Interview with 1960s Designer Deanna Littell

I've long been a fan of the design work of Deanna Littell, and so I was so pleased when she commented on a post at The Vintage Traveler several months ago. She had found the webpage where I've been collecting Young Designer Butterick patterns, including those of Deanna.

Deanna is probably best known as one of the original designers for the 1960s New York boutique, Paraphernalia. Along with fellow designers Betsey Johnson and Joel Schumacher she helped to establish the "Youthquake" of Great Britian here in the States.

The read the interview, visit The Vintage Traveler.

Fashion Book Shopping is Grand

We got to take a little trip this month up to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. And as ever, the visit was a treat. While our visit fell between fashion and textile exhibits,we has a picnic on the grounds, and found a selection of great little fashion books in the museum gift shop, a great cup of coffee, wonderful art, the fabulous grounds of the Lily house and a too brief tour of the Lily home. Plus a fine dinner out in the Fountain Square are. It was a treat.

Fashion books are like hen's teeth in our area. So we hit the museum shop and these are the too few books I brought back:

A short but thorough bio of Balenciaga and his house with loads of photos. Easy to read, straightforward and affordable.

And a selection of the small books from the Assouline series on Poiret, Gres and the Little Black Dress. Fun, quick reads, not a lot of text, and heavy on the photos.

What did I leave? Coffee table size books on Balenciaga and Dior, more of this small series, another series on decades of costume history, modern Japanese fashion, and several more. I will just have to take more money next time.

V & A LONDON Fashion Frocks

...Fab Frocks

from the V & A costume rooms...

(click to enlarge )

bodice detail from a Celia Birtwell designed fabric & dress late 1960's

1920's beaded column gown, Jean Patou

Zandra Rhodes early 1970's

A classic Chanel three piece worn by Gabrielle herself

Catherine Walker dress & jacket designed for Diana, HRH Princess of Wales

for the Royal Tour, Hong Kong

looks like something Morticia would wear!

fabulous glass beaded back detail

floral Dior dress garnished with beads

and a jewel in the crown

a Vivienne Westwood gown I would love to own!

... and here is a soupcon of fashions of the future

new designs from young designers, students of fashion

February 9 VFG Fashion Parade *Dress the First Lady*

Dress the First Lady!
Michelle Obama has come to the White House like a fresh spring breeze. Her class, her style, and her winning smile, what's not to love!? Moms from sea to shining sea and beyond have watched her grace on the campaign trail, all while keeping two young girls happy and in check.
The VFG welcomes Mrs. Obama with her own week on the vintage parade. Our seller members are bringing out their best as suggestions for adding more vintage to her wardrobe, or to yours!

Sweet mohair sweater jacket with the initial M, perfect for Michelle! From
DENISEBRAIN

Simple sheath dress in a patriotic color block with flattering neckline from DAMNGOODVINTAGE

60s Alfred Werber 2 piece set similar to her Inaugural Ensemble, in celadon green with lace accents and beaded button on nsemi-fitted jacket from DOROTHEA'S CLOSET VINTAGE

Find more First Lady-worthy vintage from more VFG members on the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD FASHION PARADE! and to keep up with Michelle Obama's White House Chic, check out the blog MRS. O for daily updates on what the First Lady is wearing!