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Category Archives: fashion discussion

Newsmaker, but sadly so: Jourdan Dunn is the first Black model in 12 years as solo cover for Vogue UK; 12 Years! Really?!

08 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by meappropriatestyle in diversity in fashion, diversity in images of beauty, fashion and politics, fashion debate, fashion discussion, fashion news

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

diversity in fashion, diversity in images of beauty, February 2015, Jourdan Dunn, magazine cover, Vogue Magazine UK

The February 2015 issue of Vogue UK

has made fashion headline news.

The model Jordan Dunn graces

the cover of the publication.

Yet, why is this a news-worthy item?

 

…

British born Jourdan Dunn is an accomplished model.

She has featured in campaigns for Burberry, Topshop,

Prada and Victoria’s Secret.

She is beautiful.  She is Black.

She is the first Black model, since Naomi Campbell in 2002,

to be highlighted as solo talent on a Vogue UK cover.

 

 

…

 

 

(image from guardian.com):

 

Jourdan Dunn, British Vogue, Feb 2015 cover

Jourdan Dunn

Vogue UK cover, February 2015

…

That a Black model as cover feature of Vogue UK

is cause for discussion is unfortunate:

exemplar of a “the more things change, the more things remain the same.”

The fashion industry continues as quagmire of a fixed physical aesthetic –

one of exclusivity, which yet fails to advance

with full commitment, beauty in all shades and sizes.

…

Ironically, the latest Vogue UK “cover girl”- Jourdan Dunn

has voiced strong criticism of the fashion industry’s apathy

towards promoting diversity:

“I have heard, ‘Oh, we haven’t shown any black models this season.’ So blasé… It’s messed up. Another time my agent told me, ‘They don’t want any black models this season.  

(quote by Jourdan Dunn, referenced from glamourmagazine.co.uk)

…

Will the next 12 years see the fashion industry finally embrace

presentation of beauty multiplicity as evidenced in

societies of increased multi-ethnicity?

Are will 2027 be as 2015:  more of the same.

…

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DVF: knowing the woman you want to be

17 Monday Nov 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in fashion cultural reference, fashion discussion, fashion events, iconic garment, in conversation with

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Tags

Diane von Furstenberg, in conversation with, jersey wrap dress, Victoria and Albert Museum

I recently had the pleasure of attending

a talk with designer Diane von Furstenberg in which she discussed

her remarkable career in conversation with Claudia Croft,

style editor of the Sunday Times (London).

The event was held at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

 

…

(photos by meappropriatestyle.com):

V and A event, DVF

Designer Diane von Furstenberg (r)

in conversation with journalist Claudia Croft (l)

…

V and A, DVF event

An impressive turn out

…

V and A, DVF event

Ms. von Furstenberg (seated)

 

…

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the iconic wrap dress-

the garment created by Ms. von Furstenberg

which is a universal:  for every shape, for every size, for every woman.

 

…

(images from dvf.com):

 wrap dress, green print, dvf.com canvas

jersey wrap dress

green / white graphic print

…

wrap dress, trousers, dvf,dvf.com  canvas

wrap dress / trouser combo

…

Speaking at length, candidly and in detail, Ms. von Furstenberg

discussed a key individual who and a key determinant which

were of profound life influence:

1.  her mother,  a Holocaust-Auschwitz concentration camp survivor

who instilled in her daughter the steely power of fortitude and

2.  her set decision to be a self-sufficient woman

…

After her first marriage at 18 to German Prince Egon of Furstenberg,

she was styled Her Serene Highness Princess Diane of Furstenberg

Yet, she was never content to simply marry her prince and

live in golden bliss, happily ever after.

She studied, worked,  trained and eventually created a wardrobe masterpiece.

…

DVF, wrap dress, purple

jersey wrap dress

solid colour, solid statement

…

The immediate success in 1974, of her jersey wrap dress

and its lasting impact has established Ms. von Furstenberg

as one of fashion’s design greats.

Today, she oversees a thriving business concern.

Presently, Forbes magazine ranks Ms. von Furstenberg

as the 68th most powerful woman in the world.

She is also involved with several philanthropic projects.

…

 

At the conclusion of her conversation with journalist Claudia Croft,

Ms. von Furstenberg graciously answered queries.

I was struck by the focus of the questions posed and comments made.

All wanted to know more about how to become

a ‘Diane-type empowered woman’.

…

Ms. von Furstenberg’s design legacy is the wrap dress- for all women.

Her legacy of indelible spirit is also for all women.

It can be summed up in a statement

which she reiterated throughout the talk:

“I did not know what I wanted to do,

but I KNEW the woman I wanted to be.”

 

(image from dailymail.com):

DVF, thumbs up

DVF:  two thumbs up!

End of runway show, s/s  2014

…

It appears that Ms. von Furstenberg achieved all she intended.

.

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Project Runway Threads: reality t.v. fashion competition featuring tweenie designers

28 Tuesday Oct 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in emerging designers, fashion and television, fashion debate, fashion discussion, fashion news

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

'Threads', fashion and television, fashion t.v. shows, Next Top Model, Project Runway, Project Runway Threads, reality tv, Styled to Rock, U.S. television programmes- fashion, unscripted t.v.

 

 

For many audiences, unscripted t.v. has become the norm for at-home viewing.

Be it a reality programme, which follows the lives of “celebrity” families,

or competitive shows, which pit contestants against each other

based on talent or brawn, and sometimes it seems a combination of both-

unscripted television shows have become standard.

 

…

Whatever the format, one feature seems key for

garnering high ratings: the verbal battles.

It appears that arguing between participants

is an essential for viewing pleasure.

Ratings seem to indicate as much,

especially given that shows with a healthy

dose of squabbling reign supreme.

Fair enough.  Who doesn’t like a bit of ‘drama’?

…

There are several unscripted shows,

which are based on a fashion industry theme.

…

A few that have been popular are:

– The Next Top Model programmes (U.S. and International series)

The original U.S. show, now in its 21st season,

was the brainchild of ex-model Tyra Banks.

The aim of the programme is to discover a future modelling talent.

Model hopefuls are judged/eliminated each week on the results of

photo shoots.  The winner receives a modelling contract.

Oh, and the models all live together,

a perfect breeding ground for many

off runway ‘battles of the beautiful.’

…

(image from hulu.com):

america's next top model, cycle 21

America’s Nest Top Model

current season-  Cycle 21

…

…

– Styled to Rock (U.K. and U.S. series)

The U.K. series featured young design talents battling

each week for the prize of creating a look for a prominent

music industry performer.  R & B/ pop  songstress Rihanna

was involved with the U.K. programme as executive producer

and British fashion designer Henry Holland was one of the judges

With critiques which were sometimes harsh,

dreams were crushed and made along the way to dressing a rock star.

Although the U.K. series was short-lived, viewers did gain insight into

the unique design/clothing requirements of a stage performer.

 

…

(image from company.co.uk):

styled to rock, judges

Judges from Styled to Rock

…

– Project Runway programmes (U.S. and International series)

The orignal U.S. series, is hosted by model Heidi Klum

and is in its 13th year on air.

Fashion educator and consultant, Tim Gunn serves as mentor

to a group of 16 designers who are given, seemingly impossible,

design challenges.  Time management, design talent and sewing skills

are key elements to securing the prize:  to show at New York Fashion Week

and receive a monetary award to launch a label.

…

(image from pop-break.com):

project runway, season 13

Project Runway

current season, Cycle 13

…

The  Project Runway series have been so successful, that its producers

have created a new ‘baby’ to join the Project Runway show family.

Project Runway Threads, which premiered in the U.S. on 23 October 2014

features not adult contestants,

but tweenies (pre-teens) and teen fashion designers.

The participants are aged between 8 and 16.

…

Might this be taking things too far?

Are participants this young capable of coping with the

stress of the challenges,

severity of critiques and

the key element on which unscripted t.v. thrives:

contestant squabbling?

