miss b's quote

'I haven't been everywhere yet but it's on my list' Susan Sontag

Thursday 2 May 2013

miss b loves.........dresses



Fashion has always interested me. I even used to create outfits for my Sindy dolls and in my late teens created quite a few designs for myself! (If only I'd taken photos!)

I'm also fascinated by the history of Fashion and I knew that I would enjoy the Design Museum's book 'Fifty Dresses That Changed The Worldwhich describes iconic dresses which have had an impact on the Fashion World ...... going right back to the 1915 Delphos Pleated Dress by Mariano Fortuny which allowed a revolutionary freedom of movement ........


There's Marilyn Monroe's halter neck dress from 'The Seven Year Itch'.......
  

...... and probably the most famous little black dress, the Givenchy design, worn by Audrey Hepburn in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'...



Of course to say that a dress can change the world is a dramatic statement but there is no doubt that many of the dresses in the book changed or influenced the way we dress.......
The book discusses the use of new materials, technical innovation and breaking with tradition in the way women dressed or were expected to dress ...... The 1965 minidress reflected social change and attitudes in the sixties and caused a sensation .....


How could we forget Princess Diana's wedding dress which prompted so much discussion.....



There have been many imitations of these iconic dresses particularly the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress and of course the Roland Mouret Galaxy.........



The Chanel Suit is included too (as the book points out, technically not a dress but worth its place!)



The book is full of beautiful dresses and the celebrities who first wore them. I wonder if you can guess the rest? There are a few obscure ones too and perhaps a few missing that shoud be there - surprisingly Grace Kelly's lace wedding dress was absent. 


I wonder which dresses of today will make it into a future book of iconic dresses ....... The Duchess of Cambridge's wedding gown designed by Sarah Burton? .........


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....... or perhaps her royal blue Issa engagement dress? (which is said to have been chosen to match her sapphire engagement ring which belonged to the late Princess Diana.) It instantly sold out and has inspired many similar designs on the high street.


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.... or Gwyneth Paltrow's minimalist Tom Ford gown with the matching cape which she wore at the 2012 Oscars ....


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..... and maybe Jennifer Lawrence's Dior couture gown worn at the 2013 Oscars ......


Which recent dresses deserve to be included in a book of iconic dresses?....... I look forward to your suggestions!

If you too love fashion then you will enjoy 'Fifty Dresses That Changed the World' and I would also recommend the Fashion Gallery at the Victoria & Albert Museum which I recently visited. You can read about it in my London post here

You may also like:

'Fifty Shoes That Changed The World' which I reviewed here 
'Fifty Bags That Changed The World' reviewed here
  

....and finally a few words from Yves Saint Laurent...

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and Karl Lagerfeld.........


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71 comments:

  1. I love this post. The first post I read of yours on your blog was about the book Fifty Bags That Changed The World and I went and bought it the minute I posted my comment ha ha. I'll definitely be getting the shoes and dress one too.

    It will be interesting to see what dresses appear in the next edition, I agree definitely a few by the Duchess. Her style is not my taste, but i'm still inspired by what she wears. I don't wear a lot of dresses, but I really should.

    Love those quotes Miss B!

    http://forcailini.blogspot.com

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  2. I must look out for this book. The 2 dresses that stand out are Marilyn's and Audrey's such contrasting dresses one so sexy the other so demure and ladylike.

    I actually wrote about kate this week I think she is very beautiful but I think she dresses much too old for her age. Before her marriage she did wear more fashionable clothes . I think the countess of Wessex is the most stylish royal at the moment.

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  3. my fav style is from '20-'30...
    yesterday i read an article about the dresses weared in the great gatsby and are simply awesome!!!

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  4. Looks like a great book - are any of the Herve Leger bandage dresses in there? They epitomised the late 80's and of course are again having their day in the sun, I would think they'd be in there too....
    I was given a set of cut out paper dolls as a child from the V&A. The dolls had couture from the 1880's - 1920's and had dresses by Worth etc. with explanations on the outfits and when they were made. Was very educational! xx

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    1. You guessed well! The Hervé Léger bandage dress from 1989 is in the book. I'm sure I would have loved those cut out paper dolls!
      http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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  5. What a marvellous book! There are so many memorable dresses and gown that changed how fashion was perceived, I think the white Tom Ford cape definitely deserves to be remembered. I love period gowns and 18th/19th Century pieces, as I used to repair those costumes, so those are my favourite. Have a great weekend. xx/Madison

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  6. Im soooooo addicted to this kind of books!
    Do not tempt me!!!!
    LOL!
    Have a lovely weekend sweetie!

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  7. O, this is a lovely book, it seems very interesting and it is a type of book every fashionista should have at her bookshelf! Ilina

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  8. These are perfect coffee table books that I would love to have and browse through from time to time while enjoying a glass of red.

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  9. I love the two quotes, especially the one by Yves Saint Laurent. It seems funny but there is a lot of truth in it!

