The new episode of Downton Abbey tonight was such a welcome change of pace and visuality from the nausesously high octane, emotionally manipulative X Factor with it's sci-fi punctuative effects - ITV's new period drama offered a kind of rich visual feast for the eyes to really be enjoyed, especially after the characteristly ADHD style film set up of the previous programme. For its credit, the directors of X Factor sure know what they're doing and damn they have almost complete control of my tear ducts for the time being, this show is best enjoyed alone and my snotty blubbering every time some babydaddy's dream is crushed in front of the cameras on some exotic isle is just too much to handle!
Sartorially I am in love with this new perios drama series. ITV last attacked Sense and Sensibilty with real fervour and seriously pulled off a fantastic series, squaring right up the the BBC's reputation nd territory over the likes of Pride and Prejudice.
Of course the backdrop of stately home and countryside the strain of which only England can effectively deliver is sumptuous but the particular black autserity offered by the servants and mourning clothes is delicious. The buttoned-up beauty of the costume really got me dreaming. I love the detail like pin tucks and pleating on the servants uniform and the reflection in the upstairs lot's riding and evenign clothes. There was some yummy mesh elements on the gowns tonight paired with prim high necked collars with delicate trim. Also the shimmer of neatly beaded gowns in black glass, catching the light with the smoothness of shark skin. But particularly the collars.
I have always loved a good collar, and I am now even more searching after a way to make myself the Carven at Joseph detachable white silk collar I've seen in last months Vogue. If I could just find out how to do it I'm sure having a range of collars would add the prim element that a collar can add to a look.
My friends new coat from Topshop with a furn collar trim reminded me of the coats my mother had me wear, dressed up like some Victorian postcard child, with a black velvet round collar, matching covered buttons and lined muff. Kind of ridiculous for a girl who wanted to play making mud patties under a tree but none the less, these things do stay in your subconcious.
I guess there's the school uniform element as well, then the Twiggy style minidresses with big peter pan collars, accentuating the juvenility of the trend. Something a bit taboo about the overtly shocking and sexual new heights of the hem twinned with the child like neckline of course, adding intrigue.
Downton Abbey manages to showcase some lovely big low necked collars too, shawl style, sailor style in silks and coloured cottons. mm delightful.
Looking up Carven, a brand bio on fashionencyclopedia.com indicates tendencies that I realise I completely sympathise with!
"Carven's designs from the late 1940s through the early 1960s, while conforming to the prevailing stylistic tendencies of the period, are distinguished by the delicate decorative detail that flatters the wearer without overwhelming her. Trims at collar and cuff are frequently executed in all variations of white lace and embroidery. Occasionally, coolly plain white linen collar and cuffs assert the propriety of the wearer while enhancing an image of chic self-assurance."
Read more: Carven - Fashion Designer Encyclopedia - century, women, ancient, men, dress, style, new, body, history, collection, dresses, designs, jewelry, world http://www.fashionencyclopedia.com/Bo-Ch/Carven.html#ixzz11KnIgmD2
So there!
Some research will follow, now becasue collars are on my radar so I'll post soon with the goods!
