Mudguard-inspired Lingerie...? The Spat!

It might seem a bit strange that something associated with menswear could influence the some of the most feminine of lingerie – but that’s what makes Playful Promises a little bit different (it’s up to you to decide whether or not that’s a good thing…)!

The Imogen set is put together in a sumptuous black satin, but features subtly masculine buttoning detail offset on the suspender belt, in the center of the bra and in a cheeky cut-out feature on the back of the brief. This gorgeous detail comes from something worn predominantly by men in the late 19th century and early 20th century, known as spatterdashes, spatter guards or more commonly – spats.

Victorian Spats

Spats doesn’t exactly sound very glam, and they weren’t to begin with. Starting off as a purely practical accessory, they were made out of white cloth, or in grey or brown felt. They buttoned around the ankle, and were meant to protect your shoes and socks from getting muddy or wet. They later became a little bit more stylish, and reflected the fashions at the time.

A 20s New York Mobster in Spats

In the 1920s, white spats were a signature of wealth and style – infamously worn by New York gangsters and bootleggers. These spats we're more luxurious and featured pearl buttons on the side, and were often worn with a tailored vest. Spats had to be fitted perfectly to the shoe, worn exclusively during the day, and never as evening attire.

Imogen set in Full Bust

What do you think of spats? Can spatterguards be sexy? Or shall we just stick to the beautiful Imogen set to hark back on the days of spats?

Sources:

http://spats-boots.com/the-history-of-spats

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spats_(footwear)

Makeup Tips and Trends: Michelle Court

Following on from my previous makeup post, meet bubbly Essex lass Michelle Court who, similar to Katie, decided she wanted to be a makeup artist as a teen when she discovered the transformation mascara made to her eyes. She began experimenting with electric blue mascara (memories for all those 90s kids!).

Multi-talented, trained in airbrushing, special effects and hairdressing, Michelle has been using her creativity in the industry for over a decade and with her incredible experiences any makeup artist aspires to have her success. 

We asked Michelle a few questions about her career, for all those daunted by their future in the industry as a makeup artist. 

What was it like after years of studying to become a professional makeup artist and then be out inthe big wide word on your first paid job?

I remember I felt very nervous on set with my hands shaking, worrying that your work isn’t going to be liked. After I’d finished the makeup and shown the model in the mirror I was still worrying but once the photographer commented ‘the makeup looks great on camera’ there was a sigh of relief, which helped build my confidence. Each shoot from there onwards my confidence has grown.

What has been your favourite job so far and why?

I like the fast pace of a fashion show, but editorial shoots allow me to be more creative and bold. Each shoot is different and I enjoy them all, but the most memorable one I will never forget is Ibiza. I get to travel with work but on this particular occasion I got to stay on an elite 5* yacht, shoot in beautiful million pound villas and magical secluded beaches.

Have you ever been on a shoot and it was an absolute nightmare?

The most awkward moment in my entire career was working on celebrity model Janice Dickinson; she was rude and erratic, bad mouthing all the beautiful models and to top it off said ‘don’t you know who I am?’! I smiled and nodded politely. Once I’d finished working on her face I said ‘ok, you can look in the mirror’ and as she turned to look; our heads collided and I ended up head-butting her!

Finally, for this season will the electric blue mascara be making a reappearance in your makeup bag?

I love experimenting; especially using bold and exciting colours which work well on camera for high fashion shots; but I also like neutral shades. Bright Sugarpill loose powders can create a great look with a subtle lip from Shien cosmetics. My motto is: you’re only as good as your last work, so experiment and enjoy!

Check out Michelle's work for inspiration at www.court-on-camera.com

And don't forget that you can shop for Sugarpill, Shien Cosmetics and Cirque Colors on our website!

Grab 30% off all makeup from now until the 14th August with code MAKEUP30

Madonnelle of Rome

Rain, rain, go away.

Factor 50 for porcelain skin, squeaky flip flops and sunglasses that make you look important (nobody knows who you are, you could be famous for all they know). Yes it may seem a comical combination but when on holiday nothing seems as wonderful as having the weather to wear your diva shades without judgement and getting out those painted toenails after lathering your body with sun cream. Now back in the UK with drizzly rain and downpours, nobody will get to see that vintage lazy summer floral bikini… unless we’re given another heat wave that is, OR you just feel that anyone and everyone must see it despite the rain!

Suffering from the holiday blues, reminiscing of that city break to Rome which is long gone, why not look back even further. Historians, cut me some slack on my brief upcoming facts!

Known as a holy city, when waltzing through the streets of Rome, those who have been may notice Madonnelle (little Madonna) is framed on street corners, made from mosaic, marble and even wood for the purpose of spirit protection.

Positioned in-between two windows, these sacred images combined with angels were very popular with the lower classes, currently you can count over 500 in the streets of Rome! But don’t try to find them all at once, it would only lead to you stopping at every water tap in sight and there’s probably nearly the same amount as there are Madonelle’s!

