Thursday, February 19, 2009

It's Couture Kittens! COURTURE!

Oh my goodness, I think I may have to have a lie down!

The reason for my somewhat over-excited state is re-visiting all the gorgeous photos from the "Golden Age of Couture" Exhibition I recently visited in Bendigo with the delightful Nicole from Circa Vintage Clothing.

Once again, I urge you to visit this exhibition if you have the opportunity. I am based in Melbourne and it was worth every minute of the entire 4 hour round trip drive just to see it.

These were my stand-out favorites amongst an impressive amount of truly stellar examples. Click on the images for a closer look Kittens!


Dress and petticoat by Pierre Balmain: Perfect for a 50's retro bride don't you agree?


We saw this stunning, silk rose-print Pierre Balmain dress, sans black bow. Spectacular!


This above is the famous Christian Dior "Zemire". The V&A acquired this ensemble in 2006. It had been stored in a cellar by the Seine in Paris and had to be cleaned and repaired before it could be displayed.


This hand-beaded organza gown by Hubert de Givenchy was awe-inspiring in its detail.

But this was the gown that took my breath away:


This red silk evening dress by Cristobal Balenciaga is beyond divine. Quite plain and simple at the front, it is the covered button, bustled skirt and bow detail at the back that makes this gown the belle amongst a large collection of BEAUTIFUL ballgowns.


Photos courtesy of The Golden Age of Couture exhibition catalogue edited by Claire Wilcox and the V&A website.

4 comments:

harbourmaster said...

ooh this exhibition was so beautiful wasn't it? i loved the miniatures, and all the cocktail dresses in the room off to the side of the main room (apologies, that is a very poor description. uhmm....past the cabinets with the hats and shoes?). i wish i'd gotten the catalogue now, but know it's available at Hill of Content so may have to pick one up there.

Andrea Eames said...

I wish I could go, it looks amazing!

Anonymous said...

Ohh, so much beauty!
Imagine owning or wearing one of these divine creations?! Heaven <3

Sounds like you had a great day trip :) xxx

Electric Kills said...

truly breathtaking. They don't make them like they used to ♥