Haute Couture Atelier Treasures

After reading Haute Couture Ateliers I was inspired to dig out several beautiful things I've found over the years that look like they could have come out of the Craft Ateliers of Paris, France!

I just found this incredible Chinoiserie Sewing Box last week at a vintage sale.

 

 I picked it up first thing upon entering the sale and carried it under my arm for at least half and hour before I found a spot where I could set my things down and inspect it.

Imagine my surprise when I opened it up and saw a jumbled up version of this!

 

As I was contemplating the contents I looked up to see a very tall woman staring down at me.

 

 I asked her if I was in her way and she responded, "no, I'm just watching you."

A few minutes later she reached down and picked up one of the small bone accessories and held it up to her eye.

She eventually told me what it was and that it was supposed to be screwed into the umbrella piece,

 which turned out to be an antique bone needle case.

The extraordinary part is the teeny pinhole in the umbrella handle which is called a stanhope or optical bijou.

 

When it is held up to the light, you can see several images of Paris!

Amazing discoveries like these fuel my thirst for treasure hunting!!!

 

I think I found something pretty special and am thinking of getting it restored as many of the intricate bone accessories are damaged and not in their proper places.

Check out this yardstick!

 I don't know about you but I've never seen a curved one before.

It's for a tailor or dressmaker and I love how its owner identified it as belonging to them!

I bought this beautiful pair of suspenders several years ago at another vintage sale.

 

The incredible workmanship seduced me and I wanted to bring it home and just stare at it!

The provenance couldn't be more perfect!

SAN FRANCISCO!

I wanted to be its caretaker.

I rarely get to see things of this quality and I felt blessed that it landed in my hands!

I go to an amazing tailor in Berkeley who loves it when I bring in my textile finds to share with him. Someone of his talents can really appreciate this art form.

   

Several years ago I scored a cache of old ribbons to add to my growing collection.

Now I ask you... who can resist ribbon

or,

Vintage tuxedo buttons? 

And, what about feathers?

I saved the BEST for last!

Some of you might remember the post I did when I scored this fabulous beaded cape that once belonged to the infamous Angelina Alioto.

 

 I personally could never wear anything like this, I just want to treasure it and take care of it!

Like I said, I'm a lover of beauty!

How about you?