…

(from hollywoodmomblog.com):

Threads Flyer

Project Runway Threads:

casting call advertisement

…

The judging panel on Project Runway Threads includes fashion designer

Christian Siriano (himself a Project Runway winner-  Season 4),

Seventeen Magazine’s Fashion Director Gina Kelly,

Accessories Editor Jasmine Snow, and YouTube style expert Ingrid Nilsen

Vanessa Simmons, herself a reality t.v. alumna (Run’s House) hosts the show.

…

(image from entertainment weekly):

fashion t.v., project runway threads, judges

Judging panel of Project Runway Threads

host, Vanessa Simmons (r)

…

Each week, three new contestant will present two outfits:

one completed at home and the other a set challenge

to be completed on air.  Each contestant brings a supportive adult along

to offer encouragement and ideas.

Cue the stage mums and dads!

I suppose most of the verbal take downs will probably be between the parents.

…

(image from zap2it.com):

project runway threads contestants

Contestants and their parents at judging

…

The prize:  $25,000 USD and a scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Design &

Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, California (USA).

 

…

 

Yet watching tweenie/teen fashion design-makers at work may be

of some measure of viewing interest.

 

…

(image from tvweekly.com):

project runway threads, contestant sewing

Sewing skills

…

(image from realityrewind.com):

project runway threads, model fittings

Model fittings

…

(image from threadsmagazine.com):

project runway threads, judging

At panel

…

Though as the season progresses, can all the adults involved

be trusted to remain ever mindful of

the delicate ages and impressionable minds of the contestants?

We’ll have to wait and see.

…

(image from radioasiauae.com):

project runway threads, logo

…

Starting Thursday, October 30

Project Runway: Threads

moves to its regular time slot of 10 pm ET/PT on Lifetime TV

…

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And the beat goes on: ’60s fashion vibe re-tuned for Fall ’14

06 Saturday Sep 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in coats, colour, design inspiration, fabrication, fashion = clothes, fashion and politics, fashion cultural reference, fashion discussion, fashion fun, fashion historic reference, history notes, menswear, patterns, prints, ready to wear, signature look, skirt suits, style inspiration, trouser fashion, trouser suit, womenswear

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

'60s fashion - inspired, 60s fashion, Antonio Marras, autumn/winter 2014, Billy Reid, Casely-Hayford, Celine, Chanel, Custo Barcelona, dries van noten, Etro, fashion and politics, fashion cultural reference, Iceberg, Jeremy Scott, Lindsey Thornburg, phillip lim, Rachel Zoe, Saint Laurent, trademark

 

The 1960s was a dynamic decade:

political challenges and change

military intervention and failure

space exploration and success

new ideas and inventions

social unrest and strife

…

Elements of the decade’s enduring influences

remain far from exhaustive.

…

(image from pinterest):

60s saying pinterest3fd8d30572201d185891c8c6043d493a

’60s – speak

…

In every aspect the ’60s vibe continues to resonant;

none more instantly apparent than in fashion:

graphic patterns

bold colour combos

shifts

sweater dresses

mini-lengths

knee high boots

skirt suits

swing coats

roll neck jumpers

fun fur

etc from etctalentlogo     …

~

 

 

Autumn / Winter  2014

 

 

 

For Fall  ’14:  get into the Groove with ’60s- inspired fashion!

people dancing freevectorzone_girls-silhouettes-free-vector

(image form freevectorzone)

…

(images from style.com):

 

Dries Van Noten

psychodelic colour swirls

 60s vibe psychodelic swirls Dries Van Noten a14style comDRI_0514.450x67560s vibe dries van noten styleDRI_0595.450x675

…

Jeremy Scott

mesmerizing graphics

60s vibe men psychodelic swirls jeremy scott a14SCO_0165.450x675

…

Chanel

inner sensation

60s vibe mad colour _patterns chanelCHA_0505.450x675

…

Celine

’60s minimalism + ’14 maximalism =

simple shift, massive mitt

60s vibe shift dress_massive mitt celine a14 style_ON_0230.450x675

…

Saint Laurent

mod boots

mini lengths

60s vibe mod boots saint laurent styleBY8P0026.450x675

60s vibe mini skirt_contemporary zap fluffBY8P0249.450x675

…

Iceberg

fab fabrication

60s vibe mini_fabrication iceberg a14 style_ON_0109.450x675

…

Etro

not for the boardroom:

