(1.) “I wish I was young, thin and gorgeous.”

(2.) “I wish I could own one of those stunning vintage gowns.”

(3.) “Oh. . . how I wish someone would let me “borrow” a $1.4 million necklace and earrings!”

 Believe it or not, one of your wishes just might be granted!  Lucky us. . .Scottsdale has it’s own resident genie whose specialty is granting wish #2 – glamorous vintage gowns and elegantly tailored vintage day wear. 

Green St. John Knit Dress - circa 1970's

YSL Black & White Chiffon - circa 1970's

 About eight months ago Robert Black, a very familiar name in the local fashion scene, conjured up a unique fashion concept.  He would collaborate with his friend, Doreen Picerne to create an avant garde boutique filled with clothing from bygone eras to create a very special shopping experience, Fashion by Robert Black.  Both Robert and Doreen have been collectors of all things glamorous for many years and I suspect the passion of their years of collecting probably crystallized into this wonderful new retail market.

Tadashi - circa 1980's

1980's Coat Dress - Adore by Doreen (House Label)

Some of the vintage fashions are cultivated from the Phoenix area, but the majority are carefully culled from other parts of the U.S. and Europe.  The beauty of vintage couture clothing is that it allows today’s modern woman not only a vehicle to exhibit her own unique sense of style in a one-of a kind design, but seamlessly juxtaposes more modern accessories with all the timeless glamour of years ago.      

Madame Gres White Silk Crepe Dress - circa 1950's

As you can see from these beautiful photos, there is no fear that Robert and Doreen will send you out into the cold, cruel world of fashion looking like you are “in costume”.  These classic and beautifully constructed garments are not only on the leading edge of current fashion, but were designed to be worn for generations.

 IFDA Tableau is simply delighted to be able to partner with Fashion by Robert Black and models by the Ford-Robert Black Agency to bring you a most stunning and glamorous gala fashion show that is certain to be a huge success.  “Thank You” -  Robert, Doreen and Sheree of Ford–Robert Black Agency for your kindness and generosity!

Picnics are no longer the bucket of KFC, liter bottle of Coke and the family size bag of Lays potato chips of our youth.  Not even close.  This  designer has taken the humble picnic to a new level of elegance!

A Jan Barboglio bird’s nest might make an interesting organic texture

As Sharon explains, this fantasy table design represents what the French do best – exquisite style and culinary delights.  This dreamlike story involves traveling through the French countryside via barge while indulging in the best that France has to offer.

Wine decanters are très nécessaire for a picnic

Sharon experiments with layers of chargers & plates

Her table design is the happy marriage of the delicate rococo personality of Juliska dinnerware coupled with the smartly earthy style of Jan Barboglio tabletop accessories.  Even in the midst of all this picnic grandeur, she has a cheeky little surprise just waiting for all her guests – I suppose you will just have to wait and see!  Suffice to say, there is no grass growing under Ms. Woodward’s feet!

More than $5,000 in proceeds donated to Ryan House

Imagine designing – then dining at – over-the-top tables fit for Marie Antoinette or Scarlett O’Hara. Some of the Valley’s best designers did just that at IFDA’s second-annual Tableau designing, dining and gaming event on Friday, November 14 at Chaparral Suites Resort Scottsdale, benefiting Ryan House.

“More than 200 guests joined the designers and literally became part of their dining fantasies,” explains Karen Sugarman, president of IFDA’s Arizona chapter. “First, they dined with the designers at 24 fabulous tables and then they placed their bets – Monte-Carlo style – at gaming tables.” The event also featured wonderful raffle prizes and gave guests the opportunity to vote on their favorite tabletops. Design winners included:

• Best Use of Color – "Kaleidoscope" – Adrienne Hart/Maggie Anderson, H2Originals
• Most Entertaining – "Soir Extraordinaire" – Leslie Colvin, Room for a View
• Most Unique Use of Materials – "Glimpse of Peace" – Christine Norris, Your Home-Your Sanctuary/Karin L. Crawford, God’s Garden Treasures
• Most Hollywood Glam – "Venetian Carnival" – Dana George, Cielo Interiors
• Most Creative – "Let them Eat Cake!" – Celia Schauble, In Pursuit of WOW
• Most Elegant – "Dinner at Versailles" – Karen Wirrig, Karen Cole Designs

In addition to recognizing Tableau designers, the event also honored Ryan House, Arizona’s first children’s palliative care home scheduled to open in 2009. A portion of the proceeds generated by the fundraiser, resulting in $5,000, was donated to the development of Ryan House.

“Ryan House would not be possible without the exceptional support from our community and charitable donors, such as IFDA,” says Nancy Martin, Ryan House executive director. “The Tableau competition was a huge success and we feel honored to have been the beneficiary of such a fun and unique event.”