Monday Muse: Erté

Last night on BBC Four I watched "The Boyfriend" starring Twiggy. Fabulous 20's inspired costumes and back drops that made you want to jump through the TV to take part in the sophisticated mayhem, sadly having to settle to a bit of a bop around the living room. The film must have cost a fortune to produce in the 70's. I would love to know what became of all the costumes, and whether Twiggy was able to keep one or two.
A favourite scene is captured on the record cover for the sound track, dancers on a large gramophone record in a display a kin to synchronized swimming. (source)
The film made me think of one of my favourite Illustrator's/Artist Erté.

       Erté: A Russian-born French artist, his true name was Romain de Tirtoff, better know by the French pronunciation of his initials, R.T, the name Erté was born.
Lavish, chic, risqué, sophistication, imaginative, an undertone of dark fantasy, fabulous detail, all wrapped up in a big stylish Art Deco bow. Erté designs inspired many forms: costumes, set designs for opera, interior decor, magazine covers for Harper's Bazaar, Jewellery, you name it Erté style knew know limits. 
Working throughout his life, and living to the grand old age of 97 in France, in his own life time a 1960's revival put Erté back into the spotlight celebrating his influence upon Art Deco. His style lives on books in and posters, we have a selection of postcards in Jamboree as pictured to the right.
One book I can recommend is a Dover publication Erté Fashion Designs: 218 Illustrations from "Harper's Bazaar", 1918-32, a lovely gift from my brother some years ago, a fab source of inspiration. Check out the amazon link for a peek inside. Their are also other books available - do you know of any you could recommend?

Looking at the illustrations I also wonder if Lady GaGa is a fan - what do you think?

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One of my favourites.

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I love the above image, it's as though a cascade of glitter has been set free in celebration.

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I had never seen this image before, and simply said wow!

I was sad to see that Past Times is know more, they always stocked Erté designs on gifts etc. Used to love the Art Nouveau section to.

Are you a Erté fan?

H

x

Deliciously Art Deco, Smurftastic & totally groovy! - belated Friday finds ~{Collecting}~

A belated Friday's find today.

Thanks to Johanna for sharing her fantastic discovery of a lovely pair of Art Deco prints from Whetherby Antiques fair.

Not jealous, honest! ;)
Any contributions to help build a time machine would be most gratefully accepted to travel back to the twenties - who's with me??. Utterly gorgeous images.
This has reminded me of a new figurine in Jamboree - Jazz age dancing couple. Go on, give us a twirl!

And just added to the shop today - Erté illustrated large postcards. Perfect for framing or adding to journals, or surprise a fashion/art loving friend with a snail mail postcard.

From wikipedia:Romain de Tirtoff (23 November 1892 – 21 April 1990) was a Russian-born French artist and designer known by the pseudonym Erté, the French pronunciation of his initials, R.T. He was a diversely-talented 20th century artist and designer who flourished in an array of fields, includingfashion, jewellery, graphic arts, costume and set design for film, theatre, and opera, and interior decor.

We <3 polka dots.
The best bargain for a recent discovery has to go to Vicky, creator of kitsch jewellery - Stars & Scars. I was lucky enough to win a necklace via Vicky's twitter RT giveaway - be sure to take a peek if you love doodles!
How much do you think Vicky's 1970's dress cost? 

Still guessing???

what do you think??

£20?
£10 maybe?
Drum roll.....


£1 - bargain!!! 
A girl after our own hearts. Fantastic find.

I spotted this lil fella in the charity shop window, feet pushed up against the glass, and that cheeky face.

Needing to open up Jamboree, the plan was to nip out and buy him, but the day rolled on and thankfully he was still in the window the next day. I couldn't resist him, as I am in the habit of calling my Dad - Poppa Smurf :) 

His label mentions 1979 - and he's in really good condition. And before he knew it he was given a squish. Adore blue and red as a combination - he's a winner!

Poppa Smurf is catching up on some reading, in the form of a mini children's classic nursery rhyme book, which probably today are not regarded the most popular of nursery rhymes, but classics in their own right. Wonderfully illustrated with vintage illustrations which I need to investigate, the style reminds me of Katie Greenaway.

He is currently residing on the back of the sofa.

Thanks again to Johanna and Vicky - be sure to check them out on Twitter.


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