Lost Hollywood Treasure Chest of Jewels

Lisa at Collector's Weekly shared this article with me recently and when I read it, I just about fell off my chair!

Imagine walking into a warehouse filled with vintage Hollywood jewelery worn by all the major movie stars. Pieces that have not seen the light of day for 50 years. Pieces that are beautifully extravagant, expertly crafted and are true treasures. 

Actually, this warehouse exists and it is the largest collection of Golden Age Hollywood jewelery. In. The. World.

Yep. All made by Joseff of Hollywood. 

You have to read the article to believe it. Here are a few photos just to tickle your tastebuds. All photos courtesy of Joseff of Hollywood.

Head here to read.

The "most spectular necklace in the world," a giant bib worn by Ona Munson in "Shanghai Gesture."

Grace Kelly wore Joseff of Hollywood chandelier earrings in 1956's "High Society"

At left, the giant nine-strand faux pearl necklace worn by Bette Davis in 1939's "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex." At right, the choker Greta Garbo refused to wear for 1936's "Camille."

A Princess Full Of Grace

tiff.net



There is a new exhibit in our city celebrating the life of Grace Kelly.  When we were on our honeymoon, we spent a week in the south of France.  I remember driving along the windy roads of Monte Carlo and thinking about how Grace Kelly died there so tragically.  I could understand how a car could so easily go off course.  That day the world lost an incomparable actress, a beautiful princess and a devoted wife of a man who was worthy of her.  Theirs was the story of fairy tales and dreams.

This exhibit will feature rarely seen treasures such as vintage couture, her classic Kelly bag, stunning jewellery and her famous gown from the Academy Awards.  This is an opportunity to go inside the brief life of the actress and Princess.



amareway.org

I imagine that one of the reasons that Will and Kate's wedding was so embraced by the world was because it reminded us of the Grimaldi wedding.  Even Kate's dress was often compared to the one worn by Kelly to her Prince Rainier.  At the height of her acting career, Grace Kelly gave up her Hollywood life to become a real life princess in the Principality of Monaco.  What a shame that she was taken from us so soon.

If you are in Toronto, please visit the TIFF Bell Lightbox to see this rare exhibit.  You'll also love the building itself as it's a new headquarters for the Toronto International Film Festival.

I Lied

Okay, I know last week I said it would be the last blog post on the already over-exposed royal wedding. Sorry. I need to do this one, and perhaps another, and another - there is so much to say!

Firstly, was that not an awesome wedding?

Being in a different time zone meant rising at 4am...but it was worth every minute. Many times I became a little teary eyed and choked up whilst watching...must have been because I was tired.....sure.

The Ceremony.

Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Not one thing out of place, no mistakes, flubs (unless you count Fergie's daughters...but that's another post) - it truly was a beautiful event, one any couple would love to partake in.

fashionism.ca

The Dress. 

Stunning. Magnificent. A teeny, tiny waist and beautiful figure reminding me so much of Grace Kelly. Elegant and beaming was Kate next to her prince. I must say I just adored the color of the maid of honor dress. It was lovely to see a matching tone rather than a sudden shock of color as so many brides insist upon. Their dresses complemented each other rather than fighting simply because they were of the same color group. Could you imagine seeing a shock of color next to Kate?

Since we all know this is the start of a new wave in wedding dresses, I am particularly pleased to see sleeves again on a bride. The beautiful cut of the bodice lace, an elegant veil with historical tiara and reasonable sized train. All the lace was hand-sewn, the sewers having to wash their hands every 30 minutes in order to keep the threads pristine. Sarah Burton of the house of Alexander McQueen has outdone herself. Bravo.

A very retro vibe, the way a bride should look. This is one dress I will happily embrace knock-offs of.

I have been oh so tired of late seeing brides stuff themselves into strapless, prom gowns - many buying dresses 2 sizes too small  because they think it will make them look slimmer. Yes, I'm talking about you TLC's , "Say Yes To The Dress". oy and vey. Two more words: bra fat.

Blended like a fine painting, the wedding was pomp and circumstance, yet it was refined, gentle and understated. How you can make a $70 000 000 wedding understated is a feat, but it was managed.

Wedding dresses now available at SLV!

Portrait Bridal Vintage 1960s Gown

Oleg Cassini Black Tie Label Gown

Ivory Satin Wedding Gown

Creamy 1950s Satin Bridesmaid's Dress

White Wedding Gown with Detachable Train

Style Icon: Grace Kelly Exhibit

Everyone knows who she is. One only needs to whisper her first name and an image of cultivated beauty arises. An exquisite style and integral woman of Hollywood, she embodied elegance and well fulfilled her namesake.

I am speaking of course, of the charming Grace Kelly.

The Victoria & Albert Museum in London is exhibiting a spectactular collection of her wardrobe. Dresses from some of her movies, High Society and Rear Window, as well as couture gowns from her own personal wardrobe. Her favorite designers were Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Yves St Laurent.

This exhibition explores, through her surviving clothes, the story of her transformation from Hollywood actress to a princess of one of Europe's oldest royal families. Examining her enduring appeal as a style icon, it features her film costumes, the much-publicised dresses made for her trousseau and wedding, and the French haute couture - a different kind of costume - that she required for her subsequent role as Princess of Monaco.

I hear the ash cloud has dispersed enough to allow air travel again in Europe. I would go just to see this!