8.30.2012

Cartoon Couture

This week Barney's unveiled it's new theme for the 2012 Holiday season with these images of slimmed-down Disney characters wearing designer fashion.


Minnie Mouse in Lanvin


Daisy Duck in Dolce & Gabbana


Goofy in Balmain


This got us to thinking about the history of cartoons in fashion. Until the 20s/30s, fashion was a stodgy, serious affair. Visionaries such as Elsa Schiaparelli brought a little humor to the fashion plate + showed us that clothing could be fun + playful while still being fashionable.

In the 60s, artists such as Andy Warhol + Roy Lichtenstein became famous for bringing popular culture into art. The youthful, edgy + playful fashion at the time naturally grabbed hold of the pop art ideal + applied it to wearable garments. Since then, pop culture references have permeated mainstream fashion + have become staples for many designers.


The iconic Andy Warhol Campbell's soup dress | 1991 Versace Couture pop art dress (image courtesy of the Met Museum)


One designer that has made an entire career of incorporating popular culture, especially cartoons, into his designs is Jean Charles de Castelbajac. While often tounge-in-cheek + giggle-inducing, his designs push the boundaries of fashion + what can be considered "high-fashion."


Jean Charles de Castelbajac F/W 2009 Muppet collection


Lady Gaga in JC de Castelbajac Kermit the Frog coat | JC de Castelbajac Superman dress


In our opinions, no designer has done more to poke fun at the fashion industry + pop culture while still remaining uber chic than Franco Moschino. Moschino's designs were humorous + playful without being over the top; even if the piece was based on a cartoon, the main focus was always making a fashionable, wearable garment.


Mochino Cheap + Chic Bugs Bunny waistcoat/vest (image courtesy of Leslie Hindman)


Mochino Cheap + Chic Mickey Mouse waistcoat/vest (image courtesy of Leslie Hindman)


Moschino Micky Mouse themed leather jacket (image courtesy of 1stDibs)


First introduced in 1929, Popeye + his eternal love, Olive Oyl, have long been a pop culture institution, referenced in everything from advertising to fine art.


Roy Lichtenstein Popeye painting, 1961




While seemingly an odd choice, Olive Oyl (or at least her likeness) has become the Moschino muse. The Cheap + Chic perfume was launched in 1995 with an Olive Oyl shaped bottle.


Moschino Cheap + Chic perfume ad, 2001


And, in one of our favorite runway moments ever, Mariacarla Boscano strutted out in the Spring 2004 show dressed as Olive Oyl (and acting every bit the part!) -- watch the video here.






Contemporary Moschino Cheap + Chic scarves featuring Olive Oyl


The first appearance of Popeye + Olive Oyl themed Moschino products appear in 1989/1990 + very rarely come to the market. That's why we were so excited to find these vintage Mochino Pret-a-Porter, Popeye-themed, sailor pants currently for sale in our webstore:






Iconic c. 1989 vintage Moschino Popeye pants. Ultra rare + incredibly hard to find. Super high waist with wide legs + sailor button closure. ICONIC + impossible to find print.


Available at http://www.bustownmodern.com.

8.29.2012

Disco by Day

Bill Tice rose to prominence in the 1970's by creating women's clothing that blurred the line between in-home lounge wear + discotheque worthy gowns, working for companies such as Malcolm Starr, Royal Robes + Swirl before launching his own label.

He also happened to study fashion here in the great state of Ohio as a graduate of Paul's alma mater, the University of Cincinnati.


Bill Tice in 1972


Rose McGowan in a vintage Bill Tice dress


Here's the latest update to our webstore -- a vintage 70's black + gold backless halter maxi dress by Bill Tice. Comfy + elegant at the same time. Perfect last minute look for NYC Fashion Week.






Available at http://www.bustownmodern.com.

8.22.2012

Weekly Lineup -- Webstore Updates

New updates to the webstore including clothing + accessories by Moschino, Givenchy, Christian Dior + YSL!!

Moschino Gingham + Daisies Suit
1940s Novelty Bird Print Dress
Playful Daisy Print Pleated Palazzo Pants
Sheer Beaded + Embroidered Palazzo Pants
Swirling School of Fish 1950s Party Dress
Plunging Quilted Cutout 1940s Gown
Cape Backed 1950s Garden Party Dress
Pleated Chiffon Floral Cape Gown
High Waisted Chiffon Cigarette + Palazzo Pants
Adele Simpson Draped Tulip Skirt LBD
Metallic Brocade Tulips Party Dress
Hand Painted Picnic Box Purse + Peep Toes
Givenchy 1960s Logo Leather Boots
Pierre Cardin Leopard Suede Disco Platforms
MASSIVE 1970s Tooled Leather Satchel
Latticed Roses Oversize 1960s Handbag
Patent Leather + Snakeskin Sunburst Purse
Hand Tooled Cutwork Leather Purse
Coach Chocolate Brown Bucket Bag
Christian Dior Gold Chain Belt
Yves Saint Laurent Cutout Suede Bohemian Belt
Yves Saint Laurent Rhinestone Buckle Belt
Judith Leiber Lizard Skin Nautical Belt
Yves Saint Laurent Tortoise Buckle Belt
Celadon Locking Chain Belt
Moroccan Metal Stars Leather Belt


All items available at http://www.bustownmodern.com