Yves and Trapeze

At the 2017 Sandra Stillwell Eternal Style Convention in Richmond, I was able to see the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the VFMA (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts). Called “The Perfection of Style,” it was my first real introduction to the famed designer’s work. This post focuses on the dress called "L'Eléphant Blanc," which he created in 1958.



Here is the description from the catalog when it was on exhibition at The Met in New York:

Creating the trapeze silhouette for Dior, Saint Laurent has a rigid understructure veiled under a fly-away cage. A boned corset anchors the dress but allows the delusion of a free swinging cone. Seeking a shape for independence, though still tethered, the “Eléphant Blanc” dress also employs a shimmering embroidery on net that requires a finishing flourish to the thread work on a transparent surface. Thus, in both surface decoration and in structure, Saint Laurent gained the effect of ethereal, bouyant freedom while retaining the structure of the couture. From the earliest works at the house of Dior through the designer's accomplishments in his own house, Saint Laurent has practiced and perfected this modernist wielding of couture construction and proficiency to seem wholly unfettered. Manufacturer: Rébè. Date: spring/summer 1958. Culture: French Medium: silk, metallic thread, glass, plastic.

In short, it was nothing short of an architectural masterpiece in addition to being a groundbreaking piece of fashion.

Sandra Stillwell took on the daunting challenge of recreating this piece in miniature, despite the many challenges, such as the intricate beading. Here’s the promotional photo I took for Sandra at the convention:



What she had her “elves” put together is definitely a miracle in miniature.



One of the most difficult things about creating miniature is getting the fashion to hang properly without looking too bulky. This one does as well as can be expected, considering the amount of layers (there is an undergarment) and of course the lining.



The wig that was sold to go with Trapeze (Sandra’s title for the dress) was the perfect choice, beautifully executed by the famed doll wigmaker Ilaria Mazzoni.

See more Sandra Stillwell doll fashion photos at my website.

Sandra Stillwell Eternal Style, Part 4

We have reached Saturday night, the final dinner for Sandra Stillwell's Eternal Style event which was a salute to Christian Dior and Yves St. Laurent. The centerpiece was titled "Versailles."

Attendees received "Alla," named after Alla Ilchun, one of the most famous Christian Dior models.



Pre-orders included "Junon," which caused jaws to drop and attendees to gasp. Get a load of that beading!



My very favorite was "Glittering Trapeze," which caused wallets and purses to explode! Wow...this one was a runaway hit.



"Métamorphose" was another favorite of mine.



Here are a few shots of my tablemates, beginning with this one of Vera and Larry:



Larry and Wayne:



Kelly, Larry (photobomber!), and Vera:



Lynne and Diane:



I was really fortunate to have such a fun and talented table. It made this year's event a blast. Michael upped the fun factor again as well by challenging attendees to create their own paper doll in an homage to the ones by Yves Saint Laurent featured at the VMFA exhibit. Everyone was given a "naked" doll and crayons, but were allowed to use whatever materials their creative hearts desired. The results were amazing!



1st runner up Holly Goldman's creation:



The lineup of contestants awaiting their prizes:



Helen from California shows off her winning creation:



A tie for First Place between Sandy Hayes and Judy Richardson:



Monsieur Michael returned to dazzle Julia with his predictions!



Huge kudos to Michael for not only making the Convention fun, but for making my behind-the-scenes photography of the fashions such a blast, too.



A shot with the talented Tommy Courtney (aka Tommy Doll):



The Helpers getting ready to bestow more gifts:



For me, the highlight of the evening was watching Michael's excitement as he won the crazy looking Lucille Ball doll during the Helper Raffle. It was love at first site!



Somehow attendees dragged themselves out of bed for Sunday Breakfast. Most likely the draw was the centerpiece titled "Maymont Park":



Pre-orders included two of my favorites "The Richmond Room":



...and "Monument Avenue," named after the controversial street with the Confederate Monuments. I can assure you no tar was thrown at this beautiful suit!



I always enjoy the Inspirations presentation, which shows what inspired the fashions that Sandra tirelessly picked and shopped for fabrics from all over the world. And I do mean all over. Sandra doesn't just go to JoAnn's; she flies to Paris and New York and picks the VERY best!







