Glamoursplash

Vintage Shoes for the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:04:00 PDT

Ads for shoes from 1959. I particularly love the Red Ball ad with the striped flats. Wouldn't they look sweet paired with a vintage swimsuit on the beach?

Back to the Sun - 1959

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:50:00 PDT

This is the kind of unhampered exposure the lovely female back deserves. The plunge is deep, flattering - for Catalina follows the natural curves of the back to emphasize the core of it's beauty. The result not only bares you beautifully, but also acts as a perfect backdrop for a glorious suntan. Only a Catalina can enhance your special charms so completely.

Careerist, (in color) an Orlon and Lastex knit sheath flattering the figure from all angles. Buttons accent the low back. Empire bodice $19.95 ($149.58 in today's dollar.)

Primavera, striking satin Lastex leaf print, with square bodice, gathered waist, slimming boy leg, $22.95. ($172.07 in today's dollar.) Matching Cover-Up in fine cotton. $9.95 ($74.60 today's dollar.)

Smash Hit, figure flattery in plaid cotton satin, with built-up shoulders and puckered derriere, $12.95 ($97.09 in today's dollar.) Matching Cover-Up, sleeveless, hip level, $6.95 ($52.11 in today's dollar.)

Sportswoman, sun-baring simplicity in tweed plaid Lastex. Square low back has cording detail on bodice, slimming quarter panel skirt front. $15.95 ($119.59 in today's dollar.)

Sun Stunner, curvaceous sheath in iridescent Lastex with figure controlling uniskirt. Front cowl effect, soft draped back. $19.95 ($149.58 in today's dollar.)

The headline to the pictoral says "Enhance your special beauty with a Catalina." I find it interesting and refreshing that they chose to shoot the models from the back side. Which is your favorite?

Joan Holloway Ringer

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:19:00 PDT

I received a fabulous magazine from 1959 on my birthday this week and I've been busy busy scanning images from it. This one from Ship 'n Shore on the back cover is fabulous. Isn't the model a true ringer for Joan Holloway of Mad Men? Joan is played by the talented Christina Hendricks and has come back to Mad Men's season 4. I'm so glad she's back! I'll be sharing more from this issue all week, stay tuned.

Underwater Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:28:00 PDT

Busy busy day today at GlamourSplash so I'll just leave you looking at this underwater beauty from 1959 and wishing you a blessed day!

Mad Men - Jantzen - Logo Rebrand

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:59:00 PDT

While watching the season premier of Mad Men last night I was excited to see a couple of scenes with the newly formed agency, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, in a pitch with Jantzen. While this is a fictional agency, certainly there is some historical based fact with Jantzen and advertising (J. Walter Thompson worked with Jantzen.) Many of the scenes at the first fictional agency in Mad Men, Sterling Cooper, have Jantzen images hanging on the walls and there is a wonderful swimsuit clad model in the opening credits.

More recently, and based on fact, Plazm was hired when Perry Ellis acquired Jantzen in 2002 to re-brand the Jantzen mark. You can see more of that information here. It's it exciting to see how the Jantzen logo has developed over the years.

I don't think any agency would have thrown Jantzen out on their heels as Don Draper did last night, but this is television. And I can't wait to see more!

A Walk Down Yesterday- Vintage Bathing Suit Parade at Jazz Age Lawn Party

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 07:02:00 PDT

A fabulous video featuring many vintage swimwear styles from the 1920s to the 1980s. I wanna be there! And I love it when the kids are included! PS - the video kept buffering for me, but its worth the wait.

Watumull's Vintage Hawaiian Aloha Shirts

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:09:00 PDT

1940s Watumulls label

Watumull's has been around since 1914, specializing in Hawaiian clothing. Watumull Jhamandas Mirchandani was a businessman selling imported goods from the orient in 1914. Born in India, he made his fortune in Hawaii as a merchant and real estate agent. In 1942, he published the Watumull Foundation to help increase India's national efficiency and promote cultural exchanges between India and the United States.

He was one of the first Indians to arrive in Hawaii. His business center was initially in Manila. The Philippines had recently obtained independence from Spanish rule and the political scene in Manila was in turmoil. With the advent of the First World War, when the US military moved its operation from Philippines to Hawaii, Jhamandas – with his keen foresight for business – decided to move his operation to Honolulu as well. His brother, Govindaram joined him in establishing the “Watumull Brothers” company. Their children adopted “Watumull” as their family name. His legacy is carried forward today by his son Gulab and daughter-in-law Indru. Gulab arrived in Hawaii in 1949.

Watumull's East India Store led the way by commissioning artist Elsie Das to create fifteen floral designs. Her hand-painted designs were sent to Japan where they were printed by hand onto raw silk. According to Elsie Das, a Japanese manufacturer once printed a set of her floral designs on heavy satin by mistake. "These started a vogue in Hollywood. Ginger Rogers, Janet Gaynor and other stars bought bolts of the stuff and had it made into 'seductive gowns.' The result was an epidemic of Hawaiian designs, with hibiscus and ginger breaking out on table cloths, napkins and scarves all over the country."

Vintage Watumull's Hawaiian clothing is getting harder and harder to come by. Most of the examples I found on line are in Japan. I did find a couple on line though that were in English.

1940s Hawaiian shirt available at the Hana Shirt Company

This one is on EBAY from ord_kung

We were fortunate to find this one a little while ago. This piece dates to the 1940s and is made of Rayon. It has the classic coconut shell buttons with horizontal buttonholes, short sleeves and a single chest pocket. Check out that wind collar!

Available at Glamoursurf

GlamourScoop, Talking to Camille Shaheen-Tunberg

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 06:57:00 PDT

First off, a GIANT thank you to Camille for sharing time with us to answer some of our many questions and to send along images to support this blog post. We appreciate the time and effort put forth to carry on your fathers legacy, the family history and to continue to collect, grow and protect the Shaheen brand. You are a true inspiration to many of us vintage afficianados out here, myself included and standing first in line.

Shaheen's legacy has lived on and now his pieces are collectible. Do you feel he ever considered this as a young man?

No. My father’s main goal was to support his family, provide a living for his employees, and create clothing that had meaning. Even in his 80s, after receiving Hawaii’s lifetime achievement award and being honored as one of the 150 most important influences in Hawaii’s history, he didn’t understand how much he had accomplished. When I tried to explain it to him, he said: Honey, I was just doing my job. My father started in 1948 on the site of the original Shaheen family home. His first print plant, Surf 'n Sand Handprints, was established in a Quonset hut on the outskirts of Honolulu in the early-1950s. Within a decade, his clothing and fabrics were famous worldwide. He attributed this accomplishment to the fact that he printed his own fabrics. The image below was the new state-of-the-art factory Shaheen's occupied in 1957.

Shaheen Factory
Honolulu Star Bulletin, 1956

Where did Shaheen draw his inspiration from?

My father drew his inspiration from authentic cultural art, museums, and rare books. He visited foreign countries with his design staff. They would immerse themselves in the local culture and design new prints and a line of clothing based on their experiences. This is why Shaheen fabrics and clothing are filed with imagery drawn from many different cultures. This is also why you find labels with names such as "Hong Kong by Alfred Shaheen," which is the line of clothing he created based on their experiences in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong by Alfred Shaheen label

New York Times
1959

How did Shaheen get the title "Master Printer"?

My father produced five lines a year. In a matter of days after breaking a line, he would see copies of his prints being offered by other manufacturers for a less expensive price. He couldn't lower his prices to compete with the less-expensive copies because he had incurred the development costs. When my father discussed this problem with his staff, someone suggested it was important to tell customers that Shaheen clothing is more expensive because Shaheen is the original -- Shaheen is the Master Printer. My father felt comfortable with the phrase and the label Alfred Shaheen, the Master Printer, was established.

Alfred Shaheen, the Master Printer

An example of one of these copied prints is the Tiare Tapa. Because Elvis Presley wore the Tiare Tapa in his movie poster for Blue Hawaii, the Tiare Tapa has been reproduced for decades by clothing manufacturers and those seeking to market Elvis. Some have even renamed the print "Blue Hawaii." But, as my father stated, the Tiare Tapa was a famous Shaheen print long before Elvis wore it.

Tiare Tapa on
Shaheen's Spencer Dress
1956

Why did Shaheen decide to branch away from the traditional loose-fitting Hawaiian attire?