‘flower power’ suiting

60s vibe etro a14men suit with tails_UMB7167.450x675

60s vibe etro men multi colour suit_UMB6956.450x675

…

roll – neck jumpers

paisley profusion,  long – length jackets

60s vibe** mens paisley, rollneck etro a14 style_UMB6829.450x675

 60s vibe etro men style_UMB6861.450x675

…

Casely-Hayford

flora jumper /  slim fit trousers

60s vibe mens trouser slim fit and graphic jumper from casely-hayford_ARC0360.450x675

…

tailored overcoat, ‘painted on’  fit , painterly trousers

60s vibe mens trousers Casely-Hayford_ARC0011.450x675

…

Antonio Marras

‘the business’

'60s vibe mens suitAntonioMarras_039_1366.450x675

'60s vibe mens suit_leather jacket AntonioMarras_037_1366.450x675

…

Custo Barcelona

long-length faux – fur gilet

with hoods – tooth peak cap and purple lens aviators

for added ‘mod squad’ appeal

60s vibe long faux fur gilet.mod hat custo barcelona_ARC0828.450x675

60s vibe faux fur gilet custo barcelona_ARC0426.450x675

…

Lindsey Thornburg

hooded swing coat

accessorised with floppy hat, fish nets and knee high boots

It’s time to go way out!

60s vibe swing coat lindsey Thornburg style_001_1366.1366x2048

…

Billy Reid

one ‘smooth cat’

60s vibe men billy reid style_17G0272.450x675

…

Rachel Zoe

ring in the bell bottoms

60s vibe bell bottoms rachelZoe style_013_1366.1366x2048

…

tweed skirt suit in checks

60s vibe tweed check skirt suit rachelZoe_001_1366.1366x2048

…

Trademark

peacoat with added proportion

60s vibe peacoat Trademark style_002_1366.1366x2048

…

Phillip Lim

sweater dress with ‘Charlie Brown’ zig zag stripes

60s vibe shift dress with charlie brown stripes 3.1 phillip lim a14_ARC0264.450x675

…

tights and ankle boots in ‘dare to go there’ colours

Fearless!

60s vibe ankle boots tights in mod colours 3.1 phillip lim a14 styleLIM_0088.450x675

…

The ’60s, a decade of bold statements on any and every subject.

Peace!

Peace-world-peace-11304143-500-333

(image from fanpop)

…

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Your shout: fashion e-commerce, does it fit?

14 Thursday Aug 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in fashion and technology, fashion discussion, fashion helpful helpline, fashion innovation, fashion news

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

e-commerce, e-fashion, fashion and technology, fashion e-commerce, garment sizing, garments that fit, online shopping

New to meappropriatestyle will be articles in which

readers can weigh in on a topic.

This first subject concerns fashion, e-commerce and technology.

…

(image from dorm room biz):

onlineshopping from dorm-room-biz

…

Fashion e-commerce has become the go to shopping experience

for many consumers, and the numbers continue to rise.

For most it is the convenience factor:

– quick access to a myriad of online clothing labels

– ease of price comparison research

– stress free browsing, the not having to deal with crowded stores

– no waiting in endless queues

– the ‘save option’ for a later purchase

– early preview of sales

– special offers targeting online shopping only

– and all done from the comfort of home or office.

…

The benefits seem an endless happy list.

Yet, there is the unfortunate down-side:

the annoyance of having to return an item of clothing due to improper fit.

This has become the bane for e-retailers and e- shoppers alike.

…

(image from daily mail):

tight clothingarticle-1181997-04F2E97B000005DC-732_233x471

…

For e-retailers:  it’s the cost factor,

as most provide consumers with free shipping for returns.

