It is no secret that I am a fan of conceptual designers. Recently I have showcased Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe, Issey Miyake and Aganovitch to name a few.
As the 2016 Couture shows passed by in the usual flurry of images my eye was caught by the shapes of the technical piqué designs of Victor and Rolf. The 3-D construction process the designers used looked rigorous to say the least and stark white put me in mind of sculpture. Most likely because I often look at the intersection of fashion and art and because I also like to push limits, the challenges conceptual designers pose to the notion of “wearability” makes me think differently about what “wearability” might mean to me.
Conceptual fashion designers regard the body as the site for the communication of ideas. They often consider the role of clothes both on and off the body. Loving conceptual designers creates a dilemma for those of us who view the function of clothing the same way but live and work in the everyday world. As much as I would like to wear one of the more incredible looks from CDG S/S 2016 at my next conference presentation, that might push the envelope a little too much. I love the process of translating the ideas behind a conceptual design into something that I might wear in everyday life. Victor and Rolf actually started their collection with a minimally adjusted tennis dress that became progressively more and more outrageous. My process is just the opposite; I move from outrageous to minimal. But let’s just say I always start with outrageous.
The coat I am wearing is by the designer Nika Tang who is based in San Francisco and London. I consider this coat my version of conceptual fashion because when I am wearing it feels like it is curling and unfurling. In my version of conceptual design the clothes feel alive, they move of their own volition, they breathe, they articulate and when I move they create different shapes and silhouettes. This coat gives me the sensation of being covered in ruffles and bows yet it is architectural and beautifully tailored, evidencing a steady hand with balance and control, keeping it right on the edge exactly where I love to play.
Click here to view Nika Tang’s S/S2016 collection and find out more about the coat I am wearing.
What does “wearabilty” mean to you?
Great post, love that coat! x
graciousghost.blogspot.com
Thanks I really love it too!
Great post, love that coat! x
graciousghost.blogspot.com
That coat is a knockout! Love the movement and multiple dimensions it presents.
Thanks I really love it too!
Thanks you I always so enjoy your comments.
Inevitably (and unfortunately), wearability is often governed by what is acceptable to wear at work .I work part time at an architects office where my "out there " clothes are admired which encourages me to be more creative. Paradoxically, when i retire from that part of my working life later this year,(i am also a part time dressmaker),I will lose that endorsment of my style so will have to become a bit more self confident in my choices. Your blog is a great help,Lyn
Thanks you I always so enjoy your comments.
The coat is so amazing!!
It is a risk but one that paid off!
I love it too! Can’t wait for a little bit warmer weather and I will wear it all over town.
The coat is so amazing!!
It is a risk but one that paid off!
STOP!!!!! and by stop I mean yes please continue. That coat is absolutely stunning on you. I wish I could leave more sophisticated comments, but that coat just leaves me speechless.
I feel like a broken record but Rick Owens is my go to for that combination of form & function. I have a McQueen/Samsonite crocodile luggage that I was initially critical of for its seemingly small size, but time and time again it keeps proving me wrong. I will look through Gareth Pugh, but have yet to get my hands on a piece that is distinctive yet wearable for my life. It is either too plain or too "out there."
I love it too! Can’t wait for a little bit warmer weather and I will wear it all over town.
A white maxi coat makes me deliciously nervous. It’s a dream for sure. What’s wearability?: does it make me feel like a million bucks? If yes, THAT’s wearability.
Good standard to use!
You have such an amazing sense of humor!
A white maxi coat makes me deliciously nervous. It’s a dream for sure. What’s wearability?: does it make me feel like a million bucks? If yes, THAT’s wearability.
Good standard to use!
Oh Lyn…. how beautiful. If I were to meet you in the street I would so stop and stare. Keep me at a distance though… I might also drool.
Greetje
You have such an amazing sense of humor!