Our Packaging

We spent a long time finding the just right packaging to transport your dress to you and here is how it's packaged ....

Firstly your dress is freshly steamed then lined and padded with tissue paper. We use colourless tissue paper to protect your dress that is lightly scented so the whole experience of your receiving your dress is just that little more special.

Your dress is then neatly placed inside the large matte black dress box along with everything it needs to belong in your wardrobe, a satin padded hanger, care slip and dust cover. For vintage pieces this is the ideal flat storage too.

The box is then sealed and tied with the 'Alexandra King' ribbon ready to be finally placed in its protective shipping packaging.

We love that old-fashioned way of receiving a dress in a proper box and this is what we give to you. x

Ask Alexandra - Styling The Sunflower Dress

Vintage style advice from Ask Alexandra. 

We have two great styling questions this week on how to wear a dress like the Sunflower dress. 

Hello Alexandra,

I do so love the new Sunflower dress, so perfect and welcoming for Spring.  Please can you help with ideas on how to wear in more casual settings, sadly people don't always 'dress' for evening events.  I am planning a race night that will be busy and active.  What shoes and maybe some shoulder covering.  Audrey Hepburn always looked just right in her full skirts whatever the setting, but I am not Audrey Hepburn! 

Well hello 'not Audrey Hepburn'! You're not going to feel very great if you think like that!

The sunflower dress is quite a formal cocktail dress but the races do call for some flamboyance. 

For shoes take style inspiration from the great Audrey with ballet flats, they always look pretty, keep feet looking small and you can run around all you like, even dance!

To make this more casual and with shoulder covering try teaming a cocktail dress with a sweater. I shrunk my husbands sweater for this occasion and it works well.
Or try layering with a long cardigan or the classic wrap dress. Something that is the same length would be better then how I've styled this but knitwear does add a lovely contrast to the textures.

Wear full makeup (smart/casual doesn't mean sloppy) and just remember 

Audrey Hepburn was Audrey Hepburn, and you must be YOU. Both can be fabulous. 

And our Second question.

Hi, Please can you advise on what underwear is best for wearing with Sunflower dress neckline and exposed back.  How can I keep secure. 
Also, I don't have a good neckline, how can I disguise this problem, yet still enjoy this style and design.
Good underwear for strapless dresses is essential. We are proud to say that our dresses don't fall down as they are securely boned with internal stays to keep everything where it should be.

However for extra security and shape we recommend The Wonderbra Ultimate Strapless Bra. It has little hands that hold onto your assets and push them skywards!
Alternatively with low backs try the What Katy Did Cabaret Bustier which has gorgeous vintage styling. And remember the matching knickers, no one like a miss-match under a dress.

If you are feeling a little insecure about your neckline, don't be. Many women are conscious of this area but look back to the forties and fifties and women of all ages embraced a strapless design showing off their shoulders. Look to the stunning Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard  crazy but so elegant. Also look to Advanced Style for inspiration, these women knock the pop socks off youth!

I layered the Sunflower dress below with a long sleeved bodysuit. The v neckline still shows some skin and doesn't make you feel so exposed whist keeping the main focus on the dress and you.

At the end of the day, take care of your body and you can wear whatever you like until any age.
Wear sunscreen!

I hope this advice was of some help to you? I can't wait for your new questions. Ask me anything at alexandra@alexandra-king.com

Film of the Week - The Hustler

This weeks 'Movie of the Week' is The Hustler  1961

Film fans will know this movie well but if you haven't seen it, it is simply one of the best written films of all time, and about pool.

Now personally I find snooker, pool, billiards (whatever you call a game that involves putting balls in pockets) not nearly as fun as it sounds. But this is a beautifully crafted story of self destruction, talent and sex.

Paul Newman as you would expect is perfection playing Eddie a very talented pool player. This may be his best film. He makes you hate him and love him and draws you deeply into his intense world.
And along comes Piper Laurie as Sarah, the spokeswomen for Sixties American cool. I had never seen a woman act like this with such character and subtlety. Her limp, her voice!

