News » inspiration
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A Blast From The Past: Atomic Attire
Published Jul 17 2020 in atomic, Cherry Velvet, inspiration, jewelry, mid-century modern, Vintage Inspired
We simply wouldn't have “Retro Class with Modern Sass”, if we didn't recognize how inspired we are by Mid-Century Modern (MCM) design! This post-war movement was popularized between 1945-1969 and is characterized by simple, sleek lines with an uncluttered, minimalist aesthetic. As you can tell, it is still celebrated today!
Here at Cherry Velvet, we are definitely drawn to the kitschy, fun designs and colourful palettes of the Atomic Era, which coincided with the rise of MCM.
Why was it called The Atomic Era? Around the 1950s, nuclear power and space exploration had quickly become household phrases, and the world was excited about this new kind of energy. It symbolized the potential our future held and everyone was obsessed. And so, this era produced bright, cheery designs; demonstrating the positive outlook the world had at the time.
From fashion design to transportation, Atomic was the way!
Cherry Velvet's Atomic Necklace Sets
So let's come back to the future! – Some of our most MCM items at Cherry Velvet are our handmade necklace sets, custom designed by local jeweller, Mirror Mirror Bijoux. From their galactic sparkle to their scientific-inspired design, these glass bead beauties definitely echo that Atomic appeal.
Royal Atomic Set | Black Atomic Set | Rainbow Atomic Set | Atomic Tiffany SetNow, we would be remiss to ignore a few of our most stellar prints!
Below are a few of our favourite MCM prints in our latest collection - Paired with our aptly named necklace sets. From jewellery to dresses, these looks are out of this world 😉:Brooke in “Love Triangle”
With its uncomplicated illustrations, geometry theme and contrasting colours, this fun print is a great example of the simple, clean drawings popular in comics and cartoons at the time.
Norma in “Kitschy Cocktails” & “High Spirits”
Which brings us to these next looks! These Kitschy-cool prints fully embodies the lighthearted, playful vibe of the period. Times were booming, so people were living it up! If Mad Men taught us anything, it's that Happy Hour meant all hours
Doris in “Pickup Sticks”
Our newest dress to touch down on earth, this print features straight lines and subtle dots, against a tidy black background. It deftly illustrates the stark, yet striking impact this minimalist style can have!
What a fascinating and optimistic time in our history, don't you think? Suffice to say, this aesthetic has had and continues to have such an significant impact in our culture and it's such a testament to the hopes and dreams we have for our future. We love it!
So, how does the Retro culture inspire you? Tell us in the comments!
XOX Cherry Velvet -
Moving on up!
Published Jun 12 2020 in Canadian Designer, Cherry Velvet, Cherry Velvet Dresses, Customer Appreciation, Fit, inspiration, Made In Canada, Made in Vancouver, sizing, Staff, staff updates, Vancouver-designed, what's new
We have some big news....!
After many years in Vancouver, we are moving our operations to New Westminster. We close our doors in East Vancouver, at the end of June. We will definitely miss the bright and creative atmosphere of this neighbourhood; it was always so inspiring to be surrounded by local artists.
We've made so many memories in this studio. One of the first notable ones is our #stunningatanysize shoot which we made right before we moved into our fresh new space.
Since then, we've done so many photoshoots and events, What a pleasure it's been to be here. <3
Cherry Velvet's "Pucker Up Party" Valentine's Day Event, 2016
Our Men's Shirt Launch, 2017
“What about Studio Shops and Personal Shop Appointments?”
For the time being, it will not be possible to shop in person. However, we will be holding Pop-up Shops and doing events when it becomes safer to do so. The best way to find out what's happening with us is to sign up for our Newsletter (Not to mention 15% off, if it's your first online order.)
Getting Your Best Fit OnlineDuring this time of transition, we encourage you to shop online. We are always happy to help with fit and answer your questions.
"The very best way I can accurately help you with fit is to email your measurements. It is just as important to me as it is to you to ensure your dresses fit!" ~ Diane
Please also be sure to check out each style's specific fit guide (found on each product page).
Don't have a tape measure? Click here for our printable, handy dandy solution!
So that's our big announcement! :) We're so excited about the future ahead, and we always appreciate your continued support.As always...more new dresses coming soon!
XOXO
Diane Kennedy & The Cherry Velvet Team -
Colour Me Cherry!
Published Mar 27 2020 in Body Positive, Cherry Velvet, colouring pages, Customer Appreciation, inspiration, Made in Vancouver, paper dolls, pin up dresses, retro dresses, stay at home, vintage dresses
Long time Cherry Velvet fans may remember our darling Pin-Up Paper Dolls (which are also fun little crafts for you and/or your wee ones) so we've decided to follow them up with...colouring pages! We wanted to offer you a stylish distraction and bring some fun to your day!
Simply click on the images below to download and imbue some hues on these sweet ensembles!
We hope we sparked your creativity with this little activity. Please feel free to share. We can't wait to see your ideas and creativity!#cherryvelvet #colourmecherry
Much love to you our awesome customers. Stay safe and far apart!
