Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Seeing Double





Yet another "Seeing Double" post. Now I'm sure many of you will have seen this image of Jenny Boyd, looking the adorable sixties dolly she was, posing in a red London telephone booth before. The picture was taken in 1965, when London boutiques were then overflowing with shortened hemlines and bright, and playful designs to reflect the changing face and place of youths in society. Here is an image of another model wearing the same dress as Jenny and striking a different but very sophisticated pose. The dress is called the "Sunburst" dress, and was created by designer duo Foale and Tuffin. It was made of crepe wool and featured a matching tie belt as can be seen in the images. There are certainly no questions asked as to why it was titled as so. The gorgeous colours and sloping lines like rays from the sun speak for themselves. 


Which model do you think wore the dress better?

Both simply look stunning, but I must say I prefer Jenny's modelling of the dress as I think it better encapsulates the idea of the playful and youthful nature of fashion at the time. 

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22 comments:

  1. Great spotting! I definitely prefer Jenny Boyd's version! she looks so happy and she matches the phone box! The model looks like its just another dress shes had to wear that day.

    Why are there no sunburst dresses anymore!

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    1. Thanks! And I know, dreaming I could own an original Foale and Tuffin piece *sigh*.

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  2. Definitely Jenny Boyd, she looks like she's having far too much fun! x

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  3. Hi, Lucy in the Sky! If I disagreed with you and Cat I would say so but, in this case, I don't. I prefer the Jenny picture for a number of reasons. An exciting candid always beats a staged modeling pose. The image on the left looks fresh and spontaneous. It conveys a sense of motion, capturing Jenny in the middle of a giggle and in the midst of realistic action, either going into or coming out of a phone booth. I also like the fact that she's wearing a watch because that particular accessory, being both functional and ornamental, instantly conveys the impression that the wearer is smart, sophisticated, organized, important, powerful and affluent and well as stylish. As a child of the 50s and a teen of the 60s I can tell you that 90% of all girls were already wearing a watch as a fashion staple by the age of 10. Some started wearing one much earlier than that. During the first decade of the new millennium watches declined in popularity among young people but have made a tremendous comeback in the last couple of years.

    I hope your week is going well, dear friend Lucy. Good night and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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    1. Hi Shady, very good observations and noting of the watch statement! I didn't imagine many people would pick that up! I love watches as a statement, and have a beautiful 1940's watch that I used to wear even though it did't work because I thought it was so pretty. I've been on the lookout for a nice petite and simple watch for a while now, hopefully I'll find one soon. I don't think I could pull off a big bold one like Jenny's.
      Enjoy the rest of your week!

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  4. Hi :) I'm Iwona and I am a blogger and illustrator :) I just found your blog, which is interesting and cute:) I really like it :) I would like to show you my blog and my illustrations and If you get a second, I' d love to hear your thoughts on topic my illustrations and blog:) I greet:)

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    1. Thank you, Iwona. I'll be sure to check out your blog.

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  5. I'm going to have to disagree with everyone - I prefer the second picture of the model, simply because you get to see the dress better!

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  6. Uhh.... I am definitely going to have to make a dress like this soon. I also like the 2nd dress photo better.

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    1. Would love to see it if you decide to make one like it!

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  7. wow i am in love with that dress! looks like such a fun spring/summer piece!
    Personally, i can't decide who wore it better. I like both ways the girls look. From fun and running around to polished and a bit sassy, i love them both. Really great how versatile this dress can be :)

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    1. It's fab, right? And it's always great when clothing is versatile.

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  8. Thanks so much for your comment, it means a lot!
    I can't decide who wore it better but I want that dress! :-)

    Have a great day,
    -Kati

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  9. I have to agree with the majority and go with Jenny, her happiness shines through the picture and really makes the dress feel fun! I do like the other model too though, it shows how the dress could be dressed up for something a little more formal.

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  10. oh yes it is clearly to see where the name comes from!!! gorgeous on both ladies,but on the model the dress is better to see in all its fabulousness so i maybe prefer this one;)

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  11. I like Jenny's telephone box shot the best, but then I have always been drawn more to this type of photography than your standard model pose. I used to spend hours wandering round the city I lived in with a friend taking oodles of pictures in children's parks and in phone boxes or on railway bridges.

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    1. How interesting. It sounds like much fun and I imagine you have a lot of good memories circulating around that. What a lovely way to spend spare time.

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