Whenever I am surprised by the lengths to which people will go to be difficult, even downright obstacular, I try to remember Balenciaga. When he was difficult, it was worth it.
For instance, look how difficult this dress is — no one could possibly call it simple. You might not even be able to lift your arms above your head in this. (But on the other hand, if you wear this dress, SOMEBODY will step up and hail you a taxi. In fact, taxis might just stop on the off-chance that you need one.) Look at all that ruching! Look at the fullness at the sides of the skirt! It's undeniably fussy but it does't look fussy. Maybe the difficult people I am dealing with are striving for the same effect? It's possible.
This picture is from a Royal Ontario Museum book project about second-hand clothes (somehow I don't think of BALENCIAGA when I think "second-hand clothes"). Click on it for more slightly more info (but not a whole bunch more).
A Dress A Day 
Erin, is the capelet attached to the dress? I looks like it might be separate, but I can’t be sure. It’s certainly stunning, something I could see Reese Witherspoon, Gwen Stefani or Christina Aguilera wearing.
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I think it is attached — I’m not sure how it would stay on otherwise.Of course, it could always be pinned on the mannequin, but I really think it’s integral.I see Ashley Judd in this, myself. 🙂
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God, that’s beautiful.I’m reminded of a display I saw in the 80s in London at the V&A. Of course, it’s not online.I bought a few postcards of the dresses, and keep meaning to scan them for you.
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Hey, TWO Toronto sites in one day (Fresh Baked Goods and the ROM are both within a 15 minute walk of here). I’m impressed.This dress is spectacular, I must say, but the link to the blurb on the collection of essays is even more interesting: I’m a PhD and a professor who keeps getting distracted from my ‘real’ work by clothes — but hey! Maybe I should learn to blend work with pleasure, and write about the sociology of clothing.Love the site — it’s a wonderful distraction, and great dresses!
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Thank you!You should definitely work on the sociology of clothing because that’s what I want to read. And it seems as if I have a not-so-seekrit desire to go to Toronto. Obviously!
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Wow, that’s an amazing dress!!
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You should come to TO. The city has the most AMAZING vintage clothing shops (Kensington Market, Queen Street, etc) full of wonderful things for not much money — and it’s got the Bata Shoe Museum, which is more up Manolo’s street than yours, but still. 🙂
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Wow. That is one gorgeous dress. *sigh* *gazes longingly*
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