Pictured: The designer, Sue Wong at her Los Angeles Spring 2011 show. (Photo: M. Hall)
You really can't say that LA Fashion Week is really LA Fashion Weak with designer Sue Wong on the scene. October 15th she bought the sparkle, and the missing glamour, to LA Fashion Week with a curated show at her design rooms. The show was entitled, " Glamour Goddesses: A Tribute to the Goddesses of the Pre-Code Silverscreen." Fittingly, Sue Wong's corporate office, the old Bullock's Wilshire advertising department, is just a few steps away from the old Bullock's Wishire store off Westmoreland Ave, where Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Marion Davies and others all shopped. I had the privilege of speaking with Sue Wong at her opening about the collection and her inspiration. When asked why she wanted to pay homage to the old Hollywood styles, she tells me , "I loved the period. The women in films then were so strong." "Think of Mae West, and all her great sayings," Sue continues. She said, "A hard man is good to find." This is the kind of originality and sexuality coupled with glamour and strength that Sue Wong wanted to convey into Spring 2011 collection. The collection looks like it could walk right out of the Bullock's Wilshire fashion show of days gone by. There are sequined gowns with panels, 1920s short flapper gowns, short silk jackets embroidered with lovely beaded designs that look like Jean Harlow wants them back in her closet, and finally, above the knee cocktail dresses with plenty of beading. There are gowns and styles inspired by Jean Harlow, Tallulah Bankhead, Joan Crawford, Mae West, Barbara Stanwyck and Marlene Dietrich.
The whole effect is stunning, and whether you wear a Sue Wong on the red carpet or just for a special evening out or party, the effect is sure to be transformational. Sue says, "These Glamour styles spread the elegance and magic of the Hollywood era. And I think we need that right now." It's true. Viewers flocked to the movies during the depression for escape via Hollywood fantasy. In the current economy, a little Hollywood escapism is well placed. Here are some of the highlight's of Sue Wong's Spring 2011 collection.
Pictured: This short silk pink jackets has beautiful beaded designs on the back, and looks like something Jean Harlow or Carole Lombard would covet to wear over a silk bias gown. (Photo: M. Hall)
Pictured: Two of my favorites: A strapless white sheath dress and gorgeous long beaded gown with lace godets. The embroidered beaded bodices on these gowns is incredible.
(Photo: M. Hall)
Pictured: Sue Wong Spring 2011 dresses for cocktail wear. There are one shoulder dresses as well as strapless gowns. (Photo: M. Hall)
With all the hand work, and intricate beading on these gowns, I asked Sue Wong how long it takes to make one of these amazing dresses. " Each gown takes 45 days to make, " says the designer. Clearly, there are no modern short cuts to old time Hollywood Glamour. The effect is pure magic. Look for the Sue Wong Spring 2011 collection at retailers like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue. And remember, all these stores have sales and offer their customers coupon savings. Just watch for the savings on Sue Wong and set up some Google alerts to catch the sales. These Sue Wong pieces are investment pieces. They may be pricier than say something from a discounter or Big Box store, but these dresses are classic will be wearable for years. As Mae West said , " You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." Sue Wong definitely does it right with this collection.
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