“The things we do for Fashion” – Anastacia Rose and Entourage

I have been in the world of fashion now for fifteen years and the only thing that is consistent is that it is forever changing. Fashion evolves from one season to the next, from one decade to another, and then we see it come full circle with trends we once loved, being revived with a modern twist and fresh direction. My own tastes in fashion have changed over the years, and I have certainly been influenced by what other designers are doing. Throughout this time I have never lost my passion for this beautiful form of art. I have always been and will remain a strong advocate for fashion, the freedom it can provide you and the creativity that it inspires. Recently I decided it was about time that I make some of my work accessible, and to showcase to everyone what I do and why I love it so much. In this blog you will discover some of my favourite pieces that I designed and produced, with professional photographs of me getting my vogue on to show the world who Anastacia Rose really is, and just what she’s capable of. So I hope you follow on and enjoy this insightful journey into my own realm of fashion and all that shines within.

 

Outfit One “My Fair Lady” – Inspired by the fabulous fashion era of the nineteen fifties, this ensemble would have to be my favourite. Now I know a mother is not supposed to favour any of her children, but this one just edges out all of the others! I found a vintage Butterick pattern for this dress in my local haberdashery and instantly fell in love. The nineteen fifties has always been one of my favourite eras of fashion, with its full skirts, nipped in waists and overall feminine outlook. The dress in constructed with a self-lined bodice that gathers on a yoke at the neckline and forms a scoop back. With an exaggerated waist due to the fullness of the skirt below, this dress bellows out to fall at mid-calf. The skirt is a full circle, with an attached petticoat constructed from five meters of netting. The main fabric that I used is a cotton blend with a textured red and white stripe. I think the fabric adds to the dramatic look of the outfit, with the different angels of the stripe inducing intrigue in the eye of the onlooker. My Fair Lady is accompanied by a crop jacket with a dolman sleeve and collar. Accessorised on this occasion by a wide leather belt that ties into a bow at the centre back. Also complementing the outfit, is a millinery creation consisting of a plaster skull cap covered in vibrant red silk. Accented by a black ostrich feather and hat veil, the piece title “Anastacia”, is a tribute to the great art of millinery and one of the very first pieces that I ever made. Completing the outfit are the stunning shoes from Irregular Choice which while they may not be all that practical to walk in, come up looking a treat when photographed! My Fair Lady is an outfit that I love to wear, and have done so to local Fashion on the Field events and also to a wedding. It is everything that I love about this industry. It shows my true character and love for all things vintage.

 

Outfit Two “Mademoiselle Flora” – The most recent piece to my ever growing collection, Mademoiselle Flora is a piece I was commissioned to make for a local art festival. The piece represents the beauty and colour of the rural area which I live in, with its colours evolving from one season to the next. I live in a part of Australia that has four distinct seasons, with the native flora changing dramatically throughout the year. From vibrant yellows and greens in the spring, through to deep and dark winter hues, our landscape forever evolves. Mademoiselle Flora is constructed from a polyester and cotton body, with a nylon netting forming the overskirt and shoulder straps. The floral tribute which flourishes across the dress, has all been made by hand with many hours of work involved. Constructed from wool, cotton and silk, the embellished flowers each have a vintage button centre and have been strategically sew onto the garment. Mademoiselle Flora is overtly feminine, slightly flirtatious and lots of fun. Accessorised by some fantastic emerald green shoes made from patent leather and suede, this ensemble will certainly turn heads and attract appreciation from any true fashionista.

 

Outfit Three “High Society” – This two piece ensemble is another outfit that I love to wear. The dramatic style of the skirt once again pays tribute to my love of vintage style, but has been constructed in a more modern way. With a wide waist band, the skirt obtains its fullness from separate panels sewn together and pleated at the lower seam line. With hidden hip pockets and a centre back zip, this skirt is so comfortable to wear. The fabric that I used is a cotton blend, with the large floral pattern in a beautiful array of colours, giving the garment an explicitly feminine style. Falling to mid-calf, the length is true to the vintage style that inspired it. The simple yet striking top which accompanies has been produced from a polyester fabric in a deep aubergine hue. The visible metal zipper adds a modern touch to the outfit, as does the crop length with allows the observer to get a full breathtaking view of the skirt, and a slightly sexy vibe to the porcelain skin peeking out from underneath. For this photo shoot I modelled two different style headpieces. The first was purchased from a local fashion business, and was on trend with the boater style hats worn to the Spring Racing Carnival of 2018. In blush pink, this piece tied in beautifully with a clutch of the same tone, and gave the ensemble a slightly French Riviera feel. The second head piece was one I made and wore with the outfit originally. In tones of rose gold, the bandeau style was centred around leather flowers with a pearl centre, gold leaves and black veiling. The aubergine pumps worn with the outfit tie the whole ensemble together perfectly, and give High Society a true Grace Kelly feel.

 

Outfit Four “The September Affair” – Inspired by the flourishing garden displays of the Spring Racing Carnival in Australia each year, The September Affair is another outfit in the Anastacia Rose wardrobe that has a vintage feel to it. Once again it is the fabric that is the real hero of this piece, with the detail on the jacket also making a statement. This design came from a vintage Vogue Pattern from 1951. The original pattern was a one piece dress with a belted waist. I chose to alter it into a two piece ensemble with an extra panel on each side of the jacket to allow for a slightly more relaxed fit. The jacket has a wide turn down collar, and sleeve cuffs that turn up and are held in place by a vintage black and gold acrylic button. The same buttons feature down the length of the centre front opening. Top stitching finishes off the edges of the jacket. The skirt is made up of six separate panels all joined together to give it a flared style. The fabric I used for the skirt is actually a home furnishing fabric and has a ridged texture to it. The stunning floral print in its vibrant spring time hues pay tribute to the blooming roses at Flemington each year. The September Affair is accompanied by a head piece fit for any race day. Made from a sinamay base in matching fuchsia, the piece also incorporates flowers made from the same fabric as the skirt, and perches on the head slightly tilted forward with a hat elastic. To complete the look, a cane bag and tan peep toe block heels were added and give The September Affair a fresh look on a vintage romance.

 

Outfit Five “Midnight in Paris” – The name for this most stunning displays of couture arises from the deep navy silk dupion that it was created with, and a tribute to the grand skill of couture garments born in France. This is a garments that I am most proud of. It was a piece that I designed and produced when I was at university learning the art of handmade luxury. Midnight in Paris was custom tailored to fit me like a glove, with the internal corset structure giving the bodice shape and form. The bulk of the internal layers have been sewn by hand to ensure true fit and great finish. The plunging neck line causes the eye to draw down onto the voluminous skirt below. The cut out back is also a point of difference and shows off the slender spine beneath. With internal metal boing on both the front and back of the bodice, this gown will never go out of shape, or style. The skirt is made from many meters of silk, with layer upon layer of tulle underneath, edges being finished off by silk ribbon. A cotton layer stays closest to the skin to ensure the model has some degree of comfort when wearing such a magnificent ball gown. The pinch effect that covers the skirt was created by literally pinching the fabric together to create a fullness, and hand sewn into position. The centre of these features was finished with a crystal bead. The gown falls long to the gown, has a side encased zip and small covered button on the centre back. Midnight in Paris is not the kind of dress one can easily slip on, and requires an entourage of dresser to assist. But when wearing such a grand ball gown, one should have an entourage in toe! This outfit does not need a gaggle of accessories as her true beauty is more than enough, although a handsome man in a well cut suit would never go astray!

 

Outfit Six “The Emerald City” – The most recent of pieces added to the collection, The Emerald City is surely a showstopper. The tailored blazer is a striking piece due largely to the glorious fabric in which it is made from. The woven peacock textile with its shimmering golden threads, was a splendid find in an unexpected place. The jacket has both an upper and lower section which allows for better fit and a different design feature. The black silk collar which extends into a front lapel, adds a suave tuxedo feel to the piece, and finishes neatly at the centre front waist. The Emerald City has a hidden talent, showcasing a rich indigo lining which peeps through when the wind blows. With no front fastenings, the wearer may feel exposed if not accompanied by some fabulous under garments. On this occasion, The Emerald City was flaunted with a fitted leather skirt and classic black pumps, but can also be toned down and worn for a more relaxed vibe with denim. Unashamedly sexy and somewhat seductive, this piece is no doubt a knockout!

 

I hope that you’ve enjoyed stepping into the world of Anastacia Rose for an expose on all things fine in fashion. I will forever be influenced by the Golden Age of Couture, by Paris and its art, and by Dior and his ‘New Look’. Fashion is supposed to be fun, it’s supposed to evoke feeling, and I believe it should always be first. Whether you’re at work, at play or doing the supermarket run, one should always try to look their best. Fashion is history, fashion is the future, and fashion is who I am. I’m excited to put my designs and talent on display for all to see, and I hope that you will consider Anastacia Rose when you next need something fabulous to wear. I’ll leave you with one of my favourite quotes – “When you work to please others you can’t succeed, but the things you do to satisfy yourself stand a chance of catching someone’s interest” (Marcel Proust). Always be true to yourself.

