cupcake from concetta's closet

This sweeter than sweet homecoming dance dress was worn by a woman to her '60s Manchester West HS Homecoming -and she was crowned Queen!

I recently purchased the classic hippie dress--smocked bodice, "patchwork" type print, with lace and floor length.

From Concetta's Closet, vintage clothes, in funky Newmarket, NH.

Ellen McDermott photographs "Lacie" at Goodwin House

Another beautiful day at Strawbery Banke, perfect for a photo shoot. The artistic team of Ellen McDermott and creative partner Bridget Sciales focused on the elaborate--nearly over the top-- elegance and layering of silk, satin and tiers of lace, in deep green, brown and cream which comprise the gown. Of particular note is the balance between the militaristic precision of the bodice and the ultra feminine lace, especially concentrated on the sleeves.

Lacie's bodice and skirt had become separated over the years and its was the keen eye of designer Sarah Beth which placed the ensemble back together. She was so taken with the piece, that she has selected Lacie to inspire her contemporary formal wear.

Several of Ellen's contact sheets are shown her, as are Sarah's preliminary sketches. Follow these pages for final proofs next month.

Enjoy this discovery and its application!

Designer Highlight- Liz Ronzio

Strawbery Banke Museum is delighted to be working with Elizabeth Ronzio, recent winner of TOMS shoes competition. Liz recently told us about her influences and interests:

“I was born on August 21, 1990, in St. Louis, Missouri. Starting at an early age the things I most enjoyed were the ever-present mixture of fashion, fine art, and travel. As my life progressed, I began traveling and acquired new ideas regarding my personal style both in fashion and art. Currently attending Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, I am pursuing a degree in Marketing Communications with a minor in Gender Studies. To this day I have visited over twenty-two countries on five continents. With each adventure, I continue to incorporate these aspects into all my designs.”

Liz Ronzio talked about her design inspirations and technique for her line of Toms Shoes for Teen Vogue. Check out this link from Teen Vogue and get to know Liz a bit better.

http://www.teenvogue.com/video?videoID=599047209001

Photo Shoot Redux

Photographer Ellen McDermott and Creative Partner, Bridget Sciales will visit Strawbery Banke's textile and costume collection for a second photo shoot for Passion for Fashion. Follow these pages for Samuel Cutts suit, lacy evening confections, hats, wedding slippers and shoes, crewel work pocket and much more--photographed on site.

Silkbrocade

The Process: Collections, Design, Inspiration

Passion for Fashion photo shoot in Chase House, Spring 2010. Photogrpaher Ellen McDermott sets up the shot while Lydia Shilland, Kimberly Alexander and Larry Larose look on.

Center and bottom left: Strawbery Banke Museum textile collection storage area and workroom

Bottom right: Results of photo shoot, Green silk brocade dress, Pierce family of Portsmouth, ca.1765-1775, Gift of Priscilla Pierce Decker.

Summer Day at Strawbery Banke

Here we have a selection from our hat collection being let out in the fresh air. Bowler Hat worn by Ben, Black Hat worn by Elizabeth and Straw Hat worn by Tara.

James Davis Shoe from the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The silk and leather shoe pictured above is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Dated ca. 1760s, it was created by shoe maker James Davis, whose label places him near Aldgate, London. (Center image) A similar shoe by the same maker will be featured in Strawbery Banke Museum "Passion for Fashion" exhibit in 2012. For further information on the maker's career and apprenticeship, see blog entry "Lady's London Shoe" (Thursday 10 June 2010)

In this later ca.1760s shoe, notice the change of heel proportion and shape of toe. Like the shoe in the Strawbery Banke Museum Collection (ca. 1730s-1740s) pictured at bottom of page) it is luxurious and lush, and the epitome of a high style shoe.

Strawbery Banke Museum staff thanks the Cordwainers College in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York with their generous assistance. We will continue our research on James Davis and his oeuvre, sharing our discoveries on these pages.

Kimberly Alexander, Ph.D.
Chief Curator
Strawbery Banke Museum
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