INSPIRATION: JEAN PIERRE BRAGANZA
As the year draws to a close and the next flirts with beginning, I, like most, take a second to evaluate where I am, what I have been doing, and what I would like to pursue. Now is an especially good time for me to indulge in self-reflection, as my college journey has ended and I have a bit of a fuller lapse of time to ponder. Style-wise, I've always worked through a process of evolution. I used to dress in mostly vintage, priding myself in finding the most obscure 60's dresses or the most embellished cowboy shirts. Starting work at Harputs Market two years ago drastically changed my awareness of fashion and perception of personal dress. I began to incorporate newer pieces along with the vintage, and sewing my own creations when I could not afford to purchase. Aesthetically, I've fallen into a pattern of grayscale and black, big shapes, high heels, sparkle shine and experimentation...it's a nice place!
But I can do better. When I look at the clothing I own, there is a definite split between the clothing that I wear to work, and the clothing that I wear to school (nevermind that any more), to meet with friends, to go out. Its a matter of casual vs show pieces. In San Francisco (and probably many other coordinates) there is an attitude that if someone wears something daring or flamboyant or formal during the daytime then they are trying too hard. Luckily I have enough self confidence to know my own style and wear more noticeable pieces during the light hours of the day, but then I stop at the notion of approachability...and think of Isabella Blow figures. Women who are true explorers in the world of fashion, and bring it onto the streets, yet because of their outward appearance become unapproachable and unattractive to the mainstream's perception of beauty.
Is this a note of uncertainty rising to the surface? Fuck no. I'd rather be looked at than fall into a shadow any day of the week. You wonder how Jean Pierre Braganza fits into all of this? Because he continually creates sculpted, architectural, daring, and intimidating looks that have total sex appeal. His woman has to have the confidence to leave the house at any time of day ready to turn heads and raise eyebrows. Are his pieces "wearable" by most standards? Absolutely not, and thank god. If I were to choose one designer to epitomize a look that I would like to peruse into 2009, the Jean Pierre Braganza take-no-prisoners lady would be it.
But I can do better. When I look at the clothing I own, there is a definite split between the clothing that I wear to work, and the clothing that I wear to school (nevermind that any more), to meet with friends, to go out. Its a matter of casual vs show pieces. In San Francisco (and probably many other coordinates) there is an attitude that if someone wears something daring or flamboyant or formal during the daytime then they are trying too hard. Luckily I have enough self confidence to know my own style and wear more noticeable pieces during the light hours of the day, but then I stop at the notion of approachability...and think of Isabella Blow figures. Women who are true explorers in the world of fashion, and bring it onto the streets, yet because of their outward appearance become unapproachable and unattractive to the mainstream's perception of beauty.
Is this a note of uncertainty rising to the surface? Fuck no. I'd rather be looked at than fall into a shadow any day of the week. You wonder how Jean Pierre Braganza fits into all of this? Because he continually creates sculpted, architectural, daring, and intimidating looks that have total sex appeal. His woman has to have the confidence to leave the house at any time of day ready to turn heads and raise eyebrows. Are his pieces "wearable" by most standards? Absolutely not, and thank god. If I were to choose one designer to epitomize a look that I would like to peruse into 2009, the Jean Pierre Braganza take-no-prisoners lady would be it.
FW 2008
SS 2007
FW 2007
SS 2009
7 comments:
you are really cool+love this blog!
happy new year
SS 2007 is my favorite. xo
Girls constantly roll their eyes at me in the daytime when wearing some of my favorite pieces. Bring it on ladies!
I love SS 2009 and am dying for a skirt from the collection.
SF is too casual- I think it is time to bring bold to the streets.
i hate that quality about san francisco. it is especially more stringent on men when it comes to dressing up. you would think because of how liberal the city is known to be that they would be more open to style and dressing. no. even when going out i get asked, "why are you so dressed up?" i simply replied, "because it's friday night."
it seems i am expected to wear flannel, skinny jeans and plugs every night and everyday. no thanks.
SS 2007 looks to be my favorite by the way.
dear lord. amazing
Mikaylah - I kind of love catching lingering looks, especially when I wear sequins on the bus...I have this one silver sequined skirt that creates a really extreme disco-ball effect and gets EVERYBODY gawking!!!
Eugene - Please, lets work on eliminating the flannel army. I've always thought it strange as well that SF hosts hoards of leather daddies, burning man hippies, mods, punks, etc but when theres extreme faaaaaaaaaaashion its treated differently!!
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