insp blog

this staged affection, a mix of theatricality and intimacy, the couple holding still for a couple of moments and now immortalised in a very set sequence of embraces and kisses. there is a charm to it even when I can’t tell whether this was a genuine couple portait or just actors hired by the photographer.

let us start with the kiss on the cheek (eyes averted! oh the pose! these were taken between 1910-1940)

or the nearly opposite energy (how daring!) of the kiss or caress with direct eye contact (1910-1930)

and then the innocent – yet so flirty – classic of the park encounter! (1890-1920)

and oh, I am not done, look at this – the adoration of the woman! look at this expression, this pose, this decorum! (1910-1940)

and then some of my favourites from the more playful or direct category, enjoy (1910-1930):

Evening Dress

c. 1913

Silk chine, brocaded silk voile, bobbin lace

French or English

"Untitled", photography by Ralph Gibson

Jacques Fath Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1950 Collection. Bettina Graziani wears a navy blue silk crepe dress with a bodice of pleated tulle in a gradient from lapis blue to white.

Jacques Fath Collection Haute COuture Printemps/Été 1950. Bettina Graziani porte une robe en crêpe de soie bleu marine à haut du corsage en tulle plissé dégradé du bleu lapis au blanc.

Ball gown, c.1907

Pale pink silk and ivory net lace; trimmed with metallic net, pink satin bows, and rhinestone buckles; lined with satin and chiffon.

Made by Mme. Frederique of Paris, France for Anette I. Young.

Bath tub goddess!! (chubby version!)