Flamenco Re-Fashion

If you know me, you know I enjoy a good fashion challenge! So when I had literally five minutes to get ready to go to the theater to see a play with the in-laws and my husband for his birthday... creativity set in! As they say...necessity is the mother of all invention. (More of my thoughts on that later). We were visiting so I had very little with me (not completely true) and had to throw something together pronto! In this case, my eye was drawn to an old dance costume piece that my sister-in-law gave me a few days earlier as she was cleaning out her closet of old dance costumes (where are the rest of them??!!)

It was a black lace Flamenco style petticoat to be exact.

Out of sheer (literally) necessity, I added black leggings and then added the only decent dressy top I had in my suitcase. Usually I wear lots of all black but this time I actually wanted to show the color/texture contrast through the skirt so I chose this ivory top. I finished with a black stretch (thrift store) belt to tie it together, black 40s-inspired patent pumps (kensie girl), tied my hair back in a bun, and threw a cherry blossom behind my ear off the tree in the yard!

1940s pumps

When we snapped a few photos I imagined myself as a glamorous Latina Flamenco dancer..... :)

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I love the movement you can create with these frills and ruffles!

So if your wondering what Flamenco is all about....
It's an expressive Spanish dance style that combines energetic footwork with dramatic arm and hand movements. The costume choice is strategic in enhancing the dance movements through the tight waist line with full skirt (or pencil skirt that fishtails out like this one) highlighting the hip movements. And don't forget all the flounces, frills and ruffles (even on the arms) that are so integral to emphasizing the drama of the dance.

 Other aspects of the Flamenco look are usually a low neckline with center-parted hair pulled back in a low chignon (to emphasize the neck) paired with accessories like hair flowers, scarves, large earrings (dangle or hoop), fans, beaded necklaces and rows of bangles.

Perhaps the most famous Flamenco fashionista, Carmen Miranda (1940s). Love the huge pile of beads and her signature head piece brings the look into fantasy land!

The flamenco dancer Manuela Vargas, 1963. Love the placement of her flowers. 60s cat eye makeup but her straight brows, spit curls and drop earrings are channeling a twenties vibe.

Left: 1951 Flamenco dress; Right: 1946 Flamenco-inspired evening ensemble.

Flamenco look with 20s finger-waved hair

OK, so I am now officially inspired...I see myself doing another look like this in the future with more color, drama, accessories, punch, just STUFF!

 

Image sources:
http://amare-habeo.tumblr.com
http://www.theduskzone.com
http://thespillblog.co.uk/2011/09/09/friday-night-flamenco-solo-artists-2/
http://rascalkosher.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html
http://www.farfetch.com/art187.aspx