Belle, the story of Dido Belle Lindsay

Many of you may recognize this famous portrait once thought to be by Zoffany of the cousins and bffs, Dido Belle and Elizabeth Lindsay -

The portrait (or rather the individuals in it) have inspired a new movie, Belle, which is due out in the Spring and Summer.  Mark your calendars!  As many historical movies about women tend to do, Belle will focus on romance (and race) in the life of Dido Lindsay but it also looks like it will follow her interesting role in the family.  Check out the trailer here:

I must say this looks promising!  The costumes and hair look like they may also pass the test.  I'll be keeping my out for this film.

Royalty Descended from Tarts

There's been much fuss over the upcoming movie, The King's Speech, starring Colin Firth as George VI, Queen Elizabeth's father.  Enchanted Serenity has a great post on George VI's relationship with his wife, Elizabeth, the Queen Mother who died at 101 in 2002.  Before she was queen, Elizabeth was Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.  Does that last name sound familiar?

The late Queen Mother is a decedent of Mary Eleanor Bowes the heiress with the amazing tale of domestic issues and survival.  Elizabeth's last name, Bowes-Lyons was created when Mary's first husband, John Lyon, Earl of Strathmore married her in order to secure the Bowes fortune.  As a condition for inheriting the fortune, John had to legally change his name to Bowes-Lyons which the Earls of Strathmore continue to carry to this day.

Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the current queen which features on the back of Scottish 10-pound notes is also the former home of Mary Eleanor. 

The King's Speech is in select US theaters now, will be released in Canadian theaters 10 December, and in UK theaters 7 January.

Scifi Art Deco Rococo Fashion

My history obsession is not limited to the 18th century; the 1920's is a decade that I just can't get enough of, especially in terms of fashion.  So when TCM played the fully restored version of Metropolis this past Sunday, I gleefully tuned in.  In brief, the 1927 silent film is a sci-fi adventure with some amazing imagery and a underlying message.  Parts of the movie that were cut for American audiences were, until recently, thought to be lost forever.  Luckily an original unaltered copy was found in Argentina.

One of these newly re-added scenes, is a short display of Art Deco costumes in all their splendor.  Apparently their vision of future couture was dabbling in fashions of the past (not too far from the truth, no?) and fairy-like outfits.  A certain domino-inspired creation gets the appropriate screen time it deserves (video link here).  One has to admire the sassy backless dress which looks like some of the pannier dresses we've seen on the runway lately.  Perhaps the costume designer was inspired by Pietro Longhi paintings?

Old Hollywood

Don't you love those old black and white films with all the glitz and glamour? I especially like them when they portray our favourite century. It's always a clash of two different fabulous fashions.







Passion (1919)

Sacramouche (1923)


Monsieur Beaucaire (1924)


Madame DuBarry (1928)

The Divine Lady (1929)

The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934)


Marie Antoinette (1938)

That Hamilton Woman (1941)


DuBarry was a Lady (1943)

Bedlam (1945)


Mrs Fitzherbert (1947)