I wore this lovely 1940’s inspired, sepia Hell Bunny frock to the cinema two weekends ago when the Mister and I went to see the new Bourne movie. We are both fans of the franchise, but spoiler alert: it wasn’t worth bringing Bourne back for this flick…. (๑-﹏-๑)
And while I think this dress gives off a lovely 40’s impression, I suspect I might have made a minor mistake with my styling ~ I picked my harvest brown gloves to go with my ensemble as I thought “Ooo, matchy-matchy! Yay!!” but then in the photographs I realised that my arms pretty much disappear into my dress and I look like I don’t have any hands… Hehee… Oops! (๑´ㅂ`; ๑)
What I did like was how this hand-beaded vintage purse coordinated so beautifully with the outfit. I can hardly believe how excellent the condition of the beading is! I’m not sure which era it’s from ~ it practically feels like new, which is so cool because I wonder what special occasions this delicate, sparkling evening bag was saved for. A date night is a perfect outing in my mind, and a fun photoshoot to boot!
The winter twilight besides the lake was a symphony of pale, luminous colour, and beams of golden sun ~ but, let’s be real here ~ gales of icy winds too. I was so cold taking these pictures!
I had bought a cardigan to wear {not that that would have saved me much as it was 4:00pm in the afternoon, so it was still freezing}, but I clean forgot about it as I was so eager to capture the gorgeous button detail on the sleeves, and the gathering on the bust.
And then I was so inspired by the light gleaming on the columns and steps, the strong angles of the architecture, and the stunning vista of green foliage and blue water, I couldn’t stop playing with my camera! *sigh* It’s that moment when you are swept away in the flow of creativity, j'adore!
Of course, the glowing light fades all too quickly, and that’s when you start shivering and sniffing and realising just how cold you are and isn’t it great that the car is just around the corner with nice seat warmers waiting to be switched on… No? Just me? Haha, okay then.
Can we quickly take a moment to appreciate the reproduction quality on this Hell Bunny dress though? I have been really impressed with their 1940s styled offerings I’ve picked up recently. First there was my aubergine dress, and now this one. Yes, the cut of the décolletage is too low, so I slipped in a modesty panel at the front {I tucked a cream silk handkerchief over the front of my slip} and it worked out nicely I think. (⁎＾ᴗ＾⁎)
Overall, I do like the cut, I think it has that authentic feeling. {With the glaring exception of the middle zip up the back ~ ugh, why?! The middle zip was around in the 40s, but rarely was a dress finished that way back then, and you know what ~ I can see why. Isn’t the whole line of the back of the dress just ruined by the bunching of that by that zipper! *sad*} The best part is however ~ the fabric!
I am super impressed with the fabric of both my Hell Bunny dresses. For me, the fabric has been a major component of the authentic effect that both these dresses have achieved. How it swirls and glides with your movement makes a such a difference to how the cut appears, and I think that it is a strong marker of the reproduction quality of the vintage look. Modern fabrics interact with the finished design, and the body wearing it, in a radically distinct manner to vintage clothing.
It has a lot to do with the rise of man-made fabrics, with design methods, and also the use of household appliances such as washing machines and tumble dryers, instead of wringers and clotheslines. It is interesting to ponder how these evolutions came to be ~ fashion is shaped by economic climates, war, politics… It’s all an endlessly fascinating rabbit hole, but I shan't dive down it right now.
What do you think? Do you agree with fabric being a crucial component of good vintage reproduction? And even more importantly ~ back zip…Yay or nay? I’m firmly in the nay camp. I like the zip to be in the side seam. I think it’s more subtle hidden under your arm, and best of all, you can do your dress up by yourself!
( •̀ᄇ• ́)ﻭ✧
xox,
bonita
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Vintage Two-Tone Felt Saucer Hat | eBay
June Dress by Hell Bunny | eBay
Vintage Marcasite & Pearl Leaf Earrings | Round She Goes Market, 2015
Gold Poodle Brooch | Round She Goes Market, 2015
Harvest Brown Gauntlet Gloves | Etsy
Vintage Floral Swirl Beaded Evening Purse | eBay
Tan Heda Mary Jane by B.A.I.T. | Zulily
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