Accidental Icon: Creative Recycling and Style

Jan 21, 2015

“You have a starting point but you don’t know the outcome-at least I don’t.” Helmut Lang

A characteristic of Helmut Lang’s art work is the mixing of old with new materials and the creation of something innovative through the process of layering and being in the moment with the process. When it comes to my personal style, I apply this logic in several ways: starting with a new or old inspirational piece, pairing new purchases with consignment finds, using older items in my wardrobe in new ways (layering an old mini skirt over a pair of skinny jeans), and buying clothing that lends itself to “sculpting “with it. Issey Miyake actually makes pieces of clothing to be used exactly for this purpose such as the Madame T.

For this look the starting point was what I call “the pants with a scarf”. The pants are from Okiraku, a Japanese clothing company that designs clothes to change according to the characteristics of the person who wears them. Because of the numerous ties the “scarves” can be draped in multiple ways, front or back. The pants are cotton with the overlay being wool over silk. I wanted to add some texture to the look and continue to play with the movement of the ties and the scarves so I chose a short Viktor & Rolf silk and cotton blend jacket the exact color of the silk underlay of the scarves. The back is cut in such a way that it jumps away from the body like it has a life of it’s own. Because the ties and details on the jacket are black I chose a long sleeved black wool top from Elm Design. Black suede booties from Sigerson Morrison and black vintage earrings complete the look. You can also get a glimpse on my wrist of my constant companion, my Ballon Bleu de Cartier. The total look is a combination of new purchases and consignment finds. The outcome…? You tell me.

23 Comments

Kristine on January 21, 2015 at 6:34 pm

Looks Nice! ?
[email protected] on January 21, 2015 at 6:34 pm

Looks Nice! ?
Jane M on January 21, 2015 at 6:53 pm

Love the big earrings. Clips?
- Lyn on January 21, 2015 at 11:10 pm
  
  Yes, torn earlobes from more years than I care to say of wearing long and heavy earrings!
Allie Mackin on January 21, 2015 at 11:12 pm

I think the outcome is great, edgy but not too edgy, contemporary without being trend and such great pieces.

Allie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com
- Lyn on January 22, 2015 at 6:24 pm
  
  Thanks Allie, I love your blog!
[email protected] on January 21, 2015 at 11:12 pm

I think the outcome is great, edgy but not too edgy, contemporary without being trend and such great pieces.

Allie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com
- [email protected] on January 22, 2015 at 6:24 pm
  
  Thanks Allie, I love your blog!
Marilyn on January 22, 2015 at 1:06 pm

Very original.
- [email protected] on January 21, 2015 at 11:10 pm
  
  Yes, torn earlobes from more years than I care to say of wearing long and heavy earrings!
- Lyn on January 22, 2015 at 6:26 pm
  
  Thanks for the feedback, love to hear from readers.
Sylvia on January 22, 2015 at 2:30 pm

I like it. It’s different and original and has some great textures! Lovely photos also. It’s great to see the clothes in detail.
- Lyn on January 22, 2015 at 6:27 pm
  
  Thanks Sylvia, your feedback means alot to me as I so admire what you have done.
- [email protected] on January 30, 2015 at 4:56 pm
  
  Aim to please my readers, thanks for the feedback and the nudge!
[email protected] on January 22, 2015 at 2:30 pm

I like it. It’s different and original and has some great textures! Lovely photos also. It’s great to see the clothes in detail.
- [email protected] on January 22, 2015 at 6:27 pm
  
  Thanks Sylvia, your feedback means alot to me as I so admire what you have done.
The Style Crone on January 22, 2015 at 10:43 pm

Your creativity shines as you combine pieces from consignment, your closet and the new and interesting. Love the mix of textures and the details seen through the evolution of your blog.

I’ve been traveling and behind, but enjoy catching up with your posts that always enthrall.
- [email protected] on January 22, 2015 at 6:26 pm
  
  Thanks for the feedback, love to hear from readers.
- Lyn on January 25, 2015 at 10:14 pm
  
  Thanks for your always supportive comments. I find you an inspiration and always look forward to your new posts. I find it interesting how you work with different photographers and how they all seem to capture a different side of you and mood.
[email protected] on January 22, 2015 at 10:43 pm

Your creativity shines as you combine pieces from consignment, your closet and the new and interesting. Love the mix of textures and the details seen through the evolution of your blog.

I’ve been traveling and behind, but enjoy catching up with your posts that always enthrall.
- [email protected] on January 25, 2015 at 10:14 pm
  
  Thanks for your always supportive comments. I find you an inspiration and always look forward to your new posts. I find it interesting how you work with different photographers and how they all seem to capture a different side of you and mood.
Jessica on January 30, 2015 at 6:27 am

Oh, thank you for the detail shots! I love the arrangement you came up with to allow a closer look without spoiling the overall look of the page. I really appreciate that. Your outfit is great, I agree with Allie’s comment and love your jacket especially.
- Lyn on January 30, 2015 at 4:56 pm
  
  Aim to please my readers, thanks for the feedback and the nudge!