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Leonard Lovley
It seems people are always refering to Leonard of Paris designs as Pucciesque, but aside from a very few early Leonard prints, I find them to be drastically different. The only similarities I see with the two are signatures in the pints, and the use of matching borders on the garments. The photo above shows a portion of typical Pucci and Leonard prints. Both are glorious in their own way, but are obviously very different. Pucci was more about the "big picture" while Daniel Triboullard of Leonard focused on more realistic subjects with a focus on shading and detail.
 
Looking back to 1950, to look forward to 2045
dali meets dior
I have often read references to the collaboration between Dali and Christian Dior called "Costume of the Future", but until last October when it was presented in Stockholm at the Dali & Vezolli exhibit at the Moderna Museet (on loan from Museu de Sao Paulo - Brazil) I had never seen any representation of the costume (the center color photo). Shortly after discovering the gown in Stockholm, I recalled seeing the first photograph and spent half a day searching for it. This photograph had no mention of Dali or Dior, but it is obviously the same dress. From there I was determined to find Dali's original design, and I am happy to present the trio, together at last. It was also interesting to find the quote that accompanied the first photo. I could write quite a bit about my thoughts there, but I will leave you to muse for yourselves. Enjoy!
 
Knock your socks off knock offs
ysl love
Nowadays we are all very leery about knock offs. From Prada bags to designer jeans, it seems every good thing has an imitator. Though I frown on "copies" (unless authorised by the designer and made with care and quality) I am always tickled to find "inspired" designs. Take for instance my couture Battilocchi of Rome suit that screams Chanel with its nubby tweed, quilted silk lining, gold chain at the hem and lion's head buttons... It has the elements of classic Chanel but a distinct Italian flair, like the slightly fitted waist and tulip cuffs and pockets. Its clearly Chanel inspired, but it definitely stands as its own design.
 
Decadent Textiles
margot de taxco
I consider vintage clothing superior to modern fashion for many reasons, but though styles and cuts can be copied, it is nearly impossible to find the quality of textiles that were available years back. Today's textile manufacturers just can't replicate the look and feel of these older fabrics. Take for instance the textile above that was made into a fab little dress by Mark Bohan for Christian Dior. Before I even saw the label I knew it was a very special piece based solely on the incredible fabric.
 
For the love of YSL
margot de taxco
San Francisco was fortunate to have hosted the YSL retrospective at our DeYoung Museum for most of our Fall and Winter. I must admit, I perused the exhibit more than a few times and each time I was overwhelmed by the beauty we were graced with. Its been gone for a month now, and thinking back, the piece dearest to my heart was his "Wedding Coat" of 1970. The piece was a patchwork of brightly colored velvets, with the words "LOVE ME FOREVER" on the front.... "OR NEVER" on the back. Its not that the coat was the most beautiful garment, nor was it the most intricate, but it was the glimpse into the
heart of our beloved genius YSL. Yves love theme wound its way into many of his works. The detail (love and kisses) above is from a pretty little rayon blouse, a sweet example from the biggest heart in fashion.
 
 
Gilbert Adrian
Loris Azzaro
Cristobal Balenciaga
Pierre Balmain
Geoffrey Beene
Averardo Bessi
Manolo Blahnik
Bill Blass
Donald Brooks
Stephen Burrows
Pierre Cardin
Hattie Carnegie
Bonnie Cashin
Oleg Cassini
Roberto Cavalli
Chanel
Chloe
Sybil Connolly
Jean Desses
Christian Dior
Estevez
Jacques Fath
James Galanos
Jean Paul Gaultier
Rudi Gernreich
Bill Gibb
Hubert de Givenchy
Madame Gres
Gucci
Halston
Norman Hartnell
Jacques Heim
Hermes
Holly Harp
Norma Kamali
Patrick Kelly
Calvin Klein
Goldworm Italy
Karl Lagerfeld
Jeanne Lanvin
Leonard Paris
Bob Mackie
Claire McCardell
Mary McFadden
Missoni
Issey Miyake
Moschino
Hanae Mori
Robert David Morton
Franco Moschino
Mr Freedom
Thierry Mugler
Jean Muir
Norman Norell
Mollie Parnis
Jean Patou
Thea Porter
Emilio Pucci
Paco Rabanne
Pedro Rodriguez
Nettie Rosenstein
Zandra Rhodes
Nina Ricci
Yves Saint Laurent
Giorgio di Sant Angelo
Arnold Scaasi
Jean Louis Scherrer
Elsa Schiaparelli
Ken Scott
Adele Simpson
Vicky Tiel
Pauline Trigere
Valentina
Valentino
Jean Varon
Gianni Versace
Michaele Vollbrach
Diane Von Furstenberg
Janice Wainwright
Vivenne Westwood






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Born from my love of fine vintage clothing, Swank Vintage has been offering fabulous garments and accessories, since 2000. With an ever growing list of devoted customers, I strive to offer the best fashion available for all shapes, sizes and budgets. Please sit back and relax as you discover many Swank delights.

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