Behind it all is a perfect balance of brilliant writing, directing, acting and cinematography. The cherry on top is costume designer Ruth Morely bringing the characters just what was needed, a dirty coolness. Known for Taxi Driver and Annie Hall you can see where she made her icon making first marks on Paul Newman and Piper Laurie in 1961.

The sequel to the Hustler is The Colour of Money by Martin Scorsese which I saw first and thought was great. I watched them as a double bill recently and sadly it lacks that very special magnetism of The Hustler.

Watch it and watch it again. Enjoy the film.

Piper Laurie, she's way cooler than this but the dress is still fabulous.

The Hustler 1961
Starring: Piper Laurie (Twin Peaks) and Paul Newman
Director: Robert Rossen
Cinematography: Eugen Schufftan
Costume Design: Ruth Morely (Annie Hall and Taxi Driver)

The Sunflower Dress

The new Sunflower Dress. This dress was made from this beautiful piece of embroidered vintage chiffon. The colour and the pattern were exquisite but sadly the fabric was also in vintage shape. I couldn't resist turning it into a dress. 

The bodice was very carefully hand draped to a satin and tulle base. The embroidered sunflowers were appliqued to cascade across the dress, all finished with a grosgrain ribbon. 

The dress was too good not to make and even though it has a few flaws in the fabric, it was really worth it. 

Find it here. 

She Loves Dresses - Polka dot Tulle Prom Dress

Late last year we were so proud to collaborate with the gorgeous Jenny of She Loves Dresses and here are the fantastic images she produced for us.

Jenny modeled the Gloria dress, a polkadot sequinned version of our Debby tulle prom dress in black tulle with large white penny paillettes.

The Good Hope 1930s Inspired Dress in Detail

Inspired by the 1930s, the 'Good Hope' gown is a one of a kind piece in vintage crepe and red satin. 
Available in the shop here. 

The best dressed of the Oscars

Rosamund Pike in Givenchy from Vogue.com

Jennifer Hudson from Vogue.com

Cate Blanchett in John Galliano for Maison Margiela from Vogue.com

Rita Ora in Marchesa from Vogue.com

Four red carpet visions of perfection for the Academy Awards 2015. Like the whole awards season there have been a few hiccups and 'not quite rights' but these four women are flawlessly styled head to toe.

Rosamund Pike in THAT red dress by Givenchy, wowsers! She keeps her leg under control (unlike some other ladies with split dresses and legs aloft). There is no unnecessary jewelry to ruin the lines and fine strapped heels keep all the focus on the glorious dress. A slightly redder shade of lipstick could have given a little more lift to the face but really it's perfect.

Jennifer Hudson At the time of writing this I haven't found who the dress is by but who cares it's styled gorgeously. The candy lemon yellow looks so good and just a fine highlights the waist giving a great shape. Jennifer really knows how to stand well too, this is the winning pose, shoulders down arms slightly back, great.
I love the chic hair and those big jewels just for the ears and hand keeping the neckline and arms long and lean. Lovely, Lovely  Lovely.

Cate Blanchett is always great on the red carpet but I love this for it's bold design. The black dress designed by John Galliano is brilliantly cut and those Tiffany jewels show how you can wear a necklace without cutting off your head. Necklaces are great with black jumpers and worn over a plain dress just like this, making it part of the dress.
Again a little more colour in the lips couldn't hurt but great style.

Rita Ora This girl is the Queen of the red carpet this year, remember that red dress from the Golden Globes? For the Oscars she wore Marchesa in a luxurious navy blue with gold embellishments that make for such a bold and striking look. Yes again letting the dress do the work and styled with elegant drop earrings and a single ring displaying those beautiful limbs. Stunning, Stunning Stunning!

Who were your winners on the red carpet? Ever wondered anything about getting that red carpet look? I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions Email me at alexandra@alexandra-king.com

Edith Head on the Oscars

                     

We love Edith Head talking about the Oscars - From Oscars.com

Vintage Finds - 1930s Gowns

These are two of my favourite original 1930s pieces in the collection at the moment. What could be more fabulous than elegantly swanning about a room in these floor sweeping gowns?

The first dress is a later 1930s design in a beautiful water silk moire with red crepe contrasts. The design is so striking and of the era. Cut exquisitely on the bias this dress flatters in all the right places with a shaped waistline and those wonderful buttons running the whole length of the dress to elongate the body. Just imagine getting married in this number!