My father rarely made traditional loose-fitting Hawaiian mu'us. His focus was making women look beautiful and sophisticated. On the rare occasions that he made loose-fitting mu'us, he made them from fantastic fabrics with dramatic cuts. For example, one of the pieces shown in the SJMQT exhibit is a loose-fitting mu'u created from fabric that is heavily hand-screened with Indian paisleys in a rainbow of metallic colors. The yoke is fashioned from black velvet, which crosses the shoulders and dips deep into the back, ending with a black velvet bow.

Loose-fitting mu'u with tiare print
Beverly Noa, 1956

Did Shaheen ever produce children's clothing?

Yes. From the 1950s through the mid-1960s, children's clothing was a big part of Shaheen production. During the 1950s, families loved matching outfits.

Shaheen Fashion Show
Hawaii, 1955

Bazaar Magazine
Mid-1950s

Do you have a favorite design?

My favorite design is the Pua Lani Pareau. Like the Tiare Tapa, the Pua Lani Pareau has been reproduced indiscriminately by clothing manufacturers for decades. Although a contemporary Hawaiian shirt company has renamed the print and uses it as its signature print, the Pua Lani Pareau will always be an Alfred Shaheen original. The Pua Lani Pareau is the most famous Hawaiian print in history -- it is synonymous with the Hawaiian mystique and a visual representation of Hawaii throughout the world.

Pua Lani Pareau

Shaheen Tea-Timer
1955

What steps are you taking to continue the brand?

The Alfred Shaheen name and prints have been licensed for different products. This month, Suburban Home, a division of Duralee, is unveiling Surf ‘n Sand by Alfred Shaheen, a line of fabrics for indoor and outdoor furnishings. Also this month, FreeSpirit Fabric, a division of Westminster Fibers, is releasing 25 Hawaiian and Asian prints on fabrics for crafting, quilting, and home sewing. Seascape Lamps produces Shaheen lighting; and in 2011, we’re looking forward to rugs by Chanda Rugs and dinnerware by Precidio Design. In addition to licensing, we create unique prints for special clients. For example, for Huggo’s Restaurant on the Big Island, we designed a special Tiki Pareau print to cover 1,600 square feet of outdoor umbrellas.

Tiki Pareau Umbrellas
Huggo's Restaurant
Hawaii

How large is your collection of your father's work?

My collection is substantial because I collect men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, and fabrics, patterns, original textile designs, vintage photographs and advertisements, shoes, hats, jewelry – even perfume! My father also created magnificent drapery fabrics, which I also collect, along with documents and business-related items from Shaheen's, which existed for 40 years.

Are there plans for a Shaheen museum?

I’d love to be involved in helping to establish a museum that would include not just Shaheen, but all of the Old Masters of the Hawaiian garment industry. It would be important that such a project also include the special and creative people who contributed so much, but who are rarely recognized. Examples of such people are the brilliant textile designers, Bob Sato and Tony Walker, and fashion designer, Richard Goodwin. Another example is the innovative Pat Dorian, who invented the reverse-print shirt. Dorian's invention set the stage for a revolution in Hawaii's fashion industry and business world.

Bob Sato, Tony Walker & Richard Goodwin
1955

How did the current show at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles come about?

My father's death in 2008 brought a new wave of appreciation for his accomplishments. Museums and historians contacted me to arrange for exhibits, advising me that my father's globalization of ethnic imagery on textiles and clothing spawned the multicultural aesthetic "fusion fashion," which is the combining of different cultural elements and traditions in western-styled clothing. They advised that the fusion fashion design aesthetic he originated is now recognized worldwide as the visual marker for transnational Hawaiian culture and our modern-day informal, environmentally aware, multicultural West Coast "American" lifestyle. The show at the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles will travel to Michigan, Washington, Hawaii, and Los Angeles. A separate museum exhibit focusing on my father's design aesthetic is scheduled to open next summer in Orange County, California.

Alfred Shaheen
1955

All images provided and copyrighted by Camille Shaheen-Tunberg and may not be used without permission.

Interview with Camille Shahee-Tunberg is a coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:15:00 PDT

We were going to conclude our week of Shaheen posts this week with an interview with Camille Shaheen-Tunberg. We are going to receive her answers this weekend so I'll do a teaser post and let you read a bit of her Q & A with the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles located here. You will be able to see our interview with Camille on Monday! Stay tuned, you don't want to miss this. Please check back, and thank you Camille!

