Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Getting Lippy with Lelong


What is it with women’s lipstick these days? (Sorry girls). Here you have the main weapon in a woman’s arsenal of tips and tricks, demoted down to usually just a mundane black cylinder with a logo on it to be tossed into a handbag or cosmetic bag. These magical little items should be displayed and brandished about with savoir faire, shown off and treated with a little respect.

At Lucien Lelong, in the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s they were luxurious little objets deluxe, that women were proud of, and they were also fun!

Previously I posted on a luxurious little Lelong offering covered in mink, which had wonderful undertones of luxury and surrealism.

On the luxury side we have this wonderful little jeweled case which I am sure drew envious glances when the owner used this in a powder room with other women around.

Lelong wasn’t afraid of arming a woman with several different lip shades depending on her mood. Often three different colours were contained in the same unit, giving our young fashionista a choice of how seductive she wanted to be.

The below while a very simple box shaped container, oozes glamour.

The silver container called “Quick Change” below mimics a coin container of the type that buss or tram conductors used to carry to dispense change. Not only is the container clever and fun there is a new meaning in the name, implying that a girl could change her lip colour on a whim. It also doubled as a brooch to be worn and displayed.

The set of three green plastic tubes below is an actual whistle that works.

Advertising also was fun and innovative. Colours were given names that were fun and carefree and meaningful.



So ladies get lippy like Lelong and arm yourself with a bit of savoir faire!

4 comments:

  1. I love finding old ads for design or fashion related products. They really are a window into what the world was like.

    I just stumbled across your blog for the first time and thought I would say hello! I looked through a few of your posts and love your style.

    I'm a blogger as well, about the world of art, but my history is in interior design and fashion. I love to hear what people are saying! Hope we get to see more of each other in the future.

    Bethany
    www.DirksenDabbles.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. David,
    The first picture is so naughty...and funny! I enjoyed the look back on the history of the lipstick case. So sad everything is just a plastic tube for the most part. Love the case with the aqua and pearl studs!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't use lipstick because I really dislike when my hair is stuck to my lips when it's windy.
    How do all the women deal with this?
    It's a huge problem for me as I have so much hair on my head and it's always windy in northern germany.
    *LOL*

    ReplyDelete
  4. David I agree with you, why aren't lipstick cases more creative and whimsical? I'll take that turquoise and pearl case any day!! I say bring on the bling! Love the old ad's you found.
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete

Blog Widget by LinkWithin