Inspiration Appreciation

In a way, everything that you see and consume can become an inspiration. In the Design field, we call this "repertoire". They are all the things you've seen and learned about, and that serve as an influence for every idea you have. The more you see, watch, read, and consume, the larger your repertoire - and the easier it is to create.

Although most ideas come organically like that, we also sometimes work with direct inspiration. When it comes to modern vintage style, part of the challenge is adapting interesting features and details into contemporary textiles, techniques, and silhouettes.

In our collections, we have occasionally created dresses directly inspired by specific references. Today, we'd like to share some of these with you.

The Dita 

Our Dita dress was inspired by the one worn by Dita Von Teese a few years ago. In the '50s, contrast details were commonly used to add interest and make designs unique. White and bright colours were mostly used.

Diane designed the Dita with a black contrasting sweetheart neckline, making it the right balance between vintage and modern.

Dita Von Teese in Red and Black Dress at Home beside Cherry Velvet Dita dress in Golden Galaxy

The Norma

One of the most iconic symbols of the '50s is most certainly Marilyn Monroe in her white dress from "The Seven Year Itch", released in 1955. The airy fabric and gathered halter front are unforgettable.

Gathered halter tops were a summer staple of the decade. Many dress patterns featured the style. The Norma dress, named after Marilyn's birth name, was designed to have the lovely look of a halter top, with the comfort and wearability of a closed back.

Marilyn Monroe in iconic white dress beside Norma dress by Cherry Velvet

The Kate

Neckline, collar and top details made many 1950's dress designs unique. Buttons were commonly used in creative ways, such as on these overlapping criss-cross flaps. Diane took inspiration from this '50s photo to design our Kate dress.

Recently, the same criss-cross button feature has been spotted on drama series "The Marvelous Mrs Maisel" once in season 2 (2018), and also in the filming of season 3 (2019).

Vintage photograph which inspired the Kate dress by Cherry Velvet beside The Marvelous Mrs Maisel in purple dress

We hope you enjoyed getting to know a bit about how some of our designs came to be! If our dresses piqued your interest, you can get yourself a Dita, Norma or a Kate at our online store in a variety of prints!

See all Dita dresses

See all Norma dresses

See all Kate dresses

XOX Cherry Velvet

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