Haute Couture and its intricacy work.

A favorite of movie stars such as Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida, Italian couturier Emilio Schuberth was known for his exquisitely crafted, ultra feminine clothing. He emphasized this dress’s hourglass shape with garlands of fabric flowers and beaded leaves. The white and metallic beads of some leaves are placed on edge to form Vs, adding to the decoration’s three-dimensionality.

 around 1961, designed by Emilio Schuberth

Inspired by the mismatched buttons his grandmother used to mend his shirts back in Mississippi, Patrick Kelly adopted colorful, oversized buttons as his signature. His brilliant and versatile fashion vision transformed the everyday into joyfully exuberant designs. Happy National Button Day!

 Fall/Winter 1987, by Patrick Kelly 

Inspired by his Spanish heritage, master couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga reinterpreted a flamenco dancer’s full, flounced dress. In his version, black organza petals cascade down the skirt front, softly framed by the cutaway skirt of a removable white cotton overdress.

 Spring 1951, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga 

Designed in his twenty-fifth year as the designer for Dior, this ensemble illustrates Marc Bohan’s refined proportions, masterful way with fabric, and aesthetic. The silk fabric known as gazar is exquisitely pleated and draped to form a slim wrap-around skirt, high-waisted cummerbund, and one-shouldered bodice topped by a substantial bow. An asymmetrical, cocoonlike cape, which leaves the bow exposed, completes this haute couture design.

 Summer 1983, designed by Marc Bohan

                                                                                       Couture ballgowns

                

                     Theo Graham (L) is wearing Dior's evening gown 'Junon' and Dorian is    

                 wearing 'Venus'.

House of Pingat French, c. 1878 detail.”

A rose embroidered bridal/evening gown circa 1912, superbly worked with dog-roses with overlay of beaded tulle;