Every year a procession takes place of a statue of Madonna Fiumarola being carried across the river Tiber, through the streets and neighbourhoods of Trastevere. This continues the Italian tradition from the early 1500s, when the statue was donated to the Basilica of San Crisogono after found by fisherman in Corsica. Trastevere is filled with events of theatre, music and food festivals to lure in tourists during this time, which slightly loses the popularity of the event with the Italian people. However, this event still remains its strong religious elements.

You may not find yourself a religious believer, but it's impossible to not be drawn to the architecture the city has to offer, all with pious elements attached. So instead of waiting to visit Rome, be a saintly figure wherever you go in our Magdalene set. The central colourfully kitsch print combined with black chunky fishnet side panels on the bra and briefs shows a good girl going bad.

Baroque Opulence: Inspiration Behind AW13

I know, I know, it's only JUST getting sunny, and we are already looking ahead to Autumn!

But we have an excuse, trust me. Our AW13 collection is pretty sumptuous! Inspired by Russian opulence, this collection is full of strong, deep colours and elaborate prints (and even a bit of gold chain!).

I could even see the below set (Anastasia) working for Summer-time too!

View the full set of images of the AW13 collection on our facebook.

To get you in the mood for this opulent collection, here's a little bit of inspiration! These are the kind of images we looked at when designing the collection. 

Russian Doll, the Playful Promises AW13 collection is arriving in July and September.

Silver Screen Queens

Love them or hate them, the silver screen idols will never cease! Even those long departed from life are revived again and again through the camera lens. Some of them, who have climbed to the highest rung of the celebrity ladder, have become symbols of their generation. What conjures up thoughts of the 1950s more than Marilyn Monroe and her classic bullet bra?

At Playful Promises we adore the glamour of the big screen, and many of our pieces have been inspired by starlets of times gone by! Which got me wondering, if we could transport ourselves into the dressing rooms of these great actresses, which of our items would we cheekily slip in amongst their furs, corsets and negligees?

Don't be mistaken by her beautiful child-like features, Lillian Gish was one of the prominent actresses of the 1910s and 20s, starring in some of the biggest blockbusters of the day! We could easily see her relaxing in our pink Lyla playsuit with contrasting black bows.

One of the world's most popular vamps, Louise Brooks and her bob hairstyle has become iconic of the 1920s. Team our Vintage Stitch Corset with a lacy vintage slip or a fringed skirt for the perfect flapper look.

German born Marlene Dietrich is the ultimate femme fatale. With her striking, chiselled looks and deep exotic voice (surprisingly well recieved during the era of the talkies), she has to be my personal favourite star! We would love to have seen our Ava collection peeking out from underneath those fitted black jackets and suits that Dietrich was famous for.

Listed as one of the Greatest Stars of All Time, Rita Hayworth is yet another glamorous and unprecedented beauty of the silver screen. After posing in just her negligee for Life Magazine, she became one of the top two pin ups of the War years. And this is why we would have to slip her into our Silk Chemise Set in scarlet!

Her unmistakeable features have been painted by Warhol and impersonated by scores of actresses and imitators; Marilyn Monroe needs no introduction. A poster girl for the classic girl-next-door look, Monroe wore bullet bras and girdles underneath her sweater for ultimate curves. What Katie Did's Maitresse Bullet Bra is perfect to replicate this look! 

Effortlessly chic and eternally classic, Elizabeth Taylor rose to stardom in the 1950s and 60s with iconic films such as Cleopatra. A fashion icon of the time, she was often seen wearing a silk scarf and headband. Even in her most revealing of outfits, Elizabeth appeared modest and stunning, which is why we have chosen the Morgana Garter Dress!

Pixie-like Mia Farrow's career has spanned from the 60s to present day, with one of her key roles in Rosemary's Baby in 1968 kicking off her 70s popularity. She exagerrated her delicate looks by wearing mini dresses and peter pan collars, just the kind of style that works perfectly over our Genie nude set!

 Rising to the Hollywood elite ranks in the 1980s and furthering her career during the next few decades, Michelle Pfeiffer is our 80s star. Known for taking on roles against her typical type, she is best remembered for that amazing Catwoman outfit in Batman Returns - single-handedly sexing up the comic franchise. For this, we could think of nothing better than our classic Victoria set!

Demi Moore, one of the highest paid actresses of the 90s, is well known for letting it all hang out! In 1991 she controversially appeared naked on the cover of Vanity Fair, whilst being 7 months pregnant. To get the Demi look, go bra-less! Or if you really can’t take that, then try our Multiway Bra :P

 Classic and glamorous, Cate Blanchett could easily have belonged to a past era. This Australian beauty rose to fame after playing Elizabeth I in the 1998 film Elizabeth, which makes the name of our 'Time for Tea and a Dance' postcard panties seem ideal! We also think the champagne satin and sweetheart lace back would flatter a complexion similar to Cate's.

We watched her grow from know-it-all teen in Harry Potter to a style icon. Trading in her long locks for a Mia Farrow-esque pixie cut catapulted Emma Watson into a media frenzy. Much like Farrow, she mixes cute dresses with other feminine pieces... and lots of lace! We think she would love our Peach Detail Waspie and Silk Corsage bra!

Which Hollywood star would you love to style? And what would you dress her in?