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

Let me ask you a question? {Blog post}

I always have the best intentions every year to keep a journal, many a journal has been started, one completed and many unfinished. Half the time I really couldn't tell you what I did last week, even noting down a days activity is forgotten and far to gone to back track. 
So when searching online I found the Q & A a day journal by Potter Style, gold edged and in a vintage book style. Not only does each page have space to span 5 years - four lines to submit your answer, it also has the twist of a question. Today's question is Where have you found evidence of a higher power? - pretty deep, and to the lighter: What is your favourite snack food?, when was the last time you went dancing? etc. A favourite question: What is your recipe for creativity? I jotted down - Imagination, enthusiasm, passion, experimentation, knowledge and a sprinkling of pixie dust. What would you include in your recipe? Maybe you have the journal to - what is your favourite question?
Would love to hear your recipes.
H
x

To catch a shadow - Peter Pan ~*New blog post*~

Such a cute idea for a nursery, just had to post it.

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What do you think?

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.


Join in Friday finds - pops us a tweet or an email. Share your passion for collecting.

I'll never forget the Christmas.... :New Blog post: #fb

I'll never forget the Christmas I went flying with James, and The Snowman....


Ok, so maybe I dreamed it ?, or maybe just got incredibly hot jumping on and off the sofa, trying to imitate flight lol. 
Some books and films stay with you for the rest of your life, and undoubtedly the perfect time of year to snuggle up with family to watch a movie or read a classic story is Christmas.
I always find it hard to narrow down thoughts for a list:- so here goes, in know particular order.

• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: Where is it always winter, turkish delight it's always so delightful, and if your lucky you will get to meet a host of fine creatures, and the jolly man himself - Father Chrisatmas. When C.S Lewis wrote Father Christmas into the book, he did come under some critisim when he shared this information with his reading group, by a certain J. R. R. Tolkien. I loved the BBC TV Series as a kid, and think it's a misfortune that the BBC has not continued the the tradition of a Christmas mini series on the build up to Christmas. Did you watch the series to? I love the film adaptation, although the TV series has a homely, quaint approach, not just from lack of major block buster effects, but it contributes a more realistic ambience of 1940's England. I will be snuggled up on Christmas Eve to watch the film, followed by Prince Caspian on Boxing day. Hopefully see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader soon. And if I'm honest I'd be off to Narnia in a flash.

Does anyone remember another Christmas mini series by the BBC, not Christmas themed I don't think, but the story involved two sisters, the oldest being rebellious, whilst under the guardianship of a sinister uncle I think it was, in an old spooky house?. Probably late 80's.

The Snowman: One Christmas James, a small boy builds a snowman, but he's not your regular pile of snow. The film reflects the lives of both characters in this beautiful, timeless tale. Published in 1978, and later developed into the classic animation in 1982, which was broad casted on Channel four. I'd love to have seen it that very first broad cast. I know I'll be watching this Christmas Eve, hopefully make it home in time. I've often wondered what if James made another snowman, or maybe he was just satisfied with such an incredible adventure. I've loved playing the story and score in the shop, and who can forget "I'm walking in the Air" song, who's ready for a sing song? 123....I'm walking in the air.....

It's a Wonderful Life: I bought this for my Grandma one Christmas, and I'm sad to say it's one of those films you turn over the TV and it's half way through, you know you have missed a great film. Filmed in 1946, the film depicts the life of George Bailey, played by James Stewart, who contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve, but it intervened by an guardian angel named Clarence, who shows George of all the lives he has touched, and his accomplishments with the community. From what I've seen you can't beat classics, I think it was in Asda they were selling the DVD - now with colour tint, is that sacrilege? Still love a good ole black and white film. I'll be watching it this Christmas. This film also popped into my head, and we have some lovely motto table sitter decorations, and one just happens to be - It's a wonderful life - £5-95 each.

• Santa Claus the Movie: I remember one Christmas this wasn't shown, and to be honest, I was gutted. Oozing 80's and a smidgen of cheese, but that's why I love it. And to be fair, if you admit it, I will, that we'd love Santa to create our very own Elf Portrait. Staring Dudley Moore as Patch, Santa's head elf, things go drastically wrong as the modern world sets to influence the traditions of a classic Christmas.

• Elf: Will Ferrell must of had the time of his life playing Buddy. Released in 2003, and to be honest it wasn't until last year that I actually saw this. I bought the dvd, maybe it's just me, but it's not the same as watching films from the Christmas TV schedule? random I know ;) It's hard to choose a favourite part, though the chewing gum scene sticks in my mind for the wrong reasons - you have to watch it, or best maybe not. Curious? you should be ;)

Which are your favourite Christmas tales or movies?