Alfred Shaheen Aloha Shirts

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:35:00 PDT

Elvis Presley Blue Hawaii Album cover 1961

Tourists began flocking to Hawaii in the 1950s as faster airplanes allowed for easier travel and the former U.S. territory became a state in 1959. Tropical Aloha shirts and Hawaiian sundresses became souvenirs for tourists to the area. But it was Alfred Shaheen who raised the quality of the Aloha shirt to an art form. He hired his own artists, made his own prints, had his own factory and raised the bar on quality construction.

Shaheen Surf 'n Sand Aloha 'Angel Fish' Shirt from Kim at FastEddiesRetroRags

Shaheen initially began his business by producing 'Aloha Shirts' but they were different from his competitors in types of styles, and prints. Shaheen's original aloha shirts were crafted with material imported from the mainland US, but he realized this wasn't a viable business structure for the long term. Shaheen soon after launched his own printing plant and created his own fabrics, called Surf 'n Sand Hand Prints. Prints were inspired by the native designs out of the South Pacific, Hawaii and Asia.

Vintage 50s Silk Shaheen Hawaiian shirt from Spit Fire Vintage

Shaheen also began a tradition that remains prevalent in the design of Hawaiian Aloha shirts today: horizontal button holes. Not all of his shirts had horizontal button holes but most did, although there does not seem to be a rhyme or reason why Shaheen deviated from the standard practice of making vertical button holes.

Vintage cotton Shaheen Shirt from chaz-marthabooks

Vintage Shaheen shirts are very collectible these days and getting harder to find. Aloha.

Vintage Alfred Shaheen Roundup

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:24:00 PDT

Today we look at some vintage Shaheen clothing we have or have had over the years. Plus a round of vintage Shaheen dresses that were or are currently available on line.

This first piece I just found over the past couple of weeks. Its a wonderful heavy rayon twill vintage mid 60s dress, with a fabulous matched fabric panel front and back California Poppy print on a very soft yellow background fabric. I've never seen a heavy rayon from Shaheen. I've have held and seen lightweight rayon prints from him but this one is pretty exceptional.

And then there is this Shaheen cotton swimsuit playsuit which we sold off of our Glamoursurf site quite a while ago. Isn't it fab?

This maxi dress is still available from us here. Perfect as a resort wear ensemble.

Another fabulous cotton Shaheen dress we have sold.

And a rare example of Shaheen stepping out of his traditional Hawaiian boundaries. This one features greyhounds (I think) in a long maxi skirt. the design wraps around the skirt with the dogs and landscape. This one has also sold.

Then we has a scrumptious new old stock vintage 70s dress that had the most unusual inner bustline treatment. It held the bust in place by an inner maneuver I'd never experienced before. Also off to a new owner.

And finally our piece de resistance. I loved this 1950s wiggle sarong dress. It was basically new old stock and had the fabric swag that draped over the shoulder and over the back of the dress. I was so pleased to see the fabric hanging at the recent Shaheen show. Also, gone to a new owner.

Kapa Poni Poni - Early 1950s Cotton Yardage - This fabric was designed by Shaheen after studying Hawaiian Kappa at the Bishop Museum.

Meet Linn. She is a fellow VFG member and visited the "Fifty Years of Fashion in Hawaii" exhibit wearing her Shaheen Sarong Dress with bolero. She is standing in front of a Kamehameha swimsuit with a very similar pattern. Linn sells vintage jewelry on Ruby Lane. You can find her shop here.

Another VFG member SecondLooks had this sweet swimsuit playsuit at one point. It's the same print as Linn's but in a different color.

This pristine piece is available at a reasonable price from Wearitagain of ETSY.

This silk bombshell beauty is available at Planetclairevintage on ETSY.

This piece is available from DesertRoseVintage.

As with all vintage you purchase, make sure all of the information you need is in the listing. If not, ask. Buying a piece of history to wear is classic and timeless. I can guarantee that most vintage clothing quality is far superior to any modern day bought at the mall piece. Happy shopping!

Alfred Shaheen Fabrics & Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:26:00 PDT

Continuing with our GlamourSplash week of posts on Alfred Shaheen, today we focus on Shaheen fabrics.

