Legendary costume designer Orry-Kelly makes some adjustments on Marilyn Monroe's wardrobe on the set of “Some Like It Hot,” 1959.
Seraphic Secret likes to check out the latest fashions, scouting for beautiful but modest clothing. We don’t believe that women have to reveal acres of flesh in order to appear and feel attractive. In fact, the opposite. The more chaste the surface, the more mystery and depth.
This season, it’s kind of obvious that designers have been marinating in Hollywood movies. Everywhere we see ladylike silhouettes that bring to mind the irreverant slink of Jean Harlow, the confident stride of Carole Lombard, and the animal heat of Marlene Dietrich. Also making spectral appearances are Hitchcock’s tailored blondes: Tippi Hedrin, Kim Novak and Eva Marie Saint.
We’re delighted to report that scores of design houses are featuring elbow length leather gloves, a sure sign that those who make fashion are determined to revive the classic look of the proper and elegant lady who sweeps into a room—think Loretta Young—then tugs off her gloves a finger at a time before sitting down to tea.
Here are a few looks that made us sit up smile.
Ralph Lauren's collection dazzles as he brings together a 30's cloche hat with timeless tweeds appropriate for a stroll in the MGM/English countryside. The models came down the runway to the theme music from “Downton Abbey.” You could hear the crowd wondering: Will Matthew ever walk? Our response: Duh.
Ralph Lauren wants you to slay the competition in your business attire. The cloche hat is pure Norma Shearer, but the architectural suit has a definite Kim Novak in “Vertigo” vibe. The pink scarf and gloves are like icing on a wedding cake.
Victoria Beckham is best known for skin tight dresses that can only be worn by malnourished 16 year-old models from Estonia. Perhaps Victoria's Hebrew tattoos have, er, gotten under her skin. Her latest collection features dresses that would not be out of place in Orthodox Jewish enclaves like Boro Park and Pico Robertson.
Milly wants you to stride down the street with all the sunshine confidence of Audrey Hepburn in this clever but totally elegant outfit.
During the 1930's there was an entire genre of movies about powerful businesswomen who were not quite in touch with their romantic side—until Clark Gable or William Powell came along. We get the definite feeling that Douglas Hannant has been gorging on movies featuring Kay Francis, Ruth Chatterton, and Katherine Hepburn.
Seraphic Secret will lay you odds that Lyn Devon is channeling the late, great actress Suzanne Pleshette. The darts in the skirt make this 50's inspired look totally modern.
Calvin Klein goes Medieval. Monastic black dominates a silhouette so severe it feels like Hollywood's idea of a scary cool Jesuit. To wear this puppy you must possess major attitude.
Jason Wu's confident collection looks towards China for inspiration, more specifically we think Wu has been screening movies starring the great American Chinese actress Anna May Wong.
Karen and I wish all our friends and relatives an inspiring and fashionable Shabbat.
Ariel Chaim Avrech, ZT'L, May His Righteous Memory be a Blessing.
15 Comments
The Victoria Beckham dress reminds me of Judith Anderson’s costume from “Rebecca.”
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Larry:
I knew the outfit was familiar!. Good eye!
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I’m lovin’ that Ralph Lauren suit with the offset bright blouse and gloves. Stylish, tailored and oh so wearable. (thankfully!)
The Milly dress is cute too, but I see my 14 year old daughter wearing that…minus the hat!
Robert, you clearly should have been in the “shmatta” merchandising business, with your eye for style and flair, when it comes to clothing. And if not in the shmatta business, you could be a wonderful wardrobe stylist. (okay, consider me your first client!)
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Pearl:
You’re my second client, after Karen:-)
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Fall? I’m still waiting for spring!
Have a great Shabbos.
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The Ralph Lauren outfit looks too busy – so many patterns to take in I feel I need another set off eyes. And I’ve known pre-Vatican II nuns that wore habits less bleak than what Calvin Klein came up with. Any woman wearing that to a dinner will be given the best table at any restaurant pronto.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Lyn Devon outfit. It’s so soft and easy a woman would have to fight off puppies and kittens that just want to snuggle up with something so cute.
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BTW I think the production of Some Like It Hot was so interesting that Tony Curtis wrote the well-reviewed The Making Of Some Like It Hot
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That is one fashion line up that I can see being worn in public – some of those, in years past – one wonders exactly who would wear them?
Now the models still look like toothpicks …
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I agree Bill. Marilyn Monroe is the only healthy looking woman up there…. and, oh my, did she look healthy!!
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She did look healthy Joe (with 3 explanation points) but I understand she had some baggage
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So, gentlemen, how healthy is appealing? I recall an Italian fellow saying, “The bone is for the dog, the meat is for the man.” But one sees Tyra Banks’ show where a size 10 is “plus size,” and wonders, what do men want? (To swipe an old question from you gents).
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Shyla – I guess it depends on the man (I guess the whole subject of sex appeal could be a scientific endeavor).
I can’t give you a definitive “This is what I like” – but a woman who is a few lbs overweight – but carries herself well in demeanor – is fine with me.
I’ll tell you a mildly funny story and tied in with the cult-classic series. Rumpole of the Bailey.
This is the series that spawned some new phrases into our lexicon – e.g., “she who must be obeyed”…
Anyway my friend Larry the Moviephile (is this a new word?) got the entire DvD series – a lot of DvDs – and about 5-6 years ago we sat through the entire series.
One of the first involved a young actress, Jane Asher.
I was mesmerized by Jane – absolutely smitten with her. As is my habit – to the amusement of Larry – I started reading up on Jane. Found out that she was a girlfriend to Mick Jagger for awhile.
(Whether this enhances a woman’s reputation or detracts from it I cannot say).
Anyhoo (to borrow a word from a well known screenwriter) these days she sells cakes mail order in London.
Well to get to the point, we are watching the series again. I eagerly awaited “the episode” and when it arrived, to use the words of Peggy Lee, “Is that all there is?”
Whatever magic Jane held over me was gone. Why I cannot say. This would no doubt upset her if she were to find out so please keep it to ourselves
Point to your question may be, to swipe an old saying from you ladies, is that “we don’t know”
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whoops – it was Paul McCartney – not Mick Jagger – moving her up a bit in my estimation
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Bill, what a great story. And here is one difference between men and women: You started reading up on Jane–a woman smitten with a man onscreen would start looking at wedding rings.
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Bill:
If you want to see Jane Asher in all her glory you should screen a 1970 British film called “Deep End.” She gives a wonderful performance.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_End_(film)
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