Cecil Beaton

Cecil Beaton shot so many of the iconic haute couture photos.

As I know from Fournier, the person behind the camera is as important

as the garments in front of it. He photographed for Vogue for five decades,

as well as portraits of the British Royal Family. He was knighted in 1972.

His work, which changed the face of fashion began in the early 1930s and

continued through the 1970s despite a stroke in 1974.

Charles James

When I was attending the School of Fashion Design in Boston Ma, I often dreamed of making gowns as exquisite as Charles James. My focus while there was couture evening and bridal wear. Charles James was what I considered an obsessive designer. He was America's first couturier. His most recognizable gown, was the "4 Leaf Clover" Ball Gown. Produced in white silk satin, black silk velvet and white silk faille. It is an architectural dream that one would strive a lifetime to achieve with 20 plus layers of lining, interlining, interfacing and boning. It is dressmaking, transformed to an art. After hours of study, I never tire of it.

Interior detail shot, the best kind.

side view

front detail

back

The famous Cecil Beaton photo of ladies socializing in their James gowns.