After absorbing the initial cost for outbound shipping,

reports indicate  that between 30% – 50% of garments

are returned due to ill fit.

In addition, some items are returned in a condition,

which unfortunately prohibits resale.

…

For e-shoppers:  it’s the emotional factor,

as an anticipatory high of expecting a new purchase

is dashed by an disappointing low when the garment doesn’t quite fit.

In addition, there is the mild irritant (for some worse than for others)

of waiting in dreaded queues at the post office

to mail back the unloved / unwanted clothing.

…

Yet, wasn’t a few of the original intentions of the e-shop experience,

that of saving time, avoiding queues … a leisurely, stress free approach ?

…

How to guarantee a win – win for all concerned:

the e-retailer and the e-shopper.

The solution is in finding the correct answer to the customer query:

what is my size from everything4pagenats

…

Nothing screams,  “Poor styling!”

than poorly fitted clothes, which is to be avoided at all costs;

so as to avoid ‘all costs’ in later trying to set things right.

…

(image from prime magazine):

clothes fit prime magazinedont-wear-clothes-that-dont-fit

…

For the past few years, the fashion e-commerce community

has been working with technology experts to sort out

the clothes fit concern in effort to reduce loss revenue

and to maintain customer satisfaction and site re-visits.

…

Two years ago, the virtual tape measure was introduced.

This was then an innovative software created by London College of Fashion

in partnership with the University of Surrey.

“(A) web-based body-scanner would take detailed measurements of the body via webcam or smartphone, create a 3D image of the user, then advise on which size garment to buy whenever (an online shopper) visit the website of a participating retailer.”

Sounds good, right?

virutal tape measure dailymail.co.ukarticle-2236194-1625257F000005DC-928_634x410

(image/info from dailymail.co.uk)

 

…

Yet, two years hence, and the problem still plagues.

With fashion on-line shopping booming

a viable solution to the problem of

up with proper fit of garments and

down with multiple returns 

must be found.

…

The business of solving the problem

is fast becoming a thriving business in its own right.

Many new companies have been sighted on the techno horizon

“(s)ome, like TrueFit, which works with Macy’s and Nordstrom, leverage algorithmic solutions to analyse fit data and recommend which size a consumer should select. Others, like Metail and Fits.me, have developed digital fitting rooms that use virtual mannequins to mimic a shopper’s dimensions and display what a certain garment might look like when worn. Still others rely on shoppers to input their own measurements, matching this data with specific garments.”

 

Clotheshor.se | Source: Clothes Horse

(image/info from the business of fashion)

…

The perfect solution, as in the perfect fit garment,
still seems in need of, well …  some adjusting.
Or maybe acceptance that the tried and true of
trying on in store before purchase,
is the only assured method.
Has technology hit the hurdle on this one?
…
Join in on the discussion:
‘Squeeze’ your opinion into the discourse.
If you’re a fashion online shopper, what suggestions / ideas
do you think might help the better fit/less return conundrum?
As is said,  the customer is always right!
…

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All fired up: Diesel, a/w 2014

06 Sunday Apr 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in denim, denim-wear, design inventive, diversity in fashion, fashion discussion, model trends, runway show, street style sass, urban wear, urban-chic

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

autumn/winter 2014, denim, Diesel - a/w 2014, diversity on the runway, fashion as social statement, leather, military, Nicola Formichetti, runway presentation, social media model casting, Venice (Italy)

Under the guardianship of new head designer

Nicola Formichetti

(who has occupied the post for one year)

(image from stylenotes.ca):

Nicola-Formichetti-leaves-Mugler

designer, Nicola Formichetti

…

the Diesel brand has remained true to its aesthetic history,

with a dose of needed social-consciousness and

added techie innovation.

…

denim

military

leather

street styling

social media platforms

…

Mr. Formichetti has re-established Diesel has current currency for

 the expansive-thinking / socially aware / demographically mindful:

employing LGBT models

engaging social media connections (Tumblr) for model casting

encouraging a fashion- sensibility of “inclusiveness”.

…

Keeping my eye on this one –

…

The Collection 

Diesel,  a/w  2014

(images from style.com):

Diese men denim outfitl_020_1366.450x675 a:w 2014

…

Diesel women a.w 14_028_1366.450x675

…

Diesel_003_1366.450x675

…

Diesel_033_1366.450x675

…

Diesel_009_1366.450x675

…

Diesel_005_1366.450x675

…

Diesel_010_1366.450x675

…

482667051DV161_Diesel_FW14_

…

Diesel_027_1366.450x675

…

Diesel_032_1366.450x675

…

Diesel_060_1366.450x675

…

Diesel_067_1366.450x675

…

Diesel_035_1366.450x675

…

Diesel_036_1366.450x675

…

Diesel_040_1366.450x675

…

Diesel_051_1366.450x675

…

anonymous finale

Diesel_070_1366.450x675 end

…

View the runway show

Venice,  April 2014

…

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:D :D (‘democratic demographics’): an applauded and welcomed approach to fashion reporting/styling/images

01 Tuesday Apr 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in diversity in fashion, fashion discussion, fashionspeak..., style ideas?, style inspiration

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

awareness raising/educational initiative in fashion, diversity in fashion, fashion bloggers, fashion blogging sites - diversity/inspiration, fashion discussion, fashion images, fashion tips/advice

 

 

The fashion industry celebrates visual beauty in two:

the clothing worn and  the body it adorns.

Yet the appreciation expressed of what is body beautiful

is far from all encompassing –

often limited to a specific descriptor of

Euro-centric features, above average height, super-slim physique.

Thus, essentially negating the total scope of beauty,

which exists in the general populace.

…

If beauty is in the “eyes of the beholder’,

surely readers of fashion publications and attendants of runway presentations

would delight in seeing beauty, which mirror aspects of themselves in

models employed

clothing silhouette designed

images displayed

…

There is a public (and to some extent – an industry) hue and cry,

which is steadily gaining momentum –

challenging visuals of beauty, which steadfastly adhere

to historical preferences of an expected and accepted image status quo.

…

Fashion bloggers, are the trailblazers who are

 paving the path towards a more inclusive imagery of beauty/style.

Meet a few of these fashion ‘democratic demographics’ bloggers.

…

Danielle Vanier

Styling, make-up advice from Londoner Danielle Vanier

http://www.daniellevanier.co.uk

blogger danielle vanier uk

blogger Danielle Vanier

…

Curvy Girl Chic

 Californian Allison Teng, authors Curvy Girl Chic

http://www.curvygirlchic.com

“a plus size fashion blog full of outfit posts, product reviews, trend and

shopping spotlights, and discourse on current events in the fashion community.”

blogger curvygirlchic

fashion blogger Allison Teng

…

Grown and Curvy Women

http://grownandcurvywoman.com

a fashion blog for the “plus size diva” … enough said!

blogger grown and curvy woman

fashion blogger Georgette authors Grown and Curvy Woman

…

A Curious Fancy

http://curiousfancy.com/

a style/beauty blog which chronicles a personal journey of

battling/conquering body image concerns,

offering practical advice/tips

blogger curious fancy

blogger Ragini Nag Rao authors A Curious Fancy

…

garnerstyle:  THE CURVY GIRL GUIDE

http://garnerstyle.blogspot.co.uk

authored by Georgia native, author and on-trend fashionista,

Chastity Garner Valentine

“(offering) complimentary inspiration and advice to plus size women wanting to achieve style.”

blogger garnerstyle

fashion blogger Chastity Garner Valentine channels a Kelis – inspired look

…

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Action … take one: UK cinematic release of ‘Yves Saint Laurent’

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in design experimentation, design inventive, design philosophy, fashion debate, fashion discussion, iconic garment, signature piece, trouser fashion

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

biopic, cinema release, movie - 'Yves Saint Laurent', UK movie release 2014, Yves Saint Laurent - comments on employing Black models, Yves Saint Laurent - tribute

The UK release of the much anticipated biopic

‘Yves Saint Laurent’

opens this Friday, 21 March 2014.

