A Dress Named Desire

I have to confess upfront that this dress, 50's-inspired design aside, has nothing to do with Tennessee Williams' famous play. I just like the way the name sounds. "A Dress Named Desire" - has a certain ring, doesn't it? And why not christen this dress in the name of yearning? After all, that is exactly the feeling which boiled through my veins the minute I espied this gorgeous Bettie Page frock. It's glistening, checkered taffeta and classically beautiful silhouette sto... More

I have to confess upfront that this dress, 50's-inspired design aside, has nothing to do with Tennessee Williams' famous play. I just like the way the name sounds. "A Dress Named Desire" - has a certain ring, doesn't it? And why not christen this dress in the name of yearning? After all, that is exactly the feeling which boiled through my veins the minute I espied this gorgeous Bettie Page frock. It's glistening, checkered taffeta and classically beautiful silhouette stole my heart and wouldn't give it back no matter how much I begged. Admiring this dress, a million scenes sprang to mind - It's full skirt pooled out as I sat, lost in a novel, in front of a warm, radiating wood stove. It's patent belt, notched collar, and double breasted front making me the personification of elegance as I sipped a glass of Chianti at a fancy holiday party. My eyes downcast, my stomach butterflies, as a love interest gently ran his fingertips up and down the length of my arm left bare by the cuffed 3/4-length sleeves. Everything glamorous, everything glowing - that's what a girl's world would become when she was embraced and graced by this garment. Mmm. I wanted this dress - wanted to wear it out somewhere, anywhere, with velvet peep toes, back seamed stockings, and dainty black gloves. I'm not a girl to let good-looking things pass me by, and this dress? Well, it's no exception. By Bettie Page. -Hannah, Fashion Writer