Jackie O & the Orient Express
Vintage looks take center stage just in time for the holidays
The "Lady of the Orient" runway show featured vintage looks that can be worntoday.Photo by Heather Staible
A flowing goddess gown never goes out of style.Photo by Heather Staible
Dakota Clay, Cara Crafton and Celeste Tamarillo.Photo by Heather Staible
Tina Zulu, left, and Jackie AdamsPhoto by Heather Staible
Wearing '60s-inspired vintage in a modern way is tricky. Go too literal and you look like an extra from Mad Men or worse, like you’re headed to a costume party.
Vintage clothing connoisseur Dawn Bell has always had a flair for the dramatic, but at her “Lady of the Orient” fashion show Friday night at Groundhall, she featured holiday looks accented with updated details that are definitely wearable today.
The "Jackie Onassis in the Orient" vibe was obvious from the head-to-toe, thanks to bouffant beehives similar to what Vera Wang showed in her spring 2011 show and round-toe pumps from Bell’s personal collection. A rich Asian silk fabric Bell found on sale at the Lisette Lux bridal boutique became the centerpiece to most of Bell’s looks and added drama and sophistication.
“They started out as cummerbunds and evolved from there. This collection is really about structure and the female body,” Bell said.
The color story was dotted with blues and greens, but it was the lipstick red velvet mixed with soft pinks, oranges and corals that gave the most punch. And while there were some fantasy looks (an '80s re-imagined quinceañera gown swept down the runway in full bloom and belted for good measure), Bell’s emphasis on separates was intentional. The pieces can be mixed with a woman’s current wardrobe for a fresh look a la Betty Draper.
She also included larger sizes, so the one-of-a-kind items could be worn by women who are just as unique.
Bell sells from her warehouse by appointment and with the exception of a floor-length crystal-embroidered sheath that she says was “somebody’s Mardi Gras ball gown,” most of the clothing sells between $40 to $150.
There were some wobbly moments on the runway that came perilously close to fashion roadkill, but overall the industrial space showcased the throwback clothing well.
It’s also always nice to see members of the creative community support each other and those seated along the runway included designer Chloe Dao, Melodrama Boutique owner Jackie Adams, stylist Misti Pace-Krahl, Zulu Creative owner Tina Zulu and chef Monica Pope.
Artist Apama Mackey also got whoops of support when she walked the runway.