The movie is one of two films out this year,

which chronicles the life of this celebrated fashion designer:

the good, the bad and the ugly.

…

This first to be released –  ‘Yves Saint Laurent’  (UK opening 21 March)

has the blessing of Pierre Berge

(M. Saint Laurent’s partner in business and life),

who extensively collaborated with the movie’s production team.

The rival film ‘Saint Laurent’,  due out later this year,

and not endorsed by M. Berge,

 is backed by Kering the business concern, which

ironically owns the Saint Laurent brand .

…

The very beginning

Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent

was born in Oran, French Algeria – 1936.

He was the eldest of three,

having two younger sisters and mother

who all would encourage his artistic sensibilities.

…

Although there was this familial support for

his budding design interests,

he was terribly bullied at school for being:

creative, bespectacled, studious,

slight and lacking athletic prowess.

It is reported that he once said,

“I didn’t have what it took to be a boy.”

…

He certainly had all of what it took to become a fashion great:

an inventive vision

an appreciation / an understanding of the female form

a talent for creating clothing of a seductive, modern quality

a defiance which challenged the norm /  the expected.

…

The beginning of an illustrious career 

He began his design career under the tutelage

of French couturier Christian Dior.

So impressed was M. Dior with the young designer

that he named Yves Saint Laurent as his successor.

A position which M. Saint Laurent fulfilled in 1957

at the young age of 21.

From that starting point he proceeded to make

an indelible mark on the canvass of fashion design.

..

The iconic piece

 Coco Chanel empowered women in wearing trousers,

and it was Yves Saint Laurent who

deftly adapted menswear lines to a woman’s body

in designing of minimalist,  androgynous,  trouser fashion –

entrez … Le Smoking.

(image from pure trend.com):

Le Smoking by Yves Saint Laurent, 1966

…

His private life was however,  fraught with incredible challenges:

drug abuse/addiction, sexual promiscuity, mental health issues.

As with many exceptional creatives, he was somewhat

of a tortured soul – giving of his art, but not of himself …

“I’m so secluded.  Very alone.”

…

Yet from the depth of his inner contemplative space,

Yves Saint Laurent created fashion magic.

He remains one of the industry’s  greatest luminaries.

His designs changed the landscape of

women’s wearable clothing and couture fashion.

His, was a modern perspective:

forward-looking in design as well as in attitude.

He is recognised as the first major designer

to use Black as well as Asian models

for runway presentation and muse reference.

…

Alas, the under-representation of models of colour remains

an issue of discussion and debate within the fashion industry.

Clearly, M. Saint Laurent was light years ahead of the curve …

Hedi Slimane –  current creative director of the YSL label –

please take note.

…

Yves Saint Laurent   …  on working with Black models

…

It is of no surprise that M. Saint Laurent’s life story

is focus for two concurrent film ventures.

His fashion/design legacy is unparalleled.

Long may it continue to

 captivate,  inspire,  inform

…

(image from dirty-mag.com):

Yves Saint Laurent  …  final retrospective show

Centre Georges Pompidou 2002

…

Yves Saint Laurent   …  in tribute

 

designer Yves Saint Lauren, 1936 – 2008

…

 

‘Yves Saint Laurent’

starring Pierre Niney as Yves Saint Laurent

UK release Friday, 21 March 2014

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Stand up for your rights: Karen Walker, a/w 2014 (NYFW)

13 Thursday Feb 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in andro-chic style, design inspiration, fashion and politics, fashion discussion, fashion historic reference, history notes, New York Fashion Week, trouser suit

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

autumn/winter 2014, diversity in fashion, diversity on the runway, fashion as political message, fashion as social statement, Karen Walker, Kate Sheppard, New York Fashion Week - a/w 2014, New Zealand Suffragette Movement, women's trouser suit

Three aspects of Karen Walker’s a/w 2014 collection

promptly arrested my attention:

its inspiration:  the New Zealand suffragette movement

its clothing attitude:  the vibe, “I am confident”

its runway models:  of racial diversity

(image from zimbio.com):

designer Karen Walker

…

Karen Walker hails from New Zealand,

 which has the distinct honour of being the first country

in the world to grant women full voting rights.

