

c. 1870

Hands down coolest Victorian dress ever. Check out the parasol pocket on the skirt!!!

IMA says: This two-piece visiting dress is made in two shades of gray silk faille. The skirt is lavishly trimmed with pleated silk swags, silk fringe, flounces and piping. Pleated ruching and silk fringe are also used on the bodice. The skirt has a short train and is worn with a bustle. The triangular pocket on the right side of the skirt, trimmed with buttons and cord lacing, was designed to hold a parasol.