Mohair Hat Collar and Cuffs Pattern by Violet Chartreuse I like looking at fashion photographs. As much, and often more so, for the photography as for the clothes. And props, well, as long as they don't overpower the clothes, they can turn a photo into an artwork, a visual story. Sometimes, yes, nature is the only prop needed. But today, in this post, are some frocks with props that I like. Yes I know the one above is an accessories pattern not a frock but everything in the photo is gorgeous, including the white bundle. Even though the love that I have for my own departed bundle hits me in my solar plexus when I look at it - or maybe because of it.
Lucy Custom Made Dress by My Black DressI wonder why we don't use sun umbrellas more, particularly here in Australia in summer. Such an underrated fashion accessory. And rain umbrellas, well, you get to be in your own protected little space under the low clouds, in the softer light, and with sounds more acute, resonating - that's if it's soft down rain, or tropical rain that comes down like a heavy sheet hard and straight. If it's sweeping rain you just need to forfeit the umbrella, stop struggling, and get swept along.
Speaking of water, who'd have thought of combining a dress with a hose. But oh wow doesn't it look great. The punch is in the surprise I think.
The Amazing Canyon I Saw Tunic by Nostalgia 
The Spring Manifesto Dress from Attila DesignA nice big pair of wings paired with this unconventional dress makes an arresting pic. I think this prop is made with Photoshop. It's a magical tool - but sometimes it's better not to know how magic works. Okay I'm lying. I want it.
Spring Summer Dress by Natalie Low I have a weakness for photos of washing hanging on a clothes line. Whether in a back garden or strung from a balcony in a little back street, these scenes sing to me of sunshine, breezes, freshness and home.
Stuffing! The perfect prop for a maternity dress if you can't have the real thing. Looking at this pic reminds me of being pregnant with my son, so thin and with such a small 'basketball' bump. I remember a friend asking if I was having a 'bird' - the bird was a healthy 6lb 11oz/3033g. If I put my hand on my stomach I can still remember how his little foot felt beneath my hand, beneath my skin.
We all have them. In the photo trunk. Little memory strips. Funny faces and big innocent eyes.
Pianos can be memory catchers too. I love to play my Dad's grand piano - even stumbled efforts seem beautiful - but I enjoy listening to him play even more. Not for him the sheets of music needing to be referred to, just the internal hum of memory.
Last but not least from the Darling Drew the ultimate prop, a pool. Who else could look so good fully submerged. Not that I'd want to go swimming in a dress. Swimming with no clothes is the ideal, but here I have to settle for a swimsuit. Still enjoy it tho - particularly at night time under the stars, floating on my back, gazing up.
(When you head over to Elle to check out Drew's story, check out an editor's recent diy video showing you how to make the 'latest' shoulder pad fashion...sewing three, yes three shoulder pads together to slip inside a lovely blouse and make it look supposedly 'worth thousands' but to me...um...well...just gross!)
I know I haven't said anything about the clothes. I like them all. I'd wear them all. No, maybe not the maternity one. I'd give it as a gift to someone I love who's expecting. Maybe not the manifesto one either. I'd hang it on the wall as a work of art. I could get some wings to put behind it...
