The aqua and cream French Provincial atelier is booming with
activity. In the background, Ella sings Cole Porter like no one else
can. Bouquets of Calla lilies, coral roses, and tuberose scent the air
already charged with the excitement that only the visit from a fashion
icon can generate. In his pewter silk moiré bergère, James Bogue, tall,
blonde, and distinguished, awaits the arrival of his long time muse.
“My
source of inspiration in creating
Bogue's Vogues is, as it has always
been, Barbie herself. When Barbie returned to the world of high fashion
with the Barbie Fashion Model Collection, that inspiration was renewed. Her
elegant and very stylized countenance along with her modern model’s
attitude make me feel like Barbie has reached her zenith. She is a 21st
century idol who dreams of mid-20th century sartorial sensibilities; a
modern woman who wears only the most inspired, perfectly handcrafted,
and truly elegant designs, regardless of what the current fashion capers
decree,”states this Texan for whom no detail on a dress, cape, or hat
is ever overlooked.
“My style as a designer is classic, I'd say my
greatest strength is to underplay the look, as being overdressed is like
putting a gaudy frame on a beautiful painting,” he ads with a smile.
“The process for Bogue's Vogues begins in the imagination, the idea can
be daytime, evening, or cocktail wear, then it moves onto fabric
selection and the basic construction of the garment, and culminates with
the finishing details which more often than not end as something very
different from the initial idea, almost as if the design took on a
personality of its own. The crowning glory for a look is of course, the
hat. Change the hat and you change the attitude, the tone, the
intention.” These are clearly the musings of an artist who lives through
his art and dives into the challenges as well as the glory of his
craft, all the while understating the architectural qualities of his
designs as well as the exactitude of his cut.
Welcome to 21st century chic, welcome to
Bogue’s Vogues.
Merveille. Tailored dress designed in natural raw silk with silk taffeta lining. The polka dot waistline sash and matching hat add Doris Day pizazz. Barbie's make-up by Billy Lope. Bracelet by Joy Jarred.
Inauguration. Sleeveless, scoop neck evening sheath in brilliant aqua brocade hides under the matching coat with velveteen collar and cuffs and self bow closure.
Black As Night. Betty Draper Barbie dons one of Bogue's classic looks in voluptuous organdy separates. Necklace by Joy Jarred.
Cocktails at 21Club. This coat and dress in black and white cotton print and black silk and white button trim will take Barbie from museum to cocktails. The flocked tulle hat is
de rigueur for making heads turn when walking down Fifth Avenue.
Who's The Boss? In ivory cashmere coat and dress with silk taffeta lining and a towering matching hat, there is not doubt who owns the show.
A woman of consequence. The matching steel silk dupioni suit boasts a jacket with a fringed border. Bracelet by Joy Jarred.
Scintillating Soirée. An evening dress and coat in silk organza with gold embroidery and painted dots is pure and unadulterated 60's chic. Chain link necklace by Joy Jarred.
Mon cher Irving! The essence of the
Bogue’s Vogues look, Barbie is the
quintessential fashion plate in a cotton print cocktail dress with a free flying panel. The monumental black velvet chapeau steals the show. Barbie's make-up by Billy Lope. Pearl bracelet by Joy Jarred. Rhinestone bracelet by Randal Craig.
All fashions by James Bogue for
Bogue’s Vogues
Jewelry by
Joy Jarred
Sofa and cushions by Anne Morrison for
Morrison Studios
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