This month, the Opera Company of Philadelphia opens their imaginative interpretation of Romeo and Juliet at the Academy of Music.  But this production is seen from a new, fresh perspective that both opera lovers and fashion forward patrons will appreciate.  The Capulets and The Montagues are shown as major fashion houses in a modern 21st Century world of models, paparazzi and haute couture.  To bring this vision to life, the Opera Company partnered with three of the premier design schools in the region – Moore College of Art and Design; Drexel University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and Philadelphia University – to create cutting-edge costume design.  What an incredible vehicle to cast the spotlight on all the amazing young design talent that exists here in Philadelphia!  Bravo!  

Students at the three local design colleges were asked by costume director Richard St. Clair to create haute couture, vibrantly-colored designs that gave a nod to both Renaissance fashion and modern glitzy red-carpet silhouettes.   Sixteen winning designs were chosen from each of the three participating schools to be sewn and featured in a runway fashion show within the opera production itself.   The students’ designs will be previewed for the very first time at the L’Amour & Couture Gala this Saturday night at the Loews Hotel Philadelphia.   The gala celebrates the production of Romeo & Juliet but also the future of fashion and the power of nurturing young talent!  The Gala’s guests of honor and leading actors are talented vocal artists, soprano Ailyn Perez and tenor Stephen Costello.  Married in 2008, both honorees trained at Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts and have gone on to thrilling international acclaim.

We’re honored to be involved in Saturday’s Gala and have loved collaborating on the event design with the creative planning team at the Opera.   Congratulations to Gala co-chairs Eliana Papadakis and Maria Papadakis, and event chair Ellen Berman Lee on an incredible evening celebrating art in Philadelphia! 

Performances of Romeo & Juliet are scheduled for February 11, 13, 16, 18, and 20 at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia.  Go to www.operaphila.org for tickets and more information.

Pamphlets, dictionaries and letters were exchanged amongst friends and lovers to explain their own elaborate floral code in painstaking detail.  But it wasn’t only the type of flowers that conveyed hidden messages but how they were presented, such as:  the quantity of blooms, the selection of flowers, whether they were large or small, whether they were grouped together or wrapped in paper, when they were delivered during the day and how often during the week.  For example, a “tussie mussie” of yellow roses offered in the morning would be a sweet tribute to friendship, happiness and joy.  But a bouquet of yellow carnations delivered in the afternoon would indicate disappointment in a friend’s behavior or rejection of a friend’s gift.  

Sadly, over the years most of the world has forgotten the meanings and symbolism of all but a few favorite blossoms.  Although there are hundreds if not thousands of gorgeous flowers to choose from every Valentine’s Day, we all continue to believe red roses are the only flower that implies passion and deep romantic love.  Perhaps this year we should follow in fashion’s footsteps and let the charming Victorian language of flowers guide us to other sentimental blooms to share our feelings.  Some of the meanings noted below remain consistent with today’s perception but many are truly surprising when you know, as we do, which blooms are favorites amongst brides in today’s weddings.    

• Baby’s Breath:  Innocence, Angelic and Pure of Heart
• Cactus:  My heart burns with love for you! 
• Calla Lily:  You’re a Magnificent Beauty
• Pink Carnation:  I’ll Never Forget You  
• Cattleya Orchid:  The Promise of Mature Love or Passion
• Cherry Blossom:  Education and Learning
• Chrysanthemum:  Abundance and Wealth, Cheerfulness and You’re a Wonderful Friend
• Daffodil:  Unrequited Love, High Regard and Respect, Chivalry
• Dahlia:  Dignity, Elegance and Endurance
• Delphinium:  Big-Hearted, Fun and Joyful 
• Dogwood:  Indifference, Fragility and Fleating 
• Forsythia:  Anticipation 
• Gardenia:  You’re Lovely, Secret Love, Refinement 
• Gerbera:  Innoncence, Folly and Youth
• Hibiscus:  Irrationally Consumed by Love 
• Holly:  Domestic Bliss and Happiness  
• Hyacinth:  Please Forgive Me 
• Hydrangea:  Frigidity, Heartlessness, Coldness
• Jasmine:  Amiability, Modesty, Grace, Elegance
• Lady’s Slipper Orchid:  Win Me, Capricious Beauty
• Lavender:  Love and Devotion
• Lilac:  Young or First Love
• Lily of the Valley:  Sweetness, Happiness, Humility
• Mimosa:  Secret Love
• Narcissus (Paperwhites):  Formality, Stay As Sweet As You Are
• Orchid:  Refined and Sophisticated Love, Blessed with Many Children
• Pansy:  You Occupy My Thoughts at Every Moment
• Peach Blossom:  I Am Your Slave
• Passion Flower:   Religious Fervor, Faith, Piety (bet you didn’t know that, huh?)
• Peony:  Happy Marriage
• Phlox:  Our Souls are United
• Poppy:  Imagination, Wealth and Success
• Pussywillow:  Motherhood
• Ranunculus:  I Am Dazzled by Your Charms
• Stephanotis:  Marital Happiness
• Stock:  You’ll Always Be Beautiful to Me
• Sunflower:  Pride
• Sweetpea: Thank You for a Lovely Time
• Red Tulip:  Declaration of Love
• Yellow Tulip:  There’s Sunshine in Your Smile
• Venus Flytrap:  Caught at Last
• Zinnia:  Lasting Affection for an Absent Friend