"Ambassador's Daughter" was inspired by an outfit worn by Olivia DeHavilland in a film of the same name:



Naturally, Sandra received a standing ovation:



Where will Sandra take us next year? Stay tuned!

See more Gene Marshall photos at my website. You can order these Sandra Stillwell outfits at her website.

Sandra Stillwell Eternal Style, Pt. 3

Saturday began with a breakfast presentation of "Models and Muses," with a centerpiece titled "Lasting Impressions." This trio of lovelies sported the same dress but three different colored coats.



The presentation was about some of the models and muses for Christian Dior.



I love the way Madame Bricard thinks!



It was time for Michael to unveil the next table gift...



and it was Mitzah, inspired by Mitzah Bricard (aka Madame Bricard).



In a total "squirrel" moment, here's Tommy Courtney showing off his insanely detailed (in a VERY good way!) version of Red Riding Hood. WOW!



Back to the convention...and another meal...

The centerpiece was "Granville." It was a toss up as to which was a bigger hit; the outfit or the miniature bottle of Dior perfume!



It ain't easy taking a good photo!



Attendees received one of these two outfits, titled "Simone." My fave is the red.



Some of the other outfits available for pre-order included these two favorites of mine: "Talisman":





...and the elegant "C'est Dior":





We were treated to an appearance by Monsieur Michael, Clairvoyant:



His amazing predictions had the audience enthralled.



And so did the Trent doll that was given away as a prize, costumed as Monsieur Michael:



Come back for Part 4, the Grand Finale!

See more Gene Marshall photos at my website. You can order these Sandra Stillwell outfits at her website.

Sandra Stillwell Eternal Style, Pt. 1

I just returned from my second Sandra Stillwell convention; dubbed "Eternal Style," the location was Richmond, Virginia. Arriving early to photograph the fashions for Sandra, I was immediately put to work and sent off to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to pick up the brochures on the Yves St. Laurent fashion exhibit. The brochures weren't ready to pick up yet, so I utilized the time to photograph the surrounding area.



This statue had me mesmerized.



Nearby was the Confederate Memorial Chapel.



The inside was beautiful and well kept.



I'm a sucker for stained glass.





After picking up the brochures, I headed back to the host hotel and got busy with my camera. My first event as an attendee was Thursday morning's tour of the Maymont Estate.



I guess I would live here if I could; just maybe...



Some of my tablemates (Kelly, Vera, Lynne, and Larry) posed for this photo; what a fun group to hang with!



Want to see a few shots of the inside? I thought so...



Mae West would have loved this bed:









A trip to the Jefferson Hotel for lunch followed. This historic hotel was spectacular.







Posing by Thomas Jefferson's statue:



A candid shot of Diane, Wayne, Larry, and Vera:



Our lunch spot, Lemaire, which included a brief history of the hotel by one of the staff:



Besides the delicious lunch, it was fun sharing stories and of course a few laughs. Reba is one of a kind...in a good way!



Dessert:



If you think that's enough for one afternoon, you've obviously never attended a Sandra Stilwell event. She definitely gives you your money's worth. A trip to Cary Street and the Byrd Theatre was next...





with a screening of "The Grass is Greener," starring Jean Simmons. "Per-Simmons," worn by Simmons in the movie and designed by Yves St. Laurent (pattern recreated by Tom Courtney) was given to attendees.





And then after a bit of a rest, convention attendees gathered for a dessert reception in the hotel ballroom. This incredible backdrop by Sue Connor caused jaws to drop:



"Wrapped in Style" was the centerpiece:





Once again, Michael Basala served as the event emcee. His contribution to making Sandra's events fun is priceless.



He delights in the behind-the-scenes anecdotes, prizes, and games. This year, he created a new game called:



He gave contestants a sentence and then they had to guess who said it. It was a definite hit!

Attendees received "Renee"; Michael dramatically raised the big box for the reveal:







This preorder of "Dior and I" was a convention favorite:





MUCH more to come. We've only scratched the surface!

See more Gene Marshall photos at my website.