In perusing old magazines- searching interesting things to share, perhaps Christmas and Holiday posts, I found the most glorious photograph of the famed designer VALENTINA by Hoyningen Huene in FLAIR October 1950. The article entitled The Enjoyment of Leisure at Home- Fascinating!
The incredible setting- the lady's own Drawing Room. Her dress a design of her own making- is beautiful- "a harmony of greige and gray taffeta over a transparent tulle underskirt, perfectly related to the warm, low tones of the room, to the woman this room reflects"; Madame Valentina of course.
The designer elaborates~ "What you wear when you are in your own house is like a costume for the role of yourself. It must be becoming to you, it must communicate with the colors of walls, of paintings, of all the other beautiful objects you have chosen to surround you. This is so not only because the two things- a style in clothes, the atmosphere of a house- are part of the same expression. It is so because time to spend a t home is precious. "
"I am myself a working woman-if you like, a career girl. But when I am in my own house I forget that part of my life. Most women, whether they are in jobs by day or busy with other things, treasure the time they spend at home. It is a place to be oneself, to be at ease; to see friends in an atmosphere one has created to welcome them."
For this reason, I would surround myself with beautiful and creative things that reflect my taste and enhance my personality. I would discard the suitable clothes of my business day for my dress; I would be myself in my own house."
I wish I'd said that-and though I somehow do surround myself with things I love visually- I am lack than luster in the costume department. Everything Valentina the Divine says makes perfect sense.It is the stunning photograph of her dress that doesn't match the words in thinking about our today's world- almost 60 years later.
Need to step it up a bit? A lot?
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Oh yes. A ruffle of taffeta skirts in one's home. That can't be beat. Much better than a housedress, or a leisure suit. We should dress up for at home, not down.... xoxo
ReplyDeleteMy MOther is always on me about never letting my guard down int he common rooms of the house. But I get this from my Dad, he never even walked into the kitchen to get coffee in pj's and I doubt he even owned sweats. Always pressed and shaved.
ReplyDeleteAs for how I surround myself, I would give my left arm to be rid of hideous Fisher Price toys but it is, as they say, one of the mystical joys of childhood.
Hello Gaye,
ReplyDeleteJust had a new, refreshing look at your blog. For me it's always fun and... surprising. So out of my own culture that I'm always learning something.
Thanks a lot for the word you left on my own blog. Health is improving much more rapidly than I thought, should be back to normal speed in a week I hope.
Just imagine, I went through the hands of half a dozen physicians and survived. I must be eternal or something.
Roger G. :-)
In October 1950 I had just turned one years old! In the small southern Oklahoma town where I grew up, a woman dressed like this would have by-passed crazy by the size of her wealth and would have landed square up in the eccentric aisle! While I agree with the sentiments, I am a child of the sixties: nothing says comfort like well worn jeans!
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your oldies. And, as always, thanks for sharing.
Jane- of course! yes the swishing of taffeta is overwhelming here as well!G
ReplyDeleteBlushing- my daddie was much the same- always ready to get going dressed before breakfast-maybe it is easier for them. How do you do it all? GT
ReplyDeleteRoger= thanks for coming by-glad you are on the mend. nightmare tales of doctors. It is nice to see what we are doing for new inspiration. G
ReplyDeleteHome- I find this fascinating as I said! Imagine- I think she must be entertaining, Do you suppose she decked out for the pick- and changed into sweats? ha Where the even made then? G
ReplyDeleteThat is the exact outfit I was wearing this morning! Just having some "me" time.
ReplyDeleteMatching one's decor? Well, don't mean to brag but I've grain sacks thrown about willy nilly and I often paddle around in a hand stitched old French linen chemise. Pleasant peasantry. If I go to silk I'll have to shop UP. Merci, Trish
ReplyDeleteA lot. I wear track pants far too often in the privacy of my home. More taffeta, less nylon I think.
ReplyDeleteLucinda, Shirley must be more formal than I thought- Do you also slink over to the P.O. in that number. GT
ReplyDeleteTrouvais- well, what I wear is closer to the grain sacks than the handsewn chemise, or Valentina ensemble. I have flannels mostly to wear-but it is on mohair and silk. My surroundings don't object- that I know of. GT
ReplyDeleteLaura-yes comfort is all-flannels mostly for me! GT
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