Since we no longer exchange personal dictionaries that detail the hidden meanings, why not send a bouquet of flowers with a handwritten note that shares the sentiment?

Filled with joy, excitment and the promise of everlasting love, every bride is truly beautiful on her wedding day.  Glowing from the inside out and more than likely buffed and polished to a rosy sheen on the outside, the wedding gown is the final layer of beauty that completes the bridal silhouette.  The proverbial cherry on the sundae if you will.  A rather large and sweet cherry that every bride savours and every guest relishes.  As the shining star of the wedding day, all eyes follow the bride wherever she goes and that means her every angle, pose and posture is on display.   Watching her gown float behind her as she glides down the aisle or twirl around her legs as she turns to hug a friend or shimmer under the light as she dances with her groom ** sigh **; there really is nothing quite like the allure of the wedding gown.   But it’s the view from the back, with all its endless stream of buttons, soft romantic shirring, traditional lace panels, rich fabric folds, gossamer layered tulle and sophisticated drapes, that catches our attention and never lets it go. 

[Photo courtesy of Ash Imagery]

Carefully selecting the gown silhouette that best enhances her figure is of utmost importance and shouldn’t be taken lightly.  In most cases bridal gowns are much more fabric and formality than women are used to wearing in these modern times and as a result can be overwhelming to control.  But when perfectly selected, fitted and worn with confidence, there is nothing more gorgeous than seeing the face of a bride who FEELS beautiful from the inside out.  And when she feels beautiful, she’s breathtaking eye candy for the rest of us.

The small of bride’s back holds as much drama or subltety as she desires.

[Photos from the left:  Cliff Mautner, Anna Kuperberg, Phil Kramer]

The dramatic duchess satin train and cathedral veil that only a formal Catholic wedding in a Basilica can require.

[Above photo courtesy of Cliff Mautner]

This satin mermaid gown had buttons all the way down the back but paired with it’s elbow-length veil the vision was modern and ethereal as she recessed down the aisle.

[Photo courtesy of Scott Lewis]

This stunning strapless gown of lace, organza and tulle appliques was the perfect accessory for the bride’s tall willowy figure. 

[Photo courtesy of Faith West]

This classic lace and shirred tulle gown never knew it would be “tooling” down the summer streets of Philadelphia.

[Photo courtesy of Cliff Mautner]

If you’re not familiar with this 27-year old British jewelry designer, come in and take a look!  Rachel’s various jewelry collections are stylish, interactive and fun to wear, often containing a mystery within, making them unique and individual to the wearer.  They celebrate a special time in one’s life and make an original gift, holiday present or keepsake.

Rachel draws her inspiration from intricate carved wood, bronze historic treasures, architecture, engineering, natural textures and objects found in our daily lives.   Rachel adds her own innovative twist with hidden compartments or containers, enabling the wearer to interact with their jewelery and adds bespoke, handmade fittings and clasps to give each piece her own signature finish.

Available in Philadelphia, exclusively at Evantine, The Boutique, located at 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Lobby Level.  215.790.2576.  But please see below for more photos of Rachel Galley’s gorgeous jewelry. 

Her “Memento” collection is based on the concept of hidden treasures – these exquisite pieces are as memorable for their beauty as they are for the secrets they contain.  The “Memento Globe” features Rachel’s signature lattice spheres and contemporary lockets, which can be personalised by adding personal keepsakes year after year or choosing special birth or anniversary stones to be held within. 

Globe Bracelets

Multi-Globe Pendant Necklace

Globe Locket Ring

Globe Hoop Earrings

A talented artist we are just THRILLED to have at Evantine!  please, come in, her pieces won’t be here very long…