Posts Tagged ‘1stDibs.com’

Laced 80’s

Monday, August 17th, 2009

laced-80sThe 80s are back again, but this time in an unexpected way. In a previous trend report Dior Undressed we talked about the importance of lingerie this fall. Well this trend report is showing you how lingerie is being used as inspiration in other areas.

Designers this fall are laced with inspiration it seems. We are seeing lace covering fabric on everything from dresses, shoes, handbags, and even jewelry. We thought it looked a little reminiscent of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” tour. She has been known to spark a trend or two in her time.

Lace gloves and purses are pretty easy to find now in vintage stores. These gloves are from Lulusvintage.com. Also look for similar dresses. Those double layer bubble styles are back again. This one is a Christian Lacroix from Torso Vintage being sold through 1stdibs.com. We also think bustier tops and crinoline skirts are going to be very popular as well. Wear bustiers under suit jackets for sophistication. Crinoline skirts are fun with leggings.

The Not so Real Life

Monday, July 20th, 2009

art-blogI have been in deep thought lately about the future of fashion during this demanding time and how it relates to the designer. Stores and customers are really demanding two entirely different things from designers right now. Stores want to play it safe and offer good quality saleable items. Whereas the customer wants more than ever something new; something that gives them a reason buy. I think it’s very interesting to see the amount of creativity that has come out from the shows from this past Spring going into Fall. I am seeing three distinct trends: The true artist, structure unfolded, and return to the 80s. Today’s trend report will focus on the first.

Many designers are going back to their true core as artist and serving up some great fantastical items in both clothing and accessories. When I talk about artful designs I am talking specifically about garments that are either hand painted or designed to supersede trends. A walking form of art never goes out of style because it never was a trend to begin with. It is simply art.

Some of my faartists from the past you might think of are Emilio Pucci, Todd Odham, Marni, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Moschino.

The garments shown here from left: Emilio Pucci dress from 1960s, $425 from PoshGirl Vintage.com. Top right: Versace dress from 1980s $6000 from The Way We Wore sold on 1stdibs.com. Btm right: Therry Mugler rainbow dress from 1990, from The Way We Wore sold on 1stdibs.com.

1stDibs on Vintage Couture Anyone?

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

1stdibs-vintage

Vintage couture has been in high demand as of late with the most sought after websites such as Yoox.com and CoutureLab.com who drop in exclusive collections offered for a limited time. Not to mention that the down turn in the market has culminated in a feeding frenzy for collectors to pick up choice pieces at auction.

The latest to offer vintage couture and designer duds online is 1stDibs.com. However this is not a far stretch for the eight year old company best known for its high-end antiques and 20th century design. Just last year it had expanded into estate and fine jewelry.

Michael Bruno, the founder of 1stDibs knew exactly who would be up to the task when he tapped Clair Watson, former Couture Director at the Doyle Auction House in New York. Clair has been doing private consulting for such clients as Yoox.com, New York City Opera, and Bag, Borrow, or Steel where she serves as Vintage Curator. Clair turned to her rolodex of some of the most highly regarded dealers that specialize in vintage couture to work with for the launch including: Katy Kane, Lyn Ban, Marlene Wetherell, Paper Bag Princess, Post Script, Rare Vintage, Resurrection, The Way We Wore, Torso and Vintage Luxury, and accessories dealers Kentshire, Treasures and Pleasures, and Createurs de Luxe. (All of whom can be found on our store listings guide!)

The current selection of vintage couture and designers clothing ranges from the 1920s-1980s and represents the finest pieces from all over the world with designers such as Christian Dior, Fortuny, Courrèges, Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, Halston, Azzedine Alaïa, Valentino, Norell, Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes.