Gatsby Costume Preview

This past Sunday presented the opportunity to attend a private viewing of a few of the original costumes designed by Catherine Martin for The Great Gatsby.  Held at the Century Guild Gallery, the showing featured costumes, sketches and props from the film and was an opportunity for Art Deco Society of Los Angeles members to socialize in the gallery and admire the designs on display.

I know, I know.  Many wouldn't wish to view the designs even if given the opportunity because the advance promotional images haven’t presented the era in the most historically-accurate light.  I, however, will jump on any opportunity to chat with friends and if it includes the ability to take a closer look for myself, my curiosity will win out every time.

There were only four actual costumes on display, so there wasn't much of an opportunity to get up close and personal with a wide representation of the fashion from the film.  They were from the wedding of Tom and Daisy, and included Tom and Daisy’s wedding attire, as well as Jordan’s and Mrs. Fay’s dresses.  

I don’t claim to be an expert in ‘20s fashion design, unlike some of my friends, but  I will say that in looking quickly at the fashions, they pass at first glance as generally resembling the era.  I could nitpick, of course.  The waistcoat was too long, the wedding robes de style resembled more of a '50s prom dress.  The sketches of some of the costumes reeked ‘30s glamour.  However, I am trying to take my husband’s advice when I get into my analytical mode where I pick and take something apart until it is mangled and shredded in a heap at my feet with all of the life sucked out of it.  Let the art flow.  It is a movie for entertainment sake, not a documentary.  And while I cannot testify to the quality of the movie, as it hasn't been released yet, I can look at the fashions and at least say I don’t see fringe or boas.  I know some had hoped and expected more authenticity, but to these inexpert eyes, it is a step in the right direction and I will say no more.

The exhibit also included sketches of fashions not on display and some of them we were allowed to photograph.  Again, I’m trying not to shred the authenticity of the silhouettes.  So, aren't they artfully done?

A few props along the way to get a closer peek were also on display.

And I, well, I wore a little period dress of my own seen at the Queen Mary Art Deco Fest.  I like how my finger wave ridges give me little lop-sided horns here.

Will I see the film?  Yes.  Will I enjoy it?  Doubt it, as the book doesn't appeal to me.  However, the evening was lovely and I wanted to share with you the little close-up view I had of the film designs.  I hope you enjoyed them, if nothing else, for curiosity's sake.

'Bye for now,

The House of Mouse

The thought of Disneyland makes my heart go pitter-pat.  I love it.  And I love any opportunity to go to it.  As an annual passholder and Southern California resident, I get to do it a lot, which pleases me to no end.  It doesn't have to be about the rides.  Just strolling around, people-watching, and doing dinner is often enough.  And if I get to do it with friends, even better.  Last Saturday was Dapper Day at Disneyland and while walking around Disney in vintage isn't new to me, it is a treat for some of my non-vintage friends.  Actually you don't need to wear vintage to go to Dapper Day.  You just need to dress spiffy, which for many just happens to be vintage.  And if I, as well as the others who went, can go out looking presentable and encourage all of those people who went out in public in pants half way down their butts, with bra straps showing and shorts cut to there, then I see myself as doing a service to everyone who is tired of sad-looking clothes.  Vintage may be a passing fad for many who went - an opportunity to do what everyone else happened to be doing that day, a way to be noticed, but I don't mind.  I was there to be with my friends and we had a grand time.

While I'm normally a 30s gal, I decided to channel a 1950s Pendleton ad, in honor of Disneyland, which was built in 1955.  My red plaid jacket, belted, with a grey skirt and lovely low-heeled red wedges were perfect for walking around.

 Hubby Dearest and I in front of our home away from home.

 One of the lovely ladies in our pack of pals, Cara.

 Miss Heidi and I

 Heidi and Eric.  You may remember them from my last post.

You've never met Carol Ann.  She's wearing a fabulous '20s sweater dress and cardigan with matching chapeau.

Unfortunately, I didn't get many pictures of the rest of my chums, but we were quite the amoeba, merging, splitting up, and reforming as our varying interests took us in one direction or the next.

After riding the carousel and spinning myself silly on the tea cups, we went over to California Adventure, which is just a few steps away from Disneyland, rode the trolley and settled down for a nice cocktail at Carthay Circle Restaurant as we waited for our dinner reservation.  A nice, stiff gin and tonic for me (no carbs!) and a great dinner with friends made the day end perfectly.   

 Miss Lily, who needs no introduction, having been featured here often.

Well, it wouldn't be perfect until I rode the Tower of Terror, my favorite ride, which I rarely get to ride as we normally have our son with us.  Not the most attractive picture, but the eyes say it all. 

 

And thus ended our Disney day.  What is your happiest place on earth?

'Bye for Now,