Trésor de Vintage Timeless Style

Spotlight Collection: Mr. Blackwell

Who: Known internationally as Mr. Blackwell, Richard Blackwell, born Richard Sylvan Selzer (August 29, 1922 in Brooklyn New York) was a major contributor to the world of fashion contributing in a variety of mediums: as a fashion critic, journalist, television personality, artist, and most notably as a fashion designer. He is notoriously known as the creator of the Ten Worst Dressed Women list, an awards presentation highlighting, the worst looks of the year, especially from female celebrities in the entertainment worlds.

Breaking out in the 1950s, Richard Blackwell became known simply as “Mr. Blackwell.” Often rejecting the trends that were apparent during the day, Blackwell preferred pieces that appealed to what he felt was beautiful: very feminine, highly dramatic and very classic/elegant. His influence as a designer rose in the 1960s when he became the first designer in history to present his own line on television (the show was entitled “Mr. Blackwell Presents”). He was also the first designer to make his line available to plus-sized women. During the two decade reign of the “House of Blackwell,” he was a designer to Yvonne DeCarlo, Jayne Mansfield, Dorothy Lamour, Jane Russell and California first lady Nancy Reagan. By the turn of the 1980s, the House of Blackwell diminished as the blossoming shift towards more casual wear became more apparent.

In his early years a designer, Blackwell was asked to do an article for American Weekly magazine, highlighting the “10 Best and Worst Dressed.” The article spawned the “Worst Dressed list,” which grew expotentially once House of Blackwell became successful. By its third year, the list took off with major publications, television network and radio networks covering it. Its significance can be seen to today in today’s fashion blogs/magazines/gossip blogs, what with Blackwell’s witty and engaging critiques being a major influence on fashion/bloggers of today.

Blackwell died in Los Angeles on October 19, 2008 of complications from an intestinal infection.

What: A premiere piece in the Trésor de Vintage Designer collection this 1960’s lemon silk sheath dress designed by Mr. Blackwell is a sleek and striking dress that evokes simplicity in its stature but still keeping in mind Blackwell’s core fashion aesthetic: femininity through sheer elegance and beauty. Known for his love of shift dresses, the lemon silk dress is partnered with a matching bolero jacket, with eye catching details: its heavy beading and rhinestone trim detail.

Where: Invited to that perfect spring soiree/cocktail party and want to make a lasting impression? This Mr. Blackwell piece is sure to be a conversation starter (who are you wearing?).

The Perfect Spring Outfit

 Seasons come and go but it’s the fashion trends that continue to evolve. For spring 2011, timeless fashion eras and essential fabrics/colors, personified by grace and beauty, are on full display.  A showcase for elegant reconstructured vintage clothing the Trésor de Vintage collection contains several pieces that feature these essential spring 2011 trends. This post will highlight these trends and pinpoint the absolute must haves in the Trésor de Vintage collection that truly capture the enduring glow of spring.

70s glamour

There has been huge surge in ‘50s and ‘60s women’s fashion in the last few years, a lot of which relating to the great success of the popular television series, Mad Men. It will be interesting to see if the show will give us a glimpse to the glamour that was associated with the 70s, in particular the long flowing dresses that gave an effect of soft waves on a shimmering night.

That beautiful effect can be seen in this 1970s Werle evening gown found in the Trésor de Vintage. In excellent condition this bluish silk mouseeling gown is adorned with an elegant floral detail. A key signature to this dress is its global feel, what with its kimono-style sleeve. Encapsulated by a fitted waist with full skirt, the gown is silk lined and is complete with a hidden back zipper. This Werle evening gown is a glamorous fashion statement of true sophistication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glamour is all about its simplicity and nothing captures that aesthetic more than this 1970s Galanos dress. A beautiful pale turquoise is a fresh inviting color, evocative of spring. What draws the eye however are the dress’ open collared neckline and capped sleeves. This dress is spring simplicity at its finest.  