    LUXESSED

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  10. Great post. I've forgotten just how many dresses have made an impact on the fashion world.
    TYSM for popping by mine also :-)

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  11. Love me my dresses, and Audrey is my fave style icon! My goal is to buy my first DVF wrap dress in 2013; it's a worthy goal, yes? ;) Hugs for stopping by my blog! :) http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  12. I hope the book included the Valentino Red gowns? Those are fabulous. Too bad Grace Kelly's wedding gown was not included. But the LBD and Chanel's suits really changed the way women dressed.

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    1. I think the only Valentino dress in the book is the black and white vintage one worn by Julia Roberts at the Academy awards in 2001. A gorgeous dress!

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  13. I really like Jennifer Lawrence's dress.

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  14. I really need to get that book. I enjoy learning about the history or story behind something. Did they include Gianni Versace's "pin" dress? That design was so popular with "the supermodels" of the time. I'm surprised they didn't have Grace Kelly's dress. Can't wait for the Grace Kelly movie at the end of the year. Loved Jacqueline Kennedy's dress also.

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    1. Yes, Kim, the Versace pin dress is included in the book.
      I'm also looking forward to watching Grace of Monaco too.

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  15. This is so much fun;) I too used to dredge dresses for my dolls when I was a little girl. Such a wonderful book! That Marilyn Monroe halter dress would be perfect even today,. and the LBD! Live it all - so feminine and beautiful!

    xxL

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  16. My guess was the same as Heidi's. It's funny that I am tring to think of others in recent oscars etc but it seems to only have been reinventions!

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  17. Beautiful post. I loved it. Now I really need the book and the Shoe one as well. It would make an ideal birthday present for a friend. Not sure of which of the contemporary dresses would make it in a future book....hhmmmm

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  18. What an interesting post! I would most certainly love this book! I need to think about your question regarding recent dresses deserving to become iconic....
    xoxo
    Coco et La vie en rose
    Coco et La vie en rose on Bloglovin
    Coco et La vie en rose on Facebook

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  19. Replies
    1. NET-A-DRESSER - thank you for your comment which strangely disappeared! I have copied it again from the email:
      'I really enjoy fashion history, and the stories behind each designer, or iconic piece. That book sounds like it is calling my name! A designer who is back now though went quiet for quite a few years, but one who I personally loved is Azzedine Alaia. Grace Jones was a big fan of his apparently, guess she did have the body for his clothes!!' xx

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    2. I agree - Azzedine Alaia is a very talented dress designer who also creates beautiful shoes - heels and flats too.

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  20. New follower here as well! Thanks for visiting me too! LOVE Gwyneth in anything she wears... that white dress is stunning!
    Warmly,
    Laurelle

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  21. Wonderful post and dresses!!!

    ♥ Franka

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  22. I think a dress maybe CAN change the would! LOVED this post!
    Stacy

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  23. What a fun book...perhaps a Mother's Day suggestion for me!

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  24. A book that is sure to hit my bookcase...love a lbd and Audrey Hepburn's is iconic!!

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  25. I loved that book! I have it on my IPad, but I think the paper copy would be a great addition to my bookshelves.

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  26. Looks like a must-have book for every woman.
    I must have one!

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  27. I love Fashion books, Lets see if I can get it here in Germany.
    xoxo

    Claude
    http://fashionseine.blogspot.de

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  28. Thanks for your wonderful review, this looks a like book that every fashion-lover will most certainly enjoy. I think Audrey Hepburn's black dress is iconic. You're so right...Gwyneth's caped gown should be on the list somewhere in the future and perhaps even Halle Berry's burgundy Elie Saab gown that she won the oscar in...that really put the designer on the map.

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    1. Oh yes! Halle Berry's burgundy Elie Saab gown - so much detail in that dress. A very talented designer.

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  29. Miss B, you made me so curious to read the book! Love dresses too, there are so many fab ones! For me should be included the gowns by Elie Saab, those dresses make me litterally dream!! And also love the quotes, true indeed:) Kisses! xo

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    1. Elie Saab gowns are wonderful and definitely deserve a mention in any future book on dresses.

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  30. What about the black safety pin Versace dress that Elizabeth Hurley wore? That was a show stopper! I'd love to see that exhibition:) And for these days- I 'd say definitely that Tom Ford white column and cape that Gwyneth wore at the Oscars...xx

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    1. Yes Elizabeth Hurley wearing the safety pin Versace dress is included in the book - definitely a unique and eye-catching design!

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  31. Love this. I need to pick up a copy of Fifty Shoes that changed the world. I hadn't seen that before. 50 dresses would be a fun book to have too.

    Jen

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  32. This book sounds like a fascinating read - and very much up my street! I shall have to pick up a copy :) I'm hard pressed to think of any particularly iconic dresses in recent years, though... although the Duchess of Cambridge always looks lovely, her fashion choices are hardly risky enough to be considered life altering. Although I shouldn't wonder if perhaps some of Lady Gaga's fashions might one day grace pages like these... I'm not a fan of her style but no one can deny that it is unique!
    xox,
    Cee

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    Replies
    1. I'm sure you are right and there will be a Lady Gaga outfit in a future book.

