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I love plaid…I always have. I had one of those lovely Scottish red tartan skirts with the big pin and pleats when I was a little girl. It was my favorite. In college, I chose a plaid fabric in Tailoring One to create a jacket with matching shorts;I wore it out with the girls one night…geeky you say?…I met one of my serious boyfriends that night. I’m just saying, plaid can make you feel…sexy?
“A plaid is a pattern consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors in woven cloth. “[Dictionary.com] As far as fabrics go, there is a load of history behind plaid. The first evidence of its existence? 100 BC. Its iconic popularity began in the 17th century with what we all know as the Scottish plaid/tartan. Standing for rebellion, it was banned by the English only to become a popular pattern for school uniforms by that same country. The mods made it cool and the teenage girls screaming for the Beatles made it sexy. Grunge made it stand for rebellion again, only to have fashion take it over and put it on the runways for triple the price. This past summer, over a million visitors at the Alexander McQueen exhibit viewed the designer’s homage to fabric of his home country.
Wearing plaid is problematic, but I have found be keeping it clean and simple can make the obvious fear adding of pattern to your body. If you don’t want commit to the whole plaid on your body thing, use it in small doses. As an accessory; belt, bag, socks…this work for both guys and gals.
Last month in Seattle, Lushy, a band created by one of my dear old friends from the scooter/mod years, had their monthly Friday night fab gig at Vitos and asked their fan following to wear plaid…this crew always, always dresses and any theme is not daunting. Seattle Art scenesters Jo David and Marlow Harris were my favorite pictured here. My point, its just fun to wear plaid…
What’s even better about plaid is that it is a pattern that can be worn year round. But wait, before you go for it, a reminder that there are summer plaids and colors and winter plaids/colors. Be mindful…wearing a red wool tartan skirt in the heat light of summer is strange…so, don’t do it.
The thing to remember is that plaid is never going away, it is a fabric pattern that has stood the test of time. Embrace it. Here are some current plaid looks that I am loving this season both for guys and gals. Photo Credits From Top: Me with Patrick Napper and Greg Lundgren at Vitos, Alexander McQueen Plaid at The Met, JoDavid at Lushy/Vitos, Carven Twill Tartan Dress, Thakoon, Band of Outsiders, Couture Plaid Gown, Men’s Fall 2011 70′s inspired plaid, Stay Classic Blog, Isaia Fall 2011
It’s hard to believe on this gorgeous Monday in NYC, that it’s November and winter will soon be taking over our Fashion choices. With the bright colors and light fabrics of the summer fading from our consciousness in favor of the more monotone, thicker fall garments, winter clothing will soon be taking over on a large scale. Now is the time to pick up your key pieces so you will be ready for the next blast of winter. There may be no better place to look for winter fashion pick-ups than the Joseph Collection, which features a number of different items that are all at once classy, casual, versatile and wintery ~ what more could you want?
If you, like so many others, are most interested in producing darker, solid colors during the colder months of the years, then the Joseph collection ought to suit your needs quite well. Whether you are looking for a warm new sweater, a full coat, a nice new dress, or even a scarf, you should be able to find something that adds a look of winter without investing in a whole new wardrobe. Indeed, the black and grey assortments in this collection perfectly exude the general fashion sensibility that you will find in the coming months in any city known for its style.
This is not, however, to say that shopping from this collection will simply allow you to blend into an established crowd; in fact, far from it. The Joseph women’s wear collection does indeed offer classic styles and appropriate colors for the coming season, but it also has distinguishing aspects that can help you to define your own style as well. For example, the collection is recognizable for including tiger imagery in a number of different items (check out the Tiger roll neck sweater, or the tiger chunky knit scarf!). A subtle but distinguishing feature like this can provide you with the perfect mix of trendy styles and unique fashion. Add a bright red lip, shoe or bootie, and you are good to go.
Of course, in the end Joseph brand, a classic brand that has been around since the 70′s, is just one of many high-end fashion designers that can offer you fantastic options in the coming months. Buying a piece or two of high-end quality that lasts is key to fashion success. This collection can be a great place to look if you are focused primarily on finding fab current seasonal options.
