Simply..the Palazzo Fortuny....

18/1/2016

Hope to visit this exhibition in Venice.

I trained in Textile Design at GSA and remember coming across the revolutionary, and elegant silk 'Delphos' gowns of Mariano Fortuny. He began making them in 1907 but they are utterly timeless and now collectors items. You could wear them today and not look dated. The book highlighted today at Cornflower Books looks like a must read for textile lovers.

We leave in a month's time. After the Carnivale is over. Fun, I am sure, but not the Venice I really want to see (or the prices we can afford to pay!).

A writing month is one of the best ideas I've ever had.

Fantastico!

What is the best idea you have ever had?

12 Comments

Lotta link

19/1/2016 12:49:55 am

I'd never heard of Mariano Fortuny before, so thank you. You're going to have a wonderful time Freda! So much to explore. Am hoping you might also spend some time on Murano and take lots of photos - glass is one of my passions!
Isn't it funny, when put on the spot I can't think of a single idea I've ever had, never mind the best one!

Freda

19/1/2016 12:56:21 pm

Glad you like it Lotta. I'm someone who can't sleep for having ideas! (Can be exhausting....)

Swissrose link

19/1/2016 01:36:28 am

I often think how some historic clothing could easily be worn now or in a slightly modernised adaptation. Mela Köhler's designs come to mind (replace the hobble skirts with leggings or narrow trousers...!). Love old fashion plates/magazines for this very reason.
I sometimes come across something that makes me think it would make a great fashion collection, last summer it was a pack of playing cards with Breton traditional costumes, as well as our visit to the gardens of Villandry, for example, as inspiration. Or even just a knitting collection lol.

Freda

19/1/2016 01:19:21 pm

I see what you mean! Sounds like you have fun with fashion too.

Julia

19/1/2016 05:42:13 am

As always, freda, you are a source of wealth!...the inspirational, and informational kind...:-) i have never heard of fortuny, but i agree. The dresses are timeless and yes, indeed, i HAVE seen dresses in that style at formal evenings....i've never had the svelt figure for one myself, though...:-) will look for byatt's book when it comes out...best idea i have ever had was to become a mother...because now i am a grandmother!....there is that word again: JOY!

Freda

19/1/2016 01:21:06 pm

Love your best idea! And I do agree you'd have to be willowy thin to wear a Delphos gown...

cath

19/1/2016 08:35:29 am

We visited a Morris exhibition once but Fortuny is completely new to me. Interesting!

Reading one poem every morning is probably one of the best ideas I ever had. It taught me patience, reading unhurried and mindful, introduced me to many great poets.

Freda

19/1/2016 01:23:11 pm

It is interesting from the idea of women's liberation too - from corsets and restrictive clothing. Reading one poem a day is a beaufiful idea.

Sarah link

19/1/2016 11:07:54 am

How fortunate that this exhibition will be on when you are visiting Venice. I'm sure you will enjoy it, there can't be that many designs that are still as good now. Sarah x

Freda

19/1/2016 01:25:16 pm

I believe the Palazzo Fortuny has just been refurbished so lucky timing!

ChompyChipmunk

19/1/2016 02:41:29 pm

Interesting question re: best idea ever. Hmm.

Perhaps it was to study Mandarin at university. A number of people tried to talk me out of it -- not the least because I have poor hearing and so it made the spoken language even more difficult.

I was determined to do it -- I figured there would never be another "good" time to focus on memorizing characters and learning how to pronounce Chinese sounds. I had been fascinated by written Chinese since I was small and so the thought of being able to read it was thrilling.

It was interesting and engaging. In contrast with classes of 1000+ students that were common in lower years at my large school, we were a class of about 15 students. The teachers managed to convey a lot more than just language in the classes. The classes became about culture, philosophy, history and worldview as well as language. They would reward all the studying (and constant testing) every Thursday by doing something fun in the second half of a 2-hour class. Sometimes we watched movies or opera in Chinese and sometimes we did things like make food. Jiaozi (northern style dumplings) were a favourite. Sometimes we did things like learn Chinese calligraphy from a guest teacher. Make no mistake though - we earned that "fun" time!

The experience was grueling at times, but very worthwhile and restored my interest in formal education. It also provided an appreciation for the complexity of China that was a really good backdrop to other courses such as history and economics, as well as important context for global events since then.

Freda

19/1/2016 10:25:48 pm

I do admire your determination! You could write a fascinating blog about this subject CC.....?

Simply..the Palazzo Fortuny....

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