From 2011 to 2013, I embarked on an extraordinary journey, learning about history through the lens of my camera. The Carondelet Historical Society’s collection of donated clothing became my gateway to exploring the fashion of bygone eras. Each piece I photographed was a window into the past, carrying stories of the people who once wore them. I aimed to showcase these garments authentically, styling models to reflect their historical periods with utmost accuracy.
At times, inspiration would strike, and I found myself channeling Old Hollywood glamour into the shoots, blending history with a touch of cinematic artistry. Other times, I focused on capturing the intricate details of these vintage pieces through straightforward, no-frills photography. Each photograph was a learning experience in both the art of photography and the legacy of historical fashion. From 19th-century silhouettes to 20th-century lace dresses, these shoots were more than just pictures—they were a tribute to history preserved in fabric.
What a lovely cape! I am sure the woman who originally wore this in the 1930s must have loved it. It was wool and extra large. I posed the retro model outdoors in a variety of settings, because it was so pretty! I especially love the pictures of the green cape against the green brick. I think these photos make for a timeless fashion editorial spread.
Step back in time with this stunning photoshoot of a black French lace Edwardian dress, inspired by the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Captured in Carondelet Park, these timeless images showcase the intricate beauty of vintage fashion against one of St. Louis’ historic landmarks. From the Carondelet Boathouse to the fishing dock, this shoot highlights the opulent elegance of turn-of-the-century design, making every photo feel straight out of the Edwardian era.
This exquisite French lace dress, believed to have been worn at the historic 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, is a rare glimpse into the elegance of Edwardian fashion. Its intricate lace design reflects the sophistication of Belle Époque style, and though the seams are fragile with age, the garment still exudes timeless beauty. Captured in stunning studio photography, this dress offers a fascinating look at vintage craftsmanship and the cultural glamour of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition.
I met Anita thru a guy I met on Twitter. It was pretty random, and I had no idea what she looked like until she showed up. I'd emailed her asking to come prepared to do her makeup in the styles of the 1920s and 1930s. So far, she's the only model...
These hats belonged to the Carondelet Historical Society. The pink dress was from the 1980s and we got it for $2 at the thrift shop next door. The green cloak she’s wearing is from the 1920s.This mixed wardrobe was perfect inspiration for some very emotive, classic, portraits.
This stunning golden yellow wool skirt suit is a pristine example of early 1940s wartime fashion. Photographed as part of my project documenting the clothing collection at the Carondelet Historical Society in St. Louis, this “1942 street suit” embodies the practicality and elegance of WWII-era style. Captured on South Broadway, a historic area in St. Louis that thrived in the 1940s, the ensemble reflects the era’s tailored designs, featuring padded shoulders, a modest skirt length, and careful attention to detail. Styled with vintage nylon stockings, pearls, gloves, and a period-perfect hat, this outfit brings history to life in an authentic setting.
I didn’t bother to re-edit these 1910s style photos. Anita was tiny enough to model this Edwardian lace dress without a corset! I wish we’d had one, just for the look. The details on this lace dress were pretty amazing. I posed her with an interior design book from 1912, which I should scan before I sell.
Zizi V. brought the 1940s to life in the WWII Women’s Army Corps (WAC) uniform during this meaningful shoot. As my third and final model for this outfit, we explored outdoor settings and natural light to evoke the essence of wartime photography. Paying homage to the trailblazing women who served in the WAC during WWII, every element—from Zizi’s makeup to her era-accurate stockings—captured the authenticity of the 1940s. This series highlights both the emotional legacy of these women and the timelessness of their contributions.
It’s interesting to see how many ways the WAC Uniform was modeled by the models I shot in 2011! Besides the WAC uniform, I also photographed Jaslene wearing a feathered hat from the 1960s, and in a traditional costume that she’d brought along to our shoot. It was fun and good times. I really like the 1960s hat best, her expressions totally made it sparkle.
Rediscover the timeless elegance of 1920s bridal fashion through this historical wedding dress photoshoot at the Carondelet Historical Society. Featuring a delicate vintage gown and veil that perfectly represent the roaring twenties aesthetic, this shoot captures the defining simplicity, intricate details, and transformative styles of the Jazz Age. Explore the evolution of bridal fashion during this era of liberation and creativity, complemented with era-appropriate hair and makeup for an authentic glimpse into the past.
