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art inspired: jean honoré fragonard, the stolen kiss

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Jean-Honor%C3%A9_Fragonard_-_The_Stolen_Kiss


The Stolen Kiss by Jean Honoré Fragonard


Although you probably know him for his dreamy Rococo work, The Swing, Fragonard's The Stolen Kiss, is a perfect example of his intimate and erotic body of work from the 1700s. It leapt out at me this week as such a pretty point of fashion inspiration for fall, although I'll admit I was drawn in more by her creamy skin and the romantic tableau than the actual gown. But once I stopped to think about it, there's something appealing about a softer alternative to the sea of black, oxblood and cobalt. And just like the prolific artist himself, (Fragonard produced more than 550 paintings in his lifetime) there are almost as many ways to style a white gown! I really love the idea of pairing it with modern bags and leather jackets for a sweet contrast with a little edge.



gown


I went ahead and took some liberties below because I think the spirit of The Stolen Kiss can still be captured whether it's with a gauzy top and jeans, a tee with lace sleeves, or a romantic tunic styled with wild boho scarves or leather pants.


tops



Did you think I'd forget her winter wrap? Any of these would be the perfect foil for a stolen kiss, don't you agree?

coats/scarves


So what do you think? Will you be adding a few romantic touches to your fall wardrobe this fall?




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29 Comments:

Anonymous Alexis Grace said...

First, I think I said it when you posted The Swing, but I really love Fragonard's work...

As for the styling translation- this really works for me! Especially the idea of the soft dress with the leather jacket-- love love love the combo.

Plus, once I have baby, it is still going to take a minute to get back into tailored clothing, so a soft option should really work for me!

4:44 AM  
Anonymous fashionsensitive said...

Romantic items always draw my attention, Mary Jo, I like ruffles and lace a lot and from what you posted here, I think the tunic styled with wild boho scarves and leather pants would be my choice. Have to buy those leather pants I have on the list, but last year everybody was wearing black leather pants and fur vest, so I postponed this "acquisition". Kisses

5:11 AM  
Anonymous classiq said...

This I know for sure: I would leave out the classic version and go for something else. I'm already picturing an outfit: knee-length white dress, a long knitted cardigan (maybe grey) and riding boots (camel). That's how I see a romantic look for winter.
Love the painting!
Ada

6:39 AM  
Blogger Kim (A Very Sweet Blog) said...

I love romantic pieces! I had two great cashmere sweaters that had ruffles that cascaded down the front. I wore them to death! hahaha Mary Jo I LOVE this painting. It's so romantic and cute. We don't think much about wearing white this time of year, but I really like it paired with winter garments. Very chic!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

7:59 AM  
Blogger Fashion-Bridge said...

As usual you find amazing inspiration in art. I love all the looks you've presented above. Each and every is very special. But I'd go for vintage vibe. There is always something very romantic in vintage

Xx

Alexandra

www.fashion-bridge.blogspot.com



8:37 AM  
Blogger Chic 'n Cheap Living said...

I love the romantic, rebellious vibe here! I'll take a lace jacket with my gown please!

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

9:18 AM  
Blogger Sunny & Star said...

I am kind of in love with all of these looks. They are so soft and romantic.

12:34 PM  
Blogger Rachel Jensen {Da Paura ♥} said...

I love all the variations!!! Who would have realized such romantic pieces could be paired so many ways!

x
Rachel

3:34 PM  
Blogger Rowena @ rolala loves said...

I still remember Fragonard's The Swing from art history class. I think adding some romantic touches is the perfect way to take the chill out of fall.

Rowena @ rolala loves

5:44 PM  
Blogger daisymay aka Chantele said...

A beautiful draped white dress is so classy!

Daisy Dayz
Enter my giveaway to win designer shades

6:04 PM  
Blogger Blond Duck said...

I want to see some of his other work now!

6:55 PM  
Blogger Pamela RG said...

I like this painting by Fragonard. It looked so elegant and sneaky with that kiss. As for fall, a nice scarf and leather jacket is quite elegant and edgy, just like the painting.

7:46 PM  
Blogger Jennifer Fabulous said...

That painting is stunning. I love the detail of the dress. It is like a photo or something. What a magnificent painting.

I am a huge fan of pairing white sundresses and white lace dresses with unexpected touches, like you have here. One of my staple outfits is a romantic lace white sundress with a ripped denim jacket.

So, in other words, this post is like home to me. I love it. :)

8:47 PM  
Blogger Fashion Tales said...

I do always love a bit of romance in my dressing so yes I will be wearing it. His works really pairs well with this modern style interpretation. Hope you're having a good week so far.

10:01 PM  
Anonymous Carla Coulson said...

The Stolen Kiss such a great theme for a photo shoot and I love all these fashion inspirations you have posted....am a bit of a haute hippie/vintage boho girl at heart!
Beautiful
Carla x

11:49 PM  
Blogger dimitri said...

What a beautiful painting. I really love Fragonard.
These pieces are so pretty. Very stylish and romantic. Lovely dresses.
xoxo

12:44 AM  
Blogger MM said...

Hi, honey!! I missed your posts! Love that painting!! Your selection is amazing!! Love the lace coat!!

xoxoxo

4:44 AM  
Anonymous Cafe Fashionista said...

I am so obsessed with hippie styles - loving these looks, Mary Jo! :)

5:30 AM  
Blogger Couture Carrie said...

Amazing post, darling!
Love Fragonard!
And that lace jacket is perfection!

xoxox,
CC

6:38 AM  
Blogger Jayme and Mendi said...

Love what you pulled from your inspiration! Great translation!!

Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

9:10 AM  
Blogger Allison said...

I love all of these romantic dresses. I feel like white sort of makes any dress romantic. I definitely love the white dress with the motorcycle jacket over it- it adds such a fun touch to it!
:)
Allison
A's Fashion Files
Shop Kawaii Kitsch by A on Etsy!

12:35 PM  
Blogger Little Rus said...

I'm definitely feeling the romantic vibe... You would probably noticed that from my fashion week picks - I'm still dreaming of those edgy-sweet Vanessa Bruno and Chloe and adorable Cacharel...
I didn't think of starting in fall/winter, though... I think late autumn just makes me feel miserable in a way, less inspired. But I might try... Christmas in ruffles or something like that. Or silk and wools.
You got my imagination going now :)

xxx

12:41 PM  
Blogger FashionJazz said...

Love the romantic, edgy feel of your post and yes please post your arm candy, wanna see :)

www.fashionjazz.co.za/blog/

1:02 PM  
Blogger trishie said...

Such gorgeous romantic items, of course I'd love these in my wardrobe

6:24 PM  
Blogger THE-LOUDMOUTH said...

So many pretties! I'm all about white lace and sheer tops... sigh :)

3:46 AM  
Blogger The Dainty Dolls House said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! It's perfect!! Hope you are doing well doll and have had a great week. Hope your weekend is even better xox

3:51 AM  
Blogger Always Maylee said...

I love the 'vintage vibe' dress. It's so romantic, but it's also a bit flirty and fun!

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

7:04 AM  
Anonymous Kimberlee said...

Oohh love the different versions of white dresses. I'm not a big fan of the romantic trend myself but love winter white :)

8:44 AM  
Blogger Jenee C. said...

You know, that painting still looks modern to me. I love the composition and the three toned colour approach. Those white dresses you picked out are perfect. I love seeing leather pieces combined with floaty feminine dresses. Especially ones with a little beading and longer in length. Having fun catching up on all these great posts I've missed.

xx Jenee C.
{camo meets couture}

5:31 PM  

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