Saucy Swimwear for Solstice

O beloved readers, I have been utterly remiss in my long absence... rest assured I have a good reason, which will soon be revealed. In the meantime, my band, Baby Seal Club, has been in full gigging and recording mode. We have two shows coming up with watery themes: a giant warehouse party called Sand by the Ton and the Rivertown Revival.

All this nautical goodness has caused us to decide we need a full suite of turn-of-the-century-beach-wear to don for these gigs, and so our research for inspiration has commenced. We unearthed so many great images I had to share, especially on this, the first day of summer.

I just adore the theatricality of these suits. The Victorians wore wool suits that covered them almost completely ~ knickers, puff-sleeved dresses, stockings, and all. You can find more delightful pictures and history here. Things lightened up considerably in the 1920's.

Having no desire to squeeze into a modern bikini bottom myself, I rather like the idea of swimming-bloomers. And ah, the utilitarian silliness of the "bathing machine" ~ those stripey booths for changing from your long woolen petticoats into your long woolen swimsuit and bathing-cape.

And then there's the circus mood of these "Fancy Bather" cigarette trading cards. It appears that stripes and bathing suits go together... And it would seem parasols, oversized bows, and leg-ribbons are a must.

Stripes are de rigueur for the gents as well... this rather serious beefcake of a chap looks like his wool may be chafing his tender bits.

We are fortunate to have the help of our incredibly talented artist friend Else Olava to put together these outfits ~ she spent all weekend sketching madly as the band began recording our very first album. So we shall certainly see what comes of it all. Happy longest day of the year!

Gemstones, Ribbons, and Pearls, Oh My!

I made it to the Ribbonerie! It was as if I had stepped back in time, ducked in off a cobblestone street into a tiny Parisian shop, where every imaginable color and texture of ribbon lined the walls from floor to ceiling. The ladies at the counter flitted about searching for color matches for the trims I already had, promising to special order the ones I couldn't find. I even learned the name for the funny ribbon-wrapping method I had encountered at Britex - the Nun's Cap - an old French style of bundling cut ribbon.

Enough said. I'm simply going to tantalize you with images of the treasures I've been gathering for this project.

Lustrous dyed freshwater pearls...

And richly hued braided trims...

A few nights ago I taught myself how to box-pleat silk, and I'm so pleased with the results. Look how sweet this little length of blue dupioni silk is when it's pleated and frayed!


The first design is almost finished...

Velvet Ribbons

The supply hunt was a success! Many hours spent traipsing the hallowed halls of the third floor of Britex Fabrics and the miracle that is Berkeley's Lacis - and I returned home triumphant. Though I still have more bits to acquire to be fully prepared, I now have the basics for at least twelve new designs, which is overwhelming and thrilling at the same time. And look what I brought home...


Oh, the joy that is velvet ribbons. Britex had a dizzying array of colors, and some of them were actually vintage (though I suspect the prices were not historically accurate!). The unexpectedly punky sales-boy wrapped them into these appealing little bundles that made me think of Easter eggs.

But my most intriguing discovery of the day was that there is, in fact, a shop in San Francisco that is dedicated entirely to ribbons. Be still, my heart! Overheard near the fringe section, the aptly named Ribbonerie is supposedly in Laurel Heights and specializes in French wired. But the sheer madness of driving downtown in the rain conspired to keep us from making it there before it closed. For now, I will have to content myself with the knowledge that such a place exists, and dream of the treasures that might be in store for me there.