Ballet & Theatre (reference page)

This page is in dedication to my Ballet Teacher Miss Iris Brooks, I.S.T.D. who took me to my first live Ballet performance.

These ladies were about to view a grand performance of Ballet, Theatre, or Music, but which ever it was they looked great themselves and probably gained many admiring glances.

Even older is a similar view of ladies at the Theatre 1857.

Theatre dresses — In the Theatre box passing her glasses.

Ballet & Theatre vintage costume prints have been collected in France over many years and are archived today July 2012.

Arriving at the Paris Opera

From: La Mode Jolie – 34 Rue Magazine, Paris. At the bottom of this print it mentions the Perfume Gurlain. and the designs by Mm. Peletier-Vidal, of 17, rue Duphot, Paris. This is an unknown designer and is one of the earliest Fashion Designer establishments of it’s time. (late 1800’s). A theatre coat and gown of rich elegant textures and trimmings and a stunning pink and black velvet style with both the models back views entering the staircase.

Looking back to some early Ballet costmes:
A Ballet theme of the sea!

This image may have inspired the Sonnet written by Edgar Degas.

Toute et la dessin plein de la’ grace sevante. Une danseurse l’a, lasse comme Atalante: Tradition sereine, impenetrable aux fous.

Ballets to entertain King Louis XIII in France.

1967 The two Pigeons Ballet costume

1967

Costume from a Ballet production of The teo Pidgeons – watercolour by May Neama

Mlle. Guimard — Ballet and masked Ball Gown

A great dancer during 1860’s Her dress was probably used on stage, and as a ball gown. This Lithograph was engraved by Eugene Gervais after a painting by Francois Boucher. Printed by Chardon This Lithograph was found as an individual print on a market stall slightly dusty but not in bad condition for it’s age!

News and Blog Posts

China Miniature Shoe Collection

China Minature Shoe Collection Comments. Thousands of years ago shoes have been found in Egyptian tombs made from pottery. Earlier in the 17^th Century, skilled craftsmen created miniature shoes too. In the United Kingdom, the manufacturer Spode produced shoes that could be used as desk inkwells.

China, Porcelain and Pottery China Miniature Shoes, & Boots have now become more collectable than ever

Modern-day China Miniature Shoe collectors seek mainly 19^th and 20^th Century pieces. China Miniature shoe Collection

In the 20^th Century, traditions evolved and many became symbols of wealth. They were given as gifts and tokens for keepsakes. Small boots were displayed at weddings and hung on the back of the bride and grooms car. Cake decorations became popular for the receptions. Shoes and Boots were used as centre displays for the dinner table, making attractive useful vases for flowers. China Miniature Shoe Collection

Jewellery for ladies became popular with miniature shoe designs. China Miniature Shoes have been made throughout the world. Japan, China, and European countries were prolific. Germany and France have been particularly strong in this field. American boots and shoes were of stunning designs made individually for each American state, depicting the culture of the regions. Dutch clogs from Delft were famous and were decorated in blue and white glazes. This shoe has slightly upturned toes and could be Dutch or French. The white flower is intact but one of the leaves on the other side of the shoe has partly come away. China MiniatureShoe Collection

Many of the above countries also produced glass shoes coloured in beautiful greens, white, yellow, deep blues, and even reds. Some of these could be used to hold perfumes. Miniature glass shoe

Another type irresistible design in our China miniature shoe Collection was made from perspex and plastic. China Miniature Shoes

It would be extremely difficult to acquire China shoes from all of the worlds manufacturer’s, due to it being necessary to have such a large storage area. However, perhaps the internet is an easy source. It is extremely satisfying to find one yourself in a local street market (Vide Grenier) and it is a complete surprise every time they appear un-expectantly, especially when they are found amongst every other household implement under the sun, or other collections sold by this way. This small boot has a different view on either side and is very well decorated.

My small collection has grown slowly, directly from my surroundings in France.

Here are my notes and some photo’s on this:-

This China Miniature shoes archive/collection came from being enchanted by one particular little shoe at a local street market sale in the Dordogne France, one summer day. Some amazing ones are shown here the sizes are all quite different and some are hand painted with flowers, leaves, birds, and patterns. This pursuit can become addictive and if so, a display cabinet is a must, or they will stay unwrapped in boxes unseen. Many unusual shoes were made by a company who unfortunately now does not exist. Each shoe originally had it’s own shoebox and was named and designed to suit the shoe exactly. China Miniature Shoes

This is the Company, should you see them:- 'Just the Right Shoe' More shoes that have been created in France originating in Limoges and individually signed. Although some shoes are not marked, they are equally attractive to the eye and cannot be resisted. It may be the shoe design, or just is a unique record of the complete overall effect, which makes it worth adding to a collection. This little white boot painted with blue flowers is signed Limoges. Examples of Limoges miniature boots. China Miniature shoes

Here are the famous red high-heeled shoes designed by Christian Dior, copied to perfection. China Miniature Shoes Dior

From the 1920s – 1960s a staggering number of shoes are still available to buy. More modern flat shoes can be found, sandals, trainers, ballet pumps, and casuals - examples are here:- An animal child's Trainer. China Miniature Shoes

A sweet American cowboy boot was found, painted to resemble leather, with red patterns on the leg:- China Miniature Shoes

Occasionally I have found a matching pair, but usually, only one shoe is available. Once I did found a tiny shoe with doves on the front, upon arriving home and when it was put into my collection, I found that I already had two other duplicate designs, but one was bigger in size! These may be Dutch. China Miniature Shoes Dutch

Another memorable find here – a large pair of high-heeled shoes with black tiger stripes all over them. I am not sure what these would have been used for – maybe for publicity purposes! China Miniature Shoes

Exquisite examples from our China Minature Shoe Collection

Two very different styles here:- difficult to say which one is my favourite, both are so unique and very French! One has exquisite hand painting with curled up toes, and the other one has a very detailed flying fairy in the shoe complete with fairy wings of gossamer. She is truly magical and has her arms outstretched. I think she is also making a wish! Both of these examples are hand painted and in excellent condition.

China Miniature Shoes 2017 © .

China Miniature Shoe Collection

Classic Coats 1920’s – Autumn/Winter

Classic Coats 1920's Paris Autumn/Winter

Classic coats that never date are practical if the style is correct for you and it is an adored purchase, on the other hand a new one is always an exciting prospect. Planning a new look, choosing the colour, seeing the latest trends all give us an enormous uplift to the spirits. The Classic coats trend of the 1920's changed greatly through each year, some were warm, some protective in the rain, and some had unusual detailed design features. They were tailored for individualistic ladies, with impeccable Parisian good taste. These particular design illustrations show a preference for darker winter colours of greens, greys, black and reds. Ranging from September to December these prints are an original record from the journal Petit Echo de la Mode, covering from 1923 to 1927/8.

Fiest Frosts 1923 — Sept 1923 For the first frosts.

It is interesting to see that in November 1923 the coats were full length to the ankles, showing beneath smart usually black shoes high cut or with straps. These styles were described as "For the First Frosts" - appropriate for strolling in the town or country. Most favoured were light brown and black edged in fur trims for the cuffs and collars this being practical, but extremely smart. The cut of the garments narrowed in fullness at the bottom, helping to give a more lean appearance to the otherwise quite thick weight of the textiles, thus avoiding a bulky line. Later in the decade the coat lengths became shorter. (Our First Frosts have not quite visited us yet) - so get ready! Classic Coats - Are needed in heavy rains and storms

A stylish cape coat. an ideal design short or long.

Autumn leaves Nov 1923 — Falling leaves November 1923

Autumn leaves 2nd November 1923 — Boy it's cold! 2nd November 1923

Little red coat Dec 1923 — Little red coat for Noel Dec 1923

Note: Diamond designs, fur edged panels, and childs warm side buttoned leggings.

December 1924 Snow coats — December 1924 Snow coat and jackets

Pink dress and green coat 1924 — The pink and green combination 1924

Rust 1924 — Rich rust brown gets noticed 1924

By 1925 the hem lines are rising to mid calf length.

Perfect PURPLE a smash hit with swinging fur trimmed side panels that wiggle with you when you walk! The matching hat and shoes were unusual.

Black side panels 1926 — More side panels - fashion trend 1926

These side panels were pleated just below the coat pocket line and were wonderful for walking and very stylish on the streets of Paris.

Tailored coats 1927 — Three tailored coats 1927

This green coat has amazing tailored panels ending in beautiful back pleats. The black coat has typical deep "V" shaped pattern inserts which are very effective in bringing the Deco look into prominence during these times. The small back drawing view, shows the design is extended across the back to the center shoulders below the top yolk. Her hat is a perfect match with this coat. A very rare design feature indeed.

An ART DECO Display - Fashions of 1927

Bridge x 2 coats 18 Dec 1927 — 18th December 1927

ENTER 1st January 1928

The back sculptured coat detail makes the fashion into 1928! The classic 1920's fashion at it's confident height. Edited and page display by Lavinia, headtotoefashionart from our private collection of rare fashion art. Please endorse my Linkedin page if you like this 1920's page, or leave a comment - Thank you.

Classic Coats 1920's - Autumn/Winter

Vintage Hair photographs Paris – 1950

Vintage Hair Photographs - La Haute Coiffure August to December 1950

Vintage Hair Photographs - Enter an entirely new hair fashions decade, the 1950's is so distinctive for it's popularity of Hollywood Movie stars, their glittering performances, stylish fashions and above all the most stunning hair styles, make an indelible mark on our memories of that time. The influence of Hollywood's famous movies: Sunset Boulevard (1950) - An American in Paris (1951)- Singing in the Rain (1952) - Guys & Dolls (1955) - Gigi (1958) and many more, as well as the greatest female stars such as: Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Eva Marie Saint, Marilyn Monroe, Kim Novak, Natalie Wood, Doris Day, Diana Dors, Jayne Russell, Shirley Maclaine, Bridgette Bardot, Sophia Loren, Susan Haywood. They brought their total glamour icon image to the screens and the worlds fashion followers. London & Paris clicked on to the fashions with much enthusiasm. All fashionable ladies wished to emulate the stars. The Hair dressers held International competitions in Paris to find the finest expertise who could create that special look . The best were perhaps some of the names mentioned in these photographs. This publication became a must for the Professionals, presenting the mood, it was showing hair fashions for the day and night. Some other countries within Europe also adopted similar versions as captured in the slightly different photos. The new styles sprang up at events all over the cities. This decade of hair fashion seemed to linger on into the early 1960's, mainly by an older generation who could not change, but they still looked grand and elegant.

Vintage Hair Photographs

TEXT: This was the Vintage Hair photograph for the back cover of this Hair style Journal.

Vintage Hair Photograph 1950 — Side view detail is the back cover image above

Vintage Hair Photographs 1950 — Top selections 1950

TEXT: International competition entries - Creation de BOURNHAUSER, SUISE. & Creation de LINTERMANS, BELGIQUE. (Rare photos by Pietro Chauffourier, ROME).

TEXT: Creation de LINTERMANS, BELGIQUE.

Vintage Hair Photograph — Softer setting

TEXT: Coiffure largement ondulee, par GEORGE NOGAREDE, Paris, photo Studi Geiger.

Vintage Hair photographs — Softer waves & curls for summer

Text: Coiffure de Soire Realisee sur creveux Courts, Par Serge, de la Maison LOUIS GERVAIS, Paris.

Vintage Hair Photograph Paris — December 1950 evening reflections

Text: Beaue de demi-siecle, La Coiffure de Gala a ete Executes par Alexandre. De La Maison ANTOINE, Paris.

TEXT: L'ELEGANCE - La Coiffure, tres originale est D'ALEXANDER, de la Maison ANTOINE, Paris.

TEXT: Coiffure de Soiree, Sur Cheveux Courts, Cre'e par HENRY PRE'VOST, Paris.

Rambaud at work larger view — Detailed view of Rene Rambaud

Wave Adv. 50 — Wave Adv. Book by Rene Rambaud

Champion of the World - George Font.

Winner celebration 1950 — Winner celebration Paris 1950

Remember the Teddy Boy Quiff? Look out ladies it might come back in trend this time for you! Surrounded with curls. A true Vintage Hair Photograph

Quiff side view 50 — Side view of the Quiff

TEXT: Coiffure de Ville de GEORGE FONT, Champion du Monde. Member de L'Equipe de France quit a Triomphe' a Rome. Photo by Geiger. (above).

Adv.Vitapointe — Vitapointe was used by everyone 1950

double view softer look 50 — Double view of the softer look

TEXT: Larger curls a softer set. by GEORGE NOGAREDE, Paris, photo Studio Greiger.

Dramatic Hair style for the Stage

On stage hair — Stage gown and dramatic hair!

Text: Une Tableau De Maitre? Non, mais un Ensemble d'une ELEGANCE RARE, La Coiffure est de PAUL ALBERT, Paris.

Text: Cheveux, PLUMES, Rersille Harmonieusement assembles, ont permis a PAUL ALBERT. Paris De Composer cette REMARQUABLE Coffiure de Gala. Late in the year they set the hair TRENDS for 1951. Here are some ideas if you wear a 50's vintage piece. These photos show a prediction of a much shorter shaped cut, making this new look contribute more business for the Hair Salons.

TEXT: De KIJEVSKY, WINTERTHUR. Photo by Geiger.

Predictions 51 Evening — Short wave prediction for 1951

TEXT: PAR ALEXANDRE - (Maison ANTOINE), Paris.

Sharp short cut Paris Trend 51 — This cut lives on in France -Trend for 1951

TEXT: By ANDRE FOUGARD, Paris Style prediction for 1951.

Vintage Hair Photograph 1951 — By Pierre Rambault

TEXT: Coiffure de ville de PIERRE RAMBAULT, Member de L'Equipe de France qui a Triomphe' a Rome.

Long evening dresses — New year dresses for 1951

TEXT: Les Trois graces en 1951 De RAVISSANTS MANNEQUINS, Coiffure par (de Gauche a Droite) - Chatham, Serge. De la Maison LOUIS GERVAIS, PHYRIS, se sont obligamment pretes a cette, composition. Photo by Geiger.

TEXT: Coiffure de Apres-Midi 1951 Sur Cheveux Courts, Creation de AGG, Paris. Photo by Geiger.

Ideal Hair — Ideal stylish hair for 1951 afternoons in Paris

TEXT: Coiffure D'Apres Midi 1951. Par PAUL ALBERT, Paris.

Vintage Hair photographs Paris - 1950

La Haute Coiffure de Paris – 1949

La Haute Coiffure de Paris - 1949

This was a "journal professionnel" - for hair dressers and stylists full of imposing black and white photographs and details of events, questions, instructions on the latest techniques, and advertisements. Hair designs were styled using tight set curls, waves, and well defined cuts, leaving enough length to have beautiful curls. Smooth glossy sweeping crowns of hair were also much in vogue. Lanol or Lanolin was a product for creating this effect and widely advertised . Vitapointe was another one described as rich, souple, brilliant and "solide". This Haute Coiffure collection may help create an authentic look for those serious ladies who are wearing 1950's fashions, and wishing to have that special sumptuous glamorous element. Enhancing any vintage fashion worn from this distinctive era.

~ 1949 ~

curls around the head 49 — Curls all around

Hair curls around the head setting style — curl set instruction

Hair Looping locks for evening — Lovely looping locks for evening

Text reads:- Coiffure Nouvelle pour la Ville, transformee pour le noir. By Mirireille Dourlen - Paris. Photo by Studio Geiger

Hair side sweeping style — Side sweeping style

Text reads:- Creation de Dion, 8e Prix - Photo Greiger

Text reads:- Creation de Pierre Raimbault, Champion de France.

Hair setting a trend — Butterfly decoration slide - setting the trend

An elegant Butterfly piece is set to the side and an up-swept curl at the side, makes an unusual hairstyle for 1949. Text reads:- Creation de Roger Valery, 4e Prix. Photo by Greiger.

Hair with individual peaks — Curled quiffs forming individual peaks

Text reads:- Creation de Roger Valery, 4e Prix.

Text reads:- Creation Demi-flour, Coiffant jeune, de Marcel Lautier. Photo by Greiger, Paris.

Text reads:- Creation de Gombaud - Saintonge, Grand Prix. Photo by Greiger.

Front view of hair style — Glamorous evening mode

Text reads:- Creation de Gombaud - Saintonge, Grand Prix. Photo by Greiger.

Text reads:- Creation de Pont, 6e Prix. Photo by Greiger.

Celebration stylish hair fashion — Celebration mood

Text reads:- creation de Leaud, 10e Prix. Photo by Greiger. The 1949 hair fashions brought much more innovation than I expected to see for the times. Especially the sophisticated and complicated different styles for the evenings. Difficult to choose, every one is a winner! Continuing post will cover 1950 - 1955, with some more spectacular hair photography.

La Haute Coiffure de Paris - 1949

French Regional Costumes

Recently found in South-Western France. These French Regional Costumes speak for themselves and immediately evoke strong expressive personas within the drawings. Many subjects are within, even horses, cabbages, chickens and romance, unlikely combinations for a fashion blog! Much research was needed as I had no idea of the details, or history of any of them. The most prominent one for information that inspired me is called Homme & Femme de Pont - L'abbe, and so a small paragraph has evolved from my findings, with a little imagination as well. This came from finding a wonderful history/fiction book about this region of France. Something of me knowing nothing came to information about this, and I share it with you! The only way to explain where this particular place is to add a little map. Pont l'Abbe is a commune in the department of Finistere, in the coastal region of Brittany, France.

French Regional Costumes

See link for a modern website on Pont l'Abbe at the bottom of this post.

Maries de Kerlouan (Finistere). The Artists signature is not quite visable.

Can anyone identify this name?

French Regional Costumes Signature — Not quite vizable?

French Regional Costumes - zoom — Beautiful detailed drawing

Homme & Femme de Pont - Labbe (Finistere).

I mentioned a HORSE and a CHICKEN drawn by the same artist. The region is Bretagne, north west France. Along the towpath: An old pedestrian walk for about 4 km, winds along the river Pont l'Abbe. A present day site for bird watching, especially herons. At the end of the road is a stone ruin of a house, probably built in the late 18oo's. It was long ago abandoned and partly destroyed, it was then stripped leaving the shell for ramblers to wonder at it's past. The vegetation around the house had completely invaded. The house is known as Pont-Abbistes as the "White House". It is said that it was a bar and a small grocery store which serviced crews for boats that came to dock at the pier nearby. Inhabited by Fishermen and their wives who fed them well from the inlets by the sea on seakelp, sardines and chickens! An inland Mill was also in this area and provided work. Women had great talent in embroidery and traditional costumes were worn for many occasions. This print shows a food expedition. Her white linen/cotton headdress would have been tied around her head to stop it flapping about in the wind while on horseback. Striking colours of green, pink, yellow and purple, making the background colour even duller. A fishing line shows to the left of the rider. The horse is splashing along the edge of the water by the brown sea kelp/seaweed. Bundled across his saddle is a large black sack full of this sea kelp, and he also probably had a large haul of sardines for supper , depriving the sea birds of a few. The chicken must have come from the village store/the old house. I think this print came from an illustrated book by a well informed person. A larger segment of this French Regional Costumes image shows an enormous amount of detail.

Signature unknown — Signature of this Artist is to be identified.

In great subject contrast, comes from another print, found on the same day. Thought provoking is this lady of rural France!

French Regional Costumes - zoom Portrait — A face to remember

Patches, tear and wear are captured showing the rural reality of life working in France on the land. This shawl did not give much protection for this heavy load on her shoulders. All green vegetables , were carried from the fields by hand, including cabbages, kale, turnips, potatoes and more.

Text to print Merchant of cabbages — Text at the bottom of print

Alsacien et Alsacienne

This larger view reveals his pipe, and he is holding a flower for his lady. This is a very good modern web site for Pont l'Abbe. http://otpa.oziolab.fr/fr/incontournables/visites-a-pont-l-abbe Coat of Arms for the regions of France

Brittany Flag

French Regional Costumes

Tea Time Fashions – 1920’s

Tea Time fashions - 1920's From this rare collection of endearing prints depicting ladies Tea Time Fashions, it demonstrates a strong popularity for this necessary event throughout France during the 1920's. Nearly every year is represented from this unusual find. Especially interesting are the many different teapot shapes throughout this time. To focus on this I have zoomed in on the images to give a enlarged view. It looks like some could be coffee pots, it quite difficult to tell. Most dominant is the easy to identify attractive Art Deco angled teapots. Traditional French afternoon dresses and coats were worn for visiting special friends or entertaining at home.

Tea Time Fashions - France — Tea Time Fashions - December 1920

Morning noon and night was probably the French times for taking tea, although now tea is served at any time. At home it was served outside in a country garden, on the patio, beside a beautiful view, or set in a comfy room for visitors. Organizing a tea time gathering was firstly easy to do.. Secondly, it was an opportunity to dress in the most impressive latest 1920 styles. Not forgetting a hair re-vamp or, a new hat!. Thirdly, creating a charming ambiance of tranquility with every sip of delicious refreshing flavours and aromas. Perhaps tea varieties were more limited then contrasting from our huge range of unusual mixes in shops today. Spices, herbs, flowers and fruits are a delight to our senses!

Tea Time Fashions - Beside the lake.

These Tea Time Fashions were prominently shown on the front covers of the journal Petit Echo de la Mode. Mainly by an Illustrator known as Jenny. The centre pages gave some beautiful embroidery designs for tea time mats for the table. Time consuming to make, but the end result was very decorative. Hand sewing was an art to impress house guests. Flowers, fruit, and even butterflies were sewn with many coloured satin threads.

Like the pot but not the fox!

Teapot cosies to keep in the warmth for longer are today an important part of the ceremony of taking tea. Antique ones may be hard to find, but today stunning hand knitted ones by: Yvette Thompson, are a must have trend revival. Try her many different designs to suit your individual style. Her web contact is: folksy.com/shops/biskettblue (Contact direct - see our Links page entry) Latest Poppy design ***

Long History Traditions: In a time of crisis, reach for a sweet cup of strong tea. The best traditional way to make a good cup of tea like mother's say, is quote "Tea leaves made in a warmed teapot are perfect". Teabags are good as well, and take less time directly made into a mug or cup. For a quick way it tastes better if infused in a teapot allowing the tea to mingle, however, don't let the tea remain on the leaves too long as it tends to gain a stewed taste. Another Tea Website to visit is http://www.tea.co.uk/the-home-of-tea-all-you-need-to-know-about-tea Also See Link in our Links page under Websites we like.

Tea Time Fashions - 1920's

HAT Shape Originals 1920’s

HAT Shape Originals 1920's - are coming back in trend, with close cropped hair and chic hair styles to complete the new look for 2014. Designer inspirations for the future ....... An extraordinary diversity of design has been given to us in the shape of HATS, from the past to the present. Hats greatly influenced the way hair styles were created and adapted by the ladies of the day. Paintings, illustrations and photographs appeared in profusion, in all the Paris Journals, capturing events and advertising changing trends. These unique images have been coloured to emphasize the shapes in particular, leaving to the imagination the fabrics. Originally the designs were shown in the Journal Petit Echo de la Mode, printed in Paris.

Green hat — Olive green Springtime hat 1926

Blue Hat — NEW Back Brim shape feature 1926

Red glow hat — Back brim with a red glow

Zigzag brim — The latest zigzag brim 1928

May these Hat shape originals bring new inspirations for many Hat Designers.

HAT Shape Originals 1920's

Tennis costumes – 1920’s

Tennis costumes on court and off during the 1920's,

Tennis costumes were so very different from modern times. The game of tennis, especially during the summer months all over France in the 1920's, had a hugely popular following. The player's clothes evolved from long skirts and dresses to ever increasing shorter styles, giving increased ease of movement and promoting a higher standard of play. Off court the spectators had a great opportunity to wear smart summer new seasons attire. Large hats to keep off the sun were a must. Strawberries and cream - I wonder? Tennis racket shapes and weight were particularly interesting in the 1920's, mainly they were made from wood and had cat gut strings. Does anyone know any more great Tennis names from these times? Suzanne Lenglen was the first great tennis star post World War One. She won Wimbledon in 1919. It was her first grass tournament playing seven times champion Dorothea Douglass Chambers. In 1920 she won the Olympics and won at Wimbledon every year until 1925 except 1924 when she had pull out because of jaundice. She also won the French Open six times. Another great female star was Helen Wills Moody who won The French Open four times.Wimbledon eight times and the Us Open seven times. Close to the net a ball goes astray. This interesting image was printed: 29th July 1923.

The country family grass tennis court was ideal for making friends. Long straight skirts must have slowed up the progress play was at a relaxed pace. This summer game was printed: 20th July 1924.