i spy: pink Gothic, a wall of fire, and amazing fashion

An almost futuristic Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a wall of fire depicted in a dreamy photograph, a pink Gothic interior, a stitched-up park, and amazing fashions from Louella Ballerino.  

See more on my Pinterest and Tumblr.

clockwise, starting upper left:

* The Grand Gallery in the Gothic Revival Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham, London, built in 1749 by Horace Walpole. | English Castles and Manor Houses

* Geez, these Louella Ballerino looks, from a 1946 ad, are just amazing.  If you follow my link to the FIDM blog, you can see photos of the top on the right in full color and worn by a woman who owned the top, as well as a little background on crop/midriff tops. | FIDM Museum blog

* A photograph of artist Yves Klein and his work, Mur de feu (Wall of fire), January 1961. | Smithsonian Archives of American Art

* A totally charming embroidered depiction of New York City's Washington Square Park, by Marcia Stebbins, 1930s. | Cooper Hewitt

* Portrait of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, ca. 1890. That dress and headpiece are just incredible! | Smithsonian Archives of American Art

xo

K 

a frank lloyd wright home

The Meyer May house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a Grand Rapids jewel.

   

It can be toured for free, photographs are allowed, and the docents are fantastic.  When my dad visited us recently, I took my fifth or sixth tour of the house.  I never get tired of visiting it.

The home was commissioned by prominent local clothing store owner, Meyer May, and his wife Sophie.  The Mays were clearly forward-thinking people.  The natural tones and low, horizontal profile of the May house are in great contrast to the grand, vertical profiles and bright colors of the neighborhood's surrounding Victorian homes.

Strips of iridescent gold glass between the fireplace bricks glow in the sunlight.

The carpets and rugs of the house are magnificent.  They have three sets that they alternate between to keep wear even (visitors are allowed to walk anywhere--without booties!).

The docent claimed this doll, which belonged to the Mays' daughter, was haunted.

Unfortunately, the flowers hadn't yet been planted when we visited.  I'm hoping to go back soon to see how everything looks in full bloom.  If you're in or visiting Grand Rapids and are interested in visiting the Meyer May home, you can find information here.

xo

K

mid century detroit glam

My heart did a little flippity-flop when I saw this amazing 1956 fashion spread in Women's Home Companion, where the setting was the newly-opened General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan.  The center was designed by Eero Saarinen, and is the perfect place to photograph gorgeous dresses, from designers like Claire McCardell, Elizabeth Arden, Christian Dior, and Oleg Cassini.

On the left is a dotted swiss gown from Claire McCardell; model was photographed near the lobby staircase of the Styling section.  On the right, model wears a pink organza dress by Elizabeth Arden, and is photographed on top of the experimental Firebird I.

Left, a print taffeta dress and matching organza coat by Elizabeth Arden, and a pink chiffon dress by Christian Dior, photographed against the Harry Bertoia-designed steel divider screen in the Center's main restaurant.  On the right, a white, green, and blue gown by Elizabeth Arden, photographed in the pipe room of the power plant.

A black silk dress by Hannah Troy on the floating staircase of the Research building.  And a Cluny lace dress by Larry Aldrich, photographed in the Styling section--against a fabulous array of Herman Miller bucket chairs in primary colors!

A stunning Pauline Trigère silk coat trimmed with chiffon, photographed by the turquoise glazed brick wall of the Process Development building.  Oleg Cassini dresses photogaphed on the Captain's Walk of the Research building.

The article also showcased "filmy" dresses you could make at home from patterns.

I particularly love this striped blue sundress photographed against the bright yellow glazed brick wall.

Coral cotton voile separates, photographed against the giant steel dome that is used as an auditorium or as a showroom for new car models.

Click here or here to see more information about and photos of the Tech Center.  I especially love the "teacup" desk for the receptionist in the Design building!

xo

K