Most of the broad aspects of the happy couple's wedding day (third week in May) are starting to take shape for our favorite bride to be. Big decisions have been made....and now it is time to start making decisions on more of the "fine tuning" details.
The photo shows a view of the restaurant where both the ceremony and reception will happen. MrMartha thinks the deep ochre walls will be a stunning contrast to the ivory of the brides gown, and will make carefully chosen flowers really pop.
MrMartha has suggested some of the art on the long wall be removed and replaced with large central focal point (perhaps a "wall corsage" of curly willow with floral accents). Whatever materials are used for that focal point will be restated as additional decorations attached to the beams above and also in the area where the actual ceremony will happen.
The goal is not to transform the restaurant, but to enhance it....to make a space that is very familiar to the wedding couple into something just a bit more memorable, and special, for their big day.
The restaurant itself is very informal, so MrMartha has suggested that the bride may want to select and provide her own choice of table linens and napkins to make the space a bit more formal for the event.
The tables are smallish, which means there is no need for large centerpieces, and whatever the overall floral decorations will be, they will likely be limited to one or two different types of blooms, in a monotone palette, but used en masse.
ReadMore for the current status of details and decisions about: The Bride and her attendents, the invitations, and the venue.
The bride and her attendants:
As noted in the previous post, the bride has chosen her dress and is selecting accessories that will match and complement her choice -- whether to wear some sort of headpiece, gloves, etc.
The bride has decided not to have designated attendants, as far as maid or matron of honor, etc. The groom to be's young grand daughter may be designated an informal flowergirl.
At first, the bride was unsure about whether to ask her father to walk her down the aisle, whether that might seen too archaic -- MrMartha advised that it would be both perfectly appropriate and absolutely charming -- so the current plan will be for the bride to be escorted about half way by both her father, and her stepmother, and then she will walk the rest of the way on her own. MrMartha thinks there is a lovely symbolism there, including the family members, and her own independence. Nobody, however, will be 'giving the bride away'.
The Invitations:
The bride and groom have already utilized the ubiquitous Evite to send out a 'Save the Date' message to their wedding guests.
While sending out the actual invites to the ceremony and reception by email would be HIGHLY FROWNED UPON by MrMartha, it is a perfectly acceptable way to give the guests a little advance notice.
The couple is still making final decisions on the wording and the style of the invitations....but will need to finalize that within a week, to get them ordered, then have time to get them addressed without rushing, in order to get them into the mail sometime between Easter and TaxDay.
The Venue:
As noted above, a favorite restaurant of the nuptial couple has been engaged for the event. The ceremony will happen in the very late afternoon/early evening, with a cocktail buffet reception following.
The restaurant has a definite and somewhat quirky look -- with a strong personality in the decor.
Choosing an established restaurant versus a more neutral space -- like a hall or hotel banquet room -- has both benefits and limitations. It is easier to put an imprint on a more generic space, but there are definitely ways to personalize an established restaurant space.
MrMartha is currently helping the bride determine how to do just that....what the layout should be for both the ceremony and the reception...where in the space the ceremony should happen, etc. As well as decorations, flowers, and the rest of the big picture.
From there, still to be determined will be the smaller details like guestbook, favors, specific menu choices, cake.....(whew, MrMartha is getting a bit lightheaded just typing all that....but it will all come together and happen beautifully!
Showing posts with label Style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Style. Show all posts
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Tying the Second Knot -- Interim Updates --11 weeks out
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tying the Second Knot...planning update: The Bride's Gown
MrMartha has been working with the bride to be -- regarding the plans, choices, and logistics for her upcoming nuptials, many aspects are starting to take shape.
The location and date have now been determined. The ceremony and the reception will be held at a charming small restaurant with a lot of built in charm, and the guest list will number around 60 or so.
We are currently planning the overall look and style of the event, including decorations, flowers and table considerations. Additional, smaller details -- like guest book, favors for guests, the brides accessories, attendants, and a myriad of other considerations, are being discussed as well. MrMartha will continue to update and report as decisions are made. Currently, the focus is on invitations, which need to be ordered soon, and sent out several weeks in advance of the ceremony.
The big news is, that the bride has selected her gown for the ceremony -- and it is just about as different as it possibly could be -- from what was worn at her first wedding in the mid eighties. The photo above shows how radiant a bride she was the first time around....while her posse of admirers were taking fashion cues from Miami Vice and the Preppy Handbook....(Don't fault MrMartha, who was a fan of bow ties at the time!)
