Spring Fashion Preview

Kate Middleton's favorite designer channels Marilyn Monroe in sexy new collection

NEW YORK — Jenny Packham is Kate Middleton's go-to favorite for special events — the stylish trend-setting duchess often shows up wearing a Packham design to major functions — but right now the British designer seems more obsessed with an American icon — Marilyn Monroe.

Packham's interpretation of Monroe's style isn't literal but instead shows up in 1950s Technicolor shades and "wiggle" dresses cut close to the body.

In putting together her spring 2015 collection, Packham was so taken with the blonde bombshell film star than she even wrote a smash note to Monroe in her show notes, admitting that she had "listened to the recordings, visited your bungalow at the Beverly Hills (Hotel) and sat in your chair at the Max Factor building where you became a blonde, all the while challenging why you are still so relevant in this brave new world."

Packham's interpretation of Monroe's style isn't literal but instead shows up in 1950s Technicolor shades of red, yellow, flamingo pink and pale jade, palm print patterns (a reference to the wallpaper in Monroe's Beverly Hills Hotel bungalow), and "wiggle" dresses cut close to the body.

Form-fitting illusion gowns in tulle and sequins pay homage to the classic "nude" cocktail dress Monroe wore in Some Like It Hot, while jewel-encrusted jackets with matching purses from Packham's accessory collection look like something a woman who learned How To Marry A Millionaire, another of Monroe's classic movies, would wear.

Packham, who is a featured designer at Elizabeth Anthony, also showcased classic ball gowns with voluminous skirts in stark pewter or chocolate shades and eye-catching floral patterns. These creations seems less bombshell and more fit for a princess (or Duchess of Cornwall).

I guess Packham figures every woman wants to look like royalty at least one time in her life.

Jenny Packham created a red sequined "illusion" gown based on Marilyn Monroe's classic look in Some Like It Hot.

Jenny Packham spring 2015 collection red gown

Photo courtesy of Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham created a red sequined "illusion" gown based on Marilyn Monroe's classic look in Some Like It Hot.

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shop for props

Discover handmade treasures at Houston Grand Opera's garage sale

Courtesy of Houston Grand Opera/Instagram

For the first time since 2016, the Houston Grand Opera is holding costume and props garage sale on Saturday, September 14.

Calling all costume enthusiasts, theater lovers, and interior design buffs. Houston Grand Opera (HGO) is opening its doors for a unique, first-come-first-served garage sale. With a massive collection of costumes, props, and furniture from iconic productions like Aida, Hansel & Gretel, and Carmen, this sale offers a rare opportunity to grab one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for a costume party, home decor, or DIY projects.

For the first time in 16 years, HGO is inviting the public to step behind the curtain and experience the artistry that goes into their productions. The sale showcases the incredible craftsmanship of HGO's costume shop, which employs dozens of skilled professionals who make or tailor each piece by hand.

The props department's specialized artisans also play a crucial role in creating the magic seen on stage. By making these items available, HGO is giving local theater companies, high schools, colleges, and the general public a chance to bring these beautiful pieces into their own productions or homes.

At the sale, shoppers can expect to find 68 racks of costumes and hundreds of hats, shoes, and other props.Courtesy of Houston Grand Opera

Since the last costume and props sale took place eight years ago, the nationally acclaimed opera house is bursting at the seams.

"We store items as long as possible and reuse them in any way we can," Kristen Burke, HGO director of production, tells CultureMap. "However, there comes a point about every decade or so when we outgrow our storage capacity. We then have to make some hard decisions. What might we use again? What is worth keeping in storage? What do we need to part with?"

HGO's limited storage space is a windfall for Houstonians. Shoppers can expect to find 68 racks of costumes and hundreds of hats, shoes, and other props, including fun must-haves like thrones and prop coffins. According to Burke, items will range in price from $1 to $200, with the majority in the under-$50 range. "Many pieces have a value well over that price, as they were handmade by our talented artisans. There will be some incredible deals to be had at this sale," says Burke.

Items will range in price from $1 to $200, with the majority in the under-$50 range.Courtesy of Houston Grand Opera

For HGO, sustainability is very important. If the items don't sell, they try to donate or find new uses for them. The goal is to avoid waste and give their incredible handcrafted creations a second chance to shine.

Houston Grand Opera Costume & Props Sale; Saturday, September 14, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm; 1977 Tellepsen St., 77023.

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