Recently, a new collection of indoor & outdoor Alfred Shaheen fabrics have been brought into production. In keeping with family tradition, Camille Shaheen-Tunberg has teamed up with distributors to launch a new line of Shaheen fabrics. Debuting in July at Suburban Home, The Surf And Sand Indoor/Outdoor Print Collection captures fanciful patterns that evoke memories of luaus, sultry breezes, and the sweet scent of plumeria leis and adds a fresh twist with new scales and colorways to fit today’s modern applications. Suitable for the sofa in any Tiki Hut or hanging outdoors on the Lanai, Surf And Sand Indoor/Outdoor Prints are designed to add notes of paradise to any setting while maintaining the durability required to face the elements. For those of you in Portland, you can visit Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery showroom in Portland, Oregon to see some samples.

For those of you who sew or quilt, Westminster Fibers and Free Spirit Fabric have teamed up with Shaheen to launch vintage hand prints for quilting and sewing. These will be available in mid to late July. Imagine sewing your own pillows, creating frames, adding a tropical touch to your decor with your own crafting imagination.

To pull it all together and complete your decor you might like an Alfred Shaheen lamp. The folks over at Seascape Lamps offer a selection of pendant, table and floor lamps all with Alfred Shaheen designs and the prices are very reasonable.

And of course you can always scour the web for true vintage Alfred Shaheen fabric panels. We've recently spotted these:

Pumpkintruck has this 45" wide x 56" long panel of pink fan fabric available.

AusableRiverTrader has a 43" x 53" vintage piece marked on the selvage with wash care instructions stapled to the back.

VintageTempest has a fabulous butterfly panel WITH a Shaheen sewing pattern to boot.

Sewuniquetreasuresandgifts has two beautiful Shaheen border print panels.

Whatever you decide to sew or decorate with these is up to your imagination. Hope you have fun creating your own tiki style!

Alfred Shaheen - Fabric to Fashion Show Review

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:47:00 PDT

If you are anywhere near the bay area, San Jose specifically, you need to take time,or make a road trip to see the most fabulous show at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, Shaheen Fabric to Fashion. The show runs through August 8th, 2010.

I recently had the opportunity to view this show and it's like walking into a vintage time machine. Albert Shaheen was a pure genius. The museum has brought together an amazing collection of Shaheen fabrics, dresses, swimsuits, men's shirts and a selection of buttons, labels and drawings all artfully displayed with history and dating. Camille Shaheen-Tunberg has amassed a wonderful display of her fathers work and I'm so very grateful that she is sharing it with us.

Kapa Poni Poni - Early 1950s Cotton Yardage - This fabric was designed after studying Hawaiian Kappa at the Bishop Museum.

Pom Pom - Mid 1950s Cotton Yardage

I was completely enthralled when I walked in and did an inner jump for joy. Seeing this much Shaheen in one space just made me feel like a kid in a candy shop. The swim wear was completely amazing. The quantity and quality of the dresses, from wiggle to sarong to sheath paired with selections of fabrics and matching men's shirts left me in awe. There are drawings by his fabric artists and designers to amazing hand printed fabrics that were produced by his craftsmen.

Wall of Shirts - Early 1940s - 50s Rayon and Cotton Shirts

Tradewind 02 - Early 1950s Cotton Dress with ribbon belt.

Shaheen was inspired by Hawaiian flora and fauna and combined this love with Polynesian, Asian and Middle Eastern imagery to create a synergistic fusion of tropical style with modern fashion. He is credited with creating the Hawaiian look. Alfred, who came from a Lebanese American family, had grown up in the textile business and learned from his parents. He opened his first shop, Shaheens of Honolulu, in 1948. He began by hiring seamstresses trained by his mother and started screening his own fabric designs and then he hired artists and trained them. He began with 4 machines and 6 employees while he did the fabric cutting. He initially started by producing 'Aloha Shirts' but they were different from his competitors in types of styles, and prints. He was known to send his artists to museums and libraries to research designs as well as to travel to gain knowledge of cultural ethnic designs.

