Thursday, April 16

Beauty in the worn.

A personal reflection on vintage apparel.

Always the child with an eye for the pretty, new and freshly sewn dress.
Fussy and annoyingly particular over what I wished to wear, even when very young.
And though I have not changed much in the sense I do not wear what is not perfect to 'my aesthetic,' my style has accumulated to introduce a broader plane of what is regarded as 'fashion.'
Of which includes vintage.

Personally, a piece of clothing that has been worn and used and washed by another has always been unappealing. I care reverently for all my possessions and for that reason, they are usually in spectacular condition years and years post their purchase. How am I to know someone has not taken the same care?
It may be my anal retentive nature, but it stills affects my perception of a piece of clothing.

However, recently, I have become influenced by others' appreciation of vintage apparel for the strangely demure aura that surrounds it and the evident connotations with elegance and classical style. History is vastly evocative, applied to anything. I expect there is an ideal in the wear of fabric, woven with time.
Vintage, of all products, is without a doubt, compelling.

Fueled by my growing adoration for vintage fashion (and due to being driven mad by some of the wonderful pieces I have found on Etsy that I simply cannot afford), I have been struck by the familiar and addictive desire to do some research.
Thankfully, it seems my city has its reasonable share of vintage boutiques. On the other hand, there is not much online for me to be able to source what is worth the time.

Claire Incorruptible, one of the boutiques I have discovered, cultivates some divine vintage stock with most of it, designer. I do not care for the brands - unless it is ChloƩ - but despite this, I have found some pieces I would adore to bring home.

Below, (very) notable loves:








Wednesday, April 15

Brush me steel lace.

Spring Ready-to-Wear 2009: Assorted Loves



Celine


Viktor and Rolf


Richard Chai

Thursday, April 2

The Decorative Austere.

Giambattista Valli Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Reflection.

Structure and decorative qualities reign amidst feminine austerity.
Giambattista Valli embellishes upon the simplicity of line in fashion, with the use of classical tutu-like skirts, gently cut bodices and volumed material. This collection significantly draws upon the formulaic balance between aesthetic line and decorative detail.

Below, notable loves:



Image Source @ Style.com

Friday, March 27

iWork not on what iShould.

When University work needs to be completed, I'm on Looklet.com.
Yes, I am a good girl...

















Sunday, March 22

Fire and Lioness.

Jasmine Di Milo Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Reflection.

There's something distinctly wild about the following Collection by Jasmine Di Milo. Red orange manes and flowing desert colours infuse empowerment of the woman - goddess-like and wonderfully sexy. Many of the cuts, generous, and overall, the Collection is highly evocative in its appeal.
Burn and breathe.

Below, notable loves:





Saturday, March 21

Intricacy.

Anna Sui Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Reflection.

The collection, enriched with a sweet beauty, reminiscent of Spring.
Floral qualities to chic dresses and copious fruitful colour.
Pattern, detail and delicate embroidery.

Below, notable loves:




Wednesday, March 18

Style Storming.

Online fashion lookbooks have developed and popularised over the last couple of years, whereby users are allowed - encouraged, even - to share, cultivate and critique both the style and aesthetics of modern and vintage couture in the global community.

For a while now, a beta preview version of the website Looklet.com, a highly interactive "styling studio" has been active.
Drawing upon many of the concepts seen in other fashion wardrobing sites, Looklet.com enables the user to browse hundreds of clothing items and piece together outfits or "looks."
The significant difference with this growing site is the function of having a digital model in which can be dressed. Clothing items are partially sensitive so that, for example, in placing a belt over a blouse, it will gather and cinch in response.
While there is much to be improved upon, efficiency in particular, and features still to be introduced - including the ability to favourite items - it's quite an appealing site to play with. The fashion item database, despite currently being mediocre and restrictive, is expanding and building over time; over 850 pieces are available at the moment, for assembly.

This evening's experimental looks: