While sorting "stuff" I came across a 1993 issue of Vogue magazine. I was amazed to see the emphasis on black and white. This (spring 2007) was also the season of black and white.Black and white I like. However, I've been resisting the "gypsy" look. As true with most clothing that is presented to us at the runway level, these styles only look good on super skinny 17 year old girls. A slightly older, weightier (ahem) person like myself that has layered up cutting the body in half, let alone thirds or fourths as with the shrugs, tiny jackets, now layered over super long tops, and tiered skirts is going to look like an overly ruffled birthday cake. Perhaps a few combinations that could work, but for the most part, WHAT are designers thinking?
Making matters worse, when these styles, modified of course, hit the department stores, then eventually Walmart, that's about ALL we can find to buy. I have several shirts (2005 & 2006 style) that are cut too low in front for busty grandmas and too short for plumply grandmas.
And I knew it, I predicted it, too short shirts will be given over to too long ones. Now if I want a new shirt, I have to buy shirts that go down over my butt and unless they are striped downwards, make my butt sort of double in size. What is it with these designers?
From a marketing viewpoint - money! Can't design the same as last year, or last season, can we? Why? - well, my County boss taught me a phrase I always remember - follow the money! Who makes money if people who can afford to restock an entire wardrobe each year or season buy, buy, buy?
The problem is, that designers have been stuck in ruts. Unless our wear, our style of modern dress is totally and radically changed, they have to go back in years and select styles from those years, redo them a tiny bit, and hit it with new marketing strategies, or maybe not so new - lately it seems nothing is new, really new.
I predict maybe only one more year with this hippy stuff. Don't get me wrong - some folks look totally adorable. My problem is that there are few outlets where I can find something to wear that will survive the current craze through the next one!
These thoughts come from a wannabe fashion designer. But one who has had at least a couple of classes in marketing and related to marketing...enough to know this economy is based on persuading people to continually buy, buy, buy.
Personally, I like to be like an artist's canvas with a passable painting on it when I dress up. I like beautiful clothing and fabrics, jewelry and accessories. But I resent being told when I'm going to wear them, or being confined when going to purchase a shirt the only thing available is something that looks good only on Angelia Jolie!
There is a deeper reason fashion rotates styles through the years - it is to keep us buying, buying, buying some more. Yeh, and I admit to always wanting to be at the edge - and trendy - but the older I get, the more "refined" I get - either that or I don't care very much! I still do fantasize about having all the money I would like to spend on clothes, dumping my old wardrobe out and going for all new - but I resent the pressure of "have to." It's not as bad when not working outside the home, I do admit.
Gees, I still have clothing with padded shoulders hanging in my closet.
5 comments:
Gardenia I have a few shirts like that but dont wear them often. I like this post because you are right. I am only 30 and I am plump in my ways and they do only make these clothes look good on really thin people. I really think they need bigger models to model us plumpier peoples clothes for us too.
I agree! Those short shirts are horrible on us "ahem-weightier" women! I really hate the short styled winter jackets. You can't wear a sweater, because it hangs out from under the jacket. Plus, I like to keep my butt warm in the winter too. :(
LOL. Tshsmom. Now I have to say that I am a heck of a lot bigger than you. For those of us who wear a 22/24 they need to have bigger models to model the clothing. LOL..
I think it's important to remember that stats show we all only wear 10 percent of the clothes we actually onw. Most people keep wearing their faves over and over, then get a new fave.
I love clothes, and I love design...but I don't think we have to jump at every fashion. Have you been following the show Project Runway? I've written about it on my blog a few times and one of the things amazing about it is: that they only have a couple of days and very small budget to creat a "fashion".
It shows how important a role imagination plays rather than status at least in the origins of design.
I buy most, and I mean MOST of my clothes second hand...always have...knickers and undies new...the odd new design, like jeans or somethign...but usually I make up ensembles from second hand shopping or "vintage".
I hate the "gypsy" or "boho" look of the Olson twins, ugh. I guess because it's just too hippy. And youre right mutton shouldn't dress like lamb...but on the other hand...there are all kinds of classic looks, like the cover you posted here of the black and white...that are age and weight less.
Hey, I loved this post what fun to read!
I used to watch Project Runway faithfully - but when everyone is home, I am on the odd man (woman) out on the TV - so I don't see many of my old favorites anymore. The completion of the clothing and then that runwaY walk kind of reminded me of submittal to a gallery for a juried show! Sometimes OW! But yes, there were a lot of talented people - and even though some didn't come out on the top - I expect we'll see more of them in the future.
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