Love Always, Anastacia Rose xx

 

Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten – Savile Row

 

Tailoring is a pure craft, a skill that requires time and talent. A trade that takes hours of intense labour to achieve a stunning result. It takes patience, a gentle touch and a knowing authority. It is a form of fashion that I well and truly fell in love with, and have remained so ever since. I first fell in love with the art of tailoring when I started my fashion degree. It was a wardrobe in the rag trade that I had not yet opened. I knew little of it, and had no appreciation for it. But as soon as I opened that door and dove right in, I was surrounded by such art, such magic, and some of the finest fabrics money can buy! Yes, I fell in love hard, and have never looked back.

If you look up the definition of tailoring in any fashion dictionary, it will say the activity or trade of a tailor, or the style or cut of a garment. So what is a tailor? A tailor is well skilled in the area of making, mending or altering clothing, especially suits, coats and other outer wear garments. In history, tailors have been predominantly male, learning their craft as apprentices on the cutting room floor. It is still a trade in the fashion scene that is mainly occupied by men, although there are many women who have, or are, making themselves known in this trade. It takes a lot of time to truly custom make a suit, with the client being involved in most processes. From taking intricate measurements to choosing the fabric and trims, having a suit or other garment custom made for yourself is one of the greatest pleasures you can have. And it will be a wardrobe staple that will last you a lifetime!

Through my love of this craft, I learnt about the coveted street in London called Savile Row. And I was lucky enough to visit it when I travelled to England a few years ago. The prestige and pomp of Savile Row was breathtaking. The heritage listed buildings and their lavish facades makes the section of street in the Westminster district something us old school fashionistas can swoon over. It still has an air of grandeur over it, even though the modern world has started to creep in over the last few years. Traditionally, the tailoring establishments on Savile Row would have their showroom on ground level, where clients would come in to be measured up, and their cutting room in the basement. The street dates back to 1731 when it was first appeared, and was completed in 1735. Tailors started to move onto the Row around 1803, when they were primarily constructing suits for military officer and politicians. As more businesses began to set up, the houses were altered to allow more natural light in on the ground floor. The Row got its name from Lady Dorothy Savile, the wife of one of the then estate owners. It was a region highly populated by affluent society, and has kept this air about it for all these years.

The Row has seen many changes come and go over the years. Some of it was destroyed in World War Two, but was later rebuilt. Many of the original buildings still on the Row have now been heritage listed. Tailoring is a trade that began to lose its way in the 1960’s, due to the introduction of ready to wear clothing labels. In 1969, Nutters of Saville Row was established, to maintain this grand tradition, but to modernise its style and approach. Headed by designers Richard James, Ozwald Boateng, and Timothy Everest, the group fought to keep the Row alive, but introduced new ways to do so.

There are some famous names who have been regular clients of the Row over the years, including Napoleon 3^rd, Prince Charles and Winston Churchill. The Beatles also occupied a space at number three Savile Row that they used as a recording studio. It was here that they recorded the track ‘Let it be’, and their final live performance was staged on the rooftop of number three in January 1969. The term bespoke is believed to have originated on the Row. For a garment to be classified as bespoke, it must primarily be cut and sewn by hand. The restrictions around this term however have been loosened over the years, with bespoke tailoring now allowed to be machine sewn, as long as it is still made to measure. It’s estimated that about fifty hours of hand labor per suit is required to achieve the perfect result.

Known as the Golden Mile of Tailoring, Savile Row has in recent years seen the resurgence of the traditional tailor back on its streets. In the 1950’s there were roughly forty tailors occupying the Row, including the greats Henry Poole and Co, and Gieves & Hawkes. This number dropped radically in the early noughties to only nineteen businesses. But by 2014, the Row was flourishing again with forty four ateliers on the scene. There is now also a mix of modern eateries scattered along the Row, and some big name department stores have also managed to filter in.

If you ever get the opportunity to have something tailor made for yourself, then it’s a must do! You will never regret the feeling of opulence and pride when wearing a made to measure garment. The fine craftsmanship, the impeccable cut and the unlimited selections that will be present to you is something of bucket list quality. Tailoring is a true form of art and skill, one that must be appreciated and understood by the wearer to reach its ultimate potential. Let’s hope this magnificent tradition is never lost.

Love Always, Anastacia Rose xx

 

“I avoid looking back. I prefer good memories to regrets” – Grace Kelly

When you think of Grace Kelly, what kind of person comes to mind? The style icon of pure elegance and sophistication, the film star at the top of her game, or Her Royal Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco? She was all these things but so much more, as I’ve discovered whist researching this next blog. I put Grace Kelly in a league of remarkable women. There were a few other influential females during the 1950’s that also have a significant place in history. Think Audrey Hepburn, Sofia Loren and Marilyn Monroe. But Grace is the one I think of first when I’m looking for inspiration for something pure, gentle and nourishing. She not only dominated the world of film and fashion, but became a European royal and continued to showcase her serene taste in clothing while she occupied the Palace of Monaco.

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to see the exhibition Grace Kelly Style, presented by the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum of London, when it toured globally and came to a regional city close to my home town. Being able to get so close to some of Grace’s personal possessions was an overwhelming experience and one I will gladly carry with me forever. It not only highlighted her impeccable taste in fashion and how she continues to influence the runways all these years later, but gave a history into the life she lead as a member of the Royal family, and all of the tremendous work she did for charitable organisations.

Grace Patricia Kelly was born on November 12 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into an affluent family. Her father was an Olympic gold medallist for his country, and worked in politics and as the owner of a large brickwork company. Her mother was a teacher at the University of Pennsylvania, and together the Kelly’s had 4 children, raising them all in a Roman Catholic household. Grace and her siblings never wanted for anything, and Grace attended a prestigious girl’s Catholic school. It was here that she dabbled in the arts, being involved in modelling, drama and dance. From this sample of the entertainment business through her schooling, Grace wanted to pursue a career in acting, either on stage or film. Her father was not impressed by her choice in further studies, but no less agreed to Grace moving to New York to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Being a competent and dedicated student, Grace went on to master her acting skills, and on her graduation, secured roles in theatre productions. From working on the stage, Grace then continued to improve her talent, and moved on to television productions, and then finally landed the Hollywood dream of being a film actress.

In 1951, Grace debut in the film 14 hours, directed by Henry Hathaway. The film was not a roaring success, but it did lead Grace to Gary Cooper, who asked the actress to star in his new film High Noon (1951). From here on in, Grace became noticed more and more, and signed a contract with studio MGM in 1952. The contract was for seven years, with Grace earning $850 a week. In 1953, Grace had her biggest success to date, earning an Academy Award for her role as Linda Nordely in Mogambo. She stared alongside Ava Gardner and Clark Gable. The following year the Academy came knocking again, this time earning the rights to Best Actress for her role as Georgie Elgin in The Country Girl. By now, Grace had cemented herself into acting royalty, and was in high demand amongst producers and directors. One director who Grace formed a close bond with for the remainder of her life was the dexterous Alfred Hitchcock. The pair made a few films together, and Grace became Hitchcock’s number one leading lady. Their first film together was Dial M for Murder (1954), followed by Rear Window (1954) and To Catch a Thief (1955). Following her time with Hitchcock, Grace went on to make two more films before leaving Hollywood. The Swan and High Society (both 1956), were the height of sophistication in Grace’s motion picture career. Over her relatively short stint in Hollywood, only lasting five years before life as a Royal took over, Grace made eleven films.

It was during Grace’s reign as a Hollywood starlet that she met her husband. In 1955 at the Cannes Film Festival in the Mediterranean hideaway of the French Riviera.  A striking young Grace met Prince Rainer Third of Monaco. There was an instant attraction between the two, and the media enjoyed every minute of their courtship. A short time after their initial encounter, the pair announced their engagement, and the future Princess of Monaco had arrived. Grace had to make a sacrifice many women these days would find difficult, giving up her own hopes and dreams to become a Royal. She was no longer able to continue her life as an actress, as royal protocol ensured that she was no longer working, but rather involved in royal duties and obligations (much like todays fairy-tale of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle!). The couple had two weddings, one a religious ceremony, the other civil. The civil ceremony took place on 18^th April 1956, in the Palace Throne room in Monaco. The service only lasted sixteen minutes, but included all the official necessities, comprising of Grace receiving one hundred and forty two official titles! The grand ceremony and religious service took place the following day at St Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco, and was televised to thirty million viewers worldwide. There were seven hundred guests at the reception, including Aristotle Onassis, Ava Gardner, Cary Grant and Gloria Swanston. The gown which Grace wore was designed by MGM head costume designer Helen Rose, and took six weeks and three dozen seamstresses to construct.