What was an appropriate gown for a girl in her early twenties, getting married in a tiny country church, with a garden reception following, is worlds away from the sophisticated woman that she has become.
Read More to learn details about her new gown choice, and how the rest of the ceremony and reception will take their cues from the detailing on her gorgeous and fashion forward selection.
Spoiler Alert: If you know the bride, or expect to attend the wedding -- and want to be surprised by her gown, please dont expand this post! This means you, Mr Bridegroom.
The bride's first wedding gown actually managed to sidestep a lot of the excess of the "Dynasty" eighties. It was charming and relatively simple, compared to the huge lace and pearl encrusted meringues that dominated bridal fashions of the time, however, it still had a lot of details that were very much of the post "Princess Diana" era -- A fitted bodice with lace overlay, puffed sleeves, and a full skirt -- were all trends of the time.
Please note, to preserve the surprise of the bride's gown, the full length image shows a similar design, which caputures the feeling of the garment overall. The detail photo is from the actual gown.
Her new gown is a dramatic long sheath, with draping along the bodice at both the front and back, closely fitted through the mid section, and a narrow but not hobbled skirt, with a slight train at the back.
The ivory tone fabric has a lot of liquid movement, and will be perfect for a late afternoon ceremony and early evening reception.
The shoulder straps are net, heavily embroidered with crystals and pearls, which also runs along the bust peeking from under the draping.
There is a wonderful contrast between the simplicity of the gown overall, and the elaborate shoulder details.
The bride will not wear a traditional veil, but is considering a variety of 'low key' headpiece options. Her bouquet will likely be very simple and architectural -- again a big contrast to the bursting cushion of flowers that comprised her first bouquet.
The current discussion is to use the idea of the beaded detailing of the gown as a point of departure -- for the decorations and look of the ceremony, and also to restate the crystal and ivory theme in other aspects, like the corsages, boutonnieres, and table centerpieces.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Conception Classique de Mode de la Semaine
Is it just MrMartha, or does the model in this sketch look suspiciously like a very young Joan Collins?
Here, the classic New Look silhouette from the late 40's is taken forward into the fifties with just a bit of streamlining (though still yards of skirt) and some very modern detailing in the origami folds of the bodice -- which are again today at the fashion forefront, in John Galliano's recent Haute Couture collections for Christian Dior.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Conception Classique de Mode de la Semaine
.jpg)
MrMartha offers up some vintage fashion confections with a double shot of pink today.
The mid fifites were really the apex of giant ballgowns, and these two sumptuous designs certainly illustrate that particular point in all of its voluminous lushness.
The strapless gown with the twisted bodice detailing is reminiscent of many gowns worn in sophisticated 50's comedies, but something about it just screams "There's No Business Like Show Business" and the image of Ethel Merman shoehorned into it.
The gown with the off the shoulder ruched detailing is strongly reminiscent of something Audrey Hepburn could have worn in "Roman Holiday" and every inch the princess she would have been!
Viewed together the designs have stepped right out of another Audrey Hepburn movie, "Funny Face" -- and the fabulous Think Pink montage which ends with models in giant pink ballgowns twirling around amid confetti to song lyrics:
"Go out dancing, but just remember one thing....
you can get a little wink
if you got a little pink
In your swing....."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Celebrating a Centennial Birthday...with Paper Dolls
MrMartha went to a Hundredth Birthday Party the other week....but it wasn't what you might think.
Two of MrMartha's dearest friends since 7th grade are twins -- and they both just turned Fifty!
They had requested no gifts at their party, but MrMartha had to do something cute and unexpected to commemorate the event....so the thinking cap went on....and the answer was PAPER DOLLS!
Not just any paper dolls, mind you, but a snapshot in time of the twins. Circa 1971-72 when MrMartha first met them. Both of the dolls are wearing McMurray Jr High PE uniforms, and their extra outfits, while not specific replicas of the twins clothing of the time (MrMartha's memory is not THAT exact), captured the spirit of the era. MrMartha was actually channeling Jan and Marsha's Brady Bunch outfits.
Lesa and Heidi have been wonderful friends for nearly 38 years, and it was really fun to figure out a little project that would remind them of our shared history, as well as allow others at their party who may not have known them for as long -- or may not really know them together as sisters -- to learn a bit more about them and their history.