Photo Credits |
Joseph Fall 2011 Collection Campaign with Daria Werbowy by Peter Lindbergh
Tiger Sweater ~ Joseph Fall 2011 at my-wardrobe.com
Tammy Leather Skirt – Joseph Fall 2011 at my-wardrobe.com
On a gorgeous sunny Fall day in Seattle, it’s not hard to be proud to be from here. From a stellar independent film industry to a large pool of chefs who are James Beard winners and hosting the start and finish to worldwide amazing bands on tour, my little home town with its stellar views and incredible grocery stores, is a great place to be from. (Don’t worry NYC, I’ll be back to you soon enough and the accolades for you will resume)
We start many things here and I am not surprised to know that we were chosen as the only American city to host the Nordic Fashion Biennial at the Nordic Heritage Museum. Seattle has a huge Nordic community for those of you who don’t know, so cool. It works out. Beyond that, the opportunity to showcase fashion as art in our city with such a unique approach is incredible.
For those of you who follow my blog, you know I am a fan of “Nordic” designers and I was thrilled to know they were being highlighted at this terrific exhibit. Ivana Helsinki (Finland) and Moods of Norway (umm, yeah, Norway) are both designers I wear often as do my clients. At this exhibit, Ivana had a lovely textile design that I will obsess about until I own.
Stand out new designers to me at this exhibit were, Barbara i Gogini and Swedish Designer, Sandra Backlund.
Barabara i Gogini was dark ~ I got the feel of the cold northern weather and darkness…in a good way. No doubt, I tend to be drawn by the dark side, but the intricate wool and leatherwork really made it work for me.
Speaking of the dark side, my current obsession with skulls and bones, Hamlet style, was piqued by jewelry designer, Kria. I wish I could have gotten a great shot of the snake skeleton gold belt/necklace that was fab! Over a black knit dress finished off with your favorite faux fur vest, this piece was mouth watering.
Add to that were the films. Shot with a Super 8 camera as an extension of the exhibit, the clothing pieces used in the film weren’t necessarily designers that were exhibiting but pieces created by one of the filmmakers. Based in London, these female filmmakers, Rammatik, are amazingingly artistic and compelling. I am a fan.
Knits! I’m in love with knits and texture (why I snapped up Ivana Helsinki when I first discovered her) Sandra Backlund (Sweden) designer adds a couture feel to the craft. I had seen the image of Tilda Swinton before that I have at the beginning of this post and feel thrilled to have seen a couple of her pieces in person. Fab.
Listening to the curator and founder of NFB, Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir, during her comments, I was touched at the theme of this exhibit that highlighted the heritage of the designers while blending their history and current fashion. The beauty of all clothing and textiles is the story it tells past and present. This exhibit truly does that. To be fair, I went to the members preview and several of the designers weren’t quite ready to exhibit, I hope to get back there. Go…t is worth checking out in awesome Ballard. Opening night is today, September 30 and the exhibit runs through November 13. RL
Photo Credits |
Tilda Swinton in Sandra Backlund courtesy of NFB
RL next to an Ivana Helsinki dress
Barbara i Gogini courtesy of NFB
Kria courtesey of NFB
Sandra Backlund at the NFB by RL
It was a hot July summer day when I made my way through Central Park to finally check out the finest fashion exhibit to date. Alexander McQueen – Savage Beauty. Summer 2011 will go down in history for the time when the Metropolitan Museum of Art set new attendance records with the Costume Institutes exhibit of the brilliant and iconic designer.
The exhibit was curated with some lovely insight into McQueen’s aesthetic and philosophy toward his craft. With quotes posted on the exhibit floors and walls, each room reflected a “personality” that designer showcased over his career.
Within each room, the mannequins were breathtaking while supporting masks made of leather, lace, burlap, feathers, jewels, and more created by Guido Palau.
Simply stunning, the masks made the viewer a little uneasy. They were hauntingly fabulous and quite like the designer himself would have included when presenting his collections.
It was so hard to pick a favorite piece, but I loved the Gold painted duck feather jacket over a white tulle skirt. I also thought it was fab that the exhibit started with the stunning red dress where the bodice back was made of colored science slides. The innovation that we had as design students never went away with McQueen.