Style with soft romantic victory rolls that look like you've just had your wedding night and sky high peep toes. Finish with red nails and lips to match the exact shade of red and you're ready to go.

This black 1930s dress is a real beauty in detail. 

The dress features all this delicate gathering and it has a vibrant Mediterranean colouring with the floral design set against the black. The sleeves have a puff ball cut, lined in tulle and the whole dress is cut on the bias with a train at the back making it incredibly lean and elegant. The floral detail is woven with metallic gold almost like lame and the whole dress is made in a satin backed crepe making is feel so luxurious against your skin.

This is a definite Wallis Simpson style. Wear with a Marcel wave, open toes T-Bar heels and deep red lipstick whist scowling at everyone for not being as impossibly beautiful as you. x

The Girl Can't Hep It -Movie of the Week

This weeks film of the week is 'The Girl Can't Help It' starring Jane Mansfield, Abbey Lincoln and Julie London. 

Jayne Mansfield is the second blond bombshell of Hollywood, created by Fox Studios as their version on Marilyn. Miss Mansfield is a little like watching a Disney version of the legend but she is terribly cute and that waistline really is to die for.

The costumes are designed by the amazing Charles Le Maire also known for All About Eve and How to Marry a Millionaire. These dresses really set your heart pounding, from the first entrance all in white to the iconic red sequined gown through to a killer navy blue suit and the sweetest yellow sun dresses. Everything is designed so well. And check out the shoes ....

The musical score features Little Richard, who performs like he could head the Superbowl tomorrow he's so modern and the sensational Abbey Lincoln. Miss Lincoln is actually wearing one of Marilyn Monroe's gowns and strikes the most gorgeous hourglass shape.

Finally for elegance Julie London appears as a smooth jazz mirage in a collection of fantastic gowns in pastels and laces.
One of the best dressed films in history and the milk bottle scene is camper than any Carry On!

How to get that Jayne Mansfield silhouette? 

I spent most of the film trying to work this out.
So far my educated guess is a padded cone bra built into the dress. Jayne Mansfield is famous for her bust, but for it nearly falling out of dresses not for it being that large in reality. Amazing what a specially cut dress can do!
A very tightly laced under-bust corset that goes over the hips is used to reduce the waist with a smooth corselette/girdle to smooth the lines.

That's how to get the rumoured 40, 21, 40 figure, time to go and try it with some What Katy Did Lingerie!

Credits:
Director: Frank Tashlin (Artists and Models)
Cinematographer: Leon Shamroy (The King and I, Blue Angel)
Costumes: Charles Le Maire (Bus Stop, All About Eve, How to Marry a Millionaire)
Art Director: Leyland Fuller (How to Marry a Millionaire) and Lyle R. Wheeler (All About Eve, Gone with the Wind, Blue Angel)

Info from IMDB and From the Vaults

Jayne Mansfield promo shot in the white gown.

Tulle dress to finish, the waist is so tiny and the bust so padded! 

The stunning Abbey Lincoln looking sensational in Marilyn's dress.

Two stills from The Girl Can't Help it Film

1930s Inspiration

Inspiration images from pinterest - Vionnet Lame bow dress - Schiaparelli colour spalsh dress - Vionnet draped silk gown, Vionnet sage crepe dress - Rosemary and Sage berry bundle - 1930s distsy prints - 1930s backless evening gowns

The latest 'Good Hope' sage gown is inspired by the 1930s.

The 1930s was a depression and wartime era but one of the most elegant and glamorous for fashion with long slender silhouettes, the sexiness of the 1920s and beautiful, beautiful cuts.

I had a length of original vintage crepe in a sage green with a typical thirties ditsy print in white etched flowers. I knew it was begging to be cut on the bias but wondered of it could work as an evening gown instead of the obvious tea dress?

With a little research I discovered these muted colours were in evidence throughout designs from the 1930s. These Vionnet dresses above carry the dull colour well albeit in metallic lames. The dress with the colour splash is a Schiaparelli and I loved the contrast, it was a kind of hope in a dress.

