Hunting for “cast-off” materials for JoeysCoat is always a
pleasure. I never venture out with an
agenda, instead I keep and open-mind, trusting that I will stumble upon
something brilliant.
My criteria for the “perfect” item deserving of a new life is: it must be old, no longer desirable in its original form, its uniqueness must
spark my interest, in other words, it must be perfectly imperfect. Once satisfied with my findings, I deliver
them to Dana’s studio and the design process begins. When I meet with Dana to pick up the completed “product” I am
always surprised and delighted by what she has created from the sad little bits I've brought to her.
This past week’s collection is particularly special - all
beautiful, all masterfully sewn, one with an exceptional history, for while
disassembling a vintage neck-tie, complete with vintage stains, Dana found the
original label that read Lilly Dache PARIS-ROME-LOS ANGELES. Dana knew the famous designer immediately, I,
on the other hand, had to do some research.
Lilly Dache is described as “a leader in the fashion
world”. Born in 1896 her career spanned from the 1920’s to her retirement in 1968. Best known for her hats, she was considered to be the top Milliner in
New York with clients that included Audrey Hepburn, Carole Lombard, Marlene
Dietrich and Carmen Miranda (Lilly Dache designed the famous fruit-filled turban!). “Great heights of chic and absurdity were achieved by the milliners of the
day – Dache’s hats were amongst the most outrageous of all”.
Japanese silk-crepe jacquard coat and tab.
Lilly Dache silk satin binding.
Tapestry belt with vintage stripe
binding.
Antique silk velvet belt-loops
and trim.
Vintage French buckle.
Japanese shell buttons.
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