XOX Cherry Velvet
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Judge Not Our Bodies!
Published Mar 13 2020 in Billie Eilish, Body Positive, celebrities, Cherry Velvet, inspiration, Lizzo, Rihanna
It’s so inspiring to see the latest celebrity news about body positivity, and how things evolve in real time. Let's talk about the people and events that drive this change!
Of course, we could describe the scandals and infractions of the Victoria’s Secret brand, which has been dropping in sales and share value in recent years. But we’d rather talk about a big game-changer in the underwear industry, as a type of “anti-VS”: Savage X Fenty by Rihanna. The famous singer idealized her radically inclusive lingerie line, featuring all sizes and colors of women in her products. But even more significantly, for the past 2 years the brand has put on NYFW fashion shows that promote body positivity in an unprecedented manner. Small, large, trans, pregnant, and practically every other type of woman of every color have been seen on the catwalk, wearing Rihanna’s designs. Her message is clear: every woman can be sexy.
Not only is she championing body positivity, but she’s also currently the richest female singer!Also making loud statements about body acceptance and self-love is breakaway singer Lizzo (winner of 3 Emmy awards). The plus-sized artist writes songs that promote the idea that she – and women like her – are sexy, desirable, and beautiful. More than just preaching it, Lizzo also lives by her word, performing and dancing confidently with her body on full display. In August 2019, her show at the VMAs made headlines for flaunting her and her plus-sized back-up dancers' beauty unabashedly. Give her music a listen, and we can almost guarantee you’ll feel more powerful and confident!
Her VMAs performance also included a giant inflatable bum! Fun!Our last mention is of young musician Billie Eilish (who scored 5 Grammys this year, including Album of the Year!). Billie became famous with her first hit single in 2015, when she was only 15. Even though she was just a teen, her body was sadly the focus of many headlines – some even discussing the size of her bust. She soon became known for her oversized, masculine clothing, which was often misinterpreted as an opposition to the so-called “slutty” style of other popstars.
Just this week, Billie (now 18) made headlines for her body once again. This time, though, it was through her own narrative. On the first concert of her new tour, she played a video of herself stripping layers of clothing to the sound of a voiceover. In it, she criticized social ideas of how women should dress, and bravely states that she will be judged no matter what she wears, and therefore will not be ashamed of her body, and will dress how she likes. The statement is in line with past interviews, where she has brought up feeling uncomfortable showing her body, largely due to the media attention.
“If I wear what is comfortable, I am not a woman. If I shed the layers, I’m a slut. Though you’ve never seen my body, you still judge it and judge me for it. Why? We make assumptions about people based on their size. We decide who they are, we decide what they’re worth. If I wear more, if I wear less, who decides what that makes me? What that means? Is my value based only on your perception? Or is your opinion of me not my responsibility?”
Inspiring words! You go, Billie!In this day and age, it’s sad that women are still not allowed to just be themselves in peace. Our bodies are subjected to judgement and shame. Even young girls still face this issue. But there is hope that we can change things. Celebrities and brands can help shape culture, and that is what we want to do with our dresses. All bodies deserve love and respect.
Keep loving yourself, unapologetically.
XOX Cherry Velvet
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Style Inspiration - The Claire Capelet
Published Dec 18 2019 in Accessories, capelet, Claire Fraser, Design process, Fashion, fashion illustration, Fleur Delacour, inspiration, Made In Canada, Outlander, Short cape, Shrug
Does the term 'Capelet" make you think of a strong female character in a whimsical fantasy? Inspired by pieces worn by Claire and Brianna on the show "Outlander", we designed our Claire Capelet so you can be the heroine of your own magical story. This is a charming, flirty piece made to enhance the look you have on underneath.
Considering your helpful feedback on our Samantha Shrug collection, we wanted to keep this design clean around the neck, without a tie or collar. An important aspect to us was achieving the flowing, cape-like aesthetic, while ensuring that it would stay on your shoulders. For this reason, we set out to create a garment with sleeves.
The resulting effect would be that of a gentle swinging curved line, blending the sleeve in with the back, creating a unified smooth flow. We achieved this look after many versions and fit tests!
The fit was designed for 4 different sizes instead of our usual 8, as the capelet’s shape accommodates a wider range of body shapes. The smallest one, labeled “M” will fit from a tiny XS body to a true M. Size “XL” will fit L-XL, “1X” fits 0X-1X, and “3X” fits 2X-3X. (It would make an easy fit gift!)
Equally suitable over a casual outfit; elevating even a t-shirt and jeans the Claire Capelet is a versatile addition to any closet. Pick up this soft and lovely accessory to give your outfits a romantic, sophisticated finishing touch!
XOX Cherry Velvet
P.S. Try one on at the last Studio Shop of the year:
Friday Dec 20 from 2-7 pm and Saturday Dec 21 from 11-5
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Inspiration Appreciation
Published Oct 31 2019 in behind the scenes, Dita Von Teese, inspiration, making of, Marilyn Monroe, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, vintage inspired
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.
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.
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).
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!
XOX Cherry Velvet
