hope is the thing with feathers

An exquisitely draped vintage evening gown to cap off the week... this is a Charles James design from 1936. I find that patterns often detract from the sophistication of sculptural gowns, making them look busy or sporty, but to me the large feathers printed onto the silk here complement James' design beautifully. What do you think?

Photo from 13bees, via my new favourite book.

Title from Emily Dickinson's poem.

batfemme

The Magda Berliner dress at left seems to take its cue from YSL's 1970 design currently on display in Montreal (below). I'm not sure if I prefer the look of ribs or hipbones exposed through windows of black lace, but the latter makes me curious about what sort of undergarments would be possible. The ensemble at right I very much wanted to wear to Batman: The Dark Knight last Friday.

Update: The YSL dress above in a photograph by Jeanloup Sieff.