I have been thinking about this post for quite awhile and was excited to see such an abundance of gloves in the Spring 2020 Haute Couture Collections. I particularly love the play of color.Gloves… Always Classic, Always New

Historical gloves…

Tudor glove…

From 1600’s V & A collection

18th Century gloves…

Wooden glove molds are very collectible…perhaps you will find one at Randolph Street Market could be a fun collection.

When I started my career in retail all ladies wore hats and gloves and, I must admit, I still like the finished look a glove gives to an outfit. Of course, in Chicago, we need them for warmth and why not have a fun color, pattern, embellishment or a fingerless pair to allow for texting!

The fashionable ladies of Downton Abbey…

Elsa Schiaparelli’s whimsical surreal gloves, way too much fun, don’t you agree!

And inspired by Schiaparelli, designed by Salvador Dali and photographed by Cecil Beaton for Vogue

Glove purses by Hannah Lamb

Or perhaps a hat or two…

From the brilliant Rei Kawakubo for Comme Des Garçons

Or…

Or make your own…

Let’s travel to the 1970’s and, the doyenne of American Fashion, Bonnie Cashin’s revolutionary gloves…

“It was Cashin’s sixth decade in design. As she entered the 1970s, and her seventies, Cashin was something of a grande dame and the last of an old guard. Referred to as the country’s “longest blooming perennial designer,” … Cashin continued to be a top choice for companies in need of a revitalized image. The plea from Crescendoe-Superb, then the country’s oldest-running glove manufacturer still operated by its founding family, was among the most memorable for its lack of pretense. “We think our gloves are very bad and corny,” wrote the company’s owner, asking Cashin, “would you undertake designing your beautiful concept of what these … [designs] should look like, instead of our bad ones?” When the collection launched in 1972, the company wrote of her designs in twenty-two-inch-long lime suede (for layering as sleeves under ponchos) and grommet-knuckled kidskin (for fending off a purse snatcher), “these are the most expensive and beautiful line of gloves ever designed.”

Copy and following three photos courtesy of my friend, Dr. Stephanie Lake, Owner, The Bonnie Cashin Archive.

Also from the Bonnie Cashin Archives and in Bonnie’s own handwriting, courtesy of Dr. Stephanie Lake.

Michael Jackson’s iconic glove

Karl Lagerfeld in signature mitts…

Two of the most iconic gloves on film on two super stars of the silver screen…

Rita Hayward’s “strip tease” in Gilda! Fabulous….

And the delicious Marilyn Monroe performing “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” in Gentlemen Prefer Blonds!

And on the covers of magazines…

A “pair” of books on gloves…

And a “bouquet” of gloves…

All photos, unless otherwise noted, from Pinterest photo credits unknown. Reprinted with permission from Randolph Street Market Blog, January 2020. FASHION TREND REPORT EXCLUSIVELY FOR RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BY NENA IVON, nenasnotes

I usually don’t do prepared press releases for my blog posts but am so excited to share Dance for Life 2020: United as One with you I am bending my own rule. I have been a lifelong lover and supporter of dance, this love affair began sitting on my Daddy’s lap and being mesmerized by The Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo. I have supported the incredible annual Dance for Life performances since they began and have seen the loyal audiences grow each year. Since we are in an unprecedented time, this year, it’s 29th anniversary, it will be a series of digital events with a spectacular World Premiere digital finale. Each day will highlight encore performances featuring the best of Chicago current and past dance companies. What a treat to be able to recapture the 29 years of DFL and see all the talent, drama and beauty of dance in Chicago. This amazing community of dancers are sharing past performances with us from August 10th through 14th and ending with a unique World Premiere on Saturday, August 15th which would have been this years live Dance for Life. Chicago loves its dance and dancers, I encourage you to support them by donating (information at the bottom of this post). Sit back with your beverage of choice and a selection of appropriate snacks and enjoy six days of once in a lifetime performances, we all are in for very special treats! I can hear the applause from here!

Here is the press release giving you ALL the details…..

Hosts for the August 15th finale World Premiere, Cortney Hall and Matthew Rodrigues, co-hosts of NBC Chicago’s program Chicago Today.

Chicago Dancers United (CDU) has finalized details for the finale of Dance for Life 2020: United as One, a digital event taking place August 10–15 through CDU’s website, chicagodancersunited.org. Dance for Life 2020: United as One is presented in partnership with Optum.

The culminating virtual event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 15—the original date for the 29th anniversary of Dance for Life scheduled at the Auditorium Theatre—features a World Premiere choreographed by Hanna Brictson in response to COVID-19, performed by dancers from throughout the Chicago area. Serving as hosts for the evening are Cortney Hall and Matthew Rodrigues, co-hosts of NBC Chicago’s program Chicago Today. The finale event also features a Dance for Life highlights reel, remarks by a representative from Optum, details about resources available from The Dancers’ Fund, information about the 30th anniversary of Dance for Life in 2021, and more. Donors of $20 or more receive a link to “attend” this finale celebrationsEach day from August 10 through 14, CDU will highlight several videos of DFL performances from the past 29 years. Although these videos will be available at no charge, dance supporters and enthusiasts who donate $20 or more will receive a daily email with links to the videos, along with background on the works themselves. Videos will remain available on the CDU website and social media pages for a limited time. The lineup is as follows:

Partner Companies
Giordano Dance Chicago: Tossed Around choreographed by Ray Mercer, DFL 2018
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago: The 40s choreographed by Lou Conte, DFL 2018
The Joffrey Ballet: Round of Angels choreographed by Gerald Arpino, DFL 2016Current and past companies
Hanna Brictson and Dancers: My Darling choreographed by Hanna Brictson, DFL 2018
Chicago Dance Crash: Freshly Served choreographed by Jessica Deahr, DFL 2018
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater: Bolero choreographed by Dame Libby Komaiko, DFL 2010
Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre: Oh, Mary Don’t You Weep choreographed by Joseph Holmes, DFL 1992
Luna Negra Dance Theater: Bate (excerpt) choreographed by Fernando Melo, DFL 2012
Muntu Dance Theatre: Djon Don Wolosodon choreographed by Marie Basse-Wiles, DFL 1995
River North Dance Chicago: Eva (excerpts) choreographed by Frank Chaves, DFL 2014
Thodos Dance Chicago: Getting There choreographed by Melissa Thodos, DFL 2013
Trinity Irish Dance Company: Curran Event choreographed by Sean Curran, DFL 2001
Visceral Dance Chicago: Impetere choreographed by Nick Pupillo, DFL 2014Past DFL finales
I’ve Got A Life choreographed by Harrison McEldowney and Jeremy Plummer, DFL 2010
Stand by Me choreographed by Randy Duncan, DFL 2015

Dance for Life brings Chicago’s dance community together thanks to dancers who generously donate their time, energy, and artistry to support The Dancers’ Fund, which provides financial assistance to dance company professionals diagnosed with a critical health need. The Fund has been temporarily expanded to help support dance community members who need financial assistance with routine medical expenses due to the pandemic. Dance for Life also supports two partner agencies: AIDS Foundation Chicago, which mobilizes diverse communities across Illinois living with HIV, and the American Cancer Society, which is leading the fight for a world without cancer.Dance for Life 2020: United as One takes place August 10–15. Donations of $20 or more provide exclusive access
to the finale event on August 15.
All programming is subject to change.
All events are available atchicagodancersunited.org.###
Photos top to bottom:
Cortney Hall and Matthew Rodrigues of Chicago Today, courtesy of NBC Chicago.
Hanna Brictson and Dancers: My Darling by Todd Rosenberg.
The Joffrey Ballet: Round of Angels by Herb Migdoll.
Trinity Irish Dance Company: Curran Event by C. Hoy Photography.
Luna Negra Dance Theater: Bate by Cheryl Mann.

Copyright © 2020 Chicago Dancers United, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this information due to your past interest in Chicago Dancers United, Dance for Life and/or arts-related activities in the Chicago area. If you no longer wish to receive this information, please unsubscribe. Thank you!

I have been wanting to do a post on lady head vases since I started my articles for The Randolph Street Market Blog, I got a bit of a “let’s do it now” push when I saw the following photo posted by my friend Toni Canada, when I asked if I could use it she informed that her mother-in-law collected them and sent me an additional photo along with the note I’m sharing with you…..it is an absolutely fabulous collection!

“The collection of Marguriete Canada handed down to her son Rick Canada. Rick is now the “caretaker” of the collection.

