Monday, September 27, 2010

David Dowton captures the essence of style




While strolling through Queen's Paza in Brisbane yesterday I came across a small exhibition of some of the supremely talented David Dowton's fashion illustrations. In a previous life I also worked as a fashion illustrator for the iconic store David Jones ... which is now in this complex. It was very fitting to see this form of artwork, so beautifully done, being displayed there. I am so thrilled it is being done again as the style it conveys is only possible through this media. Unfortunately fashion illustration lost favour in the late seventies when photography took over. What I'd give for one of Downton's prints. The exhibition is on until early October.

David Downton is also Editor in Chief of Pourquoi Pas? the only journal dedicated to fashion illustration. To see more go to http://www.pqpmagazine.com/

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Fabulous film frocks

Dinner at Eight, 1933. Costume designer: Adrian

Gilda, 1946. Costume designer: Jean Louis

A Place in the Sun, 1951. Costume designer: Edith Head

Niagara, 1953. Costume designer: Dorothy Jeakins

Sabrina, 1954. Costume designer: Edith Head

Cat on A Hot Tin Roof, 1958. Costume designer: Helen Rose

Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961. Costume designer: Givenchy

While researching the divine white dress Elizabeth Taylor wore in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof I came across 'Send in the Gowns, Freddie Leiba, 22 seminal film frocks that bewitched the world', by Robin Sayers on latimesmagazine.com. Sure enough Elizabeth is there in that amazing white silk dress by Helen Rose. I've uploaded my favourites but for more go to http://www.latimesmagazine.com/2010/02/send-in-the-gowns.html
There are also some fascinating details about each dress.

Would love to hear what your favourite film dress is.