Back in 2011, I captured the essence of history with a photoshoot featuring an authentic WWII Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAC) uniform borrowed from a local historical society. Featuring the redesigned jacket and skirt introduced after critical feedback of earlier versions, this uniform showcased style and functionality unique to the era. Paired with vintage photography effects to evoke the 1940s, the series highlights not only the garments but also the profound stories of women in wartime history.
Step back into the 1880s with this breathtaking historical fashion shoot at Carondelet Park in St. Louis. Featuring a beautifully preserved Victorian bustle dress, this “going away” outfit from the mid-1880s evokes the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. Set against the vintage charm of the park’s boathouse and pergolas, the photos bring this iconic 150+ year-old piece of St. Louis history to life.
I almost forgot that I took these 1800s styled photos, back in 2012. The first dress is an 1880s-ish tea gown, and it was fun enough to take pictures of… but the second dress, with the attached note saying that it was Miss Meroe’s “Going Away Dress”… was just incredible! I wish we’d had a proper corset, but luckily my model Tiffany was petite enough to fit into it….
Here’s ZiZi modeling an Edwardian Lace Dress. I’ve posted a few untouched close ups of the dress so you can see the intricate details in the lace. It was an amazing piece and required minimal styling to bring a turn of the century mood. I especially loved her poses with the violin.
This dreamy 1930s gown, paired with a sheer blue overcoat, captures the essence of Great Depression-era elegance. The delicate overjacket, with its soft, glowing tones and Kodachrome-inspired effect, adds a romantic touch to the flowing, draped silhouette. Styled with period-accurate makeup and naturally curly Shirley Temple-esque hair, the shoot brings to life the understated charm of vintage fashion. A collaborative project with the Carondelet Historical Society, it’s a nostalgic look at 1930s style through the lens of retro photography.
I had the privilege of getting to shoot dresses from a 1935 wedding! I used the help of a professional makeup and hair artist, and also borrowed a 1930s car. It was such fun to throw a pretend wedding without the stress of actually having real wedding
This mesh dress came labeled “Bridesmaid dress from M___’s 1935 wedding”. It’s classic! The dress was blue mesh over a dark blue slip. Not using it in the 1930s wedding recreation was a mistake, but I was afraid the colors were too dark in comparison to the other dresses. Sometimes I make mistakes, and this was still just about 6 months into my adventures in teaching myself vintage styling and photography!
This 1940s dress was such fun to photograph! It has red buttons down the front and an abstract polka dot pattern. I put a smart black hat on the model. Like many dresses of the era, it was unlined and meant to be worn over a slip or under=dress. We borrowed a rolling red wooden storage box as the only prop with this simple set. I love the model’s exaggerated “cheesecake pinup” expressions! She did her own makeup and hair, too.
This was a decadent vintage satin dressing gown, complete with a matching 3/4 length over-robe. It totally has the vibe of a classic Old Hollywood movie star, and the model got quite serious and moody wearing it. It's amazing how wearing...
It was very fun to photograph this green plus sized 1920s dress! SO many times, surviving dresses from this era are petite. I’m not sure why, because plus sized women surely existed in the 1920s. I am guessing that clothing got re-purposed during the Great Depression, and worn longer. A dress made with lots of fabric could be repurposed more than a more narrow dress with just 16 inches or so across the front. I am not sure what I did with it, but I did come across one “plus sized” dress (which I sold) which was clearly hemmed from drop waist to the more fashionable natural waist of the 1930s.
Anyway, it’s always fun playing dress up!
Andrea looked radiant in this delicate 1910s Edwardian lace dress, perfectly fitted to her petite figure without the need for a corset! The dress’s intricate horizontal lace patterns, buttoned back, and elegant craftsmanship showcase the beauty of Edwardian women’s fashion. Photographed at the Carondelet Historical Society, this vintage-inspired shoot captures the grace and complexity of historical dressmaking. Andrea’s effortless charm brings new life to this piece of history, a testament to the Edwardian era’s timeless elegance. She would have been perfectly at home reading The Modern Priscilla in this breathtaking outfit!
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