Anyone who is mad about vintage clothing probably lives amongst stilletoed couches, honey colored, streamlined credenzas, and white bulbous ceiling lamps. We will travel to the edges Earth for some deadstock vintage wallpaper or bolts of vintage fabric. But now you don't have to wait for that unlikely score.
Beudesert London has licensed a collection of fabrics based on Sir Cecil Beaton's sketches entitled "Sketchbook" which includes wallpapers and fabrics depicting vintage couture-clad society ladies and swarthy sailors. The images are based on Beaton's fashion sketches from his 1954 book, "The Glass of Fashion".
This collection adds a bit more humor to the already established collection of fabrics and wallpapers featuring Beaton's and Zika Ascher's works from the 1940s. Drawn in 1948 by the legendary Sir Cecil Beaton and commissioned by Zika Ascher for use in his contemporary collection of haute couture textiles, these designs feature check and stripe coordinates, as well as florals.
Sir Cecil Beaton (1904-1980) was a master photographer of the 20th century, who despite his modest upbringing, was able to make his way into the intoxicating world of the glamourati and high society through his stunning fashion and still life photography. In addition to taking photographs, he styled, sketched and wrote about the debutantes, movie stars, and royalty he worked with. He loved the worlds of creative, famous and glamorous people and you could see his passion in his work. Beaton's talent was so desirable that he had opportunities to work with such icons as the Queen of England, Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn, and many more. His eye for design took him beyond photography. His stage designs were unparalleled for Hollywood productions such as 'Gigi' (1958) and 'My Fair Lady' (1964), for which he also won Best Costume Design Oscars.
Zika Ascher (1910-1992) fabric spans the history of post war fashion: it has walked to acclaim down every catwalk from Balenciaga, Dio, Givenchy and Lanvin, to Yves St Laurent and Mary Quant. Ascher started the 50s craze for shaggy mohair coats in splashy colours, sold the world on cheesecloth in the 60s, and stood behind the lacy fabrics of late hippy chic in the 70s. Zika and Lida Ascher's inventive fabrics were celebrated in 1985 with a retrospective exhibition at the V&A - an accolade rare enough even for couturiers.
With fabrics and wallpaper this delightful, I feel a strong urge to go nuts in my home and create themed rooms. I can envision the Socialite room, the Naughty girl goes to the USO room, etc. When you have products as beautiful as these that bring fashion history to the interior of your home, I think it's time for a vintage inspired room makeover.
