Edith Head

If it weren't for Edith Head, Happy Yellow Dress wouldn't exist. She designed soooooo much of the gorgeous clothing worn on film by Grace Kelly, (our idol), Audrey Hepburn and the like. These old films inspired us to do what we do, bringing back that classic sophisticated, but fun retro look for everyday wear.

Edith Head wearing her trademark round glasses

Edith Head wearing her trademark round glasses

Edith Head started her career as a French Teacher, and eventually, (shadily), scored a job teaching art, (while taking art classes herself, unbeknownst to her employer). This eventually led to an assistant sketch artist role, also obtained by shady means, (she used her classmate's work in her portfolio), for a designer at Paramount. She would go on to work at Paramount as lead costume designer for over 30 years, only leaving after her 43rd year to work with her good friend Alfred Hitchcock, (another of our heroes), at Universal.

Here is Edith Head collaborating with Alfred Hitchcock

Here is Edith Head collaborating with Alfred Hitchcock

Here is a sketch by Edith of our alllll time favourite dress worn by Grace Kelly in the Alfred Hitchcock film "Rear Window". You can read more about that in our previous post here: http://www.happyyellowdress.com/new-blog/grace-kelly 

A sketch by Edith Head of her dress design for Grace Kelly's character in "Rear Window".

A sketch by Edith Head of her dress design for Grace Kelly's character in "Rear Window".

And here is the resulting dress as worn by Grace Kelly in the film:

Grace Kelly in the Alfred Hitchcock film "Rear Window"

Grace Kelly in the Alfred Hitchcock film "Rear Window"

Welp! That's it for now. Hope you enjoyed reading about one of our many idols! 

Do you have an idea for a blog post? What from the bygone eras inspires you? Let us know and we'll write about it!

Espadrilles

We are obsessed with these vintage style shoes! The easiest way to make a modern summer outfit look vintage, is to throw on a pair of these babies! Shouldn't be too difficult to find a pair, because they are making a HUGE comeback right now. These were made popular in the 1940's by Lauren Bacall  in the film Key Largo.

Lauren Bacall looking all Lauren Bacall-y in her sweet espadrilles!

Lauren Bacall looking all Lauren Bacall-y in her sweet espadrilles!

Espadrilles date  back to the 14th century in the Pyrenees mountain region between France and Spain, commonly known as the Basque region, (Which apparently boasts the most beautiful humans in the world). They were originally worn by both men, and women, which was also the case in the 40's/50's as you can see in the photo below. 

A shot of Grace Kelly with Carey Grant. Both wearing Espadrilles.

A shot of Grace Kelly with Carey Grant. Both wearing Espadrilles.

Although they are super popular for women right now, you mark my words: by summer 2017 the men will be wearing these things, like curly mustachios in the 2010's!!

Humphrey Bogart wearing espadrilles. I'm sure the dog would be too if it were up to him.

Humphrey Bogart wearing espadrilles. I'm sure the dog would be too if it were up to him.

Grace Kelly

Today I will do something a little bit different. Rather than talking about the songs that inspire our dresses, I will talk about the people who inspire us. Grace Kelly is one of those people, cuz she's sooooooooo soooooo SOOOOOOO coooool!! (and pretty and talented and amazing).

Grace Kelly. SO pretty!!

Grace Kelly. SO pretty!!

When I was young, one of my favourite things to do, was watch old movies with my Dad. Alfred Hitchcock was our go to guy for a great scary movie! The first time I saw Grace Kelly was in the classic Alfred Hitchcock film Rear Window, which is still one of my all time faves.  I was around 7 years old at the time and instantly wanted to be her. Her character was so brave and adventurous, and totally capable of keeping up with the boys! (What were you thinking L.B. Jefferies!?!?) Here's a shot from the most suspenseful part of the movie... SPOILER ALERT!!!

Grace Kelly sneaking into Lars Thorwald's apartment. 

Grace Kelly sneaking into Lars Thorwald's apartment. 

So not only was this an amazing movie, with an amazing cast, (James Stewart plays the main squeeze, L.B. Jefferies), but the fashion is incredible!!! 

Still shot from Rear Window

Still shot from Rear Window

Here's an outfit from the movie I tried to re-create. Apologies for the poor picture quality. My internetting skills are limited :p Thoughts?? I love the halter top! Let us know if you think it's something we should produce!! Here's the link to the rest of our instagram photos: https://instagram.com/happyyellowdress/

From our instagram https://instagram.com/happyyellowdress/

From our instagram https://instagram.com/happyyellowdress/

Well! That's it for this week's, (I guess month's), post! Sorry I haven't been around much, We've been busy at Happy Yellow Dress HQ working on some new top secret projects ;)

As always feel free to let us know what you think, or if you have an old song, movie, or person, (old persons are the best!), that inspires you. Maybe we'll blog about it!

You can also check out some of the songs that inspire our dresses over at our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C2qfiM2vjQ Thanks for stopping by :):):)