The couple went on to have a family on three. Princess Caroline was born in January 1957, followed by Prince Albert (the current serving Prince of Monaco) in March 1958. A few years later, Princess Stephanie was born in February 1965. Grace fell naturally into her role as Princess and took on her royal duties with confidence and commitment. She was offered parts in film and on stage numerous times after her marriage, but was not allowed to accept. This left Grace feeling somewhat incomplete, but she channelled these emotions into giving her three children the best upbringing she could have imagined.

Tragically in September 1982, the world lost Princess Grace in a car accident. It’s reported that she suffered a stroke while driving her daughter Stephanie home, losing control of the vehicle and crashing off the side of a cliff. Princess Stephanie survived her mother, with Grace sadly passing the following day after her life support was turned off. At her funeral service five days later, four hundred mourners attended to pay their respects to this gracious woman. Again Cary Grant showed his solid friendship to Grace by attending the service, alongside Nancy Regan and Diana, Princess of Wales. Her eulogy was given by close friend James Stewart, and through his heartfelt words, Princess Grace was laid peacefully to rest. Prince Rainer never remarried, and in 2005 when he passed away, he was buried alongside Grace in the family mausoleum.

There were many legacies Grace left behind, with none being bigger than her influence on fashion. She has remained a style icon into the twenty first century, with designers constantly looking towards her wardrobe for inspiration. One of the most notable contributions to fashion the Grace made, was popularising a handbag made by designer brand Hermes. Dubbed the ‘Kelly’ bag, Princess Grace was always photographed with this bag over her arm, in what many believe was an attempt to shield her pregnant belly. Even today, the ‘Kelly’ bag is hugely popular among celebrities, and is in constant demand. Grace also made popular the ‘Fresh Face’ look. She always wore her makeup as natural as possible, or even none at all. She had a pale complexion accented by her shiny blonde hair, and had a look of pureness about her. Grace loved fashion as much as it loved her, and throughout her life she continued to follow trends and experiment with new styles as the world changed from one decade to the next. Helen Rose of MGM studios played a large role in the construction of Grace’s wardrobe. During her time at MGM, Rose worked on over two hundred films. She was bestowed the honour to make both of Grace’s wedding garments. At the civil ceremony, Grace wore a beige lace and rose silk suit. It had a fitted bodice with a silk cord tied in a bow at the neck. Lace covered buttons ran the length of the jacket. The skirt fell fourteen inches above the floor in a glorious full hem. Short white gloves, matching lace covered shoes and a small silk trimmed hat completed her outfit. For her religious ceremony, Grace wore one of the most recognisable wedding gowns in history. Composing a high neck, the rose point lace hugged Grace’s arms and torso. A cummerbund of ivory silk was positioned over the waist, and a full skirt cascaded below. The skirt received it’s voluminosity from pleats carefully constructed in the sides and back, with three petticoats and a hoop assisting in keeping it all in place. This most famous of gowns has been replicated many times over for brides across the globe, with a nod of acknowledgement coming from the Duchess of Cambridge at her wedding to Prince William in 2011.

One of the most well-known outfits worn by Grace Kelly came from humble beginnings. At her introduction to Prince Rainer, Grace was wearing a floral dress that was constructed from a 1955 McCalls pattern. The fashion world went crazy for the design, and it is one that I am fortunate enough to have a replica of in my own extensive collection of vintage patterns. The design is said to be Dior inspired, and consists of five yards of thirty five inch fabric. After her wedding, Princess Grace was obliged to support French couture. She was often photographed in the latest designs from Dior, Lanvin and Balenciaga. In later years, she wore designs by Marc Bohen, Yves Saint Laurent and Madam Gres.

The wardrobe of Her Royal Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco has thankfully been kept in glorious condition by her children and fashion enthusiasts. In 2006 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Princess Grace’s wedding gown went on display at what would have been her fiftieth wedding anniversary. Four years later in 2010, the Victoria and Albert Museum put on a stunning exhibition of clothing and accessories worn by the Princess. This exhibition travelled the world, and I was fortunate enough to see it in Australia in 2012.

The Grace Kelly effect on fashion is one that I believe will remain for many years to come. With its overwhelming sense of femininity, sophistication and allure, the Grace Kelly style is a directional influence on fashion that I personally will continue to model. This woman was not only a stunning display of couture, but a loving, caring and passionate lady who did all she could to support her family, her friends and her passions. Vale, Grace Kelly!

Love Always, Anastacia Rose xx