The tears fell when I entered the room where the Alexander McQueen Tartan pieces were displayed. The copper walls with the period lighting sconces set off the clothing epically. The designer, who was inspired by almost every culture, was deeply proud of his Scottish roots. It is this plaid that would be another signature for McQueen.
The collection included pieces from McQueen’s design school days and you could see the start of pieces he worked on for years that he made signature. Alexander McQueen played with shapes and structure from the beginning. I was reminded through his quotes that he created clothing that would give the wearer a sense of power. This is the same inspiration I have when styling clients. For me the “power” translates into confidence. With confidence, anything is possible.
With a two-hour wait and record-breaking crowds, I was happy that I was keeping my membership at The Met current and I sailed passed the long queue. I am certain the pedestrian nature of the exhibit would have bothered the avant guarde designer, but on the other hand, my hope is that the exhibit inspired those that were never exposed to the designer…this is my making lemonade out of lemons.
Alexander McQueen was truly one of my favorite designers. Not only for his intricate and “breaking the mold” designs, but also because of his love of the art while pushing boundaries on all levels. When I art directed shows, I wanted the audience to be compelled. It didn’t matter good or bad, just wanted a reaction (vintage photos from my shows above) Alexander McQueen influenced all this. He is missed. RL
Post Script | Video links to Alexander McQueen Shows
This post is long over due for many reasons. One of the major reasons? I just wrapped on filming a feature and have had absolutely no spare minutes. I am excited to share news and costume design inside info once I get the clearance on that one. The other reason this post is over due specifically? I have been an fan of Moods of Norway since I first saw the men’s turquoise satin suit in The Finerie’s windows over a year ago. Its about time I wrote about it.
Cut to Sundance 2011 (I was there for The Off Hours) and a personal re-introduction of the line by the designers at one of the VIP lounges. I love this brand for men ~ especially those with a sense of humor who understand that wearing clothes is fun. Ironically, the tag line for the Moods of Norway line is “Happy Clothing for Happy People”. The cut and fit are especially good for the lean, however, that being said, if you have a good tailor, there are possibilities for most any size guy.
Girls, the line is so great for us too; A range of styles to choose from to fit any of your moods from romantic to flirty.I personally love the satins and plaids designed for both genders. Take a peek on the inside of the garment. The finish and construction makes the knees of us garmentos go weak.
I recently wore the coolest outfit I ever have worn to a gala I was a co-chair of (Northwest Film Forum). The theme was 80’s inspired and I chose to wear the Spring 2011 Hot Pink Hot pants and double-breasted blazer. I had a blast, felt happy and it was a fab event…I may have to owe it all to my Moods of Norway outfit. Can what I wear really make the night such a success? Perhaps…let’s just say it was part of the picture for us raising over our goal and hosting the best party ever. RL
It is so fab to head out into the city on a Sunday night…especially to the Ace Hotel when you have a friend who has some work showing. The Ace has been hosting different film series in an awesome screening room, The Liberty Hall, on Sunday nights.
Last Sunday I was honored to check out Travis Senger’s film, White Lines and the Fever: The Death of DJ Junebug”.
His piece was a standout amongst the other documentaries that showed. The film produced by Lincoln Leopard Films and written by Travis, had soul, heart and told a story that anyone who loves music must see and hear.
The documentary highlights the scene in the South Bronx and the double life of DJ Junebug who was a true talent and iconic founding father of Hip Hop in the early 80’s. I want to tell you all about it, but I want more for you to see it. The film is showing around NYC for the next few months and the next time will be in Harlem at the Maysles Theatre on April 28. Please check it out if you can.
I will tell you while my eyes were full of tears at the end, I was proud to see a whole list of amazing Seattle filmy friends work on this award winning project [Grand Jury Prize at Tribeca Film Festival, South by Southwest Film Festival and Seattle International Film Festival]. A huge shout out to them. I am looking forward to more amazing films by Travis and Lincoln Leopard. RL
As I entered my flat after a lovely dinner in the city with my film gals at Peels, I saw to my roommates bag. I said to myself “Oh No. She didn’t!”
