Blast Off

Tomorrow night "The Astronaut Wives Club" premiers on ABC. Based on the novel of the same name by Lily Koppel, the series centers on the wives of the "celebrity" astronauts of the 1960s. It remains to be seen whether the period series will rise to the level of "Mad Men", but certainly it will fill the void left for those of us who love a show with lots of vintage clothing! Dorothea's supplied some pieces to the wardrober, but we'll have to wait to see what makes it past editing!

Meanwhile, I've curated a few items on the site based on this ARTICLE about the different styles the wives wear. Anxious to watch the show and see all the clothing!! ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB COLLECTION at Dorothea's Closet Vintage

Au Revoir Madame

French designer Madame Carven has passed away at age 105. Born Carmen de Tomasso, she orginally opened her design house with the petite woman (like herself, standing at only 5'1") in mind. The name "Carven" was a combination of her own first name and the last name of the aunt that inspired her love of couture, Josy Boyriven. In the years following WWII she dressed such French luminaries as Edith Piaf and Leslie Caron. Her talent combined with her knack for marketing led to contracts designing uniforms for over 20 different airlines as well as Paris's female traffic wardens. Her elaborate designs for bustier bodices also led to her patent for the push-up bra! A brilliant talent, her gowns are breathtaking works of art.

Spring 1951, this detail is incredible.