The curious sofa

1920-1930, Windows

Curious Sofa
Our Halloween window is taking a page from “The Curious Sofa, a pornographic work by Ogdred Weary.” This slim little volume is actually the work of the great illustrator/writer, Edward Gory, and no one does creepy better than Gory. In the window we are showing a 1920’s pale green flapper gown, a turn of the century Tuxedo, a velvet sofa, and a diamond adorned arm reaching out from underneath. Happy Halloween everyone!
IMG_0024

Remembering Irving Penn

1940-1950, Beautiful Things, Windows

Irving Penn Window
In the early 80’s a teenage girl picked up a book of extraordinary photographs of ordinary people, and decided then and there that she wanted to be a photographer. The book was the work of Irving Penn, the famous fashion photographer for Vogue. His portraits featured very plain canvas back drops, and his studio made use of the North light. We designed this window in memory of his passing away this week. The dress is a 1950’s Suzy Perette version of a “New Look” gown. There are a couple of 50’s era Vogue magazines on the black trunk. The camera is a Burke and James 8×10 view camera. Mr. Penn’s photographs continue to inspire.

1940’s velvet and tulle gown

Beautiful Things, Uncategorized

1940's Velvet and Tulle Gown
A lovely lady visited the shop this week with a pile of dresses from “When I was a young girl.” She still looked like a young girl to me, but, she said she no longer had occasion to wear these beauties. “Yes, I had wonderful times in these gowns, but nobody dresses up anymore.” It’s nice to be reminded of what people used to wear to a party. This dress is a celebration in its self.