Fashion? Who Cares?

John Galliano for DIOR 2007

I do.

Why?

Artistry: There is a serious level of skill, talent and creativity that goes in to creating garments. I am not referring to your $5 Walmart, sweatshop t-shirt but into real FASHION. Fashion to me has always been an amazing art form. It is the only art  that we actually get to live our lives in.  

Example, true Haute Couture. I could take centuries of examples of amazingly crafted Haute Couture but have a look at this current DIOR garment. 200 hours of work by hand later. The work that goes into creating this seemingly 'simple' skirt is amazing. Now you can appreciate the work and detail going into the true couture gowns and other garments of this nature. To me it is ART.

Language: Fashion to me is also a form of language and expression. I express my emotions and feelings through what I wear. I am what I call a moody dresser. I dress according to my mood and always follow my authentic style instincts. I think people can get a sense of who I am through my personal style. Your clothing can speak without you having to say a word.

This look is comprised of Fashions Past and Present. The Dress (70's) and rhinestone bracelet (60's) are both Vintage, the clutch from Forever 21 and shoes SJP Collection "Daphne".


Empowerment: Yes you read that right. You are probably thinking how could what seems to be a frivolous, materialistic, seemingly superficial industry possibly empower you? There are a few reasons. First, there is that shopping moment when you find something that you are instinctively drawn too, fits you and is in your budget. For me this is the equivalent to the stars aligning. Words cannot articulate the feeling I get. Its chemical, exciting and empowering. Fashion has also allowed me to take my power back and use clothing in a way to build my self concept. I FEEL good when I dress authentically and take the opportunity to put my best foot forward each day. I know a lot of women who feel frustrated and down on themselves when it comes to their wardrobes, they know what they like but somehow lack the courage to wear it. I on the other hand am so grateful for fashion giving me the opportunity to express what I want, my way during my daily life.

Linda Evengelista for Gianni Versace 1993 - Image: Richard Avedon

Inspiration: Between the imagery and the artistry of the clothing  I am always left inspired by fashion. I fell in love with this art form when I was around 8 years old and I've never stopped looking. I adore this medium and its association with music, culture, art, photography, etc. The theatrics and styling of the runway shows and the fashion editorials that have left me inspired and spawned several creative endeavours of my own. Fashion to me is a limitless source of inspiration. I like to look to the past a lot as the history of fashion tells a great story.

 VOGUE -  2003 by Annie Lebovitz (Model: Natalia Vodianova, Designer Christian Lacroix and Mad Hatter Millinar Stephen Jones)

Bazaar - April 2010 - Demi Moore

For some people clothing is simply a societal norm and necessity. Some individuals put very little thought into the process of dressing or if it means anything to them at all.

What do you think about fashion? 

Rock'N Royalty: 90's Style

Inspired by the birthday of Super Model and Super Mother Christy Turlington I thought about all the fashion editorial's I have seen her in over the years. I fell in love with fashion in the mid-1980's, even though I still feel the 80's was the most hideous fashion decade. This editorial from American VOGUE, October 1990 shot by the talented Irving Penn top's the list of my favourites. I had this magazine and remember cutting these images out and making a collage that surrounded my bedroom mirror. I was 11 years old and completely swept away by the art of fashion, these models and the photography. Her fellow supermodel Linda Evangelista and Model Tatjana Patitz were also featured in the spread.

CHANEL COUTURE

CHANEL

CHRISTIAN LACROIX

 CHANEL

Claude Montana for  LANVIN

 GIANNI VERSACE

 DIOR

 UNGARO

 CHANEL

 GIANNI VERSACE

 LACROIX

YSL

Never Forgotten: Gianni Versace

Seventeen years ago today fashions brightest light was brutally extinguished. It was because of  Gianni Versace that I fell into my life long love affair with Fashion. What remains is an amazing legacy of bold, unique, designs and a giant gaping hole in the industry. He will always remain an inspiration to me.

I still remember where I was when I got the news. I didn't want to believe it and I still don't. Seventeen years later I look back at the child I was, so enamoured with this man's vision for women and liberating them through garments that were way ahead of their time. Garments that the house of Versace continues to make a gallant attempt at emulating but never quite hits the same mark. He was a genius, icon and will always be an muse to me. 

I can't help but believing that the style and fashion landscape would be a different place if Gianni were still here. I long for the day's where the supermodels reigned supreme and the celebrities only occupied the front rows at fashion shows, not the magazine covers. He created the supermodel, the spectacle that we now know as fashion shows and presentations with his over the top cast, music, orchestration and front row. From his mother's dress shop in Southern Italy (Reggio di Calabria) he was THE trailblazer to the celebrity, the supermodel, unique textiles and glamour that was so bad it was way too good.

Image: Helmut Newton

Gianni had an attitude in the business I wish more designers and successful people in general would replicate; There is room for everyone. He would give "unknown" creative's (like Brian Atwood, Todd Oldham, etc..) opportunities that they never otherwise would have received. His pursuit was beauty and expression. He never wanted to stop learning, experiencing and growing from all corners of the world and culture.

1990

In the wise words of Mr. Versace, "Beauty will save the world"

And he is still right.

1946-1997

Catwalk Contessa: Marpessa

Image:  Ferdinando Scianna/Magnum Photos. 

There are moments in life that one remembers forever. Those iconic times that live on and inspire you. The model Marpessa provided many model moments for me in the early 1990's. 

Marpessa as designer Gianfranco Ferre and team put on the final touches 90's

Many of these moments were associated with Gianni Versace and responsible for my falling in love with fashion. 

 Marpessa, pictured far right with Gianni and Models

 Marpessa pictured bottom left. I feel like I need to krimp my hair now.

Dubbed the Catwalk Contessa, she was a regular face on the  90's runways of other FAV designers of mine like Karl Lagerfeld for CHANEL

Chanel 1991

 Claude Montana for LANVIN

Dolce and Gabanna

 and MANY more. 

She is a mother, model and muse as well as an interior designer. She is VERY Stylish and Chic with great taste in clothing, including Vintage pieces. I often wonder if she still has any of that Vintage Versace in her closet.

Today I wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and thank her for some of my fondest model moments in memory!!

Lisa

XO

Edland Man Marpessa per Chiara Boni and Flying dutch mag. (1988)