Image Overload

Well, I had hoped to start scanning in some pictures of my new summer project, but unfortunately, my scanner decided that it doesn't support that plan. So I guess I'll just try to give you a bit of a feel for who I am as a designer...
1. Favorite Periods
I'm in love with costume history. Doing historical research is definitely my favorite part of the design process. It's hard to pick just a few periods, especially since I seem to fall in love with everything! But here are a few consistent favorites:
The 1910s- I love the simple lines and fabulous embellishments. As you'll see in a minute, one of my other favorites is the Regency period... I'm just a sucker for those classical lines and columnar silhouettes, not to mention the lovely Grecian hair.
The Regency (1790s-1820s)- Is there honestly anyone who doesn't love the romance of the Regency? Like I said before, I love the Neoclassical look, and of course, a little Jane Austen never hurt anyone!
I also love the menswear of this period, which is sort of rare for me as usually I'm all about the women's fashion... it's a weakness, I know : ) But I am in love with the aesthetic of perfect tailoring and of course, floppy curly hair.





The 1930s- Changing it up a bit (no more empire waists!), I adore the 1930s. I love the draping and the interesting seaming, and the bias cut is a genius invention (though a pain and a half to work with...). I find the silhouette of the '30s pretty universally flattering, and so glamourous too! The old Hollywood look is so lovely, and of course who could forget the fabulous backless evening gowns?


2. Favorite Artists:
Art is a huge inspiration for me, as well as a great research tool for the pre-photography eras. Some of my favorite artists include...
Toulouse-Lautrec-
Oh those crazy Parisian bohemians! I love his bold colors and sketchy style, and I also really appreciate his obvious love for his subject matter. He's someone who truly created a portrait of the world he lived in.





James Tissot- Talk about eye candy for fashion lovers. Tissot's party scenes and portraits are always nothing short of impeccable in their attention to detail, particularly in terms of what his subjects are wearing. I really like the soft colors and lighting that he uses.







Tamara de Lempicka- Going right along with my adoration of the 1930s is Tamara de Lepicka. Her harsh style is really evocative of the Art Deco movement and I love how she creates such bold characters in her art.









Alphonse Mucha- So breathtakingly lovely... really, there's not much to say about this well-known Art Nouveau graphic artist and painter other than: BEAUTIFUL.


Well, this post has gotten a lot longer than I planned it to be! This isn't it, of course, I'll be sprinkling paintings and things throughout the blog... I just have far too many favorite artists not to! Before I go though, here are the sources for the pictures. I have to disclaim for a minute, I'm so terrible at organization and to be honest, when I started collecting images I wasn't planning on using them for anything besides my own personal reference, so I don't have very good notes on where many of my pictures come from. So if you recognize anything as your own or someone else's, please let me know! It's very important to me that the people who were wonderful enough to get these pictures out on the web in the first place get the appropriate recognition.

1910s-
Grefe advertisement: http://www.americanartarchives.com/ I love American Art Archives! So many great vintage advertisements, which are one of my favorite sources of research.
White Dress: http://www.vintagetextile.com/ Talk about breathtaking vintage garments! Another favorite source for finding primary research.
Sears Catalog page: http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com A new favorite haunt... check out her blog and wardrobe remix too, gorgeous and very inspiring.

Regency-
Ingres Painting: http://www.artrenewal.org/ Art Renewal Center is a great source for realistic paintings
White Dresses: This is where my memory is spotty... I believe these might be from the Met gallery

1930s-
both outside images: http://www.sovintagepatterns.com/ LOVE this site. So many great old patterns.
Center image: http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com Casey again! She really has some great stuff. Seriously, check it out.

Toulouse-Lautrec- Alone: I'm embarrassed to say I think I sourced this one from Wikipedia!
James Tissot- The Seaside: Another Art Renewal Center find
Tamara de Lempicka- Portrait d'Homme: I think this one is from Wikipedia too
Alphonse Mucha- Emerald: Fairly certain this one is from http://www.allposters.com/

That's all for now!