Wednesday, 5 February 2014

Carmen


All this is madness, cries a sober Sage:
But who, my friend, has reason in his Rage?
The ruling Passion, be it what it will,
The ruling Passion conquers reason still.
Less mad the wildest whimsey we can frame,
Than ev'n that passion, if it has no aim;
For tho' such motives folly you may call,
The folly's greater to have none at all.
– Alexander Pope ‘Epistle III. Of the Use of Riches. Moral Essays.’

If you had the chance to see Francesca Zambello’s production of Carmen last month at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, you will have seen the magnificent set and performances in this stunning show.

The beautiful gypsy Carmen warns any man who loves her to beware, but she does not foresee the fierce passion that she will unleash on Don Jose when she seduces him. This dramatic opera shows the destructive power of seduction that can lead men down the wrong path and cause them to lose everything.

The traditional costumes by Tanya McCallin are what bring the 19th century Seville to life in all its bustle and excitement. Zambello’s production has been a mainstay of The Royal Opera House calendar since 2006 and has never failed to captivate people each year so be sure to watch it next year!

At The Little Costume Shop, we are displaying our Carmen maquette in celebration of The Royal Opera House production. The corset is made from period textiles and contemporary woven silks. The underskirt is made from multiple shot silk strips, shaded into the waist and hem, and overlaid with distressed silk tulle. The shawl is made out of fine ‘turban’ cotton, printed with tiny sprigs, bordered with a hand knotted fringe of multi coloured strands. Her shoulder wrap is gossamer fine silk, printed with a subtle gold motif and fringed with ombreed shreds and an edging of 1920s gelatine sequins.

This work of art has been scaled down to perfection and will be sure to delight!

If you would like to see one of our costume miniatures up close make sure you see our ‘Queen of the Night,' which is currently on display at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in their front of house showcase.


Photograph by George Chinn

Vintage Carmen film poster

Vin's studio image

Photograph by Richard Wilding

The Royal Opera House - Carmen

Vin's studio image

Vin's studio image

Vintage gypsy

Carmen costume

Vin's studio image

1950's Carmen -  magazine cover 

Vin's studio pic

Photograph by Richard Wilding

Vintage gypsy adorned with jewels

Vin's studio pic

The Royal Opera House Carmen poster

Vintage gypsy draped in embroidered textiles

Vin's studio image

Vintage Carmen poster

Friday, 20 December 2013

A Very Merry Christmas!


Oh the weather outside is frightful, but this Snowflake tutu is so delightful!

Christmas day is almost upon us and once again the month will be a swirl of crackling fires, mince pies, the smell of mulled wine and pine needles, and rustling paper as we hurry to unwrap our presents.

For this festive season the Little Costume Shop is displaying a very special little fairy, one that would work as the ultimate adornment with her rightful place alongside any Christmas tree.  

This dramatic and elaborately decorated Snowflake ballet tutu from the Nutcracker will make the most unique Christmas gift of all this season. Silver tissue glitters beneath the top layer of silk ombreed tulle. The skirt sparkles and shimmers with a smothering of tiny Swarvoski crystals, antique rhinestones, and original beautifully shaped gelatine sequins adding the perfect final touch to a beautifully decorated Christmas.

Invest in a gift for your loved one this Christmas as special as she is; one that will be the perfect companion for any occasion.

Please contact us at vinilla@thelittlecostumeshop.com or sign up to our newsletter to receive more information www.thelittlecostumeshop.com/weddings/contact

Have a very merry Christmas from The Little Costume Shop!
 
Snowflake Fairy Tutu - Top View. Photograph by Richard Wilding. 

Snowflake Fairy Tutu - Close up. Photograph by Richard Wilding. 
Christmas Tree Fairy

Snowflake Fairy Tutu - Photograph by Richard Wilding. 

Vintage Fairies

Snowflake Fairy Tutu - Photograph by George Chinn.

Snowflake Fairy Tutu. Photograph by George Chinn. 

Snowflakes
The snowflake dance from The Nutcracker. 

Fairies.

The Winter Fairy. Photograph by Richard Wilding.

Vintage Christmas Photo.

Vintage Baubles

Snowflake Fairy Tutu at The Royal Opera House


Vintage Christmas Photo
Vogue Christmas Card.

Friday, 22 November 2013

Thanksgiving Greetings


Ready or not, Thanksgiving is here!

