Cecil Beaton, Millicent Rogers, The Maid and Charles James #3

"Charles James is a superb tailor in satin and has affinities with the French in his master craftsmanship and attention to detail.  He was naturally delighted that her (Millicent Rogers) orders should be so extensive, for it kept his business thriving.  But after having put so much time into the making of four dozen blouses (yes, you read that right: an order for four dozen Charles James blouses!) which he felt were destined for Manhattan Storage, he rebelled.  When Mrs. Rogers maid telephoned a further order, Charles James complained, "Why, Mrs. Rogers is nothing but a hoarder!"

The maid replied, "Not a hoarder, Mr James, a collector!" True to the maid's words, in 1949 Millicent Rogers presented tot he Brooklyn Museum a collection of clothes created for her by Charles James."

Cecil Beaton

Millicent Rogers in a Charles James bouse.  Photo by Louise Dahl Wolfe

love, kisses and classic Charles James, Juliana

Diana Vreeland and Charles James #2

Leading up to Charles James: Beyond Fashion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I will be posting quotes about and from Charles James.  

"He would far rather work and rework a beautiful dress ordered for a certain party than have that dress appear at that party."
Diana Vreeland on Charles James

Now, nearly 100 pieces of James' work will be all be dressed up and ready for the party of the year on May 5th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art!

love, kisses and vintage Charles James, Juliana

Marit Guinness Aschan and Charles James #2

Leading up to Charles James: Beyond Fashion at the Metroploitan Museum of Art, I will be posting quotes about and from Charles James.  Our second quote is from Marit Guinness Aschan.

"And he thought my mother the most beautiful woman.  He wrote to her and said she was the most beautiful woman he ever knew except his own mother."  

Marit Guinness Aschan

Marit Guinness on her coming out:

"Oh it was lovely.  My mother was so sweet and my father too.  And I had dresses, the famous Charles James clothes, they were considered too eye catching, but my mother had the dresses, and I had them with my trousseau as well as my wedding dress.  And these clothes were very famous.

Well, the V & A bought one for permanent showing.  They were very tiny in the waist.  He (James) was a great friend of Cecil Beaton, then they fell out for awhile, but he is considered the greatest dress designer that's ever been, him and Balenciaga."

Marit Guinness Aschan

love, kisses and vintage, Juliana

Austine Hearst and Charles James #1

Leading up to Charles James: Beyond Fashion at the Metroploitan Museum of Art, I will be posting quotes about and from Charles James.  I thought it would be appropriate to start with one of his favorite clients, Austine Hearst...

"I will always remember the magic of wearing one of Charles James' ravishing, romantic ball gowns.  I remember being transformed by him like Cinderella into a radiant princess.  

Everyone turns when I sweep into the room, the gentleman in admiration, the women in envy.

I'm the sensation of the evening, a triumphant opera star, showered with bouquets and a standing ovation, a prima ballerina bringing down the house.

I'm a star!"

Austine Hearst on wearing Charles James