Farbiedoll

Believe In Dreams

The Mode Elegance of Fantasy

Coco Chanel once said, "Be a caterpillar by day and a butterfly by night."

"Nothing could be more comfortable than a caterpillar, and nothing could be more made for love than a butterfly."

Fashion is an interpretation of emotion. It transforms the individual into a fantastical creature of self-representation. Clothing allows so many transformations: slipping into a silk dress to undress; donning a hat of feathers in a multitude of colors and texture; pulling on a coat of fur to cover and protect a dream.

The fairy tale princess may not exist in reality, but it is possible to feel royal through style, substance, and fashion.

Nouveau Vintage: Handbags

Haute Handbags: From Vintage to Lanvin

Lanvin took a cue from a few designers in the past. The silver Onyx Python Frame bag retails at $1,665.00, shown here from the Barneys New York online website. The push-lock close and "golden" chain shoulder strap lends itself to sophisticated luxe.

Posh Girl Vintage (www.poshgirlvintage.com) provides another unique look at the similarities between such bags. The 1960's white Cobra head purse is a unique twist on venom and vipers.

Lanvin's further take on metallic accessories is shown in this golden lambskin shoulder bag. Barney's retails the Peptite Bag at $2,035.00.

Posh Girl Vintage displays a fantastic vintage mesh bag from the 1940's. This golden purse from Whiting & Davis is lined in lustrous yellow taffeta.

Currency has never been represented in better form.

Parlour Dressing

"Fairy Tales Are True"

As simple as an elegant, yet beautiful piece of art: fashion can translate into literal music.

This 1950's Harvey Berin/Karen Stark party dress is "mode elegante". Lavish, yet honest and sincere in fabric and fluidity. Vintage is graceful and vulnerable in its' authenticity.

Nouveau Vintage

Donna Karan revamps the Working Woman's wardrobe

With respect for the career woman and a penchant for silken jersey dresses, Donna Karan brings DKNY to the boardroom. Her comfortable, yet professional clothing, is a nod to the multi-tasker and caretaker of any household/corporation. Her 1985 collection, "Seven Easy Pieces", combined femininity with statement power. Sensual translates well with spiritual, and Karan's love for yoga is incorporated into her choice of fabric and color.

Donna Karan might have glanced at the 1950's, a demanding era on the women's role in society. However, the appreciation for fine clothing provided bright hues and slim silhouettes. Karan used many of these elements in her Spring 2008 line, loosening a stress on constriction into an easy and light affair.

Silk/linen party dress, 1950s. The common theme of 1950s design is also represented in the DKNY Spring '08 collection: ladylike femininity with a sexy twist.

VINTAGE: "de vieux a nouveau"

As a continuing segment, "Nouveau Vintage" will focus on uniting vintage finds with current pieces from designers. This reflection, between clothing of different time periods, shows the importance of historic design and timeless apparel. While the influence of the past is quite present in 2008, vintage textile continues to shape runway collections and consumer interest.

There is no denying where society has been, much less forecasting where it will go. Fashion has always been an outlet for the creative spirit and an expression of individuality. Clothing is a statement; dress is a voice for those that are unable to speak a mood or feeling. Perhaps drawing on the past provides a solid foundation for the future.

Nouveau Vintage

Something Borrowed, Something New

The lending of an idea or design is an impossible task; once something is created, it cannot return its' elements. Vintage clothing has become a segment of todays fashion, while it continues to provide inspiration for current designers. While society laments the return of shoulder pads and the electric 80's, there are many strong trends in the 21st century reminiscent of the past.

Gucci's Spring 2008 collection drew takes from the 1980 prom dress, while incorporating eclectic scribbles and bright taffeta bows. These two dresses are quite similar, in both cut and fabric. While Gucci's designer, Frida Ginanni may not be stocking her closet with old frocks, she is refreshingly acknowledging the past.

The first dress is a vintage 1980's black and pink taffeta cocktail dress. Gucci's Spring '08 line follows the trend, but is different in its own classic way.

Illustrated Art

Lacey - Fashion & Still Life Photographer

The graphic modernism of Lacey's photography is a simple blend of fashion and subtle illustration. Born in London in 1976, Lacey studied graphic design before turning her photography skill into a career. By adding the illustrations of other artists, her pictures take on a psychedelic groove.

Lula - still life
Jalouse - Fashion

Merging Coastal Fashion

Andrew GN

Paris - Fall Fashion 2008

Luxury spills forth in cashmere and embrodiery, but the well-shod will appreciate Andrew GN's recent craftmanship and tailoring. Fur lining, shimmering silks, and jewel toned cocktail dresses, Andrew GN fulfilled the needs of a bourgeois princess in his fall 2008 collection. With experience as an assistant at Emanuel Ungaro, GN caught the public's eye when he took over as Artistic Director at the House of Balmain. His bold coloring is remniscent of royalty, but the cut and fluidity of midnight gowns and cap sleeved blouses are nothing short of romance.

Defining Love

Kismet - destiny, fate

Intimate Beauty

Kenneth Willardt - Fashion & Beauty Photographer

Fashion is more than just fabric, it is often a connection and feeling between person and clothing. Kenneth Willardt, Danish born photographer, captures that unique voice of aestethic art. His prints provide a vision of hope and intimacy, breath-taking photographs in simple environments.

His mission is to present the spirit and essence of a person; exposing the inner soul of the physical body. Working with traditional mediums, the subject is often shown without additives in accessory or prop. Willardt is able to express the pure beauty of each moment.