Style Icon Inspiration: Marie Antoinette

Like many others, I became fascinated with ill-fated Marie Antoinette when the movie came out four years ago.  The combination of the saturated pastel colors, rich fabrics, and over the top decor of Versailles grabbed my attention and hasn't let go since.  I figured I'd get away from 20th century style icons for a change and use Marie- the movie character and actual person- as inspiration for this post.  Note the similarities between some of her portrait gowns and movie costumes!

Style Icon Inspiration: Edie Sedgwick

First of all, I can't believe that it's been two months since my last "style icon inspiration" feature.  This summer flew.  Second of all, this was a really tough post.  Edie Sedgwick is a tough chick to imitate without veering into either costume-y or even sleazy territory- for example, Edie could easily get away with not wearing pants (apparently Lady Gaga isn't quite so original afterall?!), whereas most bridesmaids probably can't.  So, why did I choose such a tricky icon to feature, then, you ask??  Well, mostly for selfish reasons.  As much as I love Marilyn or Grace or Audrey (and believe me, I do!!!), Edie's style is the one I'm personally most inspired by.  From her crazy eyeliner/shadow/row of false lashes and nude lipstick to her mod fashion style, I love it all and am consistently inspired by it. 

So, who is Edie Sedgwick, many of you may be wondering?  Well, she was basically an American socialite turned 1960's youthquake icon and one of Andy Warhol's factory superstars.  She was in some of his films and was featured in Vogue magazine because of her unique style.  She typically wore things like black leotards, black tights, and huge chandelier earrings- her own spin on the mod look.  Edie later started to incorporate more bohemian styles into her wardrobe as well. Sadly she, along with so many others in that era, died at the young age of 28 due to complications from alcohol and drug abuse.  To find out more about her, click here.

Edie, along with Andy Warhol and another factory patron

Style Icon Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn

There is a reason why so many women list Ms. Hepburn as a huge style influence. She had grace, a clothes friendly waif-ish figure, perfect bone structure, and class.  From her early films like Roman Holiday and Sabrina to her classic roles in Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady, Audrey wore many quintessential styles by Hubert de Givenchy.  Givenchy called her his muse and designed all of her film wardrobes starting with Sabrina and also designed clothes for her personal wardrobe as well.  Use her as your wedding inspiration muse, as well, and you wont look anything but chic!

Hepburn in her Oscar winning performance as Princess Ann in Roman Holiday

Style Icon Inspiration: Marilyn Monroe

Very few women have had the level of style influence that Marilyn Monroe has had over the last six decades.  Her bombshell looks and magnetic personality combined with the gorgeous, figure hugging styles of the 1950's are why she has remained so influencial over the last half century.  However, proceed with a little caution when using Ms. Monroe as a starting point for styling your wedding.  Because she had so much sex appeal, it is very easy to cross over from glam and elegant into trashy territory and that is probably not necessarily what you want.  The best way to avoid crossing the kitsch line is to not think too literally about it.  Maybe incorporate a bright saturated color palette, similar to the colors of her Travilla gowns she wore in her films.  Or wear a figure hugging gown and a sophisitcated birdcage veil.  Or dress your bridesmaids in richly colored gowns made of elegant fabrics and in classic 1950's silhouettes.  Basically you want to hint at Ms. Monroe, not look like a Marilyn inpersonator. 

A 16 year old Norma Jeane at her wedding to her first husband, James Dougherty

Style Icon Inspiration: Silent Screen Vamps

Those of you who know me know I draw a huge inspiration from dark, moody color palettes and vintage styles.  So it should come as no surprise that I've created a style icon inspiration board based on silent film stars.  My final college collection was inspired by 1920's couture and Tim Burton films, so I've included two of the designs in the board because they fit so well.  I know the mood is very dark and not for everyone's taste, but I find it gothically romantic and fitting with current trends (vampires anyone?)  Part of what appeals to me about this era is that it was one of the first times in history where women were finally allowed some freedom in their appearance, as well as their attitudes.  Unfortunately the great depression hit and everyone had to reign in their newfound attitude and style to fit the somber mood of the day.  But for a short while, these female were able to let their hair down (or in most cases, just chop it off) .  They were confident bad girls and they owned it!

