Talkin' 'bout my inspiration

My sweets and I have decided that the weddin' will have an Art Deco flair. Perfect, because my favorite dresses are bias-cut and low-backed. Here are some of the inspirational images I have floating around on the ol' computer... most of the dresses are either Grecian-style or Spanish Revival, like the print below:


The 1930's body ideal was lithe, yes, but more importantly, curved and athletic (similar to yours truly). The resulting fashion innovations are both capricious and siren-y-- I love the duality of the fluttery, "first dance" worthy skirt in combination with the low, seductive back.


This 1932 Schiaparelli creation is an archetype to be sure, and an endlessly glamorous one at that. It's hard to strike a balance between modesty in a wedding gown and stunningness, but this one makes the cut. I love how the flowing, asymmetrical scarf serves as a dramatic, nay, positively regal alternative to a veil.

I don't like strapless gowns, not only because they are, by this point, pedestrian, but also because a) one must always think about them when they are on and b) they offer the wearer the most unflattering of side-angles, because most often your arms are smashed up against your sides to keep the dress from slipping. I very much prefer dresses with straps, or large, romantic sleeves, a la the dress modeled here by Norma Shearer.

There's nothing I don't love about this photo. Myrna Loy shows us that not only is more, more, but that absurdity can indeed be quite beautiful. The feathered back is just too stunning to look away, and the curled motif is repeated endlessly-- my favorite use is of her curled hair as a "headband". Note to self: show this photo to hairstylist.


Damn, Joan! I could see Beyonce wearing this dress today. Striking, unconventional, feminine, but imbued with quite a bit of power.


Jean Harlow is simple yet undeniably glamorous here. And those shoes! I've been searching for similar ones (in silver) for a while now...

This photo of Anna May Wong looks almost recent... the jeweled t-back dress that ends in a knot is perfect for someone (like myself) who looks better going than coming...


Baby got back! Adrienne Ames' cowl-backed gown is luscious!

I'm not one for lace or heavy embellishment, but the dainty little sequins dancing over Adrienne Ames' decolletage are quietly, sextastically glamourous.

[images via Gatochy and Vintage Bride.]