INSPIRATION: TSUMORI CHISATO
I was planning on writing about Tsumori Chisato because of today's theme of illusions. I was going to write about her hidden detailing and narrative designs, but I think there is much, much more. The word "recession" is something that I've been trying to avoid, for the reasons that a) I don't know how to explain it eloquently and b) the impact it has produced for any of us involved in retail is so devastating that I'd rather write about other things to get my mind off of the situation.
So here we are, wearing all black, splurging less, appreciating h&m more, all doing the same DIY projects. My dark wardrobe is paired down, comforting, perhaps 'complex', and pretty fulfilling. Its perfect for next season's black-dipped spring...but once the runway trickles down to pedestrian level, everyone's going to be dressing a little bit darker. And while I'd normally be an advocate for shaded attire, I think that we will all benefit from an infusion of joyous dresses to keep our chins up through what will probably be a hellish few months. And this is where the enigma Tsumori Chisato comes in.
If you've ever had the opportunity to see her dresses in person, you will understand what I mean by 'they make you gasp a little bit'. Each piece appears to be crafted by hand (many of them are...and take months to create), and each one is pure fantasy. The collections are dreams, stories, wandering minds. Shapes melting, characters appearing, folklore depicted in sequins. The craft is serious while the ideas are playful - the perfect ratio. With each collection you are immersed in a theme...whether it be the ocean, a little girl's room, or patterns falling apart. The dresses tell stories of innocent escape. Indulging dreams.
We are in store for days that will challenge our optimism and chip away at our humor. I am not a fashion crusader, but I do think that dressing to maintain an illusion of lighthearted hope is going to be important to all of our mental wellbeing. And if we're always talking about fashion as a mode for expression, what better action to express than a smile?
So here we are, wearing all black, splurging less, appreciating h&m more, all doing the same DIY projects. My dark wardrobe is paired down, comforting, perhaps 'complex', and pretty fulfilling. Its perfect for next season's black-dipped spring...but once the runway trickles down to pedestrian level, everyone's going to be dressing a little bit darker. And while I'd normally be an advocate for shaded attire, I think that we will all benefit from an infusion of joyous dresses to keep our chins up through what will probably be a hellish few months. And this is where the enigma Tsumori Chisato comes in.
If you've ever had the opportunity to see her dresses in person, you will understand what I mean by 'they make you gasp a little bit'. Each piece appears to be crafted by hand (many of them are...and take months to create), and each one is pure fantasy. The collections are dreams, stories, wandering minds. Shapes melting, characters appearing, folklore depicted in sequins. The craft is serious while the ideas are playful - the perfect ratio. With each collection you are immersed in a theme...whether it be the ocean, a little girl's room, or patterns falling apart. The dresses tell stories of innocent escape. Indulging dreams.
We are in store for days that will challenge our optimism and chip away at our humor. I am not a fashion crusader, but I do think that dressing to maintain an illusion of lighthearted hope is going to be important to all of our mental wellbeing. And if we're always talking about fashion as a mode for expression, what better action to express than a smile?
6 comments:
i have two papers due before we graduate - will you write them??
Well said!! An outfit that makes me truly smile is always nice to see and some much needed visual appreciation! Here in Hawai'i, the older people and the 'crazies' are the ones rocking the outfits that make me smile.
Strangely enough we just stopped by the Tsumori Chisato boutique earlier this week. Its hard to not have an ear to ear smile when looking at the pieces. We have some photos we will put up in a couple days too. Very well written.
Girl I just found your blog via chictopia and I CANNOT GET ENUFF.
i agree with every sentence you wrote.
on b, i hear ya, but im thankful for this black friday weekend has really energized things.
ive notice with my style ive been dressing a bit more glamorous lately, it's nice to pretend im a queen for a day even though my bank account says otherwise.
Post a Comment