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Monday, July 15, 2013

Monday Morning Inspiration

Good Morning Everyone and once again, welcome to a brand new week!
So many of you seemed to enjoy the Valentino fabric swatch book last week, so I thought that over the next few weeks I would share the rest of the books that I have. I also have Ungaro books and they are pretty spectacular, so I'll be more than happy to share those as well.
Last week I told you that every aspect of these books is lovely. They come in a hard case  
 that opens to reveal the satin covered book.
Today's book is from 1987 and is entitled Primavera Estate. Yes, the shoulders are very wide. I can remember thinking that I could never again live without shoulder pads. Funny how we roll with the fashion of the day! The silhouettes are still so lovely and although the shoulders are wide, the basic styles can easily be translated into our slimmed down fashion of today.




I included the fabric swatches for the above picture as the drawing doesn't depict just how lovely the fabric is. The blouse is a lovely giraffe printed silk and the skirt is cotton.

 I liked how the patterns were beautifully mixed with the edition of the black bands.







Last week I was asked if Valentino did the drawings. I'm sure he did not. The style changes somewhat from book to book so I'm sure an illustrator was hired to do the drawings. Can you imagine what these would look like if Antonio had done the illustrations? Wow, if only!!!
Wishing you a wonderful start to your week.
Rhonda



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11 comments:

  1. Just wonderful. Every one of the designs could be intrepreted for today. Where did you acquire these marvelous books?

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    1. A friend of mine sold these fabrics back in the 80's and 90's. When she decided to stop selling the fabric, she gave me the books. Lucky me :)

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  2. I think Burda has actually done a pattern like that second jacket lately. These are very back in style. The colors are just incredible, I can't imagine what the fabric actually looks like.

    Thank you so much for sharing.

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  3. Fabulous! Do you know if Valentino actually does his own drawings? I have to admit to loving shoulder pads as well - not the huge ones, but smaller ones that I would fit inside clothing with velcro (so they could come out when the garment was washed). I felt that my clothing hung so much better off the shoulder pads (not as much altering to do). Happy days :)

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    1. I think that all of the drawings were done by an illustrator and not Valentino.
      As for shoulder pads, they'll be back!!

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  4. Fabulous! I had a blouse out of that actual green giraffe silk. I wore it till it fell apart and even redyed it after a few years of washing reduced it's brightness. It was pretty pricey but my cost per wear had to be pennies.

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    1. Oh, you lucky little duck!!! It must have felt like heaven on the body:)

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  5. Gorgeous! I loved the styles in the 80's - shoulder pads and all, but then - that was the norm back then.

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  6. Oh so yummy!!I loved those looks in the 80's. I actually have in my stash a Valentino red wool double knit,which I boughtin Paris,that the vendor said came from the Valentino workshop. IIt hasn't told me what it wants to be yet!

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    1. Well, I am very happy to hear that you have a piece of fabric that has not spoken to you. I too have a lovely piece of mohair coating from Ungaro, his name is even woven in the selvage. I bought it in the small country of Andorra. The woman who owned the fabric store would go to the couture houses and buy up their fabrics. It does speak to me from time to time. I think I might be a bit intimidated. Maybe I just need to get the scissors and just start cutting!!

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  7. I remember having those velcro shoulder pads too. I was told by a image consultant I must always wear them. Ha, haven't worn them for years (apart from in my work suit jackets). Gorgeous inspiration as usual. Thanks :)

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