My mother-in-law would put little notes inside each vase, where she aquired the vase; if she purchased it, how much she paid for it; if it was a gift, who she received it from….. very sweet 💗”. A Nena’s note…what an excellent idea let’s all start doing that with our collections, brilliant!

Thank you so much Toni for sharing these treasures, the photos and your beautiful note, with us.

I became enamoured with lady head vases as a little girl. Looking at me today you wouldn’t think I was very sick as a child, but I was (we won’t go into details here!). With each bout of something or another my wonderful Daddy would bring me a lady head vase filled with 13 sweetheart roses (I believe now referred to as growers roses). He got off the El at Howard Street, we lived in Rogers Park on the Northside of Chicago, there was a florist underneath the station. Actually the vases began by being commissioned by florists to sell with their bouquets. I probably believed they were made especially for me…I’ve always been a romantic. I amassed a huge collection and totally adored them. They, I am sure, helped develop my interest in the glamorous world, to my young eyes, of fashion!!

These charmers were always very proper in their attire, hats…of course…pearls…usually…gloves…sometimes and always, always beautifully made up with lush mascared lashes and ruby lips….I was in fashion heaven. Theses were two of my favorites….want to find them again. Both are signed pieces and from Betty Lou Nichols.

In doing a bit of research for this post I found out the origins of these nostalgic pieces that occupied a place in time in the mid-20th Century, they, (like so many other objects) fell out of favor, they are now highly collectible.

There were several manufactures who produced these lovelies in the 40s to 70s. Here are some company names that can help you identify your vase: US manufacturers – Betty Lou Nichols and Henry Holt and Japan manufacturers – Napco, Inarco, Lefton, Enesco, Relpo and Reubens. There was also a trend for celebrity vases such as Lucille Ball, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, etc.

One of many Marilyn Monroe interpretations this one a rare example….

A beauty definitely a 50’s glamour girl….

I am concentrating on Betty Lou Nichols pieces in this post because I am familiar with them.

Betty Lou Nichols was a talented California artist that created some of the most sought after head vases in the collecting world. I found that most, if not all, of my collection were hers. Wish I had them now. When collecting anything always look for a hallmark, a maker’s mark anything that can identify it as the real deal. Always, always engage the vendors in conversation they are experts in their collections and want to share their knowledge with you. You will learn so much more about what you already have or when you want to add items to your treasurers or you are on the hunt for something new that you didn’t know you really wanted but definitely can’t live without!!

A book, as always….

Here are some ways to display or actually use your vases, with flowers and other suggestions.

Love this collection and its mirrors…I am obsessed with mirrors, are you?!

Obviously on shelves….or

For your make-up brushes et al…..or perhaps pens etc. on your at-home office workplace…

Flowers, of course…..beyond charming…

Love this collection….wouldn’t it be fun to do at a shower, luncheon or tea to put at each guests place as a remembrance…start collecting now for future events.

I have fallen in love with lady head vases all over again, have I tempted you…hope so!

Originally written for The Randolph Street Market Blog, reprinted with permission.

All above photos, unless otherwise noted, from Pinterest photo credits unknown.

FASHION TREND REPORT EXCLUSIVELY FOR RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BY NENA IVON, nenasnotes

EDITED REPOST WITH PERMISSION OF SALLY SCHWARTZ

American pottery has been collectible since its inception in the mid-1800’s with its many manufactures, most of them based in the Mid-West, Ohio in particular. Let’s think Rookwood, Weller, Newcomb College, etc. In today’s post I’m concentrating, briefly, on Roseville Pottery, primarily it’s Magnolia and Thornapple patterns.

When I recently visited a friends home I found it jam packed with many, many collections one of which was Roseville. While I totally acknowledge that I have no previous knowledge of American pottery, I can appreciate it and want to learn more about its origins. There are many, many reproductions and fake pieces out there…as always educate yourself when collecting.

I particularly like these items being featured in Arts and Crafts homes, but find them charming in more modern settings. How fabulous in a solarium, or perhaps an enclosed porch.

The Roseville Pottery began making decorative ceramics in 1892 in Roseville, Ohio. The company moved to Zanesville, Ohio in 1900. They became one of the largest pottery companies in the country before going bankrupt in 1954.

Roseville items come in many patterns, shapes and sizes. And, I’m sorry to say, there are too many “non-Roseville” pieces on the market. Research, research, research is the answer to authenticity!

I took several photos of my friend’s treasures to share with you.

A wall pocket…popular with dealers and collectors.

A huge urn…

Some of the vast variety of shapes are on display in a guest bedroom….lucky guest!!

In a vignette…this and the three photos above it, taken by me with my iPhone.

Interesting display of a vast collection. Here the collection doesn’t concentrate on one pattern but, in my opinion, it still works.

To continue your education…a couple of books.

As always when buying vintage items, do your homework, work with reputable dealers and most of all enjoy your collections.

All photos, unless otherwise noted, from Pinterest photo credits unknown.

—–
by Nena Ivon
www.nenasnotes.com
www.facebook.com/Nena Ivon
www.instagram.com/nenasnotes

COLLECTIBLES EXCLUSIVELY FOR RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BY NENA IVON, nenasnotes

“Copper has been an essential material to man since pre-historic times. In fact, one of the major “ages” or stages of human history is named for a copper alloy, bronze. Copper and its many alloys have played an important role in many civilizations, from the ancient Egyptians, Romans to modern day cultures around the world.” Copper Development Association Inc. (Do explore their website…fascinating stuff!)

Mankind’s First Metal

“Copper has been in use at least 10,000 years, but more than 95% of all copper ever mined and smelted has been extracted since 1900. As with many natural resources, the total amount of copper on Earth is vast (around 10 to the 14th tons just in the top kilometer of Earth’s crust, or about 5 million years worth at the current rate of extraction). However, only a tiny fraction of these reserves is economically viable, given present-day prices and technologies. Various estimates of existing copper reserves available for mining vary from 25 years to 60 years, depending on core assumptions such as the growth rate.

While copper in its purest form is a very soft metal, almost any element that can be added to copper will increase its hardness. The addition of tin not only imparts strength but also results in an alloy, known as bronze, that can be readily cast in molds. Early on, man discovered that bronze would flow evenly into molds and produce reliable castings with intricate shapes and patterns.” From Kobett Metals website

A copper mine.

A vein of copper…Mother Nature at her best…

Copper nuggets…

What do we think of when we think copper….the Statue of Liberty, of course, a penny, naturally, some decorative accessory pieces one is likely to see in Mid-Century Modern homes but that is not what I’m concentrating on for this post but rather the kitchenalia we cook with (conducts heat to profection and in a mixing bowl whips cream perfectly) most particularly, Copper Pudding Molds…

Isn’t she glorious… now, of course, with her patina coat…

Pennies used as decorative floor tile… fascinating use for the lowly coin.

Found at Randolph Street Market for décor probably originally ashtrays, now for bonbons or whatever you choose, my photo.

A couple of stunning Arts and Crafts pieces for a Mid-Century Modern home.

I love the luster of these pans and kettles against the brick wall…very English country home… don’t you agree!!!!!

Copper Pudding Molds are shiny and ornate, these fanciful casts originated in Europe in the 1700s and remained in fashion through World War I. In England, “pudding” is a general term for desserts of all kinds, hence the term “pudding mold.” A perfect item to collect and you can find vintage “replicas” as well as the originals at the monthly Randolph Street Market. As always I suggest you use each dealers expertise to guide you through collecting no matter what form (pun intentional!!) it takes and remember don’t think about it buy it when you see it or someone else will! My warning for collecting…

While I wouldn’t suggest you bake in very old molds, they make fabulous decorative pieces while newer, think mid-twentieth century to today, are fine for making any sort of “pudding”, jello molds (they too are back in favor), aspics, all can enhance your cooking year round but particularly charming at a summer picnic or back yard entertaining…easy to do and smashing to look at and devour!

Perhaps you will find vintage drawings that could be framed and hung in your kitchen along with your copper molds. A couple of great examples.

 

 
Didn’t we all have fish molds and/or pineapple molds. One from my collection….all my copper went to friends collections. For years I had copper bottom pans as my cookware, they are also gone to homes that can use them and keep them shining. Many pieces today are coated so polishing them isn’t necessary, call me old fashion but I like the luster of the untreated…using a bit of elbow grease never hurt anyone plus the patina in the aging, like we humans, is beautiful.

