Happy Friday!

Happy Friday everyone.  I hope you are having a better day than me so far.  I'm currently dealing with a leaking water heater that's flooded a portion of our basement.   I've gotten the pool of water under control and while I eagerly await the plumbers I thought it might be nice to escape into the lala land that is the work of legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani.  While he isn't my most favorite designer of all time, during his life Valentino produced some of the worlds most stunning garments.  He truly met the definition of haute couture in that his designs were often so elaborate and impractical to produce, requiring an immense amount of labor to create.  They are truly art pieces.  Here is a sampling of some of his most dramatic creations.

Vintage Christian Dior

I've always loved the designs of Christian Dior.  The 1947 "New Look" blew my young mind the first time I saw it.  I recently came across some wonderful vintage Life Magazine photographs of the designer and some of his stunning work, and I just had to share them!

Dior in his work room in 1947

Designs from 1957

1954, outside a Paris cafe a model wears matching check coat and spats

tailored wool day dress, year unknown

Dior in his work room with assistant preparing for the spring 1957 collection

A classic Dior suit from 1951

Dior models pose outside the Kremlin, 1959

Tuesday Shoesday!

Ridiculously expensive but oh-so-pretty, these Miu Miu (Prada's sister company) heels retail for the price of $860.  I think I will just love them from afar.

Random Bits of Pretty

It's a new year and I'm finding myself unusually unfocused today.  I just can't seem to find my creative inspiration.  Maybe it's just the unwind from all the holiday parties.  Maybe it's because once again, it's gloomy and snowy outside my window.  In any case here are some random bits of wedding prettiness to brighten your Monday.

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