Being depression era and using what is quite a depressing colour teaming a bright scarlet red for the lining would add that bit of hope. I also decided to use it for the neckline with a seductive flash of red over the sweetheart. The cut had to be long and lean with an added train for drama (if you you should). A draped bodice would bring texture and a low cut back was a must to give that naked elegance.

And so the 'Good Hope' dress was designed.

Inspirations - Vivian Maier

Photograph by Vivian Maier

Vivian Maier is my new inspiration. Last night I watched the film, Finding Vivian Maier. 

I had to choose just one image, and I chose this for obvious reasons. The image is blurred but it has such magic. You really have to look at the website and buy the book as all the thousands of images are so very good.

The story of this incredible photographer / Nanny Spy is just amazing and to think these images could have been lost forever if it wasn't for the brilliant John Maloof. They are both an inspiration.

The best thing about looking through the portfolios and watching the film is the documentation of every type of life. From a sartorial perspective look how stylish everyone is in the 1950s. From the kids to the old ladies, the poor and the rich. Everyone looks so considered. Vivian Maier froze this world in her images and the world looked so well designed.

Women wore lipstick and heels and men wore hats and a tie. They look like they cared, even if they didn't. Look at people in the street today and the majority are pastey lipped in waterproof misshapen coats and flat ugly shoes. Its hard to find people who stand out with style or look like anything but average. Even the style tribes of young people have nearly disappeared. Who would Vivian Maier photograph today? 

To read and see more images visit VivienMaier.com There are some great books too. 

Sequined Old Hollywood Wedding Dress - The Allen

It's not every day that you get asked to make the gown of your dreams, but this day did come in the middle of last year.
Like fate I was sat at my laptop on a Sunday afternoon planning new designs and how I was ever going to have time to work on them. I had decided to take on no more bespoke work, ever again. And then popped up the best email asking for a full length sequined gown ......

Not only was this a dream dress but I had been recommended by another designer who's work I was in awe of. Such a compliment.

When to day came to meet Holly, a goddess emerged from the car with platinum blonde locks and a smile that literally belonged in 1940s Hollywood to rival Ava Gardner. This immediately set my head whirling with designs whilst I tried to contain my joy. Believe it or not this lady isn't a movie star, she's a fashion photographer.

Holly carried in a weighty bag that held the most beautiful sequined fabric. Fine pearlised sequins embroidered onto an ivory silk chiffon of the highest quality.

Then there was the design brief. A dress fit for Marilyn Monroe, Jessica Rabbit and Veronica Lake all rolled into one to make 'The Allen'. Seriously nothing could be more heavenly to me and Holly could carry this off to perfection.
I know this all sounds really over the top but this was my dream client, brief and fabric. It will never get better than this!

Holly bought with her a couple of dresses she knew fitted well so we used this cut as the base of the dress. The boned base was made in silk and the sequins stitched (breaking 10 needles on the way) to stop them un-ravelling when cut and then hand draped and stitched in place by hand.

We had a few fittings where I was just so over joyed at the sequins any minor adjustments were a breeze. I also designed a corset to wear underneath to achieve that dramatic hourglass silhouette cinching in the waist. This was a lovely part of the bridal trousseau made from the same silk as the dress with hand appliqued lace.

The day finally came to say goodbye to the dress. Together with her group of absolutely charming bridesmaids, Holly previewed her dress and I made the very final stitches whilst they enjoyed a spot of tea and cakes at the cabin.

This really was a dream to work on helped not least by a very beautiful bride inside and out who made my job a pleasure. The first dress in a long time to give me tears of happiness.

I will never forget 'The Allen'.  Congratulation to Holly and Brett.

Fantastically Anna Vickery will be taking care of all our new brides with her wonderful expertise in bespoke wedding gowns.
For all enquiries in visiting the studio, having a design consultation with Anna and myself and commissioning a dress contact anna@alexandra-king.com

The Sketch of the dress.

 The Bride Wore a sequined dress by Alexandra King with satin shoes by Supadance.
 The Groom wore a suit by Tom Ford with Christian Louboutin shoes.
 The wedding was held at The Crazy Bear, Stadhampton.