What says Parisian high fashion better than...er... Minerva, the Roman goddess of war, wisdom, and lots and lots of yarn? Yes, smart goddesses everywhere know armor and togas are out, and knitwear is in! And this "Paris Book" from 1935 showcases all the glamor.
Why just look at our cover model! So, some might say she looks rather severe. Or a little like a man in drag. But that's the nobility of Minerva, yarn for all occasions. I mean, just look how sexy knitwear can be...
Er, okay. So maybe she looks like the organist down at the church trying to catch the eye of the dishy new vicar. But this is French fashion, and we know it is so because the outfit is called "Angers." That's "ahn-jjairs," a city in France, and not a commentary about how hot and irritable you'll be in head-to-toe tightly-knitted clothing.
Need an outfit for the next time you're leaning on a wooden fence in the rolling French countryside? Well, how about this little "French Triumph" called "Champlaine"?...
Certainly rough and picky wood, and wool fibers, are always the perfect combination!Or maybe the Champlaine is a little too much for your tastes. Maybe you're looking for something more demure... sweet... more girl-next-door. Then why not knit yourself the "Falaise" in dark coral "velveen" yarn?....
Yes, you might have to fake good cheer like our model here. But even so, in yarn up-to-your-neck, you'll be certain to get noticed! And isn't that worth it?Ah, but maybe that's not quite enough yarn for you. Maybe the Falaise allows just a bit too much skin to breathe. No problem! That's why Minerva designed the Bordeaux Four Piece Ensemble...
Hat, blouse, skirt and vest, all of glorious knitting! Even the buttons are made of yarn-- a true knitwear triumph!Well, what about those rare special occassions when you need a full-length gown and-- gasp!-- you can't wear knit?
Who says you can't wear knit? You'll be the belle of the ball with this "Antoinette" ruffled knit dress! Guaranteed that no other woman will have one like it!And how about for a quick trip to the park? This "Rayole" pattern "has a charming restrained note and is fashionable for travelling and for crisp autumn days"...
It's restrained mainly because its sleeves are so tight it's a little hard to move in. But just look how thrilled our model seems to be in wearing this cheeky little number! No, she's not really gritting her teeth. No, she's not sweating through her girdle. Knit is It!
Just ask these two fine ladies, chatting away at the docks in their Minerva Paris Fashions...
Just a happy day in the sun for our models. Like this woman in the "Normandy"...
Look at that beaming smile, not at all forced or pained! And her friend in the "Touraine" looks... er....
Perfectly natural.
But what if you really like pattern? What does Minerva have for you then?
Why the "Toulon" might be just the thing you're looking for...
"The novel jabot collar and tie give an air of great distinction to this smart costume of Dusteen. The brilliant stripes of the combined yarns give a note of boldness to the design." And don't forget the Pinnocchio hat! A must-have to top off any stripey creation!And lastly, what if you want a knit dress with just the right amount of cling?
You'll want to whip up the "Nancy," as modeled by Renee Zellweger here. It's made of special "Minerva Rayona," an exclusive new yarn with the rich sheen and softness of real silk, cool enough for the warmest climate."Because when we think tropics, we think knitwear!
Well, that about wraps it up for today. I don't want to hold you all back any longer than necessary, because I know you've all been really inspired to pick up those knitting needles and make yourself some brand new couture.
PS- Don't forget the hat!
7 comments:
Fun stuff! All those knitted dresses are entirely too hard for me to make. I think I'll stick with my recycled plastic bags.
Cindy- Have you considered making a dress out of recycled plastic bags? I mean, it could open up a whole world of new ideas for you? :)
Well, there are actually yarns made out of recycled plastic bags, and some incarnations of "fleece" are similarly created from recycled plastics.
But several of these outfits actually look pretty good [maybe not the stripey number, and the skirts/ruffles are dated]. The problem with knit skirts, though, is the tendency for things to sag, usually _just_ at the wrong moment..
I was actually thinking they look comfy to wear, certainly not now that the sun is coming out but say in the fall and winter they'd be just right for office living. :)
blows my mind that someone would do that by themselves though, I'm all for letting a machine do the knitting. LOL
I live in the Canary Islands (spain) and considering the temperatures we're having already, this clothes give me the creeps!
Had a good laugh with your writing though - as I always do here! I love your blog.
Rhet- It was the sagging and the getting picked on things that seemed to be one problem. The other was layer after layer of knit stuff--- I mean, a good knit sweater is warm. But layers of the stuff... yipes!
I think it's why none of the models look happy.
Chyna- And then you'd catch a thread on your chair, or the door knob or something... and WOOO! Chyna's got runners in her skirt! :) Your office would be lively, anyway.
Carolina- Heh, yes, I can only imagine. I somehow don't think it's as appropriate for travel in all climates, as they claim! :) Glad you had fun with it!
Those knits would be perfect for my northern winters! I love to knit, and do quite a bit of it, but some of those patterns look a bit complex. that one with the ruffled on the backside is too bizarre for words!!
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