This past week and a half, I had a wide range of varied experiences all layered amidst my academic life, family interactions and the normal patterns of eating, sleeping and dressing. I was photographed by Terry Richardson wearing Valentino eyewear, Calvin and I were photographed as a couple for a photography book, went to a casting call for a fashion film being made to advertise a new living space, participated in an interview for a fashion and style platform, shot a video with a videographer I met at another shoot, met with a potential intern, met with a web designer, picked up clothes for a photo shoot, had coffee in a beautiful space with an artist who is working with craftspersons to create beautiful woven scarves and jewelry, attended the Brooklyn Fashion Design Accelerator Impact Award Ceremony, spent an afternoon with an incredible group of brilliant Chinese creatives from Central St. Martins and Parsons and had two meetings with the jewelry artist I am collaborating with on the design of a piece. And it goes without saying created and put out blog and social media posts. Okay now I really get why I am exhausted.
Intermingled amongst the more commercial (and sadly more lucrative opportunities) were the moments I shared with intellectuals thinking and talking about fashion and clothing from a postmodern perspective and having the kind of conversations I dreamt of and had when I was getting my Ph.D. Amongst all my digital and commercial endeavors I still indulge in intellectual dreams and even though when asked, I say I want to only do Accidental Icon in a year or two, I remain seduced by my fantasy of a utopian academic life and feel that I have never completed myself as a researcher and scholar.
I wore this outfit to the Brooklyn Fashion Design Accelerator Impact Award Ceremony that honors, supports and promotes sustainable fashion design in multiple ways (more on them Wednesday). In honor of the ethos I wore mostly re(cycled) clothing with the exception of my Eileen Fisher pants (she received an award at the event) and my shoes made by craftspersons from Portugal. Inspired by the life of my clothes and those who triggered remembered notions of a different kind of intellectual labor, I am inspired to imagine that I could “re-cycle” my Ph.D. and focus my research and scholarship on the study of clothing and its many implications and intersections with social welfare. And since I am a both/and kind of girl the pursuit of commerce and scholarship do not have to be mutually exclusive. Now for a nap.
Have you ever recycled a part of your life into a new rendition?
Lyn, I hear again and again how great it is that we older women are being recognized and have moved from invisible to visible. What I love about you, your spirit and your intent, is that YOU are the reason we are being recognized. You manage to create a strong, individual statement without costume, with intention, a keen eye, and just the right dose of reality.
Thanks you so much. I find your comment so inspiring and makes me even more excited about my new web design and features.
A wonderful example!
Lyn, I hear again and again how great it is that we older women are being recognized and have moved from invisible to visible. What I love about you, your spirit and your intent, is that YOU are the reason we are being recognized. You manage to create a strong, individual statement without costume, with intention, a keen eye, and just the right dose of reality.
Thanks you so much. I find your comment so inspiring and makes me even more excited about my new web design and features.
When I retired from my office job I looked for volunteering opportunities and have started helping at a communication group for stroke patients.This means that I can use my knowledge as a speech and language therapist, ( which I haven’t done for many years), without the stress of doing it as a career.
A wonderful example!
You absolutely rock the outfit you put together. It’s strong, sophisticated, thoughtful and current. I look forward to your posts with your latest observations and experiences particularly with regard to upcoming fashion designers and their intent and visions. I struggle, however, with the prices of such couture pieces and following your convictions and endorsements. I love your clothing but cannot possibly emulate you or support your budding designers when I cannot justify paying thousands of dollars for just a shirt or dress I might stain and therefore ruin the first time I wear it. I understand your vision and your intent in this blog but it is financially unjustifiable for me personally. But then again I love imagining it….and continue to read your blog with excitement and intrigue. Most of all, I love seeing what you’re wearing and why!
I wanted to make sure I responded to you because one of my secrets is that I do not always spend as much as it may seem on my clothes. Because I care about sustainability many of my clothes are recycled and are found in vintage, thrift and consignment stores off and on-line. That is part of the fun for me; finding amazing pieces for a reasonable sum. Just an example, last Sunday I found a Yohji Yamamoto skirt in a vintage store for $45.00! In some recent posts I have been wearing a Uniqlo shirt that cost $30.00. I invest in some core pieces and style around them.
You absolutely rock the outfit you put together. It’s strong, sophisticated, thoughtful and current. I look forward to your posts with your latest observations and experiences particularly with regard to upcoming fashion designers and their intent and visions. I struggle, however, with the prices of such couture pieces and following your convictions and endorsements. I love your clothing but cannot possibly emulate you or support your budding designers when I cannot justify paying thousands of dollars for just a shirt or dress I might stain and therefore ruin the first time I wear it. I understand your vision and your intent in this blog but it is financially unjustifiable for me personally. But then again I love imagining it….and continue to read your blog with excitement and intrigue. Most of all, I love seeing what you’re wearing and why!
I wanted to make sure I responded to you because one of my secrets is that I do not always spend as much as it may seem on my clothes. Because I care about sustainability many of my clothes are recycled and are found in vintage, thrift and consignment stores off and on-line. That is part of the fun for me; finding amazing pieces for a reasonable sum. Just an example, last Sunday I found a Yohji Yamamoto skirt in a vintage store for $45.00! In some recent posts I have been wearing a Uniqlo shirt that cost $30.00. I invest in some core pieces and style around them.
Lyn, what a breathtaking outfit! In answer to your question, I feel I’m doing that right now. I am utilising many skills I employ in my role in the community sector in newer pursuits relating to my love of style and fashion and I am finding it exciting and invigorating.
Lyn, what a breathtaking outfit! In answer to your question, I feel I’m doing that right now. I am utilising many skills I employ in my role in the community sector in newer pursuits relating to my love of style and fashion and I am finding it exciting and invigorating.
Yes, I’ve re-created myself over and over in life, building upon the experiences and skills I’ve acquired and discovering new ones. As I do so, I become more myself and more unique. Re-cycle on!
Hi Lyn,
My love of fashion, commitment to sustainability and life as an artist has been coming together as I learn about mending. Extending the life of a garment, adding interest and value, mending such as the Japanese form of boro is fascinating to me. The twice yearly Kyoto Art and Antique sale in Seattle is a great source for vintage Japanese textiles.
Hi Lyn,
My love of fashion, commitment to sustainability and life as an artist has been coming together as I learn about mending. Extending the life of a garment, adding interest and value, mending such as the Japanese form of boro is fascinating to me. The twice yearly Kyoto Art and Antique sale in Seattle is a great source for vintage Japanese textiles.
Great photo, of course great model! Love that red shoes|
robert
Great photo, of course great model! Love that red shoes|
robert