It’s time to revel in all the goodness Autumn brings: sipping hot chocolate, tucking into pumpkin pie and turkey, brisk walks in the rustling leaves watching them become a rainbow of colours from shades of green, to yellow, orange, gold, and red.

To celebrate this time of year we are displaying our ‘Autumn Fairy’ collectible for those of you who would like to gift your loved ones with the most unique gift of all; a miniature ballet costume!
A highly decorative and glamorous tutu made entirely by hand, with appliquéd skirt and bodice encrusted with a combination of Swarovski crystals, seed pearls and very rare, delicately shaped original 1920’s gelatine sequins glinting through from the top layer of lilac and green tinted silk tulle.

If you would like to invest in a little piece of costume iconography, or have your wedding or bridesmaid’s dress recreated in quarter scale, please contact us at vinilla@thelittlecostumeshop.com or sign up to our newsletter to receive more information www.thelittlecostumeshop.com/weddings/contact

Have a Happy Thanksgiving from The Little Costume Shop!


'Autumn Fairy' - Photograph by Richard Wilding

Doris Day with a turkey

Studio 'work in progress' photos - Vin Burnham

Studio 'work in progress' photos - Vin Burnham

Angela Greene with a turkey - 1940

Studio 'work in progress' photos - Vin Burnham

Marilyn Monroe with a turkey

Studio 'work in progress' photos - Vin Burnham

Studio 'work in progress' photos - Vin Burnham

Studio 'work in progress' photos - Vin Burnham

Riding a turkey

Studio 'work in progress' photos - Vin Burnham

Studio 'work in progress' photos - Vin Burnham

Vintage Thanksgiving card

Studio 'work in progress' photos - Vin Burnham

Studio 'work in progress' photos - Vin Burnham


Monday, 11 November 2013

Remembrance Day


In the spirit of Remembrance Day, we at The Little Costume Shop are displaying our miniature red wedding dress in commemoration of those men who fought so bravely on this day in 1918.

As is the case with a poppy, the smaller size of the dress only adds to the beauty along with the draping and beading done by a remarkably skilled hand.

Photograph by George Chinn

 We leave you with this poem "Why Wear a Poppy?" by the poet Dan Crawford.

“Please wear a Poppy,” the lady said,

And held one forth, but I shook my head,

Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there,

And her face was old and lined with care;

But beneath the scars the years had made

There remained a smile that refused to fade. 

A boy came whistling down the street,

Bouncing along on carefree feet,

His smile was full of joy and fun:

“Lady,” said he, “May I have one?”

When she pinned it on he turned to say,

“Why do we wear a poppy today?”
 


The lady smiled in her wistful way,

And answered, “This is Remembrance Day,

And the poppy there is a symbol for

The gallant ones who died in war,

And because they did, you and I are free,

That’s why we wear the poppy, you see.
 


I had a boy about your size,

With golden hair and big blue eyes.

He loved to play and jump and shout,

Free as a bird he would race about.

As the years went by he learned and grew,

And became a man – as you will, too.
 


But the war went on and he had to stay,

And all I could do was wait and pray.

His letters told of the dreadful plight,

(I can see it still in my dreams at night)

With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire,

and the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.
 


Till at last, at last, the war was won –

And that’s why we wear a poppy, son.”

The small boy turned as if to go,

Then said, “Thanks lady, I’m glad to know,

That sure did sound like an awful fight,

But your son – did he come back all right?”
 


A tear rolled down each faded cheek:

She shook her head but didn’t speak.

I slunk away in a sort of shame,

And if you were me you’d have done the same:

For our thanks, in giving, is oft delayed

Though our freedom was bought

And thousands paid.
 


And so when we see a poppy worn,

Let us reflect on the burden borne,

By those who gave their very all,

When asked to answer their country’s call.

That we at home in peace might live.
 


Then wear a poppy,

Remember

And give.



Tuesday, 5 November 2013

It's Guy Fawkes Night!


Wishing you a very happy Guy Fawkes Night from The Little Costume Shop!

It’s that time of year again to huddle around a bonfire and watch the sky twinkle, crackle and pop with all the different shapes and colours of the fireworks. 

To celebrate we present to you our miniature ballet costume ‘The Sugar Plum Fairy;’ an explosion of pink tinted silk tulle encrusted with shimmering 1920’s gelatine sequins, Swarovski crystals and seed pearls. A unique and beautiful gift that would delight anyone with an eye for glamour and sparkle!

Photography by George Chinn

Photography by George Chinn