This week my theme emerges from the controversy surrounding Rick Owens AW 2015 menswear collection. This designer has been challenging us for years to re-think our ideas about gender, age and sexuality. Although we should not be surprised to expect such signs from this designer, his menswear show featured several looks where there were glimpses of a male penis. For those who were actually at the show the moment passed so quickly many did not see it and the clothes themselves commanded the attention of the audience. All in all it was rather a small, albeit powerful gesture.
This brings to mind an essential question of how we use our clothes to relate to our bodies as well as how nudity or exposure of bodies is so political. We use our clothing to reveal and/or conceal ourselves. What is it that we are revealing and/or concealing? This is essentially the tension that most fashion designers revisit collection after collection. For me it is the designers who give us the power to choose to reveal secrets, make hardly noticeable gestures and tell cryptic stories that make me feel most empowered and when I need to be…protected.
In these photos I imagine myself in a secret garden, made even more mysterious because it is covered in snow obscuring details and leaving questions about what is underneath. The sweater I am wearing, designed by the elusive and enigmatic Junya Watanabe, offers many options of revealing and/or concealing; showing my skin or not. I like the turning inside out of the white being covered with the sweater as a counterpart to the snow covering the ground. I like how the cut of the sleeves allow me to hide my hands. I like Junya Watanabe.
Stunning look! xoxo
Meg
http://www.snazzybellanista.com
Thank you, I am kind of a drama queen, don"t you agree?
Ever evolving, that is the essence of what keeps you alive and relevant. The polka dots are actually snow melting on the camera lens!
Stunning look! xoxo
Meg
http://www.snazzybellanista.com
Thank you, I am kind of a drama queen, don"t you agree?
What I like about fashion too is how transforming it can be. You can transform yourself then discard what are wearing and be transformed again. Is there vague polkadot pattern on your skirt? I like it. I heard about Vogue Knitting Live because I work there.
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
Ever evolving, that is the essence of what keeps you alive and relevant. The polka dots are actually snow melting on the camera lens!
Hi Louise,
In general I do not like smiling for pictures, never have. As Victoria Beckham says though, "I am smiling on the inside". Usually fashion is thought of as not such a serious topic, particularly in academia where I work. I think it is a serious topic and that fashion can empower or oppress and so I want to give it a little gravity by looking serious.
I do think about that, yes. The vast majority of my closet is Rick Owens Lilies, and I find that these knits allow the body to be seen in an elegant way – particularly in motion – while still concealing. Speaking of Rick Owens, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the Sphinx runway show. I admire how Mr. Owens broaches topics on the runway, paving the way for fresh dialogue about fashion and boundaries. He is a true trailblazer.
I love your blog, by the way.
Thank you, I love trailblazers and folks who are unafraid to start important conversations. This one is clearly necessary given the reactions that emerged. Interesting point about bodies in motion, yet concealed, that will be a style challenge I will want to think about.
I do think about that, yes. The vast majority of my closet is Rick Owens Lilies, and I find that these knits allow the body to be seen in an elegant way – particularly in motion – while still concealing. Speaking of Rick Owens, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the Sphinx runway show. I admire how Mr. Owens broaches topics on the runway, paving the way for fresh dialogue about fashion and boundaries. He is a true trailblazer.
I love your blog, by the way.
Thank you, I love trailblazers and folks who are unafraid to start important conversations. This one is clearly necessary given the reactions that emerged. Interesting point about bodies in motion, yet concealed, that will be a style challenge I will want to think about.
Yes, I absolutely think about revealing and concealing, more concealing as I’ve gotten older though!! Style is really all about smoke and mirrors, isn’t it? Love your whole look, especially how you are wearing your sweater with your hands partially covered by the sleeves. Very cool.
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
Cherie,
Love all the new changes on your blog. I agree the concealing goes to the forefront as I got a little older. Than the challenge is how do we still show some sensual secrets? That’s why I like this sweater, offers some opportunities.
Yes, I absolutely think about revealing and concealing, more concealing as I’ve gotten older though!! Style is really all about smoke and mirrors, isn’t it? Love your whole look, especially how you are wearing your sweater with your hands partially covered by the sleeves. Very cool.
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
Cherie,
Love all the new changes on your blog. I agree the concealing goes to the forefront as I got a little older. Than the challenge is how do we still show some sensual secrets? That’s why I like this sweater, offers some opportunities.
I would prefer to see another expression. You look quite sour and i wonder why.
Hi Louise,
In general I do not like smiling for pictures, never have. As Victoria Beckham says though, "I am smiling on the inside". Usually fashion is thought of as not such a serious topic, particularly in academia where I work. I think it is a serious topic and that fashion can empower or oppress and so I want to give it a little gravity by looking serious.
Hi Jenny! I love your instagram and will check out your blog too. I love the protective aspect of clothes and that is one of the reasons I love Yohji Yamamoto. He is quite deliberate in regard to that function. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Hi beauty! It’s @lady.hoek from Instagram! I just started to follow you on Bloglovin to keep up with your posts and because you’re a worthy blog follow! I really feel this entry and I saw the photos of the elusive/not so elusive penises @ Rick Owens show.
I can say I do consciously think about concealing/revealing myself. It generally ties with a few factors, mainly being: mood/attitude and weather. Weather is pretty straight forward, but some days when I’m not feeling so killer, I show it through my close being quite covered up and feeling protected.
Keep your posts coming!
Love,
Jenny
http://myviciousdarling.blogspot.com.au/
Hi Jenny! I love your instagram and will check out your blog too. I love the protective aspect of clothes and that is one of the reasons I love Yohji Yamamoto. He is quite deliberate in regard to that function. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I don’t think Lyn looks sour, just serious and very beautiful.