Indian Border Painting - original gouache artwork from Shaheen textile design

Octopus - Early 1950s Cotton Two Piece Bathing suit

Alfred developed his own large scale imagery, differentiating himself from other manufacturers by creating 24" repeats in his designs. Most of his competitors were creating "hash" prints with a 15" repeat in the design. He also created fabulous border prints which he used successfully in his garments. This set him apart from other manufactures of Hawaiian style clothing and made him the king of the Hawaiian garment industry. 1n 1950, the Korean war tied up not only money but fabric so Shaheen said "If I am going to survive in this business, I have got to control the fabric."

Happy Talk - Mid 1960s Cotton Dress with Belt

Display Case - On the top of Asian Spring fabric yardage is a selection of Alfred Shaheen labels, hang tags, story hangtags and assorted buttons.

His textile artists created over 6,000 designs between 1948 and 1988. Shaheen said: "What I did was to make my designs more demonstrative. The first this I did was to have my artists go into the Bishop Museum and study the tapas, and look for artifacts that could be illustrated. Basically what I wanted them to do was create a textile design that had some meaning to it, to write a story about each textile design. We tried to put in more substance into the design, and on the hang tag we'd write the story behind the design." Man, what I wouldn't give for one of those hang tags, or even the dress behind it!

Lace Fans - Mid 1960s Triacetate & Cotton blend Dress

Tiki Tapa - Mid 1950s Cotton Bathing suit

Joss Sticks - Early 1950s Cotton Sundress

Tahitian Girl - Early 1950s Cotton Dress with Straps

Alfred, ever the innovator of his time, went on to market his own in store three dimensional boutiques called 'East Meets West" in high end finer department stores; such as Bloomingdales and Bullocks, helping him to brand his line of clothing and swimwear. He eventually had 140 of these stores across the USA. Tourists and manufacturers helped to spread his clothing and prints throughout the US.

Geisha 02 - late 1950s Silk Angel mu'u

The exhibit will travel to the Arab American National Museum in Michigan, Washington State University, Maui Cultural Center, University of Hawaii, then to Los Angeles to FIDM (tentative). There will also be another exhibit at the Fullerton Museum in Orange County, California next summer that will focus on the Hawaiian design aesthetics of Shaheen.

Special thanks go out to Connie DeWitt, Jess and the staff at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles for providing images of the show. There are even more images on their website located here and here and here. A Bravo to Camille Shaheen-Tunberg!

Be sure to come back and visit GlamourSplash this week as we'll be blogging about Shaheen all week with a very special surprise thrown in!

Childrens Vintage and Vintage Inspired Swimwear

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 07:39:00 PDT

Aren't these just the cutest little vintage swimwear inspired looks for your own little baby doll? I found these on line, they are available from Chichanella Bella. From what I can tell, Cara just launched her online store this past June.

Sandy Bottom

Seaside Sweetheart

Salt Water Sammy

Sailor Sadie

Lifegaurd Lulu

Her site is a tribute to her Grandmother. How sweet is that? Here is her story:

"Intrigued by the styles of days gone by and inspired by my grandmother's ability to be so content and happy with the simpler things in life I created this whimsical children's swimwear line, Chichanella Bella Swimwear, to recapture the days of innocence.

I have an affinity for the more feminine and delicate fashions of earlier decades. This collection reflects influences of the 1920's through the 1950's. Ruffles, flowers, polka dots and stripes give this vintage inspired swimwear line for babies and children a nostalgic feel. Paired with matching hats adorned with ruffles, flowers and bows, the swimsuits carry such whimsical names as Pink Taffy, Cotton Candy, Lifeguard Lu Lu and Seaside Sweetheart. Thoughtful touches such as snap bottoms and hand rolled flowers are just some of the details that make this collection distinct.

Chichanella Bella was the nickname my Grandmom Mary gave me as a child. She always said it meant, beautiful little one. My Grandmom was a widow who worked as a seamstress. She dedicated her life to her three daughters. She was a simple woman who never learned to drive, never flew in a plane or ventured far from home yet was as happy and content as can be. Mary Mastroeni's life and ways always remind me to slow down, enjoy the natural gifts in life and find happiness inside my own four walls."

So if you've got a wee one and want to dress her up in vintage styled swimwear, go on over and shop Chichanella Bella. Of course if you want a true vintage swimsuit you can shop at Glamoursurf. We've just received a large collection of vintage children's swimwear which we will be launching in the next couple of weeks.

