One of the very first weddings I wrote about on Love My Dress inspired me hugely to learn more about the fashions and style of the 1920's. The wedding was that of Vicky Rowe, owner of 'Vintage Teasets', an adorable company specialising in vintage china hire and the styling of antique and vintage tableware dating from the 1820s up to the 1950s. Vicky was hugely inspired by the 1920's when it came to styling her wedding, as you'll see here. Vicky's beautiful dress was a Flapper Girl style replica, that she purchased from LeLuxe Clothing Company.
I was keen to learn more about this company and their amazing art-deco style wedding and evening dresses, and so got chatting recently with founder and owner, Jill Anne Schliesmann, who runs LeLuxe Clothing Company with her husband, Shane Burroughs. Together, Anne and Shane design and reproduce handcrafted gowns inspired by the 1920's, and whilst the business is located in Hollywood, California, LeLuxe clothing ship worldwide, with most of their clientele being based in the UK and Australia.
"I moved to Hollywood about 12 years ago to pursue a career in
film/television costuming. As part of my training, I spent a year
working in the oldest costume house in the industry, Western Costume.
Mostly working with textiles from the 1920's and 1930's, I found that
there was a lot of demand for these fashions, but very little to offer.
Most of the beading, silk, and embroidery were in terrible shape. I
took a few design classes and started a part-time reproduction business
on the side. Eventually it became a full-time business which my husband
and myself both work on.
Below left – The Clara Cream, $275 / £180
Below right -the Egyptian Turquoise Gold, $140 / £92
Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2010, LeLuxe Clothing Company ~ Click to enlarge
I love that LeLuxe designs are so extremely well priced – £180 for the beautiful 'Clara Cream' dress above left is truly outstanding value for a 1920's replica beaded dress. Imagine this with 1920's style finger curls, red lipstick and vintage inspired accessories?
I asked Jill why she was so inspired by the 1920's…
"I've always been in love with this time period. The colours, the beading, the embroidery – it's art. It doesn't really exist in modern day clothing and it brings so much joy to the wearer. I see it every day. This is where my heart is."
Below left – The Vamp Cream Crystal, $245 / £160
Below right – The Lilian White, $185 / £121
Can you describe the LeLuxe Experience?…"A
client can expect the very best from LeLuxe. We've spent many years
perfecting our product…the best manufacturer and the best materials.
We're proud to say, we've never had a return due to quality. Customer
service is a priority too. We're available for consultation by phone or
by email 7 days a week. We're happy to spend as much time as needed to
ensure a happy customer."
Below left – The Charlie
Below Right – The Empress, $225 / £147
Where do you seek your
design inspiration?…"My design inspiration is from my
home, Hollywood. I'm surrounded by both its history and its future
every day. It's exciting, creative, and always changing. I love it."
Do you have a Muse?…"I
don't have anyone in particular in mind. My "muse" is Hollywood. I aim
to take it's past and bring it into the future. LeLuxe Clothing celebrates femininity, life, and the modern world."
All prices are provided on the LeLuxe Clothing website though a price
list can be provided upon request.
LeLuxe are currently looking for a UK stockist, and, some extra good
news is, that in the future, Anne and Shane will be expanding their
day-wear line, concentrating on cotton dresses with Art Deco prints and
embroidery designs.
Wow! In addition to these absolutely stunning dresses, LeLuxe Clothing Company also offer a range of accessories, including bandeaux's and beaded caps. I can't wait!
For further information, visit the LeLuxe Clothing Company website.
♥