A JUMP Start

1973

My closet is an eclectic mix of shapes, colors, textures and decades. Of all of the pieces I have a soft spot when for a Jumpsuit when I dress.  I have several and am always on the hunt for really special pieces. When you have this fashion moment it can Jump Start you to a whole other style dimension.  The Jumpsuit has a history of over 90 years. The tricky part about this one piece wonder is the fit in the 'crotch' - getting an accurate waist-crotch measurement will sincerely help you if in an on-line quest for a jumpsuit. The word  “Jumpsuit” originated from the utilitarian, one piece garments worn by aviators and parachutists, hence the word 'jump'. It came to represent any garment that was one piece with arms and legs, used by astronauts, mechanics, women workers in WWII, race car drivers to rock stars and some of the most stylish women on the planet as the garment evolved.

According to VOGUE (Italia) the Jumpsuit made it's debut in 1919 as a futuristic garment cut from one pieces of material (African Canvas), a Russian designer followed suit in 1923 with the famous designer Elsa Schiaparelli in the early 1930's designed them, like this one that is now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

In America the jumpsuit was a functional garment for women starting in WWI (1914-1918) who were working in the factories.

This jump start caused the suit to evolve into the current and chic piece that it is today.  You can see the jumpsuit through fashion history as both a functional and fashionable garment. 

A-la 'Rosie the Riveter' women during WWII (1939-1945) wore utilitarian work one piece jumpsuits in factories across North America. The functional side of the jumpsuit:

Workers in Boeing Plant during WWII

It was worn through the 1930's also in a fashionable cpacity.

1939

The late 30's-1940's gal took to the beach in her jumpsuit as beach / lounge wear. 

Bette Davis in Swimsuit / Joan Blondell in beach suit

1950's

                                                            Elizabeth Taylor

1960's

Helmet Newton Image - 1966

The jumpsuit made a HUGE resurgence in the 1970's and 1980's

70's Polyester Polka Dot Jumpsuit ~ $65

VOGUE 1971

Jerry Hall

70's Printed Jumpsuit ~ $85

1980's

Cherie Curry and Joan Jett

80's Liquid Metal - Animal Print Jumpsuit ~ $75

80's AJ Bari Polka Dot Jumpsuit ~ $80

80's Metallic Top Jumpsuit ~ $60

1990's

 Gianni Versace Jeweled and Bell bottom suits!

S/S 1991

2000's

 Gwen & Iman

MYTH: Jumpsuits are only for tall girls. WRONG: They can be worn by all women regardless of shape or size. The correct cut, draping and fit for your body type is the only issue. Waist/Crotch measurement needs to be accurate. Avoiding the dreaded camel-toe is key!

SJP in Elie Saab2013

Miley Cyrus

GQ 2011

Petra Nemkova

 Rachel Zoe

Vogue Italia 2010

Are You ready for your JUMP start?

RIP Anna Piaggi: Queen of Eclecticism

© David Downton, 2000

This morning in Milan, fashion icon, writer and front row fixture passed away at the age of 81.  The fashion world gained another angel and the physical world has lost it's Queen of Eclecticism. 

Not very often are we as a society blessed with an individual that TRULY defies trends and dresses in a truly authentic way. A genuine reflection of their inner self which defies all "rules" and traditional taste. 

Anna Piaggi has been a fashion fixture since the 1970's. She started working for an Italian publishing company (Mondadori) and then onto Vogue Italia. She was known there for her D.P's - doppie pagine, Her Double Page Spreads in Italian VOGUE where she was given creative free reign and released her inner stylist and creative fierceness. She has been a stylist, muse, editor, writer, collector, style icon and front row regular.

She was a friend and muse to Karl Lagerfeld since the 1970's and Manolo Blahnik. He has been quoted as saying she is "modern beyond belief." and created many of the shoes she wore.  

She was also the muse of British milliner Stephen Jones and she had a life long love for unique hats and head pieces.

She was a fashion and accessories collector and constantly mixed Vintage and contemporary, textures and prints.  She loved a fabulous hat and will be remembered for her iconic blue hair that she had up until her death today. She was honored with an exhibition in called "Fashion-ology" at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (2006)

It featured: 265 pairs of shoes, 29 fans, 932 hats, 2,865 dresses, 24 aprons and 31 feather boas.

FUN FACT: She used a RED 1969 Olivetti typewriter daily.

Her style was the definition of eclectic. She mixed prints and  piled on the accessories: Hats, Gloves, Decorative Cains, Purses, Fans, Jewels and Scarves. She mixed old with new, the avant guard with the conservative, and pushed the fashion envelope right off the table. Although some could call her aesthetic silly or costume, I think it is unique, bold and fabulous!   

Anna's life was a vivid textured illustration and lesson to all of us that style knows no bounds except the ones we impose on ourselves. 

Anna and the original supermodels. All wearing Gianni Versace. 1990's

One of MY Living Style Icons Dita Von Teese Sum's it up via her Twitter.