Sports-O-Rama Vintage Swimwear Style

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:06:00 PDT

I LOVE Sports, and when I can find images of people on the beach in vintage swimwear participating in sports related activities, I just have to share. Interesting that I don't have many images of men and sports in old school swimwear, you'd think that would be the norm and I'm sure it was/is norm, but at GlamourSplash we bring it on with the gals in vintage swimsuits cause I just don't have that many photo's of guys in this subject matter. I think this first image of boxing is my absolute favorite. Come on, 1920's gals with bobs and gumption! What's not to love? Perhaps this was me in my former life?!?

Seriously, this is so posed, I'm not into fighting, but I really do love this image.

Beach Golf circa 1929

Sailing 1935

Girl with a Gun, Donna Drake 1942

Shotgun Sidecar 1920s

Fishing, early 1950s

Gymnastics, 1927

Archery, Joan Blondell

Hula Hoop, Marcia Henderson 1950s

Skin Diving

I challenge you to send me images of men doing sports in vintage swimwear so I can publish them here. I'd love to do a post on the men too! TYVM

Vintage Swimsuit Fashion Show

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 12:53:00 PDT

We were thrilled to find this video footage of the Australia Wintersun 2010 Vintage Swimsuit Parade on Super Kawaii Mama's site recently. The parade was produced by our friend Nicole from Circa Vintage Clothing. Nicole did a fabulous job of selecting models, styling and producing the show. I was so pleased to see many of the suits she purchased from us at Glamoursurf for this show.

Also the little girl in the video is wearing a 1940s yellow cut out swimsuit purchased from Glamoursurf by her mom. I love seeing out suits worn by live models. It just goes to show how fabulous anyone can look in a vintage swimsuit, even the little ones.

A Little Bit of Swimsuit Time in 1948

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 06:45:00 PDT

Just to get you in the mood for the weekend festivities. What will you be wearing?

Vintage Romper Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:27:00 PDT

I got a twinkle in my eye yesterday when I was listing some vintage clothing patterns on our Glamourstich site. I was just about to list this cute McCalls pattern and then thought , no, I'm going to keep this one for myself. I haven't pulled out the trusty sewing machine in awhile and this would be a fun project. Not to mention that I think the romper is just super cute and the pattern looks fairly easy. The knee length jumpsuit isn't bad either, that would be fun to make in a nice light weight gauzy material.

Vintage 80s McCalls 7599 Pattern

For some fabric inspiration I went looking through my images and came up with these. Both of these rompers are available over at Glamoursurf, Aren't they cute? One is pink the other is turquoise. I love the way the top is solid and the bottom is an ethnic print. And there is something wonderfully forgiving about the 'bubble bottom'.

Kate Moss in a romper. The stripes are a nice effect to lengthen the torso but I don't think I'm that advanced of a seamstress that I would be able to line up the pattern of the stripes if I went that direction.

This is an image of Emily Wilkens from 1946. While its a two piece suit and jacket, it has a similar effect with the bubble bottom, but it's in stripes. I either want to do a print or a solid.

This piece is nice from the Salt Swimwear Collection at Sirene. I like black, always have, but I think I may go for a lighter color. Hmmm, maybe I'll make two if the first one comes out and fits well, black may be a nice option for an evening romper. Now off to look through my fabric stash to see what I have that may work for this.

1920s Swimwear Bathing Beauties Fashion Video

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:52:00 PDT

1920s swimwear Fahions

Vintage Swimwear Stills

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:50:00 PDT

A wonderful small video featuring vintage swimwear. Enjoy!

Photographer Lisette Model

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 07:29:00 PDT

Today we look at Lisette Model (1901-1983), Austrian-born American photographer. A pioneer of her time, her photographs reflect an era when photographers used the world as their stage. She had an enthusiasm for her surroundings and human behavior, whether it was the mundane world or the rich and fashionable, she found them to be worthy of attention. "Shoot from the gut!" were the famous words that Model lived by and would repeat to her students time and again.

I became enthralled with some of her work, especially the Leg Series taken in New York.

1940-41 - Running Legs , 42nd Street, New York

She also has quite a few images of people in swimwear, this is just one.

1934 - Promenade des Anglais, Nice

1956 - Man with umbrella Belmont Race Track

You can find a book of her work available here. Enjoy and have a fabulous weekend.