60s femininity

No spring outfit wouldn’t be the same without the popular silhouettes found in 60s fashion. That hourglass look and the below the knee hem found in many hip hugging dresses is an absolute standard and will continue to live on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This 1960’s black crepe dress with gold overstitching by Glazier is a striking piece that would make for a perfect fashion statement for any event (i.e. a dinner party, a gala). It’s an absolutely bold fashion statement, (the solid black grabs you), yet its femininity stands out with its gold overstitching and sleek tone.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colored in platinum with brown and silver flourishes, this 1960s Brocade dress is capped with rhinestone decorative clasps. It’s dramatic yet feminine due to its unique print and its major focal point: the standing Nehru-style collar.

 

Lace 

Though it is nothing new, lace continues to change, adapt, revolutionize as decades go by, always being an integral trend. For spring 2011, emphasis has been placed to a more antique-style, giving off a classic look.

 

Worn with no accompaniments this 1920s cream handmade lace blouse is a great piece for a season that calls for breeziness and relaxation. Paired off with a blazer, a stunning jacket or just a great pair of jeans/skirt, this piece will only heighten and be the centerpiece for your great spring outfit. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for a signature piece in your closet, with a bright, eye popping color that gives off an eternal feel? Look no further than this 1950s pink satin dress with silver lace overlay. This reconstructed vintage look is an absolute gem for the spring 2011 as it gives of an effervescent quality that will spark, the fashion aficionado to your next great soiree.

 A Slice of Orange

A bright season calls for its brightest color and for spring 2011 trends, the biggest and brightest, orange, is its sweetest. Paired with white, it’s a shade that will have you coming back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In need of an orange dress that literally illuminates? Found in the Trésor de Vintage collection, orange is the star in this 1960’s cotton blend A-line sheath (with cut-out detail at neckline) dress from Tizzie – Greg Dradley. Meshed wonderfully with hot pink and white this dress screams out that spring has arrived. 

Trésor de Vintage Signature Collection: Adele Simpson

Each week, Timeless Style will spotlight a signature item found in the Trésor de Vintage Collection. Detailing the who (the designer), what (details) and where (places and events to showcase the one of a kind must-have), these posts will give you an inside look at these one of a kind must haves and truly showcase how timeless, reconstructed vintage clothing really is.

Who: Before Adele Simpson (December 8 1903 - August 23, 1995) became a fashion designer (whose fashion influence was prominent for nearly five decades); she was a child performer in vaudeville who performed in productions with such television luminaries as Milton Berle. Born Adele Smithline, Simpson started her fashion career at 21 when she completed her design curriculum at the Pratt Institute. Simpson eventually took the place of her older sister Anna, as head designer for Ben Girshel, which was a popular 7^th Avenue manufacturer. She continued her rise in fashion by working for Mary Lee, a business which was also based in 7^th Avenue.

By 1949, Simpson began to release her own, medium priced line of clothing, having bought out Mary Lee and renaming the company Adele Simpson. Her fashion aesthetic was of French couture presented within American ready to wear aesthetic. Her fall collection in 1970 is highly regarded with its Japanese-styled, high-necked, hobble-skirted dresses in Japanese silk print.

Simpson’s prominence within the fashion world included such notables as receiving the 1947 Coty Award as well as designing a wrinkle-resistant yellow street-length coat and matching princess-line dress and hat for Lady Bird Johnson in 1966. Simpson clientele included Pat Nixon and Barbara Bush. Her collections were readily available at Bonwit Teller, B. Altman, and Saks Fifth Avenue^.

Simpson’s work has been featured in such magazines as Life Magazine, were her fall/spring fashions were showcased

Simpson continued to design into her 70s until she retired in 1985.Simpson passed away in her Greenwich, Connecticut home in 1995.

What: Simpson’s love for exotic touches are a definite inspiration in this excellent conditioned 1970’s dress. Copper, silver and black sequin cover shear black silk chiffon all complete with black silk lining. With a zipper running through the back and long sleeves to the side, the dress comes to the form, with its black satin front bow waistband. Inspired by Japanese silk prints, this dress shows true femininity and elegance.

Measurements:

Dress: L-40 ½, B-34, W-30, H-34, size 4/6.
Matching scarf: 10” x 50”.