Russian starlet Alla Nazimova

The term "it girl" was coined for her- Clara Bow

Gloria Swanson

Louise Brooks

Polish film star Pola Negri

The term "vamp" was coined for Theda Bara, due to her seductive appearance and despite the fact that she led a relatively normal and scandal free life compared to the other film stars of the day. 

Mae Clarke stars in 1931's Frankenstein and wears a figure hugging gown and super long, lace appliqued veil.

Click to enlarge

Get inspired by the silent film era on your wedding day by incorporating moody tones like black, white, red, and silver, art deco accessories, and tons of lace. 

{Images of starlets found via Google Images}

Photo Credits

Top left wedding gown by Alita Graham; style# 31622236

Cake by Christpher Garren's heart panel cake image via WEtv

Top middle wedding gown by Enzoani; style "elena"

Top right viel by Sara Gabriel; style "eve"

Headband by Jennifer Behr; style "irina"

Far right bridesmaid dress by Lazaro; style# LZ3031

Shoe by Bordello by Pleaser at endless.com; style "violet"

Bottom left wedding gown by Claire Pettibone; style "clara"

Bottom wedding gown by Blush by JLM; style# 1006

Far right bridesmaid dress by Love by Enzoani; style# A20

Earrings by Anna Bellagio via The Knot; style "natalia"

Ring by Leigh Jay Nacht via The Knot

Other two gowns by yours truly

All other images via The Knot

What do you think? Gorgeously gothic or just downright creepy? Post your thoughts in the comments section!!

-A

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Style Icon Inspiration: Grace Kelly

Real Vintage Wedding: Frank and Carmela Late 1920's

Style Icon Inspiration: Grace Kelly

I've decided to start a series of inspiration boards based on various style icons.  To kick off the series, I've chosen Grace Kelly, an Oscar winning actress who then became Her Serene Highness Grace, Princess of Monaco when she married Rainier III, Prince of Monaco in April 1956.  She was born in Philadelphia to self-made millionaire parents and starred in some of the 1950's biggest movies including Hitchcock's Rear Window, The Country Girl (for which she won her Oscar), and High Society, a musical remake of The Philadelphia Story.  Some of her most memorable fashion moments were created by the remarkable Edith Head, including her black top and full tulle skirt from Rear Window and the aquamarine silk satin confection worn on the night of her Oscar win.  Her style was so influential that Hermès re-named a bag after her (the Kelly bag) because she was photographed with it.  Her wedding gown, designed by Helen Rose of MGM, included a rounded collar, a full skirt made of ivory peau de soie, and a fitted bodice made from Brussels lace embroidered with seed pearls. The lace was over a century old and had flower designs in it. Twenty five yards of silk taffeta and 100 yards of silk net were used in the construction of the dress.  Her patrician looks and timeless style are still relevant inspiration for brides and fashionistas today. 

Grace Kelly, in a publicity from Rear Window, wearing a quintessential 1950's look; designed by Edith Head

 Grace wearing her aquamarine silk satin Oscar gown.  The fabric alone cost over $4000! 

;also designed by Edith Head

Princess Grace on her wedding day.

click to enlarge

Channel classic Grace Kelly elegance on your wedding day by using a clean color palette of pale blue and white, with a splash of champagne.  Incorporate rich fabrics like silk satin, taffeta, or shantung and old-fashioned lace and bead-work with traditional 1950's silhouettes.  Pearl jewelry and simple makeup complete the look.

 {images of Grace Kelly via Grace Kelly Online}

Inspiration Board Photo Credits

Top left wedding gown: Platinum for Priscilla of Boston; style # PL300

Bottom row, middle wedding gown: Stephanie James Couture; style "Josephine"

Bottom row, far right wedding gown: Enzoani style "Emily"

Bottom right bridesmaid dress: After Six by Dessy; style # 6553

Top row, middle bridesmaid dress: Wtoo; style # 759

Flower girl dress: US Angels; style # 130
Earrings:  Ti Adoro

 All other images via The Knot

-Alessandra

Related Posts:
Style Icon Inspiration: Marilyn Monroe
Style Icon Inspiration: Silent Screen Vamps
Real Vintage Wedding: Robert and Ann 1952