Vintage Wedding Dresses in the Movies: What's your favourite?

Dear Reader,

Ask anyone their Top 10 wedding movies, and the same films appear over and over. From My Best Friend's Wedding to Bridesmaids, from Twilight to Sex and the City.

Well, you probably know by now that I'm a fan of old movies. (We know, we know, I hear you cry!) Over the next few days, I'll reveal my Top 10 of fabulous vintage wedding dresses from the movies. The countdown starts here...

10. Emma (starring Gwyneth Paltrow, 1996)

In the film based on Jane Austen's wonderful novel, Gwyneth Paltrow stars as Emma, in a charming Empire line (high waisted) dress. 

In 1815 (when the story is set) this would have been the height of fashion. Dresses were made in soft flowing fabrics such as muslin, and corsets were not worn. Instead, long flesh-coloured pantaloons were worn under the dress!

9. Father of the Bride (starring Elizabeth Taylor, 1950)

In Father of the Bride, Elizabeth Taylor’s magnificent figure is supported as only a 1950s dress can. Her fabulous dress is by famous costume designer Helen Rose.

Helen Rose also designed Elizabeth Taylor's own wedding gown when she married her first husband Nicky Hilton in 1950.

Some of you may remember that Elizabeth Taylor married a remarkable 9 times, so there are plenty of dresses to choose from! You can see more of her wedding dresses here.

8. The Good Shepherd (starring Angelina Jolie, 2006)

In this Skull-and-Bones spy thriller about the birth of the CIA, Angelina plays Clover Russell in an array of fabulous 1930s-inspired dresses. Her ivory lace 'debutante' dress (above and below) would make a wonderful simple wedding gown. 

But for Clover's society wedding, Oscar-nominated costume designer Ann Roth created this sumptuous and slinky satin 1930s-style dress. (Ann Roth designed for some truly iconic films such as Midnight Cowboy, Klute and The English Patient).

So that's just the first taste of my Top 10. More to follow this week! Now, what's yours...? Do check out my facebook page, tell me what I've missed and add your own favourites right here!

Thanks for looking, 

Love

Helena

Heavenly Vintage Brides

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Farewell Lauren Bacall, Vintage Icon and Queen of Cool...

Dear Reader
Sad news today that the fabulous Lauren Bacall has passed away at the grand old age of 89. Let's take a minute to remember how utterly glamorous she was...

Lauren's publicity photo for HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE, 1953

From the 1940s and right through the 50s, 60s and 70s, Lauren was always super-stylish - a vintage icon with a very modern style. 

Harpers Bazaar, March 1943

Her career was launched after a chance meeting with legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland at the age of 16. As Lauren recalls,

"Vreeland put a suit on me, told me which makeup to use—but very little. 'Betty, I don't want to change your look.' When all was done she put a scarf round my neck—knew just how to tie it, a little off-center—and I was ready for my first sitting with Harper's Bazaar." 

The March 1943 Harpers Bazaar cover that resulted from this shoot grabbed Hollywood's attention, gaining Lauren her first screen test, a name change, and ultimately a host of amazing movies and awards.

With future husband Humphrey Bogart in TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT

Lauren kept a lifelong interest in fashion, and was muse to Yves St Laurent and friends with many other designers including Pierre Cardin and Jean Paul Gaultier. She's even name-checked as a style icon by Madonna in the hit song, 'Vogue'. Here's a few of her great looks, through the vintage decades...

Lauren in 1940s crepe blouse and black pants 

In slinky black satin for TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT, 1944

Sitting pretty in a 1944 jumpsuit

Diana Vreeland taught her to tie that scarf!

In fabulous 1940s floral gown

What a girl! Lauren in 1943

In the famous dogtooth suit from THE BIG SLEEP, 1946

A picture of elegance, 1949

Classic sultry Lauren look in white dress and red lips, 1950

In white lace blouse and pleats for YOUNG MAN WITH A HORN, 1950

With Marilyn Monroe in HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE

With Marilyn Monroe for HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE, 1953

In 1957 Ceil Chapman gown

1950s evening glamour

On the set of NORTH WEST FRONTIER, 1959

Iconic 1970s style in tweed pant suit, with Bianca Jagger

In head to toe sequins, 1972

1970s and so Gucci, with low cut shirt and long necklace

With Yves St Laurent (right) and designer Paco Rabanne (left)

Still just as glamorous at the 1981 opening of DREAMGIRLS

Amazing, aged 88, dressed by Dior

But I'd most like to remember Lauren with these gloriously happy images of her wedding to Humphrey Bogart at the age of 19, in May 1945...

Thanks, dear readers, for joining me in wishing Lauren a warm farewell. More lovely wedding fashion later this week.

Love

Helena 

Heavenly Vintage Brides

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The perfect veil for 1950s wedding dresses.

Dear Reader,
Today I'd like to show you the second in my new range of heavenly vintage veils, together with some of the inspiration behind it...

This beautiful mid-length veil is made of a fine and delicate tulle, and embellished with pretty embroidered edging and detailing. It looks wonderful with all 1950s wedding dresses…

Though deceptively simple and pretty, it's constructed with two tiers. So it can be worn over the face, to make a dramatic entrance – and swept back for that fabulously romantic You-may-now-kiss-the-bride moment.

Here's some of the glamorous 1950s inspiration behind this classic style…

Brigitte Bardot, 1956

Princess Grace of Monaco, 1955

Bride Magazine 1958

1950s Vogue bridal shoot

Brides Magazine, 1955

Elizabeth Taylor and Nicky Hilton, 1950

The mid-length vintage-style veil – fit for a Princess!

Held in place with a simple comb, the veil can be made to any length to make it perfect for your own choice of vintage wedding dress. And the detailing can be adapted to complement your dress too, with a choice of pearls or crystals scattered throughout.

This beautiful veil is priced from £95 to £175 depending on your choice of length and detail. Do contact me to make an appointment to come and see me soon!
Love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides

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