Let’s enjoy looking at a few wonderful vintage pieces and perhaps how to display them in your home…

Several books for reference…..again look at RSM for all manner of vintage books…

Perhaps a copper brocade dress to wear when hosting your dinner party having used your copper collection to impress your guests…

A solid brass sculpture, fascinating.

Copper, one of earths beautiful materials, can be enjoyed in so many ways and we can enjoy them in our homes, see the many statues with their years of patina or hold it in our hands in the form of a penny… no end to its delights.

—–
by Nena Ivon
www.nenasnotes.com
www.facebook.com/Nena Ivon
www.instagram.com/nenasnotes

All photos from Pinterest photo credits unknown.

Originally published on        June 22, 2020 by the Chicago History Museum.  Reposted with permission.

Remembering Victor Skrebneski

 

THE book signing…..who knew the excitement this would bring to the nenasnotes The Fashion Book Club guests, to me and most importantly to Victor!  This and the other book signing photos taken by Mark Olley, one of the monthly TFBC supporters and the Official Photographer for nenasnotes The Fashion Book Club.

The book is hefty in actual weight and in weighty content, lots of photos, many not published before, mine included…let’s start there…

I try to plan my chosen fashion/lifestyle books as close to publication date as possible and have the author in conversation and, when I can, have them in person.  I knew the new Skrebneski book, SKREBNESKI DOCUMENTED, was making its debut in September 2019 and I wanted to be the first to present it.  I made a call to Dennis Minkel to see if this would be possible and if Victor would agree to be in conversation with me and discuss the book with his thoughts on photography, of course, and life in general.  He said he would ask him and would call me back.  Shortly after our conversation my phone rang with the familiar voice of my long time friend…who said, “Of course, when, where and, you are in the book”.  Huh, did I hear correctly, I was in the book…impossible..but no, it was possible.  What an honor, what a dream, what a thrill.  I didn’t know which picture, and thought it would be a small photo on a page with other shots, again, wrong…my own full page in one of the shots from The Fashion Group International Chicago gala in 1990. I received the books from my Independent Bookseller for my events The Book Stall and found my photo, stunned beyond all expectations.

The RSVPS were huge, I keep the monthly events small, it is a book club after all, but I couldn’t say no to anyone and wanted all of Victor’s friends and admirers to come to this intimate event.  We had almost four times our normal attendees.  We sold so many books that even the Rizzoli Publisher was impressed.  Victor was candid, when wasn’t he, and was almost giddy, he was so energized by the reception and seeing people he hadn’t seen for awhile. Of course, each book was personalized with his signature silver pen and several guests bought additional books as gifts.

It was the perfect event and who knew what was on the horizon for him.  In hindsight, it was not only the launching of a fabulous book, but for most of the audience the last time they would be with him.  And, perhaps, his last book….there were two more planned.

Mark, I can never thank you enough for capturing the evening perfectly.

Fast forward to December yet another book signing and conversation for a special breakfast honoring Susan Glick a major force in Fashion and her extraordinary devotion to The Fashion Group International of Chicago was beautifully acknowledged at the Ritz Carlton.  Again, friends and admirers of the iconic, bigger than life, Victor Skrebneski, gathered to hear his stories, of course, The Black Turtleneck celebrity series, working with celebrities, in particular, David Bowie and more…always more.  What a treat for me to chat with my chum again in a casual easy conversation.

Dennis Minkel, Victor Skrebneski and Nena Ivon holding their Skrebneski images in SKREBNESKI DOCUMENTED, at the Fashion Group International Chicago book signing.  Photo taken with my iPhone.

Actually up until March I was still selling books, in fact the last one I sold was to Victor himself when I visited him at his Studio to identify designers in some of his photographs before we went to dinner at La Scarola.  One of the things we discussed that evening prior to dinner, I asked the question what was he going to photograph next…his answer, and I haven’t talked about this until today, was “Photography doesn’t interest me anymore, I’ve done everything I want to do.  I want to concentrate on my books.”  Was I stunned, you bet I was.  He also shared that he wasn’t feeling well, but I had no idea how ill he was or that it would be our last time together. It was the last time I saw him in person.  We did speak on the phone almost until his death in April.

Self Portrait not dated.

His camera will never again capture the images that only his eye saw….we have lost a major artist and an era goes with him.  Rest In Peace dear friend, Rest In Peace.