Ivan Sayers and SMOC Present: A Masquerade Parade: From Venice to the Catwalk

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

On Sunday, October 20th, from 2-4 at Hycroft, we were treated to a gorgeous fashion show, in two parts and a dramatic fencing exhibition by women and men.  The biggest surprise for me was just how many people dressed up!  Here are a few of my favorite looks. There were costumes, hats, jewels and fabulous shoes at the latest SMOC event.

Co-ordinated outfits from Ivan's collection were mainly from the 18 and 1900's but he also featured a recent one, designed by a costume student who made hers from dark green garbage bags, surely a way to recycle and upcycle!  A Women's Fencing Costume from the 1890's is a very popular yellow and a red heart is displayed right over her heart.  En Garde!  The skirt was recycled.  Imagine sporting in a long skirt.

Here, Ivan rescues a Medieval "Lady of the Lake" in her Art Nouveau Roses cotton print, with a fancy belt for a very tiny waist and cascading curls to match.  This romantic two piece is from 1903-1906 and certainly wouldn't be out of place in any garden by a lake. (First image)

Rebecca models an 1893-94 gold and blue 'statement' reportedly worn by Mrs. Saks of Saks 5th Avenue and features both fringe and flounce.  Puffed sleeves, Catherine De Medici high collar and pointed V waist detail (the rich can afford to keep their figures) is definitely for a most formal occasion. Lots of material and different types were used in this one.  In those days, they didn't get paid to wear designer dresses, however, her fan is a very effective, early form of advertising for Singer Sewing Machines.  On one side, it features complimentary patterns and colors and on the back, the ad.

This picture outfit actually represents painting and everything to go with it.  From 1908, it has Kimono sleeves, (Oriental influence from more and more travel) dabs of paint as pattern, a palette hat, paintbrushes and is made of plain, unbleached cotton.

At the end of WW1, the emphasis was on abundance.  Travel is extensive and both Oriental and Egyptian influences are evident.  1922-23 King Tut's tomb was opened and women wore 'headdresses that copied the exotic and extravagant.  The dresses lose the bustles and boned corsets and the figure disappears.

A lot can happen in two hours so to find out more and have lots of opportunities to show off your finery, go to SMOC and find your own suprises.  Ivan's next SMOC event is at Fluevog's shoes, on Granville, November 29th at 7.  See the old and the new - extraordinaire looks from the past and present.  See you there.

Diane Park and Sharon Capadouca

Diane wore all black because the Venetians wore only black and white
for Carnivale.  Her vest is by Elie Tahari and features a high, ruff
collar.  Kurdish riding pants are embroidered around the pockets.
Split toed boots are from Royal Elastic Company, L.A. and remind her
of Cirque du Soleil.

Sharon Capadouca is wearing a stunning blue St. John "Santana Knit"
with machine embroidered ;eacock feathers across the shoulders and
back.