Monday, December 10, 2007

Party Dresses

A woodland-themed, holiday party, photographed for Departures Magazine in 2005.

'Tis the season for the party dress. For me, getting dressed up for a social event usually invokes a panic episode. Next time, I will try to channel the confidence of Dorian Leigh, photographed above in Paris, 1949. (From The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London, 1947-1957).

More inspiration comes from a new book, The Party Dress, Alexandra Black's follow up to 2004's, The Evening Dress. Both celebrate the history of the festive frock from the 18th century to present day.

16 comments:

Style Court said...

Thanks for the tip on the Party Dress book. Lovely cover.

Unknown said...

oh my...if only i had some place to wear dresses that beautiful and formal.

http://www.theshinysquirrel.com

The Peak of Chic said...

The Party Dress book is on my wishlist!

Laura said...

Unfortunately, the last time I wore a dress that long was Homecoming Court back in '94. I can't wait to check out that book--a girl can always dream!

Brilliant Asylum said...

Seriously. I think I would prefer to look at girls in pretty dresses than be one.

Habitually Chic said...

That party feature in Departures is one of my all time favorite magazine spreads. It was beyond gorgeous!

Brilliant Asylum said...

Departures has some amazing features. I think they are giving T & C a run for their money. It is wierd how difficult they make getting a subscription!

Habitually Chic said...

I always "borrow" Departures from my boss. He has a Centurian AMEX so they just send it ;-)

Pigtown*Design said...

I just read every single word of Departures when I can get it. I don't qualify for it through AmEx!!

Jennifer said...

What a beautiful dress on the Party Dress cover. So elegant.

Alkemie said...

Very nice photos. I am definitely checking out the Party Dress book. Thank you for the great tip!

Joanna Goddard said...

those dresses are stunning....i would love to go to a party like that. xo

Anonymous said...

Oh...I would love that book. Great tip. For me, there can never be enough occassions to get dressed up in a fancy gown. I love it!

SGM said...

Gorgeous dresses! I agree with Jessica--if only I had a place to wear something like that. Big sigh.

Anonymous said...

I like these party dresses!

An Aesthete's Lament said...

That birch-bark wall with the white modern furniture is seriously chic, no? Brilliant idea.