MrMartha framed one copy of the paper dolls to have on display at the party, put personalized copies for the birthday girls into commemorative folios, and then printed enough extra copies so that other party guests could take one as a souvenir of the occasion.
This is a super idea that is easily replicated, and could be a marvelous and unexpected gift for just about anyone celebrating a milestone birthday, graduation, wedding shower, etc....by taking a specific point in their life and history and turning it into a fun vignette.
The essence of paper dolls is their charm. Simplified shapes, and cute caricatures are much more fun than exact portraits or excessive detail.
There are lots of resources online for templates and ideas.....One that MrMartha investigated before starting this project is a wonderful archive of vintage Betsy McCall paper dolls which have that same fun 'snapshot of a moment in time' aspect that MrMartha was trying to capture. (really worth a look even if you aren't contemplating this project)
Read More to find out how (relatively) simple it is to create your own version of this idea.
The simplest way to achieve a great result, if you are not an awesome freehand artist (and MrMartha is certainly not!) is a combination of scanning and tracing (and rescanning and retracing), combined with a simple graphics program like Microsoft Paint. Find some templates or ideas you like online, or scan some vintage photos of your subject, and print them out. Then, trace the outlines and simplify, while you adjust and add aspects specific to the one you are aiming to evoke. This process takes a little time, and probably a few trys, but you will soon come up with something you like. Use tracing paper, a light board, or just tape the paper layers to a window. Scan your initial design, print it out, and then continue to adjust and retrace as needed until you are happy with it.
The completed original doll and costumes can be colored with markers, watercolors, etc, before your final scan, or you can rescan it in black and white and then use your graphics program to add color. Use the graphics program as well to add headlines and additional text. A short paragraph about the honoree describing some history, or bit of triva that may not generally be known, is a nice addition.
Keep in mind, the doll isn't meant to be a perfect portrait of the one it commemorates, but it should capture a sense of them, and have some whimsey. Do an image search for "vintage paper dolls" and also for "Betty and Veronica" or other comic book type drawings, and look at how those artists simplify facial features. Try to capture the general shape of the persons face, and things like upturned or long nose, etc -- but the overall love put into the project is a lot more important than an exact likeness!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Ask MrMartha...Some Wedding Conundrums
Dear MrMartha,
I enjoyed your post of the vintage wedding gown sketch. I have my own wedding coming up later this year, and am thinking about a vintage wedding gown. Do you have any suggestions in that regard? Also, my fiance and I have been having some issues about grooms and ushers attire....how do we understand the options? Is it true that tuxedos should never be worn for a daytime wedding? Thanks for any suggestions.
Dear Reader,
MrMartha congratulates you on your upcoming nuptials, and wishes you a wonderful day, which will, of course, run smoothly as a result of your careful advance planning!
A vintage wedding gown is such a charming idea.....the thought of wearing mother's or grandmother's gown on your own special day is a dear and precious tradition. Often however, the realities of style and sizing -- not to mention how the gown was stored, its condition and level of fragility, can get in the way of that lovely dream. Buying a vintage gown that has no family connection can also be a solution, or be fraught with peril....
MrMartha has some good suggestions for you about gown options in the expanded post, but first some quick notes on dressing your groom.
Wedding attire in general, and especially what the groom and groomsmen wear, has gained a lot more latitude in recent years. In the strictest sense, men should never wear tuxedos before five in the afternoon, but then men should also never wear a wristwatch with a tux....so the rules are indeed tough to enforce! 
Traditionally, for a formal daytime wedding, Cutaway coat with striped pants would be worn, and a dark business suit for less formal ceremony. Unless you are marrying royalty (in which case, Congratulations!!) it is unlikely that you will get the gentlemen of the wedding party to wear, what are somewhat demurely referred to, as Morning Suits. It's also likely you may see a basic business suit as not special enough for the occasion. MrMartha sees no problem with your groom and groomsmen wearing simple black tuxedos with understated shirts and basic accessories, especially for a wedding that is after, say, two o'clock, or if the reception will continue past five.
Things to stay away from -- very formal tuxes for a morning wedding (they would look like waiters at a fancy brunch) -- and sherbet colored tuxes with over the top accessories (unless the groomsmen will also be performing as a 70's cover band during the reception.)
For some really amazing information about men's formal wear -- the history, options, the rules (plus how to break them) and some really fun illustrations....check out BlackTieGuide.com.
Read More for additional information and some wonderful suggestions on Vintage Wedding Gowns and the alternatives.
The concerns with Vintage Wedding gowns are condition and fit. MrMartha understands that in general, gowns prior to 1960's vintage tend to be short waisted, tighter in the arms and shoulders, and often just too short for the modern woman's body.
Alterations can be done by a skilled seamstress, depending on the style of the dress. It is much easier to take in a dress that is too large, than to let seams out. Also, there may be visible difference in how the fabric has aged between the exposed portion of the dress and the inner seams. The evidence of the original seams themselves may be impossible to eradicate.
If it is a family gown that you have 
your heart set on, or a vintage dress you have already identified and fallen in love with because of its design or the lace or trims used, or if there is just a general style or era you have a fondness for, there are still options.
The best solution is likely to have a new dress made in vintage style by a good seamstress. A pattern can be taken from an existing dress, and if the dress is not a family heirloom, the original can be taken apart and the vintage lace and trims reused. Another good option is to find a design you love in a vintage sewing pattern, and have the dress made for you from that. That really gives you the best of all worlds....the vintage design (altered and adjusted as necessary for perfect fit), the ability to choose your fabric and trims (or reuse vintage lace), the security of knowledge that the dress is not overly delicate or of questionable sturdiness due to age (you don't want the arms to shred as you toss the bouquet), and the ability to have just EXACTLY the gown you want. MrMartha knows you will be a beautiful bride, whatever you choose.
A wonderful vintage pattern service, specializing in bridal and formal patterns can be found HERE.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Conception Classique de Mode de la Semaine
La Belle Mariee
And what a beautiful bride she is.
Another of MrMartha's collection of vintage fashion illustrations, this time a somewhat austere, but most elegant, bridal gown.
While most 50's wedding dresses tend to be thought of as giant ball gown meringues, dripping with lace and full of fussy details, this wonderful exception to the rule is in a class all by itself!
Incredibly simple, with high neckline and three quarter fitted sleeves, the detail and interest coming from gathers along the bodice seams down through the hips, and the attached train at the hips. One can imagine the gown made in heavy satin, or other ultra luxe but simple fabric. While the illustration shows only a small wrapped pillbox cap, it is easy to picture a long luxurious cloud of fine tulle trailing as a veil.
One other interesting note, the bridal bouquet, showing the then current fashion of large sprays of flowers tied with wide satin bows, a wonderful contrast against the simplicity of the gown.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Weekend Gallery
MrMartha has a serious fondness for Art Glass, and the work of James Nowak is some of the best contemporary glass being created today.
Enjoy a look at this incredible work, Read More for additional details about the work, detail photos of the amazing elements Nowak handcrafts to incorporate in his large works, and general information about the artist.
James Nowak is a Seattle based Glass Artist, who has developed an inimitable style based on an exceptional aesthetic sense, and masterful technical ability.
Aquarium Tidepool, 2008. Approx 28" Diameter 
He is often inspired by the sea, and by sea forms. His public works can be seen at Childrens Hospital in Seattle, at the Bellagio and Wynn hotels in Las Vegas, many Hotel and Condo Lobby Installations, and many respected Galleries.
His experimental work can often be found on eBay from seller northwestARTglass, or email them at bzuebay2@aol.com.
Nowak's website is very interesting as well, and is at http://www.james-nowak.com/
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Some Notes on Wedd-iquette
The traditional bridal season is fast approaching... June Brides and Grooms are likely in a frenzy of activity to ensure their nuptial days are unique, meaningful, and hopefully without serious gaffe or error.
Wedding guests have a certain responsibility too, in helping make the day both memorable and effortless. Being on time for the ceremony and not over imbibing at the reception are two of the most important. Family members also have a strong duty to put aside any petty (or significant) differences and disagreements, acting in a civil and gracious manner for at least the few hours of the ceremony and reception.
MrMartha has been to a lot of weddings over the years. Some were breathtaking and elaborate, with every last detail thought out, and every contingency planned for. Others were more spur of the moment, or intentionally simple and casual, but equally as magical as the big fairy tale productions. The wonderful weddings seem to meld together in MrMartha's brain, into a lovely tulle trimmed haze of sweet memories.
Some details do stand out over time. What is recalled somewhat depends on how well one knows the couple, but usually guests take away a more general sense of the day -- so brides, and mother's-of-the-brides, need to remember that if the printed organdy tablecloth overlays don't get made, or the wedding cake is not iced in exactly the right shade.... there is no cause for meltdown. Nobody will really know but you, and certainly no guest will recall something like that after the fact, so let it go, it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.