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  33. Me too, and most of all, the little black dress.
    Best Regards
    Miss Margaret Cruzemark
    http://margaretcruzemark.blogspot.com/

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  34. My favorite was Gwyneth's goth look at the 2002 Oscar's. It was McQueen and such a departure from her usual style. It made a big impact on me, clearly, since I seem to only wear black or gray! Ha!

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  35. I also created Sindy and Barbie dresses! Many of them! Should have kept them for my daughter:) Lovely post, as always! xo Caroline

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  36. Thank you very much for taking a few photos of the pages - I've had this book on my wish list for ages, but never been too sure about its content... Great review!
    x

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  37. Great pics! I just love all the dresses and styles you chose...can't pick my favorite. ;)

    Hope your week is going well!

    xo Grace
    www.wrinkledchiffon.com

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  38. I’ll definitely need to grab a copy of this book. It looks like a truly fascinating read. I’d say another iconic dress to add to the list of dresses that ‘changed the world’ would be J Lo’s green Versace silk chiffon dress with the plunging neckline. Even though it is probably responsible for a string of (not-so-great) daring plunging necklines since then, I thought the dress was spectacular.

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  39. Oh I think I might need a copy of this! So many fabulous dresses!

    Abbey x

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  40. Hi darling Miss B ~ happy new week! Loved this post ... I was thinking about the dresses changing the world comment ... and it made me think about how wearing the right dress might actually change your personal world ... you find yourself walking differently, acting more self-confidently ... and, because of that, could give you the courage to try something new or start something that you may not have ever thought of doing if you'd been dressed in your sweats. I love browsing through fashion books ... and love the YSL quotes! Have a great week, sweet, and thanks for your sweet comment this week! ;) xoxo ~S

    SANDY M Illustration
    http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Sandy. Glad you enjoyed the post and you have made a very good point here when you say that wearing the right dress might change your personal world by making you act with more self confidence.

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  41. Lovely post, I will get this book sounds really interesting. Thank you for your lovely comment in my blog miss b. Boho chic sure is my style!
    xxx
    Nina
    http://trendsurvivor.com/

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  42. Thanks for reviewing this book, miss b. I do believe a simple dress can change the world... Look at what Coco Chanel's LBD (Little Black Dress) didi for fashion... How different cocktail parties would look today without it! I will try and get my hands on a copy at the local bookstore. In the meantime, I hope all is well in Preston, UK. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  43. Thans for stopping by and sharing your fashion opinion with me :)

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  44. What an awesome book- the white Marilyn dress, Di's wedding gown, Audrey's classic black dress are all so iconic! Very cool to have them captured in one place. :)

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

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  45. Oh! I WANT this book!

    Love the Hepburn LBD, such a classic. And I reckon the Galaxy is the modern-day equivalent. Beautiful, sexy, feminine but so strong. I love it.

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  46. Well, just like you said, maybe not "changed" the world, but at the time and even now - yes, they are really iconic! I loved this post, I like fashion history too!

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  47. I definitely believe in the Yves Saint Laurents saying that the person who wears a dress makes the difference to the dress.
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

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  48. Such a lovely book, I love dresses so much, all of them!!


    http://www.letiziabarcelona.com

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  49. Lovely!
    I think Audrey's black dress & Marilyn's white one were the most iconic ones!

    Edita
    www.pret-a-reporter.co.uk

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  50. What a great book. so many iconic dresses. I do love Audrey!
    I have a giveaway running at the moment you might be interested in. Easy to enter- see here:
    http://www.peachmacarons.com/2013/05/giveaway.html
    Enjoy the rest of your week!
    x Rigel

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  51. Well, this little book certainly prompted some discussion! Thank you all very much for taking the time to leave your thoughts ands observations. Much appreciated!

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  52. Wow!
    Amo estw post,me han encantado las ilustraciones,necesito este libro.
    Feliz fin de semana!
    Http://dolcevirginia.blogspot.com.es

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  53. Good quotes from YSL and KL : ) I will make sure to get these 3 books : ) I agree on 1st and 3rd choices, they should be in future books : ) Maybe some ADR outfits will be there too : )

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    1. I think you will enjoy all three books and I'm sure you are right about the ADR outfits.

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  54. What an interesting books!! Do you know if they're available on Amazon?? I would like to buy them!! ;-)
    xoxo
    Patricia

    http://misstoptenimage.blogspot.com

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    1. I think they are available from Amazon but also direct from the Design Museum - the link is above.

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  55. I need this book! I am going to order it ASAP!!! Great post!
    Lyndsey xx
    http://ellelaww.blogspot.co.uk/

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  56. OMG I must have this book:) I love old movie stars like Marilyn and Audrey hepurn. Your blog Is on my fav. list now.

    If you want to see a lovely Swedish home..check out my blog:)

    Have a wonderful week dear

    LOVE Maria from inredningsvis.se
    (sweden)

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Thank you for taking the time to write a comment on my blog. I really do appreciate it. miss b

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