Where: Looking for the perfect dress for your next cocktail party, semi-formal, or “black tie” occasion? Looking to make a quick impression once you walk into the room, eyes glazed at your impeccable outfit? This is this dress for you.

Undeniably Timeless

Defined, reconstructed vintage is a term used to describe the renewal of second hand garments (dating from a specific era of time). Refurbished into a modern take, these pieces are a meeting of past and present, truly creating a lasting impression. Revered for it’s one of a kind craftsmanship, reconstructed vintage embraces an undeniable elegance to whoever wears it. It’s that level of sophistication that drew Trésor de Vintage founder & CEO, Susan de Trésor, to classic vintage, her love for fashion starting at an early age, as she began to sew and create her own pieces.

The chic quality, that effervescent nature found in the Trésor de Vintage collection emanates a certain universal, worldly appeal, from the fabrics to the hand crafted detailing that immediately draws a person’s eye. That aesthetic was inspired by Trésor’s worldly travels, which began in her teens as she and her family moved overseas. Her passion for fashion grew exponentially as she traveled from one country to another, learning, remembering and collecting unique finds: from the flea markets of Spain to the silk emporiums in India.

Today, de Trésor’s passion for reconstructed/classic vintage clothing has come into form via her premium online boutique and her commitment to offering one of a kind restored vintage apparel, accessories, furnishings and objects of art. Concentrating on the style aesthetics found from the 1920s to 70s, Trésor de Vintage, is a premier boutique catering not only to the Hollywood clientele but for any fashion connoisseur looking for must have items.

Inspired by a heartfelt appreciation for the craftsmanship found in custom and couture vintage clothing, Trésor de Vintage has developed four departments to cater to their clientele: apparel, accessories, world flair, and home furnishings. Trésor de Vintage is bringing classic fashion back to life with its large assortment of high end mid century designed items all available to buyers, offering everything from vintage dresses, cocktail dresses & evening gowns, beaded shells & vintage sweaters, suits, separates and lingerie. With creativity and elegance, Trésor gives women a new and exciting meaning to shopping one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.

Trésor de Vintage is passionate about clothing and believes that it’s important to make a sartorial statement. Clothing is an extension of who you are. It is a fully formed expression that helps define you and set you apart.

So much can be told through the Trésor de Vintage collection. Updated for a sleek and modern look, these reconstructed vintage pieces register so much history: stories expressed, lives shared, memories remembered all emanating out of the fabric, and the attention to detail. Whether you are looking for the next great cocktail dress for a dinner party or a stunning piece of jewelry, Trésor de Vintage is able to meet your expectations. Trésor de Vintage truly delivers endless possibilities. It’s undeniably timeless.

Seeing the films clips from Elizabeth Taylor's career, clips from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Paul Newman showcased her in a gorgeous nightgown/slip of the day... timeless and feminine.

We are so saddened to learn of the passing of Elizabeth Taylor, she was an amazing style icon and her passion for life will continue to inspire us always! She absolutely made a difference!

The Vintage Textile Show in Burbank this past Sunday was fun and well-attended despite the rainy weather (yes, it does rain in Southern California as we all know this year)! It turned into a perfect day for vintage collectors to shop for treasures, and many of them visited our booth to find perfect little Valentine's Day cocktail dresses and accessories!

Checking in on a chilly winter evening and thinking how nice it would be to be in a tropical locale... put on a vintage Hawaiian cotton shift and strappy sandals... I'm ready!! I will post some great little dresses perfect for that vacation getaway from Tresor de Vintage as soon as I am back from my travels this week in the chilly midwest... brrrr!! Don't wait... check www.TresorDeVintage.com ! Aloha everyone!

Romantic Valentine's Day is right around the corner - let your favorite significant other know that you would love something sizzling from the Tresor de Vintage classic loungewear collection! 20% for the month of January, see www.TresorDeVintage.com and click on "Lounge Wear"!

Tresor is promoting a very special New Year's Sale both online and at the upcoming Burbank Vintage Textile Show on January 30th at the Pickwick Center... visit us and see all of our gorgeous merchandise priced at an exclusive 20% off to make way for new beautiful additions to the Tresor de Vintage Collection! We look forward to seeing you!