Attached to her bag was a bag fur tail bag charm. A faux fox one fashioned like the Luis Vuitton one Victoria Beckham sported last year.
The trend of the fur tail bag charm has been an interesting one for me to follow. I don’t know… I like it in photos…but there is no way I can get around my history of costume roots on this one. As my friends and clients know, I love sharing those interesting facts behind clothing and design. This is good you guys…
The fur attachment reminds me of the periods both in England and France when the gowns and garments were heavy and layered, especially in the courts. Wigs were added and bathing was not an every day thing. Lice and mice were common in and amongst the garments. Yikes. So, the idea was to attach fur charms on the garments or carry a small fur pelt in their hand so that these little critters would go away from the person and onto the fur charm away from the body. Double Yikes. This practice in fashion history was during the Tudor Period (the first half of the 16th C. under Henry VII)
My roommate’s response to this story? “Mine is to keep dirty hipsters away”. Ha. RL
P.S. Special Thanks to my history of costume professor, Dr. Stella Warnick, for her help in confirming the details and finding a great example.
The last show of the season was pending. As I enjoyed a glass of wine at LINCOLN, I was able to watch as the crowds poured in to check out the last of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
The tents were packed with fashionistas. LAMB (Fabulous) had just finished and I was heading to Ivana Helsinki the very last show of the night.
I first found Ivana Helsinki in a lovely shop in San Francisco on the tip of North Beach. Our intention was to go out and get coffee and get right back to the hotel. We went shopping…
I was instantly drawn to Ivanas knits. I didn’t just buy one piece of hers that day. I bought two; Both of which I still wear two years later |
Ivana Helsinki pieces are often notices for their prints. The prints are designed by Paola Ivana Suhonen. Usually quite lovely. For FW 2011, the designer’s theme was “Velvet Lake”. The show opened with a 35 mm film shown on a reel to reel. Cool. I will just share the words that inspired the collection and show you the pieces. I loved; All that I highlight here. The boots are designed by Ivana Helsinki as well for Seychelles.
You know the moment Just before the lake will freeze? It’s lazy, slow Like a velvet coat On top of dark water Like feathers, smooth Ready to cool Liquid to solid Velvet Lake That is what we call it.
Had a blast at the after party. Chelsea Hotel. Couldn’t be better. RL
Photo Credits |
Top | All Rights Reserved Richard Brown Photography & Rebecca Luke Style
Middle | Rebecca in Ivana Helsinki
Bottom | All Rights Reserved Richard Brown Photography & Rebecca Luke Style
I like Style360’s approach when it comes to New York Fashion Week. They tend to have unique designers that have interesting stories to tell not only through their collection, but also are interesting people personally.
WTB ~ “White Trash Beautiful” is a line that premiered in its first New York Fashion Week on Thursday. It is the design line of Richie Sambora, who all of us know from Bon Jovi and Nikki Lund, who admittedly I didn’t know…I had to do some sleuthing. [Nikki is a LA Designer & Musician with quite a career]
The concept of ‘Trailer Trash” has intrigued us all for several years and quite honestly I didn’t get that groove. I just got a rock and roll vibe that I love.
The distress grey leather jacket is something I know that would work for several clients. I think the lines are perfect over a skinny jean, wide leg pant or dress. I kinda can’t wait to get my arms in one.
These two looks I love. First a take on the leather dress with the asymmetrical keyhole. The second is this fab tux jacket with major embellishments on the shoulder. Cute. By the way, the footwear was all by Report. This is a line that I often buy personally and use in shoots. I hold a special place in my heart for them…extra special that they are based in Seattle.
The gowns were sexy and clearly more LA than NYC ~ Designed for women with curves. The teal accent in the collection was seen in bits and pieces throughout. Lovely.
The design duo are teaming up on the music end as well. The runway music was all WTB. We tried to hit the after party but were too late to catch up with everyone after our last show. Too bad…its okay, it was the last night of fashion week and we had plenty of other places to go. RL
Photo Credits: All Rights Reserved Richard Brown Photography & Rebecca Luke Style