Vintage Miscellany – February 16, 2014

Because none of us are tired of winter yet, and because the people in the Southern Hemisphere are looking forward to cooler weather, I thought I’d post this photo of the best ski jacket I’ve seen in a while.  I haven’t quite figured out what all is going on in the print besides the skiers, so I’ve posted a larger image of it at the bottom of the post.

I’m sure you have noticed her feet, with one shoe having a built up sole, and the other in a sock or a cast, perhaps?  My guess is that the photo was taken in the late 1940s or early 50s, but it’s a bit hard for me to say with certainty.

*   Nanette Lapore continues to be dedicated to keeping most of her production in New York City.   In this interview she explains why.

*   Daniel Harris rescues old Victorian looms and such, and he is actually manufacturing cloth from them.  Great video from the BBC.

*   This history of Marimekko is fun and colorful. Thanks to Christina for the link.

*   The Fashion Historian blog is doing a series on Elizabeth Keckly, the former enslaved person who was the dressmaker to and friend of Mary Todd Lincoln.

*   Okay, I’m really sorry I made fun of that Ralph Lauren Olympic sweater.  They are now selling on Ebay for around $1600.  And I spotted one in this fantastic video of two headmasters dismissing school.

*   In 1932 Pendleton made a special Olympics blanket, and it even is labeled as such.

*   Due to the fact that I’ve been snowed in for a week, I’ve not had the chance to see The Monuments Men.  There is an article at Bloomberg about how many stolen works of art did make their way out of Germany, and there are some major museums that have suspect pieces in their collections.

*   Regardless of your opinion on wearing fur, you will find the thoughts of designer John Bartlett (and Ralph Rucci) to be interesting.

*   Want to see my favorite shopping place?  I thought so.  

*   And finally, read this article, “Grown-up Clothes” just because it will make you feel good.