All Photos By Gail
This black, heavily embellished dress from House of Balmain, designed by Olivier Rousteing for the Fall/Winter 2012–13 collection, feels less like a garment and more like a moment preserved in time. An unapologetic show-stopper, it reads as both armor and ornament —structured, deliberate, and unapologetically intricate. Continue reading Eye On Design: Balmain’s Beaded Time Capsule
All Photos By Gail (Except Where Noted)
Superstar musician Elton John is known for his flamboyant and extravagant stage costumes, especially those he wore during the early 1970s, when he collaborated with various designers to create iconic looks that reflected his unique style. A standout ensemble from 1971 is a beaded neon-satin patchwork tailcoat and trousers, possibly designed by Annet Murray (wife of his bandmate, Dee Murray). John can be seen in his dressing room wearing the jacket in a photograph (below) taken by Terry O’Neill.
Continue reading Eye On Design: Elton John’s Neon Satin Patchwork Tailcoat and Trousers
All Photos By Gail
The glass bead appliqué on this jacket by Oscar de la Renta suggests an elaborate coral reef. Coral reefs are unique ecosystems; a major one is located in the Caribbean, where de la Renta grew up.
Continue reading Eye On Design: Coral Reef Beaded Jacket by Oscar de la Renta
All Photos By Gail
Designer Allison Eden got her start over 25 years ago designing custom glass mosaics for private clients ( you can see an example of her beautiful work on the far left in the above photo). Eden then began applying her colorful, pop art aesthetic to a variety of interior finishes including textiles, wallpapers and carpets to develop one of the most fun and recognizable brands in the industry.
Continue reading Eye On Design: Interiors By Allison Eden Studios
Photos By Gail
This Red Bead Necklace (beads and chain links) was crafted from Bakelite cellulose acetate, with a metal clasp, and attributed to an unknown American designer. In the twentieth century, plastic manufacturing transformed the American jewelry industry and allowed for the production of fashionable yet affordable pieces. This chain link and cube bead necklace represents a style that was especially popular during the Depression era and the early 1940s.
Photographed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.