Fashion Boundaries

"Fashion fades, style is eternal." - Yves Saint Laurent

All the sorts of people were there today to view the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the SAM.  YSL has always had a dichotomous image in my head of being either very elegant and proper or very daring and pushing the envelope.  Like with any sort of art though, anybody can appreciate the creativity and craftsmanship and history of such a designer, whether or not it's their personal aesthetic.

These were some of my favorite pieces, although there were many more risque, elaborate, fantastical works that YSL was known for.  I loved all the mod styles with sleek cuts that just barely frame the figure.

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Black and white

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All Saints from the outside

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NYFA of Seattle

This past month I took basic sewing classes at New York Fashion Academy in Seattle.  Although I've been sewing by myself for awhile, I wanted to see if I was doing things correctly and get a proper foundation in order to learn more complicated techniques by myself later on.  

NYFA was the only place I could find that offered something other than sew-your-own-pajamas sort of classes.  This is a legitimate fashion school, with graduates going on to start their own lines, constructing for different businesses, etc.  It's not like a major university like FIDM or anything, but it has the essentials, which is still pretty great.

I just really like the space.  There's a constant creative, forward-feeling atmosphere from the students as they master their different levels all in one small space.  Plus, it's located in Ballard, which is a pretty quirky and fun neighborhood and adds to the eccentricity.

Sewing I taught me 20 basic techniques, and showed me a lot of things I was doing wrong.  They had us compile a mini binder to reference later. 

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Unique patterns

This is my first streetstyle capture in forever and I was only able to see and snap it in like 5 seconds with my phone so... it's not the best quality or anything.  But it gives you an idea.

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Alley mystery

I'm starting to really like these floppy, 70's inspired felt hats.

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Body paint

 

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Pop art passing

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Pink playsuit

I like the back detail of the straps.  It cuts down a little on the flowy-ness.

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African Aesthetic

These were part of the African art exhibit at SAM.  I thought it was really interesting how the shapes were strictly aristocratic European, but done in African materials.  Perhaps a commentary on colonialism or power struggle/identity.

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30 Years of Japanese Fashion exhibit

Some time ago, I mentioned that I attended Akiko Fukai's talk on her exhibit, 30 Years of Japanese Fashion.  I was finally able to go see it myself!  It definitely tickled my inner fashion geek.

 

The above is part of the 2D to 3D series.  When laid flat, they are very geometric and origami-like, but when put on the body they have a whole new life and drape. 

Managed to snap these two photos before they told me to stop... sad T_T haha I really hope they don't hunt me down for posting these...

Inward Facing Girl managed to get a lot more somehow!  Click the link to see all the awesome detail shots.

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Spikes on Pike Place

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I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22

Beaded t-shirt dress: Runway Paris brand, bought at Oh La La boutique on St. Laurent boulevard, Montreal


Can't believe I used to hate this song! haha

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Fashion vocab: Flat top

Apparently these hats are called 'flat tops,' because of their brims.

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Arm charms

 

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Ocean eyes

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Akiko Fukai talks History

As I mentioned in this post, I attended the talk by Akiko Fukai on the Future Beauty exhibit at the SAM.  Like a mini art history lesson, there are so many references and past pinpoints that I would have never recognized or realized, such as the distortion of the female form of Japanese design, very controversial since the West was accustomed to the highly tailored, close-fitted clothes of Yves St. Laurent and Chanel.  Instead of "ugly holes," the deconstructed/distressed clothing of Yohji Yamamoto was meant to let in the light and create miniature shadows across the body.

It was a good introduction to why and how the exhibit was put together, history and points to look out for, etc.  I'm particularly interested to look at the 2D/3D garments of Issey Miyake.  When folded they look very simple and flat, but they take on amazing structure when worn.

credit: Irenebrination

I wish I could have gotten a better picture of Fukai-san's outfit...  My camera is pretty bad in the dark.  But you can see it was a flowy but structured ochre dress with elbow length balloon sleeves.  The bottom seemed to have a fade-out effect to white.  Minimalistic but highly thoughtful.

When I have time to go through the exhibit, hopefully I can update with pictures (if allowed)!

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Baby Cruisin' Love

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Summer solstice

Saw these girls from a distance having their own sort of mini photoshoot.  Their outfits had gorgeous, brilliant colors and patterns that went perfectly with the greenery.

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Hayari

 

A Yohji Yamamoto creation

Image credit: Seattle Boutique Blogpost

はやり (hayari) = Japanese for "fashion"

Uresshi desu! (sorry, I had to say that)  At the end of the month, I will be attending a talk given by Akiko Fukai at the Seattle Art Museum for the upcoming exhibition, FUTURE BEAUTY: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion.  Fukai has been the chief curator and director for the Kyoto Costume Institute for years, and has had a large influence on how the West became acquainted with Japanese fashion, and vice versa.  At her talk on June 27th, she will be discussing the history of Japanese fashion and influence, how she's studied it.  Because she's foremost a scholar more than a "fashionista," it might be more of an intellectual analysis instead of a runway critic, which will be all the more better.

Eventually, I will also go see the actual exhibit (at SAM from June 27-September 8) once the crowds die down.  I'm excited to see in person amazing creations - each an art piece, really - from innovative designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake.  Can't wait!


Article source: NY Times

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