Angie from London
Thanks Angie, clothes and fashion are sometimes serious and I guess I want to convey that.
Amazing pics! The outift is perfect with the ambiance of the scene. And yes , I always think about what I wanna reveal and what I prefer to conceal when I choose my clothes!
Karine
http://urbaninfluences.blogspot.fr/
Thanks for commenting, I will make a point of checking your blog out too
Amazing pics! The outift is perfect with the ambiance of the scene. And yes , I always think about what I wanna reveal and what I prefer to conceal when I choose my clothes!
Karine
http://urbaninfluences.blogspot.fr/
Thanks for commenting, I will make a point of checking your blog out too
Great post!
xo
http://www.dylanasuarez.com
Great post!
xo
http://www.dylanasuarez.com
Interesting topic, as usual! I do consider whether I want to reveal or conceal when I choose my clothes. When I wear dramatic and highly creative clothes, I know I’ll be much more visible, and I find that powerful. I always consider what parts of my body are on display or hidden.
Ah that can be a whole other topic, clothing and power! Thanks for the idea. As well as being visible and invisible. As I felt more invisible as I aged, I have used clothing and style to provoke others into having to see me!
Interesting topic, as usual! I do consider whether I want to reveal or conceal when I choose my clothes. When I wear dramatic and highly creative clothes, I know I’ll be much more visible, and I find that powerful. I always consider what parts of my body are on display or hidden.
Ah that can be a whole other topic, clothing and power! Thanks for the idea. As well as being visible and invisible. As I felt more invisible as I aged, I have used clothing and style to provoke others into having to see me!
Yes,I do think of how much of my legs or chest area I am
revealing or not when I dress ! But,when I was 15 and taking
a life drawing class at the Art Students League in N.Y.city
the lady models posed nude however the male model’s
body parts were covered–maybe Rick Owens in his AW2015
menswear collection thought it was time for "equal showing "
of all the longtime "concealment" of that part men. To me,
it distracted from his show’s clothes.
Great point and I think that is exactly what he was proposing, thanks for sharing.
Yes,I do think of how much of my legs or chest area I am
revealing or not when I dress ! But,when I was 15 and taking
a life drawing class at the Art Students League in N.Y.city
the lady models posed nude however the male model’s
body parts were covered–maybe Rick Owens in his AW2015
menswear collection thought it was time for "equal showing "
of all the longtime "concealment" of that part men. To me,
it distracted from his show’s clothes.
Great point and I think that is exactly what he was proposing, thanks for sharing.
I usually really like what Rick Owens does, but this menswear collection, well…I’m a woman who likes a lot of skin and nudity doesn’t phase me. That said, the designs seemed sensational and provocative, that’s all. And that said, I still respect Rick Owens for pushing those envelopes. The reveal or conceal is a big question. Seems like there is a fashion statement and then a body statement. I love strappy revealing sundresses, but I admit that these days I feel self conscious wearing one. This is actually something I would like to change for myself. It is interesting though, what each of us chooses to reveal or conceal.
Great post!
Anita
http://www.lookforthewoman.com
Yes, that is the fascinating aspect of human nature, we all make choices for so many different reasons, I find it so interesting to hear about them.
I usually really like what Rick Owens does, but this menswear collection, well…I’m a woman who likes a lot of skin and nudity doesn’t phase me. That said, the designs seemed sensational and provocative, that’s all. And that said, I still respect Rick Owens for pushing those envelopes. The reveal or conceal is a big question. Seems like there is a fashion statement and then a body statement. I love strappy revealing sundresses, but I admit that these days I feel self conscious wearing one. This is actually something I would like to change for myself. It is interesting though, what each of us chooses to reveal or conceal.
Great post!
Anita
http://www.lookforthewoman.com
Yes, that is the fascinating aspect of human nature, we all make choices for so many different reasons, I find it so interesting to hear about them.
I read that article and laughed so hard. I believe that the designer got what he wanted…extra press.
Your post is much more thought provoking.
Our clothing should ultimately be an accurate expression of how we want others to see us and how we view ourselves. What we choose to reveal or hide of ourselves via our clothing speaks volumes.
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
I so agree, I laughed out loud at that article too because there was some truth in it about representations of sexuality v. the normality of humans and their not perfect bodies.
I read that article and laughed so hard. I believe that the designer got what he wanted…extra press.
Your post is much more thought provoking.
Our clothing should ultimately be an accurate expression of how we want others to see us and how we view ourselves. What we choose to reveal or hide of ourselves via our clothing speaks volumes.
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
I so agree, I laughed out loud at that article too because there was some truth in it about representations of sexuality v. the normality of humans and their not perfect bodies.
Always thought provoking and extremely beautiful. I love your facial expression and your direct and honest approach. Refreshing!
Thanks Angie, clothes and fashion are sometimes serious and I guess I want to convey that.
Always thought provoking and extremely beautiful. I love your facial expression and your direct and honest approach. Refreshing!
GREAT PICTURES!!! FANTASTIC 😉
Come to check it out my new post:
http://honeyandcotton.org/come-fare-capelli-a-onde-perfette/
Kiss from Rome.
Thank you, I will.
Thank you, I will.
GREAT PICTURES!!! FANTASTIC 😉
Come to check it out my new post:
http://honeyandcotton.org/come-fare-capelli-a-onde-perfette/
Kiss from Rome.
Love, LOve, LOVE this outfit! : )
I consider Andre Walker a fabulous find!
Love, LOve, LOVE this outfit! : )
I consider Andre Walker a fabulous find!