……………………After all of the fashion shows on both sides of the pond were over [the Atlantic Ocean for those who have never heard that expression “the Pond”], WWD would do round up stories of trends seen on all of the designer runways. I got the cover of “THE BEAUTIFUL BLOUSE……a trend that was happening that fall season in the mid 80s…..This silk blouse was completely pleated….sleeves and all….She is wearing a pleated leather cummerbund over a long black flowing wool crepe skirt and boots…The beautiful model is JOKO…..She was an exquisite beauty then…and……she is still an exquisite beauty with a beautiful family. You can’t tell from this photo, but Joko had beautiful long shoulder length black wavy hair…….She had a Audrey Hepburn beauty…..She still looks as if she just walked off the runway!
Thank you so much for your response. Another insight into a designer’s world. I guess my clothes were close but not exact. Fun to make though. And quite different from what was generally available on the high street. I appreciate the time you took to respond.
Dear Mr. Dell’Olio,
What a lovely blouse!! This post reminded me of something that I have always wanted to ask you. I used to sew all my clothes and pretty much stuck with Vogue Patterns. There was a very beautiful Vogue blouse pattern in the 1980’s which was Anne Klein (#2611). They have it for sale on eBay actually. It was my understanding that most designer patterns are replicas of the originals. Is this blouse in picture this pattern or one close to it that you would have designed? Always loved the pleating at the shoulders. Since you are no longer designing your beautiful clothes, I will be going back to sewing as and when I need clothes as there is nothing out there as lovely and affordable as yours. Fortunately, I have quite a stash of Linea. I also have quite a stash of fabric 🙂
Dear Michelle…I’m not that familiar with Anne Klein Vogue patterns. I do know that they came in and worked with my sales manager on selecting certain styles they would buy the patterns for. I do know that discussions were had between them and the production department who made the first pattern for them. I can only assume the pattern was simplified for home sewers. I do know a separate sample was made in the production department that was sent to Vogue for photography. I’m sure none of the Vogue patterns were exact copies of the AK originals.