All Photos By Gail
The glass bead appliqué on this jacket by Oscar de la Renta suggests an elaborate coral reef. Coral reefs are unique ecosystems; a major one is located in the Caribbean, where de la Renta grew up.
Continue reading Eye On Design: Coral Reef Beaded Jacket by Oscar de la Renta
All Images Courtesy of Elf on the Shelf
If you have children at home who still believe in Santa Claus, then you may have an Elf on The Shelf who visits each holiday season and makes your kids feel paranoid. Known as Scout Elves, theses elves are distinguished from the rest of Santa’s Helpers by their distinctive red-and-white suit, white collar and pointy hat.
I don’t have kids myself but I get that, for families with rug rats, The Elf on the Shelf is a fun Christmas tradition, even if the point is to make your kids believe that the elves are spying on them (because of that whole Naughty or Nice List that Santa supposedly keeps). Is that effed up? Maybe a little bit. Then again, what does a happily-childless person like me know?
Continue reading Yes, It Exists: Elf on The Shelf Claus Couture Line
Photo By Gail
Kansai Yamamoto (1944 – 2020) established his business in Tokyo in 1971. His theatrical references and exuberant designs — a Pop response to the West’s nineteenth century fascination with Japanese art — quickly became a favorite with youthful subcultures in London and New York. Continue reading Eye On Design: Kabuki Bomber Jacket by Kansai Yamamoto
Photos By Gail
In 1903, French couturier Paul Poiret made his first loose dress with hints of the kimono shape, and by 1906 he had presented his first collection to be worn without a corset. Poiret’s self-confessed lack of sewing skills pushed him to experiment with sculpting fluid garments directly on the body. Continue reading Eye On Design: Paris Opera Coat By Paul Poiret
All Photos By Gail
Have you heard of Beach Pajamas? I never had until I visited The Met this past weekend and found myself in This Exhibit, which explores the influence of the Japanese Kimono on modern fashion.