Are You Man Enough?

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 06:05:00 PDT

The Emporio Armani Spring Collection for 2011 features men's one piece swimwear. I gotta say I like it. I'm glad to see a designer going back to the archives and reinventing men's one piece swimwear. I'm sure the inspiration came from men's swimwear of the 20s & 30s with a bit of 80's racer back turned front ways. But that's just my impression.

And then there are those who choose to use the reinvention of the mankini that BORAT helped to reintroduce. Somehow the top hats in this image help to offset well, the bulges. Dudes, these weren't meant for you! Dress age appropriate! Maybe they were doing a polar bear swim, idk.

We've got one original 1920 wool one piece for men left over at Glamoursurf, sorry guys this is modeled on our female manni as we don't have male one to fit. These go quickly when we get them.

And finally, just for a little levity, we give you this.

This video reminds me of Spring Break anywhere, but I give this dude kudos for, yeah well....

So what say you, are you man enough to sport this ?

Beached Blonde - Fiction Illustration Artist Robert Patterson

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:28:00 PDT

This is such a fun illustration by Robert Patterson from Colliers magazine, 1950. The title of the fiction story is "Bleached Blond." He couldn't really see her without his glasses, but he got the distinct impression that his girl was a honey.

The tag on the image itself reads" She sat down glumly and poked a pretty toe in the sand. "It just happened last week, so I'm not used to the idea yet."

I'll be reading this today when I take a break from the computer. It's just too campy not to ignore.

After studying art at the Chicago Art Institute and in Paris, Robert Patterson began his career as a cartoonist for Judge and Life, and on the staff of French Vogue. He has done illustrations for dozens of magazines, for advertising and other media and for numerous books, and is a portrait painter as well.

Surfing History

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:16:00 PDT

Hubba Hubba. I must say I'm very impressed with this site I just found about the history of surfing in Australia. My hat, ok swim cap, is off to you Geoff, you've compiled quite a bit of history on Surfing on your fabulous site. If you have any interest at all in surfing history, surfers, music, pictures etc. I urge you to go visit surfresearch, you'll be glad you did!

With Love for all the Fathers in my Life

noreply@blogger.com (Glamoursurf) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:22:00 PDT

Let's start at the beginning, well sort of, at least from a photographic perspective. The young man on the right holding the ball was my Grandfather, William King. This picture is from 1913 where he played basketball for the Ashburn High School basketball team.

He and my grandmother, Hallie King, had two daughters, Barbara and Nancy. Nancy LaBonnie King. This is my grandpa and my mom when she was a toddler.

And here she is with him in Michigan about 1942 as a young girl. I have many fond memories on my grandfather.

As a young man my dad was in the air force. This image is of him from 1951, just around the time he met my mom. Pretty dapper wouldn't you say?

My maternal grandmother met my father and introduced him to my mom. They were married soon after a brief courtship.

My parents went on to have 5 girls. My dad traveled a lot when we were children, he was a shoe salesman so we moved quite often. He's had many hobbies over the years; fish, motorcycles, golfing, photography and sailing to name a few. He had his own boat and sailed quite extensively when we lived in Santa Barbara. This picture of him is one from those years on his boat.

This is dad and me in 1979.

And here is my mom and dad in 1988.

Another picture of dad, mom, sister Jody and her family and my baby Paige in the early 1980's.

Dad is a wonderful dancer. This is him with Paige and my niece Sophie at my sister Brenda's wedding in San Francisco.

And here we are all 5 sisters with my mom and dad at my fathers 80th birthday party last December. Left to right: Brenda, Barb (R.I.P), dad, mom, Becky, myself and Jody.

This was my husbands dad as a young man. He was 'tata' to me.

And one of the last photo's I have of him before he passed. Tata was a farmer and worked hard all of his life to support his family of 5 kids. Without him I wouldn't have the love of my life, my husband.

I recognize my husband Trent as a father who brought me the most beautiful gift of all, my daughter Paige. She is now 18 and just graduated high school.

So to all the fathers who have been part of my life, I love you one and all. Thank you for always being there to support me in thick and thin, for your love and lessons learned and for the many memories I have to hold on to when you are not here. Happy Fathers Day!