There have been countless princesses, duchesses, countesses and courtesans throughout history, but, in our eyes ~ there will never be another ~
Marie Antoinette.
This is a queen who wore her finest ballgowns to stroll amongst her gardens and said “The least I can do for my gardens is to dress in my finest, for after all, look how they have dressed up in their finest for me”. Oh, Marie!
Our tribute to Marie Antoinette, the Queen that epitomizes everything French and over the top, will be on full display at our, “Queen For A Day” Valentine soiree on Saturday, February 11th. The amazing decorative and hand-crafted works that are pouring out of the designers and artisans here are definitely at a whole new level of creative genius and each will be showcased that day.
OOH LA LA just doesn’t begin to cover it.
To begin with ~ when we unveil designer Holly Hess’ tribute gown to Marie, it will be the culmination of years of planning and an original design the likes of which has not been seen since the 19th century couturiers attended to the royal court.
The spectacular corset section of this hand sewn gown features a needle painting of Marie herself ~ a magnificently woven masterpiece where the painting is done in silk thread. The muted silk threads are layered like paint, in a treatment similar to an impressionist painting. This treatment is then surrounded by elaborate embroidery, beading, pearls, pleated ribbon and silver threading that all beautifully complete Holly’s love letter to Marie.
A silk polonaise gown is fitted over the corset and silk ribbons are gathered, tucked, folded and stitched in place to add dimension.
And the final piece de resistance?
A French verse, taken from inside a pair of garters that were given to Marie from her friend, has been embroidered into the neck ruff. Only Holly, only Holly! Come witness this magnificent, one-of-a-kind tribute gown and meet the brilliant creator/artistic genius behind it ~ Mademoiselle Holly Hess.
Then, of course, there is my dear friend, chief collaborateur and partner in crime, Karen Lampard, who manages to WOW us every single time with her wildly imaginative and always one-of-a-kind, original masterpieces that she designs and creates to capture the theme of all our events, each one more exquisite than the last, (if that's possible!) right down to the tiniest little detail.
This time is no exception. There will be her whimsical meets high concept meets the royal court next to haute couture meets make believe meets sheer magic and that’s just her amazing crowns!
Her bespoke ‘Love Letters’ evening gown may be the launch of her own bridal couture brand. Look out Vera Wang!
You’re not going to want to miss this.
Come ~ Be our ‘Queen For A Day’.
2/11/12