While the wonderful weddings may blend together to some extent, the dismaying weddings, where something awful or unfortunate happened, tend to stay crisply etched in ones memory. MrMartha will spare readers the more lurid details of the worst from his own personal recollections, though a few avoidable moments from otherwise lovely events will be noted as examples.
The bride who's mother stepped in and covered the bridal gown bodice with a large and not particularly new bath towel just before the traditional feeding of the cake -- stating loudly to the reception crowd "The groom is a slob, the cake is chocolate, I won't let this dress be ruined by crumbs and smears!!"
A wedding in LA, where a pale out of town bridesmaid thought she would get a little sun the day before the ceremony, and had to walk down the aisle with her skin sunburned to the exact same bright cerise red tone as her bridesmaid gown....it was painful just to watch her walk. The bride was likely lovely, but MrMartha has no recollection beyond the dayglo bridesmaid.
One final, and strongly personal pet peeve of MrMartha's -- obtrusive photographers and videographers. Yes, every bride wants gorgeous photos of her special day, but it is not a reality television show, or a documentary for PBS. Paparzzi style audacity and cheek can really mess up a beautiful event. There are some weddings MrMartha would love to recall the details of, but all that comes to mind are memories of meddlesome and impertinent cameras. The photographer should not be stalking the ceremony like a guerilla in a war zone, and should not be dressed in a garish or inappropriate way. Make sure this is clearly understood with those documenting the ceremony, before it is too late to head it off!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
If I Could Turn Back Time......Happy Birthday Cher
Just in case you need a bit of random trivia today, or if you find yourself in conversation with any Gypsies, Tramps, or Thieves.....
MrMartha would like to note that CHER is turning 62. Born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946. She became a 60's pop sensation at age seventeen, a 70's television fixture, and into the 80s and beyond -- an Academy Award winning Actress, official Diva, and all around Icon.
In addition to the Oscar, Cher has also won a Grammy, an Emmy, several Golden Globes, and, lest we forget, a Peoples Choice Award. Not to mention being incarnated in doll form by Mego (1976) and Mattel (2000 to present) both with Bob Mackie designed wardrobes.
Cher is also the only solo female recording artist to have records chart in the Billboard Top 100 in each of the past four decades.
Topics for conversation:
How many total sequins has Cher worn over her career?
How old would she be in Bob Mackie years?
~Discuss.
Conception Classique de Mode de la Semaine
Late 50s fashion became more architectural and streamlined. Some of the fussier details prevalent since the late 1940s became more subdued, forms came to rely more on sculpting than copious fabric volume. Not that there wasn't still plenty of volume involved! The Dior influence was still strongly felt, but this is also when the more modern Hubert de Givenchy came into his own, reaching prominence through his film wardrobe for Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina, and patronage by prominent families like the Kennedys.
MrMartha presents today a gorgeous design for a tea length gown, certainly intended for after five, but wearable to all but the most formal evening events as well. The princess lines swoop from the strapless bodice to the very full but controlled skirt. Quantities of crinoline petticoats worn beneath the heavy overlay of lace would have ensured the shaping. The addition of the lace Fichu, a capelet tied at the front, gives a distinctly french flair to the ensemble.
The design does owe a strong debt to Givenchy, and MrMartha can imagine it being worn in one of those wonderful 50's musical films, the model in the sketch bearing a strong resemblance to actress Vera-Ellen, star of films like Call Me Madam.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Right To Bare Arms
If, like MrMartha, you have been wowed by both the style and substance of our new First Lady...
MrMartha would like to make a suggestion.
Check out the great site Mrs-O.org. They do an amazing job chronicling both the wardrobe and the good works of our incredible First Lady.
If you catch Mrs. Obama on the news or in an online photo -- and are wondering more about what she is wearing, or the cause she is promoting -- they are the place to check for up to the minute info.
MrMartha enjoys Mrs-O greatly.....and so will you!
Conception Classique de Mode de la Semaine
MrMartha loves fifties era fashion, and has amassed a great collection of midcentury fashion design sketches .
The 1950's were a restrictive time in many ways, and fashion reflected that as well. While the designs and the lines of the clothing are amazing, MrMartha can't imagine they were much fun to wear, given the medieval corsetry and quantity of foundation garments required to make the looks work.