This landmark law (1893) established New Zealand

as the beacon of suffragette efforts world-wide.

(image from nzhistory.net.nz):

Signatures on the Suffrage Petition, 1893

which was presented to the NZ Parliament 

…

New Zealand’s pioneering achievement set firm footing

on the first rung of the ladder towards

women’s  political and legal equality.

…

It was not until after WWI, that women in

the United Kingdom (1918- partial, 1928 -full)

and the United States (1920 – but not to Native American women)

finally gained voting rights.

…

(image arttel.co.nz):

Kate Sheppard, leader of the NZ suffragette movement

…

As a native New Zealander, Ms. Walker has much to be proud:

of past … NZ – a shining example in the annals of women’s political history

of present … her collection – shown during New York Fashion Week

…

Karen Walker,  a / w  2014

The Collection

(images from fashionising):

karen-walker-autumn-fall-winter-2014-nyfw23 karen-walker-autumn-fall-winter-2014-nyfw19 karen-walker-autumn-fall-winter-2014-nyfw15 karen-walker-autumn-fall-winter-2014-nyfw12

karen-walker-autumn-fall-winter-2014-nyfw3

karen-walker-autumn-fall-winter-2014-nyfw11

…

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What’s out, is really what’s in (again): the ‘Buffalo’ hat

04 Tuesday Feb 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in accessories, creative headdress, fashion discussion, fashion fun, hats, look book-back, music influence - fashion, signature look, signature piece, street style sass, style ideas?, urban-chic

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

audio - Get Lucky, Daft Punk, Grammy Awards 2014, Malcom McLaren, music and fashion, Pharrell Williams, the 'Buffalo' hat, Vivienne Westwood, Vivienne Westwood - a/w 1982

Music creative all – rounder:  singer, producer, writer, collaborator

Pharrell Williams

“Got Lucky” at the 2014 Grammy Awards

winning the award for Pop/Duo Group Performance with Daft Punk

for titled tune “Get Lucky”;

Pharrell was honoured with four gongs in all

including Producer of the Year.

…

(image from eonline.com):

Pharrell Williams at the Grammy Awards 2014

…

His talents extend beyond the recording room

as he is also regarded by some as a bit of a fashion statement maker –

gracing the covers/pages of magazines as testament.

…

(image from burgundywhispers.com):

…

Spotlighted at this year’s Grammy Awards event

for his music industry achievemnts

Pharrell’s chosen hat-wear was an equal attention grabber.

His much talked about ‘home on the range’ hat

generated a twitter buzz frenzy.

…

(image from vanityfair.fr):

Award winners:  Pharrell and the ‘Robots’ of Daft Punk at the Grammys 2014

…

(image from popsugar.com):

pharrell willliams_robin thicke, 2014 grammys, popsugar

Pharrell performing with Robin Thicke, Grammy 2014

…

Although a unique style – setter in his own right,

the origins of Pharrell’s Grammy creative head-dress, can be traced to

the 1982 a/w Vivienne Westwood collection ‘Buffalo Girl’

(in collaboration with Macolm McLaren)

…

(image from nancyfashionfancy.blogspot.co.uk):

Malcolm McLaren sits betwixt two models, all in ‘Buffalo’ hats (1982)

…

(image from collections.vam.ac.uk)

 iconic ‘Buffalo suiting’ – at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London

…

This mass outpouring of commentaries on Pharrell’s Buffalo hat seems

 cultural commentary on the bond between

the music and fashion industries: as dwelling reflection of one in the other.

…

 

Over thirty years has passed since

the Buffalo hat was a fashion runway sensation –

and 2014 witness it centre stage at the music industry’s gala night.

…

Ah … the ever cyclical quality of fashion:

what’s out, is really what’s in (again).

Pharrell, cheers for the reminder .

…

 Pharrell and Daft Punk  

‘Get Lucky’

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