I have always loved the concept of the phoenix and what is stands for. According to Chinese mythology –
The phoenix is the symbol of high virtue and grace, of power and prosperity. It represents the union of yin and yang. It was thought to be a gentle creature, alighting so gently that it crushed nothing, and eating only dewdrops.
It symbolized the Empress usually in a pairing with a dragon (the dragon representing the Emperor), and only Empress could wear the phoenix symbol. The phoenix represented power sent from the heavens to the Empress.
If a phoenix was used to decorate a house it symbolized that loyalty and honesty was in the people that lived there. Jewelry with the phoenix design showed that the wearer was a person of high moral values, and so the phoenix could only be worn by people of great importance. The Chinese phoenix was thought to have the beak of a cock, the face of a swallow, the neck of a snake, the breast of a goose, the back of a tortoise, hindquarters of a stag and the tail of a fish.
When I found this phoenix purse I felt that it was fate that it should be worn together with my phoenix dress. I might have stayed up until 3am to bid on it…! I have a few beaded 1920s dresses in my collection now, and I don’t believe that they should only be reserved for costume parties. I feel that they most certainly can be worn and enjoyed providing they fit in with the venue you’re going to. This outfit was worn on an outing to my favorite Japanese restaurant, Moga, which as you might have guessed from the name – has a 1920s theme.
These photos were taken on the way out to dinner, in an amazingly well preserved building left over from the art deco era. A few months ago I came across this building by accident when I happened to walk past it on my way to a nearby pub. I was absolutely in awe of the beautiful chandeliers and stained glass and vowed to come back with my camera. When I did come back, I found that someone had placed the lounge of my dreams by the door. I honestly don’t have a clue what this building is actually used for, but the fact that it was empty meant that we could take these photos undisturbed, which as most bloggers would know, is quite a feat.
Wearing:
Unique Vintage – Dress
I Love Billy – Heels
Vintage (1920s – 1940s) purse
I cannot get over how beautifully you style your photos. You always look amazing and apropos to the era. Lovely
Oh wow this dress is stunning! What a beautiful place to take blog photos in…love it! xo
Gorgeous! Stunning dress, your hair looks beautiful as always, and the interior you found fits perfectly! I wish I stumbled into deco buildings more often. What a treat it was empty as I know exactly what you mean!
Yay, the breaking and entering was totally worth it 😉 these photos are so gorgeous, seriously. Beautiful job as ever! And what a lovely flapper you make. Perfection! And I’m so very jealous of your building find x
Omg! This dress and the purse are amazing! You look as stunning as always.
xx
Sandra
Just deliciously decadent – you look wonderful! x
Enchanting ensemble, and I think you struck it lucky with such a divine spot to showcase your stunning look Harlow! It’s absolutely superb, and really you look so perfectly 20s ~ it’s making me swoon! ❤
xox,
bonita of Lavender & Twill
That really and truly has to be one of the most sublimely beautiful beaded/sequin adorned dresses, past or present, that I’ve ever seen. The colour palette is devastatingly stunning and the whole thing is a beguiling work of wearable art that leaves me saying “Wow, wow, and wow again!”.
xoxo ♥ Jessica
*PS* Many heartfelt thanks for all of your marvelous recent blog comments, dear Harlow.
Gorgeous! I love that the inspiration all came from a purse – that’s commitment to a look. The dress is really stunning on you, and I think you found the best possible backdrop to set it off. Great luck finding a deco building to go with your deco dress.
Such a beautiful dress and clutch, and perfectly surrounded with a beautiful building too! Art Deco is one of my favourite styles too 🙂
The Artyologist
You are such a dream! I can’t believe how well you style your images, and you always look amazing. I especially love those pics of you dancing :3 as always, you inspire me. And what a treat to find a gorgeous building like this!
Such a pretty dress and I love your shoes x
Utterly divine! I’m in awe of your pictures recently. The grandeur and elegance of the settings is splendid. I’m so glad you went back to this location for your pictures. It was calling for you. And your little vintage bag is such a precious treasure.
both you and the place look stunning! xx
Beaded dresses should definitely not just be for costume parties! While I wouldn’t necessarily wear one every day, it’s super unique and is perfect for a slightly more formal occasion or night out. And especially if it suits the place you’re going to.
Jessica – littlehenrylee.net
This dress! Amazing!