The Darnell Collection: Glimpse into Fashion's Past

Fashion's history has always been of interest to me. After all the entire business of Fashion is based on the re-designing and re-conceptualizing of fashion's past to create the new, fresh and current.  I have found some amazing treasures for my eBoutique, EVOLUTION VINTAGE over the last few years but could not imagine being given an amazing Vintage collection from virtually out of the blue.

Late 1930s silk crepe and silk fringed dress by Madeliene Vionnet. In the background is a silk velvet dress with lace panels made by an unknown dressmaker in the USA

This is exactly what happened to Australian Collector, Curator and Author Charlotte Smith.  She inherited a priceless Vintage clothing collection from her American godmother, Doris Darnell. Over 3,500 items started arriving at her door step dating from 1790-1995. 

Her collection has continued to grow (to well over 7,000 pieces) and be showcased for the world to see. It spawned two amazing books too: "Dreaming of Dior" & "Dreaming of Chanel". Each dress tells the reader a story as they pour over the lush fashion illustrations provided by Grant Cowan.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Charlotte about her amazing collection and style.

LG: What is your favorite piece(s) from the collection and why?

CS: My favourite piece is an evening dress made by Lucile, an Edwardian dressmaker, also known as Lady Duff Gordon. She created gorgeous and sumptuous collections all made with exquisite gossamer silks, gold threads, satin roses and bows, glass beads. She called her collections names like "Gowns of Emotion". My dress is dated 1911 and is made entirely of gold threads, cream silk and beautiful, dainty satin flowers. Lucile is famous for surviving the sinking of the Titanic. She, her husband and her secretary were rescued, but under scandalous circumstances - only 20 or so people were in her lifeboat when 40 could have been saved. It was claimed she hampered the rescue of other! I love this bit of history behind the designer of the gorgeous dress!

1960s sequin mini by Andres Courreges, Paris 

LG:  Why did you opt for Fashion illustrations for your book as opposed to actually photographs of the pieces?

CS: I felt photographs would have killed the romance and nostalgia of the stories behind the dresses. With a photograph you need facts and figures. With an illustration, a good story is enough to keep the magic alive. My books are meant to be a snapshot of women's lives and what they wore, not an historical account with facts and figures. Also, some of the dresses were too fragile to dress on a mannequin so the artist, Grant Cowan, was able to sketch it as I held it, and then, with artistic licence, created the 'perfect' imaginary woman to wear it. 

LG: Do you continue to collect pieces? Are you looking for anything in particular now?

CS: I am always collecting, but now collect things in my size!! I am also continually being given things so the Darnell Collection continues to be a custodian of other people's treasures. I am looking for truly elegant Valentino from the 70s, Biba and Ozzie Clark from the 60s. I am really trying to build the 60s and 70s element of my collection at the moment.

Early 1970s Dior wool jumpsuit

LG: Is the collection currently on exhibit? Where can readers see it?

CS: The collection is on exhibit in Australia at the moment with an exhibition in Queensland and then another one in Victoria in July. Only small parts of the collection are every on display at once, and always themed. I don't have anything planned for the US at the moment but would love to be asked!

1930s silk velvet evening dress

LG:  What would be the ULTIMATE piece for your collection? Your personal Fashion "Holy Grail"?

CS: A LBD by Chanel from the late 20s. She introduced a black dress as the ultimate in chic dressing in the late 1920s - 1927 to be exact. I would like one from this date! 

CoCo Chanel - LBD 1920's

LG:  How would you describe your personal style?

CS: A blend of vintage couture, high street and designer clothes. I prefer new and glamorous shoes and some element of vintage and high street. This way, I can ensure I will look individual with a unique look. It also allows me to wear haute couture and couture - vintage haute couture/couture is more affordable than new pieces. I also like to wear vintage jewelry with my newly purchased clothes. Always blending old with new! 

LG:  If you had one piece of style advice for Women what would it be?

CS: Whatever you choose - choose quality (cut, fabric, design, silhouette). It doesn't have to be a major designer name and it could be off the rack, but some clothes just get it right in their look and use quality fabric. And this goes for vintage as well as high street. 

I am in LOVE with the 2 book set and hope that her future collecting spawn a few more editions.

Want to WIN a COPY of "Dreaming of Dior"? Or a FAB sample book with 8 stories and illustrations personally SIGNED by the Author?

Comment below, on the Evolution Vintage Facebook Page or Tweet Me - Tell me how Fashion's Past has influenced YOU and your current WARDROBE. How do YOU Re-Style Fashion's Past Current?

I will pick 2 winners! Contest Closes Sat June 30th!

Good Luck and Keep DREAMING!

Hungry For Change?

One of my latest and biggest nutritional light bulb moments occurred while watching the film  "Hungry For Change" . We as a society are over fed and under nourished. The thought of eating "food like products" was a big eye opener. The film is a VERY educational and  I feel it should be mandatory in the school system.  I have recently started to re-learn everything about nutrition that I thought I knew. Turns out I knew very little about the effects the foods I was choosing had on my body.

See the full film below or check out their Web Site for additional information, recipe book and to buy the DVD!  

Do yourself a favor and take 1hr & 29min to get a food education. 

Line Up

Linda Evangelista - Photog: Steven Meisel

I LOVE to Line Up when creating the perfect eye. In recent years I have gotten into the use of eyeliner. There is nothing sexier to me than a BLACK "Cat's Eye" or "Wing". After all these years it remains a make-up staple.

A lot of women have told me they love the lined look but are unable to do it. Just like everything else in life ladies it takes practice, trial and error and a little bit of experimentation.  DO NOT try liner until perfected on the day of an event. Start your practice in advance.

Here is a photographic step-by-step Vintage liner "PicTorial"

It's fun to play with different liners, and then pair with various eye shadow colours and techniques. The only limit id your imagination.

I use M.A.C Fluidline in Blacktrack

I use M.A.C. Angle Brush # 208 (It is technically for Eye Brows but I love it for my lash line)

The Result - My mix of Pink Shadow (Kat Von D: Mi Vida Loca) & Wing Liner

Image: Hayley Marie Photography

TIP: I pull my eye lid FLAT to get the perfect line. Then fill in.

Need a step-by-step guide??

WATCH:

Ekaterina Ulyanoff Make Up Artist

Are you ready to LINE UP? Post your comments, tips and photos below.

Sole Sister Sunday: Ole Faithful

This is my first installment of "Sole Sister Sunday" - For shoe lovers EVERYWHERE. I will feature pieces from my Closet, Celeb closets, Vintage shops and Shoe designers past and present every Sunday.

My first is a feature from my closet. A FAV pair of peep toe booties: Alexander McQueen "Faithful" Booties.

They emerged in 2009 on the feet of several celebs and became and instant hit. 

The design inspiration was that of a motorcycle jacket. I LOVED them the first time I saw them.

I Love them because they are Rock N Roll chic! and are Timeless Trendy to me.

Do You have a FAV pair of Peep-Toe Booties?

Garden Variety Fashion

1930's Grape Fruit Peel Dress

The new Veggie trend is not a literal one but more of a print story brought to us by the Italian Fashion duo: Dolce & GabbanaAND Their Italian counterpart Moschino. Both design houses entire S/S 2012 collections were based around Fruits and Vegetables. Not only do Veggies/Fruits improve your health but they may improve your style too. Are you a Veggie Vixen?

D&G - Red Carpet Style

D&G Accessories from the garden.

Garlic Clove Earrings 

The Ad Campaign and runway From Moshino (Cheap & Chic) were like a trip to the farmers market, a super stylish one!

My picks for some Fashionable Fruit & Veggie Fun:

Brussel Sprout Umbrella ~ $38

Vintage 70's Strawberry Tote Bag ~ $16

1960's MOD Mushroom Dress ~ $45

Vintage Golden Apple Ring ~ $45

Vintage Strawberry Slacks ~ $30

Vintage 1950's Pear Brooch & Earring Set ~ $150

Vintage 50's Egg Plant Print Circle Skirt ~ Bids Start @ $49.99

Vintage Strawberry Stretch Belt ~ $25

Do you love this trend? Will you wear your Fruits & Veggies?? 

It's a YES & YES for me! Lot's on my plate and this S/S season on my back too.