Readers, have you ever seen Charade (1963) starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant?
I watched it last week, and while this suspense film is undermined by its relentlessly spoofy tone, it is certainly stylish, as nearly any Audrey Hepburn movie is.
Every time I see Audrey in her Givenchy movie wardrobes, I think of Vogue Paris Original patterns, whose heyday was the 1960's and 70's.
Of course today, the very idea of a Paris original anything seems quaint; it's been so long since Paris was the center of global fashion. Fifty years ago, however, the term definitely suggested status and exclusivity.
I own a few Vogue Paris Original patterns (mainly in the wrong size, like the three above) that I've picked up here and there, but I've yet to make one. After seeing Charade I think it may be time. Last week I hunted on eBay and Etsy for one I really liked (at a price I could afford), and found the Givenchy below. It's late 60's, but still has a very Audrey flavor, don't you think?
I don't know exactly when I'll make this outfit, but I do think it's time Cathy had a Paris Original of her own.
In other pattern-related news, I also picked up this contemporary McCall's unisex knit sweater pattern, 6803. One of my ideas for my next sweater knit project is a shawl-collar cardigan. (Another is a knit and leather project. More about that later.)
In closing, friends, have you ever made a Vogue Paris Original? Was it very difficult?
Did you sew in the little "Vogue Paris Original" label you were supposed to pick up from the store where you bought your pattern, way back when? I have one of those lying around in one of my notions drawers -- I'll have to dig it out.
Have a great day, everybody!
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Knit and leather, intriguing! Will Cathy get a hat too?
ReplyDeletePeter have you seen the Newcastle Cardigan by Thread Theory? It is a gorgeous sewn men's cardigan with a shawl collar, that you can incorporate leather into. A great indie pattern company for menswear
DeleteSorry, this is Jacky from MPB day, my phone won't let me log in under my name...oh well. I think you're fully capable of the vogue pattern!!!
ReplyDeleteFor pure entertainment...look up Ginger Rogers, Love Will Keep Us Together. Talk about great knits!!! Sorry I couldn't figure out how to post the link with my phone...I'm useless!!!
Any interest in trying the new Thread Theory Newcastle Cardigan pattern? It's got a shawl collar and would be fun to see you make something up from their all men's selection!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.threadtheory.ca/product/newcastle-cardigan
Ah yes, back in the '60's I learned to sew on one of those patterns,which says reams about my naivete and stubbornness. And you can bet I sewed that label in! And actually, the instructions were excellent. Combined with a Vogue sewing book that looked like a thick magazine, and a mad desire for a beautiful dress, it was doable.
ReplyDeleteOh, definitely time for a mid '60s high fashion look! If it were my choice, I'd create a sort of Givenchy-Chanel hybrid by using a bouclé fabric and trimming the collar and cuffs with some glam contrasting braid.
ReplyDeleteOf course, this is one where accessories are going to be deeply important...
I already have the Ferragamo pumps!
DeleteI love that movie. It’s fun, but I love Audrey’s fashions even more. I’ve always drooled over anything she wore during that era. I will be green with envy when you make that outfit for Cathy.
ReplyDeleteYes, there was a time when anything from Paris was the thing to have, which was mocked beautifully in an episode of I Love Lucy, where the husbands tricked Lucy and Ethel into wearing lamp shades.
Thanks for the show tune! Brought back a lot of memories. My favorite from that show, of course, is I Believe in You, but only when done by Robert Morse. Daniel Radcliffe, not so much.
I can’t comment from my phone anymore, either.
I have made a number of these years ago. Some were easier than others, but I remember fondly an Emanuel Ungaro wool dress that was particularly flattering and fun to sew.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have everything Audrey wore in the late 50's early 60's. Everything just looked so neat and stylish. I also love how fitted her clothes were. In a world of elastic, knits and saggy baggy clothing no doubt contributing to the obesity epidemic, her tailored outfits are so refreshing.
ReplyDeleteCharade is a favorite of mine, such a fun film! Can't wait to see the Paris Original. I'm intrigued by this leather and knit combination you're thinking up.
ReplyDeleteColour me envious! I've been trying to get my hands on some of these for years--I think they're fabulous--but the patterns also seem to sell for fabulous sums of money.
ReplyDeleteAck! Treason! For the record, we still have a few folks around here who make original designs and fashions and they are still worth having (or at least dreaming of).
ReplyDeleteI agree! Paris is still the center of the universe for me -- fashion, food, art.
DeleteWill you make the hat to go with it for Cathy?
ReplyDeleteOh goody, this is my favorite era for style. I can't wait to see what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteMake it for mum
ReplyDelete