Alexandra King - Vintage Inspired Clothing.

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Best Dressed Of Cannes 2016

As the 2016 Cannes film festival draws to a close this weekend, we take a look at our favourite gowns and styling from the red carpet.

All images from Vogue.

Demure Dressing

I love the dressed down glamour of Canne, the luxurious fabrics in mini dress form mixing casual with formal. I've picked these as some of my favourites, the sequin stripes, the flapper style detailing with ostrich trims and embellished hems and the mixing heavy knits with chiffon's.

Florals

Summer always calls for florals and these are pure golden age style from Kirsten Dunst in Gucci's sequin embellished 1930s inspired gown to Ralf and Russo's stunning 1950s inspired gowns with full billowing skirts. I love the bare necklines and sleek hair leaving space for the dress.

Helen Mirren

This lady is always a fabulous red carpet dresser giving inspiration and hope to designers like me who believe that women can look stunning at any age. If I here the words "I'm too old to wear a lovely dress like that" one more time! Sleeves are sheer and necklines plunging with gorgeous embellishment and fitted waists.

Yellow

There is a great article on Vogue.co.uk about wearing yellow and with the right shade everyone can look beautiful in it. I love Kirsten Dunst's Dior day dress, Amal Clooney's draped chiffon gown by Versace and the knock out hourglass chiffon dress worn by Jessica Chastain design by Armani.

This is my absolute favourite dress and look from Canne 2016. Cheryl wearing a gown designed by Naeem Khan. I love the colours of the exquisite embroidery, the cut and her whole look showing off the dress to perfection.

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

Barbie Dresses in Stripes

Just before we moved to our new boutique we were working on a mini collection of 1950s Barbie inspired dresses.

Here are the first two results as the Sindi and Humbug designs.

The Sindi Dress is cut with a full pleated skirt with fitted shell bodice and low scoop back. Grey velvet ribbon stripes pattern the silk dress with a luxurious texture. Gorgeous for Summer and Winter parties alike.

The Humbug dress is pure cocktail hour with a draped strapless bodice and asymmetrical stripes sweeping across the body to the full puff ball drape. The black velvet stripes were appliqued to the silk satin and then draped to the dress by hand. A striking piece for parties and events!

Friday, 6 May 2016

Launch Party in Wells

On Thursday night we had our opening launch party of our brand new boutique in Wells, Somerset.

It was wonderful to be joined by our customers, press, Wells business owners and our fabulous friends for an evening of cocktails and cake. Hannah of Hannalicious cakes made us the most gorgeous sprinkle covered cake for an official cutting by Anna and myself and our new florist friend Lynnsey Kelly brought us a beautiful bouquet of vintage roses and anemones.

Wedding Ideas and Vow magazine joined the party along with the beautifully dressed stylists from Toast of Somerset. It was great to meet blogger Jenna of Somerset Cool, Fiona of Nyland Manor and catch up with our good friends from Millie Moon over a glass of our sparkling gin cocktail.

Thank you all for coming to our party and celebrating our new little boutique!

Tuesday, 19 April 2016

Opening Party Invitation

Monday, 11 April 2016

Our New Bridal Boutique in Wells

We opened our first boutique last Saturday in the beautiful city of Wells, Somerset. It was fabulous to welcome our customers (new and old) to our little shop right in the heart of the city. The first floor is all about vintage and prom dresses with wall of sparkles and vintage accessories. Upstairs is a dedicated floor for bridal and consultations with a collection of vintage wedding dresses.

We are also moving our studio to the building and will be making gowns in house.

We will have many more photos to come, especially when we get our new sign!

Book an appointment or just pop in to our Sadler Street shop to browse our dresses and say hello.

New address

8 Sadler Street, Wells, UK BA5 2SE

Monday, 14 March 2016

Barbie

Last week was Barbie's birthday and we took a look back at her designs from the early 1960s. I love these mid century modern illustrations and prints.

We are looking to Barbie as inspiration for our next capsule collection of cocktail dresses in polka dots and stripes. Watch this space.

Wednesday, 9 March 2016

Laura's Stunning Chicago Wedding - Photos by Jennifer Van Elk

photographer Jennifer Van Elk

Congratulations to our bride Laura on her wedding on New Years Eve at the Union Station, Indianapolis. The second of our new years eve brides!

I have completely fallen in love with the photographs taken by Jennifer Van Elk, they are just so stunning in quality I can't find the words. You'll have to just look.

Laura was studying at Bristol University when we met her for a first consultation here at the studio. As an American only here for a short time we managed to work out a schedule that fitted perfectly with her graduation ceremony and her parents visit.
Laura knew exactly what she wanted, her take on our Lupita dress in an apple white handwoven silk, with a thigh high split and a 1950s couture cut. A stole of faux ermine was made as a cover up for the cold Indy January and elbow length vintage white kid gloves finished Laura's look with elegance.

I love Laura's look on the day, glossy old hollywood waves, a bare neckline and perfect peep toes. Thank you to Laura and Jennifer for the incredible images.

For a bespoke bridal appointment at our studio, book in online or send us an email at alexandra@alexandra-king.com.

For more about Laura's wedding visit Jennifer Van Elks site here.