Monday, August 27, 2012

Inspired by "Downton Abbey"


Our favorite television series from England "Downton Abbey" has not been on the air for a few months, but its influence has been huge and its presence continues to linger, especially in some recent magazine articles, photo shoots and fall fashion.  The September issue of Vanity Fair has a piece on actress Jessica Chastain styled as an English duchess and shot in a stately manor house in England's Hampshire countryside. These beautiful photos were taken by renowned photographer Mario Testino.  They are exquisite and conjure up the show as well as paintings by John Singer Sargent and Thomas Gainsborough.  It is not surprising that the opening photo is based on the hunting scene from the final episode of "Downton Abbey's season two,  for who could forget those iconic images from this beautiful show?  If you are a fan of "Downton Abbey," be sure to pick up a copy of the September issue of Vanity Fair; it will remind you of the aesthetic pleasures of this television series from England where every scene looks like a painting.






Photos via here

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Lady Mary Crawley, our favorite aristocrat from "Downton Abbey," is featured in the September issue of Harper's Bazaar.  The magazine has an article and photo spread on the English actress Michelle Dockery who plays Lady Mary. The interview with her is fabulous, as are these photos of this very modern looking actress.  She has much to say about the show and its popularity.






Photos via here

Here is my favorite quote from the actress  --  "I think period drama can be quite alienating, but 'Downton' isn't.  This is going to sound quite...pretentious, but someone said that it's like a soap written by a poet."  I learned from the interview that Michelle Dockery will be appearing in the film "Anna Karenina" with Keira Knightley, coming out in November and that she will soon be filming "Restless," a BBC television adaptation of the William Boyd novel.  Pick up the magazine to read the entire article.

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And finally, a peak into the Ralph Lauren collection for fall which was inspired by the English countryside life and sumptuous costumes of "Downton Abbey."  The runway show in the spring opened to the theme music from "Downton."   Take a look at some of Ralph Lauren's designs; don't they capture the romance and nostalgia of the hit period drama?















Photos via here

The third season of "Downton Abbey" will air in the U.S. in January.  While we wait for the next season to begin in January and the Emmy Awards to air in September -- the series is nominated for sixteen awards -- there is no shortage of "Downton Abbey" inspired articles, photography and fashion to enjoy!

11 comments:

  1. Sunday, I adore the fashions that have come out of the popularity of Downton Abbey. (Ralph Lauren has always been a favorite) I recorded the the "behind the scenes" last evening, and hoping to escape to watch it later today. I love period pieces and read a second season of "Upstairs Downstairs" will be airing in October. I may need to put the books down and pick up the knitting needles for an hour or so during the week. I will pick the Vanity Fair when I go out later today. Have a wonderful week. Bonnie

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  2. Sunday,

    I too have read these magazines and have loved the Downton Abbey aspect! I think that the spread in vanity fair is amazing! That house! Wow!

    I am anxiously awaiting the start of Downton, did you see the post I did on the movie that Julian Fellow did for your adults/family called "from Time to Time? If you have not seen the movie it is excellent, but frankly anything with Maggie SMith is a favorite of mine.

    I hope you have a wonderful week! Elizabeth

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  3. Jessica! Michelle!
    Such beauties.
    And I would be comfortable in any of Mr. Lauren's designs this autumn.
    xo
    p

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  4. What pleasures to delve into as I await the next season of Downton Abbey. Such a influence has been seen from this series. Thank you for the inspiration, Sunday.

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  5. I've been noticing the Downton influence in quite a few ads in some of the fall issues as well, although I hadn't seen either of these yet. I'll definitely have to check out that interview with Michelle Dockery and will have to look out for the cast members in the red carpet at the Emmys (I'm secretly hoping they all show up in full period costume!).

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  6. These actresses are so beautiful I can barely handle it!!!

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  7. The Downton trend is one I can really get behind! I love the Ralph Lauren photos -so beautiful and classic. If only I had the figure & finances to wear some of those gorgeous clothes!

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  8. I really can't wait for January - I've missed the show a lot! The women and Downton inspired clothing are magnificent.

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  9. I was getting all excited about the fall...but I checked and was so disappointed to see that D.A. doesn't air until January. Thanks for whetting our appetites. I love the British inspired fashion ensembles! And...what is it about the regal elegance of Michelle Dockery...something about those beautiful eyebrows...

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  10. Sunday, this is such an inspiring post and I am in LOVE with your blog! I too am obsessed with Downton; I watched both seasons on DVD in less than a week! The Jessica Chastain story was so lovely in Vanity Fair and I can definitely see the Downton influence. I can hardly wait for the next season. Oh, and I just watched the Anna Karenina trailer last week and it is officially at the top of my movie watching list. : ) xo Joanna

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  11. Love it all!! I saw the Vanity Fair piece - great issue overall and have the Bazaar - just haven't had a chance to read it!! Hope all is well - can't believe that summer is over - what a whirlwind!!

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