Thinking of Kimono's...

Today we have been thinking alot about Kimono's after sorting through research for our latest kimono doll. It brought to mind the traditions that follow the dress, the beautiful craftsmanship and the sheer opulence of being draped and swathed in so many amazing layers of cloth.......anyway we thought we would share a few of our favourite pieces that helped inspire our latest doll........for more pictures showing what continually inspires us see our flickr photostream.......as always enjoy!

Our latest Kimono Doll - gold leather hair & african print kimono, for now we will call her 'Flower Girl' created May 2010

This photo was posted by 'bookmice' and dates from 1938.

Kimonos became popular attire in Japan in the Heian Period (794-1192 CE), before the year 794, Japanese people wore separate upper and lower garments.

Detail photo from a small tin bought from Narita airport in 2007.......we think she is adorable, loving the little red flower on her shoulder!

We had to share this image with you we thought it was just beautiful! Perfectly capturing the contrast of textures between the purple paper parasol and the rich luscious golden and subtle pink tones of the jacquard Kimono and Obi.

Image posted on Flickr by 'manganite' entitled 'Kimono Girl With Umbrella' from the "Close your eyes and think of Japan' set

FINDING FLICKR....

DHQ were recently introduced (I know some of you may be thinking 'recently??') to the fantastic website that is 'FLICKR', and we thought it was so great it was worth sharing.

For those of you (who were like us not so long ago) that are not too familiar with FLICKR basically it is a portal for many creative people out there to upload their recent finds, makes and photographs to share with the world.

Here are just a few of our DECO 'Flickr favs'.........to see more of our 'favs', search for your own image library, or just to see some of our DECO makes and finds clink on our link across the page (top right).........enjoy!

"ART DECO DRAIN COVER" Emerson Street just inland from Marine Parade in Napier as posted by fOrbe5 / Iain

Detail photo of a Gitzo Art Deco shutter as posted by heritagefutures

Original Art Deco shopping centre in (former Eastern) Berlin as posted by peterpeers

DECO MANIA

Well it certainly has been a busy week in DHQ, we have been up to all sorts from creating more jewellery to add to our accessories collection to putting exciting plans into place for our upcoming pop up shop to be held in Lagos.

We would like to share with you today a short film featuring four of our monsters. This film was made by 2 of our fans - Amber and Amelia - DECO thinks this film is fantastic and thanks to you both, you certainly are stars of the future.

DECO STATE OF MIND

To continue with our jewelry obsession this week we thought we would share with you a few of our inspirational finds.......

Marlene Dietrich

Art Deco Gem-Set Devant de Corsage, Boucheron, Paris

Designed by Lucien Hirtz, this rare Art Deco gem set was sold at auction for $189,600 on Mar. 17 by Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers in Boston

Art Deco Ornament- Art Deco ornamentation in the door reveal of the Carbide and Carbon Building on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.

FOR THE LOVE OF DECO

DHQ do hope you have all been having (or are still having) a lovely Valentine's day. In keeping with the theme of the day we would like to share something with you that we love, our hidden gems as such! We invite you to take a look at a snippet of our latest jewelled brooches and head bands. Each piece shows our marvelous craftsmanship and attention to design. These accessories are guaranteed to give any outfit that extra bit of glamour. Enjoy!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY.......PRONUNCIATION

Whilst catching up with old friends at DHQ, we came onto the subject of a place called "Stanstead Mountfitchet". Now excuse yourself, if like us, you pronounced it phonetically. According to DECO's dear friend Bil, it's actually pronounced "Mountfishaaaaay" - hmmm does Bil have a case of Hyacinth Bouquet / Bucket?? Anyway whilst trying to dispute the pronunciation of this picturesque village (with the help of good old google) we stumbled across the Mountfitchet Garden Club and we think their photos of hedge sculptures are quite fantastic!.......have a look. Mountfitchet Garden Club, DECO salutes your finds!!

Profile shot of a "Hedge Face Scultpure"

Another shot of the "Hedge Face"

This one is our personal favourite - "Hedge Cat"

LOVE DECO

In keeping with Valentines Day, which is fast approaching, let us show you a few things we have created to mark the special day.......

Yellow, gold and purple print with red embellishment and ribbon bow details.

Red and yellow rose print finished with red ribbon bow.

CUPID'S HEART - Blue and Ochre print with red embellishment.

Black and gold print with gold, silver and bronze embellishment and a red ribbon bow to add the finishing touch.

Purple print with gold, silver and red embellishment