~The Golden Age~

I cannot stress how much I adore Art Deco especially the fabulous gowns and the boom lifestyle they had back in the 1920s. I took the liberty of looking through a fantasic book called Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century, by Taschen. A really useful book and a good source of research for those stuck to find a good option. I have included images designed by many well-known designers around the 20s, to name a few - Madeleine Vionnet and Gabrielle Chanel. I think I know what to do for my 21st birthday, have a 1920s theme!
In my previous blog, I noted that I am doing some costume/set designers from the 1920s called Leon Bakst and Erte to include for my personal research for Critical Practices. I now am focusing on electicism and the bricolage which means how small 'bits' come together to create one big thing and I will compare it to another decade i.e. the 1960s and the 1980s, when the revival of Art Deco came around again.
Another project I am doing for Visual Communication (term 3) is to draw in detail selected costumes of the eras - Greco-Roman, Elizabethan Male, Elizabethan Female, 18th Century, and the early 20th Century. The 20th Century period is again a favourite area for me and took the perfect opportunity to go to The Herbert Art Museum and Gallery in Coventry where they hosted 'All Dressed Up' - a collection that had 20th Century costumes in! That was a very lucky chance for me to explore. Anyway, I have added my sketches for you to look at.
Because I haven't written on here for a while, I am too excited to show you my new vans trainers from Office! PleaseClickOnMe
I have been waiting for them for weeks and was a happy bunny when they arrived :) Just thought you would like to know ;)
until the next post and keep your eyes peeled,

Take Care Honeybees

                                              Postcard I purchased from the museum.
                                                           Orange Velvet Dress, 1925         

                                                 Madeleine Vionnet Evening Dress, 1927 

                                                  Paul Poiret Evening Dress Paris, c.1920
                     

                                              Liberty & Co. Evening dress London, 1921    
                                                      

                                               Woman in Vionnet's Dress Vogue, 1924

                                                  Dress by Madeleiene Vionnet 1937

A Dolls House

Here is an update on my 'A Dolls House' By Henrik Ibsen Project. I have read the book, read the book again and again, highlighting important themes, colours and textures to capture the tiniest detail for each character. These aren't the final designs, they are only just initial ideas until i am fully comfortable with using the right media and paper.

I have to say that Doctor. Rank is my favourite man at present. I portray him to be a flamboyant but annoying character, hence the bold colours. Don't you think? :)

                            Krogstad... black and purple is a threatening look to
                        complicate with his blackmailing character towards Nora.

                                   The ever so harmonious Mrs. Linde who is the
                                                old but wise owl friend for Nora. 

                                                The star of the show... Nora - soft baby
                                   colours to represent her personality being a 'doll'

The Sir of the Helmer Household. Torvald is one not to be disobeyed 

R.e.s.p.e.c.t Goes To Erte & Bakst

Well as my Personal Project for Critical Practices is near; it's time to think of what I am interested/influenced in. I have always been amazed of the beautiful and the sublime illustrations from the wonderful individuals of Leon Bakst and Erte. They are legends, heroes, and in fact should be worshipped. It was them, who, have influenced the way we see theatre today.  In case you are wondering 'who the hell are they?' Once you see for yourself, you will understand what I'm talking about...

(ERTE) Oriental Costume for the Folies-Bergere - 1920.
A good idea for me to add stylish borders around the design to enhance the
painting, but to also understand the cultural needs.

(ERTE) Water; for a show at the Bal Tabarin - 1937.

 

(ERTE) Snob; for the Ballet Le Bal de L'Opera at the Bal Tabarin - 1939.
This image reflects on the Cosume designs of Pantomime today.

(ERTE) Italian Singer; for the Opera Capriccio at the Opera-Comique in Paris - 1957.

(BAKST) Set design for the Ballet Scheherazade - 1910.
This blew me away when I saw this, never known to have seen any other set designer
to have done this.

(BAKST) Costume design; Beotienne for the ballet Narcisse - 1911

(BAKST) Costume design; Le Faune for the ballet of Claude Debussy - 1912.
One of the most common works that you will see produced by Bakst

                         


(BAKST) Costume design; Le Tsarevitch Ivan for the ballet d'Igor Stravinski, L 'Oiseau de Feu - 1913.
Heavily detailed design which suggests to me that Bakst spent hours and hours
creating this piece. There is much to look at and could stare at it until time goes.



Proud to present Sir Leon Bakst.

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(ERTE) Pierrot; for the Ballet Le Bal de l'Opera at the Bal Tabarin in Paris - 1937.



(ERTE) Parrot; for the Ballet Paradise at the Bal Tabarin - 1938.