When I received the invitation to the Dina Bar-El show and saw it was
titled “Burlesque”, I new this was a shoe for a vintage lovin’ girl like
me–and I was right.
A jazz trio started off the show with a sexy little song and then this
ravishing blonde appears in a grape evening gown, except instead of
walking the runway, she teased us with a seductive burlesque routine
that had everyone giggling and hooting. Boas flew, gloves were launched,
even the grape dress was flung into the audience. No nudity, just
strategically placed pasties and lots of gymnastic tumbles back down the
runway. While the opening routine wasn’t as authentic as say The Velvet
Hammer Burlesque troupe, it was still good, clean , titillating fun.
Old Hollywood glamor met cheeky burlesque in a collection that is
totally wearable.
The collection featured satin, bias cut dresses with
plunging portrait necklines and fishtails, lace trimming, lace insets,
and glistening paillettes.
The styling would have made Dita Von Teese
proud. The models wore turn of the century small top hats, 40s WWII
garrison caps and sequined masks. The colors of the gowns ranged from
rose, cherry, bottle green, black and mauve.
There was even an occasional men’s inspired suit. The only piece that was definitely a no go for me was a heavily sequined gown that looked like a walking Christmas tree. It was way too Vegas show girl in a bad way. While
nothing in the collection was terribly innovative, it was tried and true
retro.
Girls who love feminine and and walk a fine line between sexy and classy
will love Dina Bar-El. Behind me, I could hear two young ladies whisper,
“That is so Christina Aguilera”. Darling, this is better-this is Burlesque.
Photography by Phil Cuenco (courtesy of LA Film Fashion)
Sandra Mendoza-Daly is a vintage fashionista and fashion writer. Check
her out at www.debutanteclothing.com. She is also the editor of the Downtown Doll magazine at www.fashiontribes.com
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