70s Fashion Icon: Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface

Brian de Palma's award-winning film Scarface isn't the most obvious choice for fashionistas, but this epic crime drama set in the late 70s and early 80s also features some of the most glamorous moments in movie history thanks to Elvira Hancock, played by a breathtakingly beautiful Michelle Pfeiffer.

Elvira is Tony Montana's wife - a spoilt, pouting diva - and her cream skirt suits and satin maxi dresses have had a particularly strong influence on designer collections over the last few seasons.

Nightclub ennui. We've all been there.

Elvi's froideur as she struts past her husband Frank is one of the best entrances in film history:

Even when the wheels start to come off, she still looks amazing...

How the hell does anyone get their hair so shiny?

Here's a video tutorial on how to get her make-up 'look':

When we started out we didn't buy many 1970s dresses for the boutique, but they have turned out to be such a popular request that we recently sourced about 25 original 1970s evening gowns - all absolutely stunning and in excellent condition - that will be uploaded to the site soon. If you want to make an appointment for a preview, please get in touch via this link. We can open up the studio any time between 7am and 10pm (including weekends) and we're 2 minutes from Kings Cross station. This leopard-print maxi gown is one of our 1970s dresses currently in stock, available to buy here:

These YSL gold wedges complete the look:

I'm going to be posting on Studio 54-inspired fashion next week, including a selection of our amazing disco dresses. Here a sneak peek of a sequin maxi gown (size 12) we have in stock - not yet online - it arrived with original tags and has never been worn! If you want to come in and try it on please get in touch.

Dressing for Royal Ascot: three exquisite pieces

Royal Ascot starts today and for once decent weather is forecast for the entire week! As usual James Sherwood will be there with his camera spying the best (and worst) outfits. James has just written a book called Fashion at Royal Ascot, featuring photographs from the last 300 years at the races.

Here is Vogue model Fiona Campbell-Walter at Royal Ascot in 1953 in a beautiful saucer hat:


One of the most outrageous fashion icons in the racing world was Mrs Gertrude Shilling, aka the 'Ascot Mascot', seen here in 1969:

Here's Queenie and her gang in 1974, wearing a Launer handbag - still her favourite in 2011 - and a turban.

Martha Sitwell is a 21st century beauty who wears exquisite vintage pieces to the races:

We've picked out three outfits from our boutique that are perfect for Royal Ascot. Our first choice is a stunning 1960s silk houndstooth dress with matching jacket. See more photos here.

Our next choice is a shantung silk early 1960s dress with chiffon daisy detail on the hem.


This ultra-chic navy and cream organza dress would look sensational at the races:

To view our full collection of dresses please click here. We are able to deliver on the same day if you live in central London. If you need more inspiration here is some footage of James's show from Ascot a couple of years ago: