LEA MICHELE IN BLUMARINE

Image courtesy of Tomandlorenzo.com

Lea Michele was spotted at a press call for Fox Networks in Spring '14 Blumarine, looking fabulous in emerald green! The "Glee" star accessorized with Blumarine iridescent leather sandals.

BLUMARINE EXHIBIT AT CARPI MUSEUM

Blumarine has long enjoyed a creative association with the city of Carpi - Anna Molinari and her husband Gianpaolo Tarabini started her brand there in 1977. (The city of Carpi is located 400 miles north of the island of Capri, which is an entirely different location).

The city has recently honored their famous resident with a permanent exhibition at the Museum of the City of Carpi - featuring pieces curated by Molinari herself, as well as historic Blumarine ads and magazine covers, featuring such luminaries as Naomi Campbell, Carla Bruni, Cindy Crawford, Monica Bellucci, and more.  The collaboration between the designer and the museum started in 2012, when Molinari donated funds to restore areas damaged by earthquakes.

The exhibition presents a unique opportunity to see, touch, even smell pieces from the collection - several garments are set apart for visitor interaction. Presentations of the house's fragrances, and the history behind them are also included.

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - LUPITA NYONG'O IN BLUMARINE

Lupita Nyong'o - fresh from her critical and commercial success in 12 Years a Slave, graced the "Vanities" section of Vanity Fair magazine this month in a gorgeous special occasion gown by Blumarine - a look that makes you say "I want to go where she's going!"

Get that same feeling with our everyday-wearable (but still glamorous) selections from Blumarine, available exclusively in Seattle at Butch Blum!

JESSICA ALBA IN BLUMARINE

On Monday, Jessica Alba chose an outfit from the Spring 2014 collection by Blumarine for her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel. The top, a soft chiffon sleeveless design, was complimented by a nearly solid stretch skirt adorned with small butterflies and flowers.

Keep your eyes peeled for the new arrivals from Blumarine, in store soon!

DEAL OF THE DAY - BLUMARINE BATISTE BLOUSE

Cotton/silk batiste blouse - Blumarine - was $755, now $199

Bring out your inner Stevie Nicks with this ruffled confection from Blumarine - today's DEAL OF THE DAY. This gloriously bohemian blouse is one of the most delicate cotton fabrics we've encountered, with a slight luster from the silk it's blended with. It's incredibly soft, but has an excellent body - the ruffles are full and fabulous.  Available in an IT 38 (XS-S) 

BLUMARINE AND CLOSED

Left: Stretch knit sheath, Blumarine - $1055
Right: Patch pocket boucle sport coat - $595

How to justify this holiday purchase:

- The camouflage print and embellishment on this Blumarine shift will allow you to blend into the holiday decor when you see someone you want to avoid at a holiday party.

- The drop waistline hides a multitude of sins, especially during the holidays.

- The stretchy fabrics negate any wrinkling that might occur during "festive activities"

- Tweed jackets indicate a level of education and intelligence, even if you don't have your doctorate degree

- The price is right for this sport coat, a lot of fashion cred for not so much money.

DESIGNER BIO - BLUMARINE

Blumarine was founded in 1977 by Anna Molinari and her late husband Gianpaolo Tarabini. The label's name refers to her and her husband's favorite color and their love of the sea. Since the 1990's her daughter Rossella Tarabini has assisted her in the design process, as well as designing the Anna Molinari luxury line.

A hit since its inception, Blumarine was described by journalist Laura Craik as [designed for] "...that brand of Italian miss for whom no dress is too small nor diamond too big." Integral to the brand's DNA is their fascination (almost fetishization) of flashy, dominant florals, animal prints, fur, lace, and above all conspicuously luxurious fabrics - which include precious furs, silks, ultrafine wool and cashmere. This combination gives the brand an eye-catching and thoroughly feminine look.

Look for Blumarine and its younger sister Blugirl in our Fall lineup - we have some incredible pieces in stock and more on the way!

KACEY MUSGRAVES IN BLUMARINE

Kacey Musgraves, a popular young Country artist, was seen at the 2013 CMA awards in this elegant creation from Blumarine, Anna Molinari's chic luxury brand. The dress shows off the more formal side of the line, which is all about Hollywood glamor.

Check out the casual and business side of Blumarine this season at Butch Blum, and check out pre-Spring arrivals due in store soon!

39TH ANNIVERSARY CATALOGUE

Left: Cardigan, top and skirt by Blumarine, $765, $225, and $555.
Right: Shirt by Culturata, $195...Jacket by LBM 1911, $875. Pocket square by Pacific Silk - $65

Fall's eclectic mix arrives just in time to coincide with our 39th anniversary, a mix of classic silhouettes and brand new ideas, each in our signature Butch Blum taste. Find intense deep fall colors like garnet, forest, plum, charcoal, and midnight, as well as exciting takes on classic neutrals.  Fabrics take on stronger textures, whether it be the feathery softness of pure cashmere, or the satisfying crunch of worsted wool.

Stop by and see why Butch Blum has been a fashion favorite for 39 wonderful years!

BLUMARINE ANNOUNCES CARPI F.C 1909 SPONSORSHIP

 Blumarine just announced their sponsorship of the Carpi F.C.1909 football club, a group of players located in the northern region of Emilia-Romagna. This is the first such partnership for Blufin S.p.A (Blumarine's holding company, which it shares with Blugirl and Anna Molinari) which is led by head designer Anna Molinari's son Gianguido Tarabini. Pictured above is the team in their home uniform, and pictured below is Tarabini (left) with Carpi president Claudio Caliumi and team manager Cristano Giuntoli holding the team's red "away" uniform.

BLUMARINE LINEN DRESS SUIT

Jacket - $1995...Dress - $895...both by Blumarine

 For spring we brought in Blumarine's chic, understated take on a classic Chanelissime look - the crewneck suit. The fabric is a rich pearly-white linen, with elegant hints of black lace, grosgrain, and gold chain to offset the simple texture. Underneath the jacket, the dress is topped with black chantilly lace - transparent at the shoulders and overlaid atop the bandeau-esque bustline.

(Dress detail)

MALIKA AYANE IN BLUMARINE

Italian singer Malika Ayane was spotted at the S/S 2013 runway presentation - she's shown here with Blumarine creator Anna Molinari - wearing an advance release print dress from the collection! We love this print and bought it several ways this season - check out our selection of skirts, tops and cardigans with variations on the willow leaves theme.

BLUMARINE PRINTS FOR SPRING

Crystal and print embellished tee - $345...Print skirt - $545 - Blumarine 

Blumarine's prints this season are SO much fun. We love the strong contrast and the scale, which is figure-friendly for everyone and easy to mix and match.

MANNEQUIN MOMENTS - SPRINGTIME AT BB

Outfits by Blumarine (Hers) and Coppley (His)

"Despite the forecast, live like it's spring." - Lilly Pulitzer

MANNEQUIN MOMENTS

Outfits by Blumarine and Samuelsohn

NEW ARRIVALS - BLUMARINE PRINT DRESS

Blumarine knit rayon dress with pleat detail skirt - $1415

This dress is a figure-flattering shape for any woman, but its wild print is the real draw - an outrageous animal pattern slashed to pieces over a solid black and white background. The fabric is a stretchy, body conscious Rayon knit that is enhanced with stretch fibers to preserve its shape and to make every move a joy.

NEW ARRIVALS FROM BLUMARINE

 Beaded tee (left)- $395, Bow detail knit blouse (right)- $475, tiered knit miniskirt - $375 - all by Blumarine

With Blumarine it's all about the little details - a jewel here, a self-bow neckline there, a tier of fabric laying just so...we love the amount of thought that goes into their garments. Wear them with your favorite accessories, or wear them on their own and enjoy their beautiful simplicity.

BLUMARINE FW 2012 VIDEO

New arrivals from Blumarine are coming in daily! Check out their runway presentation, which mixes classic Italian luxury with a hip-hop sensibility. For "...that brand of Italian miss, for whom no skirt is too short, nor diamond too big."

DEAL OF THE DAY - BLUMARINE PRINT DRESS

Left: (detail of neckline)
Right: Blumarine jersey print dress -  was $1545, now $449

This incredible jersey is outrageously soft, and hand-screened with a fabulous feather motif. Smoky brown diamante' and faux pearls are hand-affixed to the neckline, creating a bedazzled look perfect for any evening occasion. This dress is perfect for travel too - the fabric packs beautifully and has excellent wrinkle recovery. At over 70% off - how could you not?

SHARON STONE IN BLUMARINE

Hollywood favorite Sharon Stone in a terrific print by one of our favorite designers, Blumarine! Check out some of the incredible deals from the season as part of our Spring/Summer sale - while they last!