Haute Hoods

I was having a look at the recent Haute Couture shows from Paris when I saw the Atelier Versace show and all of their Haute Hood glory. Fashion's past always inspires it's future and I have to say I personally ADORE this look.

The collection was said to be inspired by style and culture icon Grace Jones and her haute hoods from the 1980's

 FASHION HISTORY: The look of the hood can be seen in cloaks (outerwear), a version of a cape as far back as the 1500's, "This cloak is of ancient origin, dating back to the Arab world of the early centuries AD, where it took the form of the haik or hayk. It was imported into Spain by the Moors and was seen and illustrated by Christoph Weiditz in Granada in 1529, also in Flanders in 1532"source

The chic haute hood however made it's way into mainstream 'Fashion' pre-Halston of the 1970's . You could see this look popular in the 1930's.

1930's patterns

Deanna Durbin, 1930's

Claudette looks fabulous while filming The Palm Beach Story in 1942

Lucille Ball

Jean Shrimpton in a lace dress with hood 
by Nettie Vogues, photo by David Bailey for Vogue UK 1965

Grace Jones in Halston 1970's

Bianca Jagger

Priscilla Presley and Elvis

and  in the 1980's Azzedine Alaia. 

Alaia "mermaid'' evening dress in green acetate knit with hood, spiral zipper set in curved seam and fishtail hem from the Winter 1986 collection

Grace Jones in Alaia

The hooded look has been seen on amazing performers like P!nk on stage at the Grammy's 

and Kylie Minogue in her video for "Can't Get You Out Of My Head"

And of course most recently Lady GaGa

GaGa pictured with Donatella Versace in Paris

Would you get HAUTE with a HOOD?

Shop Evolution Vintage

Vintage hand made hooded dress ~ $90

Vintage 1970's 2 piece dress set --> Hooded Jacket $75

Sold 

Couch Critique: 2012 Oscars

I wasn't on the red carpet last night and watched from the comfort of my couch but I wanted to share my FAV looks. I'll leave it to Joan Rivers and friends point out the Fash-HOLEs on E! Fashion Police tonight.

Sadly there was only 1 Vintage gown last night, worn by actress Natalie Portman. A vintage Christian Dior gown in red with black polka-dots, circa 1954. I have to mention that it is not all about VINTAGE why I applaud Natalies choice. I personally am tired of the same generic gowns paraded down the red carpet courtesy of the celebrity stylists. Granted each starlit chooses the gown in the end of the day but based on options presented from stylists who are trying to be "on trend" or fashion houses sending their latest design. I wish that I would see the woman's personality more. An illustration of their uniqueness reflected in their style as they cast their net a little wider and opt for something 'else'. A dress never worn before on a Red Carpet, not necessarily Vintage (pre-1989) but even a pieces from a designer archive of looks from season's past. Trend's to me are part of the herd mentality as people strive to maintain the status quo by letting others lead the way.
Thankfully there are some true Style Mavens who dare to be different!

Other AMAZING Red Carpet Looks

Louise Roe in Black Halo

Rose Byrne Wearing Vivienne Westwood gown and CHANEL fine Jewelry ~ Total White Diamond ct is 40.77 white diamond total in variety of oval, cushion, pear, half moon, round, trillion cut diamonds.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford ~ Sleek & Simple Style (LOVE the CAPE)

Princess Charlene of Monaco in Akris ~ It is very plain but I'm mad about pleats!

Glen Close in Zac Posen - She looks FABULOUS! Age appropriate but totally current.

After the Carpet - My Party FAV's

Heidi Klum in Versace. The color, gold metal and textured material was a HIT for me. The length is perfect for a PARTY!

Modern Family's Julie Bowan in 2011 HALSTON - I love the draping & The Color! But I personally would have chosen a different shoe

Petra Nemcova ~ Love the dress w belt - not a fan of the makeup

Olivia Wilde in Gucci - Simple GLAMOUR! SO CHIC!

FAV Red Carpet Correspondent Looks:

Maria Menounos in Maria Lucia Hohan

Nancy O'Dell in Chagoury Couture - Love the dress but I don't care for the styling.

Honorable Mention:

Angelina Jolie looks AMAZING in Versace, however my issue is she wears Versace to EVERY event. I'm over it. She has access to ANYTHING in the ENTIRE WORLD and has the body for it too. I wish she would push her fashion boundaries more.

AFTER THOUGHT:
Is it just me or does JLO look BETTER at the After Party in Zuhair Murad?

JLO @ The Vanity Fair After Oscar Party

On the Red Carpet. This gown is beautiful and the sheer detailing devine .. except the arm slits. It would have been AMAZING and a best dressed for me if the sleeves were full.

There you have it folks, my digital 2 cents and Couch Critique ... Hope I can get a Vintage piece on a Starlet next year! Remember how CHIC Tori Spelling was in her EV Gown at last years Elton John's Oscar Party!
Make LIFE your RED CARPET! Got an Event and want something Unique? Evolution Vintage has you COVERED.

For a Red Carpet ...

Need something for the after party too?? SHOP: EVOLUTION VINTAGE DRESSES