Still, they are amazing as a concept and fun to look back upon. MrMartha hopes you will enjoy viewing some of the designs from his archive.
Today's style shows two variations that capture some of the main essences of 50's fashion -- the narrow 'dressmaker' suit, and the large full skirted dress that had been popular since Dior's New Look of the 1940's. Both are topped off with self jacket details, and that other 50's essential, interest at the bustline....despite the prudishness of the 50's, there was certainly no lack of interest in the bust!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
100 DAYS
MrMartha has called former occupants of the Oval Office by a string of different terms of endearment.
RayGun.
The broccoli hater.
Bubba (in the good sense).
And most recently,
That Stupid Bleeping Moron
What a pleasure to have someone holding the office again, who, thus far, we can truly feel good about calling Mr. President.
MrMartha congratulates The President and Mrs. Obama on the first 100 days of the administration. Whether or not one agrees 100% with all of his decisions and policy goals, it is just so nice to see a leader with a civil tone, a measured response, a clear intelligence, and a respect for his fellow citizens.
Despite the economic uncertainty, the poisonous tone of the minority party, and the tough road ahead, most cannot help but be inspired by a man that MrMartha is proud to call Mr. President.
photo credit: Charles Dharapak AP
Thursday, April 9, 2009
A Short History of Cocktail Dresses
Or...A History of Short Cocktail Dresses
MrMartha loves the concept of the Cocktail Dress, but is the wrong gender (and doesn't have the calves) to indulge them as a fashion statement.....
MrMartha loves the concept of the Cocktail Dress, but is the wrong gender (and doesn't have the calves) to indulge them as a fashion statement.....
thus, enjoys them as a spectator of the delightful bits of wearable froth that they are.
So many classic movie moments involve the Cocktail Dress....Audrey Hepburn in 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' is perhaps the most iconic image. MrMartha missed the apex of the genre, being a bit too young in the late 50s and early 1960s to have been in the thick of it, but has been delighted by many contemporary versions over the years.
Perhaps the only thing better than the Cocktail Dress itself, is that archaic bit of wonderment, the Cocktail Hat. All fluff and spangles, perched at a dangerous angle on the coiffure and seeming to defy gravity. As was so famously and perfectly stated in The Women, that 1939 cinematic gem of bitchiness, "Never underestimate what a cunning hat can do".
A wonderful new photo book has come out all about the Cocktail Dress, and TheDailyBeast website has a cute article and wonderful gallery of images from the book.
If you love the concept -- of having specific clothing intended only to look fabulous while quaffing beverages at smart cocktail parties -- as much as MrMartha, you will enjoy a look at The Gallery of stills from the book.
So many classic movie moments involve the Cocktail Dress....Audrey Hepburn in 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' is perhaps the most iconic image. MrMartha missed the apex of the genre, being a bit too young in the late 50s and early 1960s to have been in the thick of it, but has been delighted by many contemporary versions over the years.
Perhaps the only thing better than the Cocktail Dress itself, is that archaic bit of wonderment, the Cocktail Hat. All fluff and spangles, perched at a dangerous angle on the coiffure and seeming to defy gravity. As was so famously and perfectly stated in The Women, that 1939 cinematic gem of bitchiness, "Never underestimate what a cunning hat can do".
A wonderful new photo book has come out all about the Cocktail Dress, and TheDailyBeast website has a cute article and wonderful gallery of images from the book.
If you love the concept -- of having specific clothing intended only to look fabulous while quaffing beverages at smart cocktail parties -- as much as MrMartha, you will enjoy a look at The Gallery of stills from the book.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Art Piece of the Week
MrMartha has a serious fondness for Art Glass, and the work of James Nowak is some of the best contemporary glass being created today.
Enjoy a look at this incredible work, Read More for additional details about the work and the artist.
James Nowak is a Seattle based Glass Artist, who has developed an inimitable style based on an exceptional aesthetic sense, and masterful technical ability.
Seafan, 2008. Approx 26" length X 22" tall 
He is often inspired by the sea, and by sea forms. His public works can be seen at Childrens Hospital in Seattle, at the Bellagio and Wynn hotels in Las Vegas, many Hotel and Condo Lobby Installations, and lots of others.
His experimental work can often be found on eBay from seller northwestARTglass, or email them at bzuebay2@aol.com.
Nowak's website is http://www.james-nowak.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
