Photos By Gail
The La Sirène or “Lobster” Evening Dress by Charles James, designed in 1956, is a masterful example of his sculptural approach to couture. This evening gown was part of James‘ later work, showcasing his deep understanding of structure, form, and fabric manipulation. The dress was named La Sirène (French for The Mermaid) because of its dramatic, fishtail silhouette, which flares at the bottom, echoing the movement of a mermaid’s tail.
Continue reading Eye On Design: Charles James’ La Sirène Gown →
All Photos By Gail
The La Sylphide Gown, designed by Charles James, was worn by Miss Esme O’Brien when she came out as a New York debutante in 1937 (a sylph is a lovely, slim young woman or girl).
Continue reading Eye On Design: La Sylphide Dress By Charles James →
All Photos By Gail
In 1937, Anglo-American couturier Charles James created the first high-fashion, down-filled jacket; an early James masterpiece. James meticulously constructed this classically inspired garment around the human form, resulting in a jacket quite unlike the boxy version produced by Eddie Bauer. Continue reading Eye On Design: Down Filled Evening Jacket by Charles James →
All Photos By Gail
With its petal-like stole, this evening gown, The Tree (1955), transforms the wearer into a flower, giving her a sensual elegance. Couturier Charles James (1906 – 1978) often envisioned his clients as exotic flowers and he believed that fashion should arouse the mating instinct. Ooh!
Continue reading Eye On Design: The Tree Evening Dress and The Petal Stole By Charles James →
Bringing You The Best Of Art, Design, Pop Culture and Lifestyle Since 2004!
