The Sulis LookBook
After pouring over this week's MET Gala looks, it got us thinking about our very own well dressed individuals that are sitting in the studio just waiting to be admired. With such a large collection spanning centuries, we’ve got a pretty rounded idea of how fashions come and go. From regency beauties to zany dresses of the 80s, our shelves are a physical tribute to clothes and what they say about the people who wore them. That being said, we simply do not have enough black and white, feather-themed artworks to stick to the Karl Lagerfeld MET concept, but we hope you’ll give us the benefit of the doubt and enjoy this stroll through fashion history all the same.
Nothing says high fashion like the intricate kimonos of a 19th Century Geisha. These two woodblock prints are wonderful examples of the luxury that Geisha clothing exuded with their flowing fabrics to detailed patterns. We particularly love the tiny dog on one lady’s shoulder!
Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912) - 1879 Japanese Woodblock
Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912) - 1879 Japanese WoodblockA Geisha And Her Dog
E.L Edwards had a real talent for capturing the moment. This collection shows the artists’ need to portray the people and what they wore in a really honest way, making for a captivating selection of paintings. The Zany Shirt is one of our favourites, not many can pull off an orange so bright!
If we could go back in time and talk to this young sitter we would tell her to wear this lovely dress with confidence. The plaid in her dress is offset with a lovely lace collar lends itself to the scholarly theme that the artist is going for in this portrait.
Alexej Von Jawlensky was renowned for his bold depictions of women in bold, interesting dress choices. This great portrait inspired by his study of Resi, perfectly captures Jawlensky’s exciting use of colour.
Although we can only see his silhouette, we can see enough to know that Mr Burrow was a well-dressed chap. We love how the artist has captured the fine length of his necktie and the tiny bow in his wig!
This fantastic piece is inspired by the portrait of Julie d'Angennes by French painter Claude Deruet. The artist cuts no corners in capturing the intricate detailing of the Shepherdess’ fine dress. From lace ruffles to golden embroidery, we could spend forever ogling at the craftsmanship within this painting.
This striking costume design by theatre designer and director Mircea Marosin shows the humble beginnings of an extravagant costume. We’d love to see how this one turned out in real life!
Mircea Marosin (1921-2007) - Contemporary GouacheThe Regal Bohemian
We love the joyful colours in these traditional 19th Century European Folk dresses. The delicate accessories and intricate patterns in both costumes are exquisite!
19th Century Engraving - Traditional European Folk Dress
We love the seriousness of this study of a Sicilian woman dressed head to toe in traditional Italian clothing. The flat-top linen headdress was extremely popular in Sicily in the late 19th century helping us to loosely date this painting.
Late 19th Century Watercolour - Portrait Of A Sicilian Woman
A ball gown fit for a Disney princess. Cinderella, you shall go to the ball!
We love it when a painting comes in and you can just tell that the artist loved painting the textiles. The soft folds of this woman’s wrapped gown and delicate headscarf are captivating.
With the striking dress and punk rock hair, this woman certainly knows how to make a statement through her stylistic choices! We love it.
A Newmarket double-breasted waistcoat and a crisp white shirt. Now that’s what you’d call a sharp suit! (The polka dot bowtie is a great touch!)
Every detail of this portrait is administered with care and precision. The delicately beaded tunic brings the eye down to the linen sleeves and striped skirt line all of which is captured in an expert hand. Set against a deep, rich background, everything about this painting screams elegance in the most subtle of ways.
