jeudi 8 septembre 2011

Harmony and dissonance

Here bellow is grunge in all its glory codes: the plaid, baggy, slouchy clothes, dark colors with a touch of burgundy red, leather boots.

To be honest, I'm over the whole grunge "uniform" but its influence is still deeply rooted in my fashion imaginery and way to dress. There's often an hint of slouchiness in my outfits, it's never completely and perfectly done.

There's always a dissonance that brings my idea of harmony. Wether it's a shirt hanging instead of being quietly tucked in, a batik print, tough flat boots or a cheongsam dress.

Yes, I do pay attention to what I'm wearing and the contrasts in the architecture of an outfit are planed, resulting from my tastes, cultural background. 

Growing up listening to Nirvana's "Nevermind" in West Africa shaped up as much my way of dressing now as my Carribean roots and living in a multicutural city like Paris. 

Beyond trends, there are always some traits which outline a personality and that's what I try to cherish. 

It's so easy to get trapped in a fashionable yet anonymous uniform, what do you rely on to bring out your personality?
Is it about hair, make-up, accessories?
Do you have a peculiar attachment to an era's style? A fondness for an artist that is translated to your own style?

PS: I'm still obssessed by the Y's boots featured in this ed...





"Cosney Island'  from Jalouse September 2008 - Jalou Gallery

9 commentaires:

  1. Thank you so much for inviting me Aïssa!

    Jutta

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  2. I used to think that I needed to add an accessory to make my look come to life, because I dress in such a plain way. Pretty soon, I realised I wasn't very interested in jewellery, scarves, the like, and I gave up. I suppose that makes it a little boring, but I think consistency actually helps distinguish you over time.

    Also, I've always worn my hair in short crop so I think that's kind of my signature, haha.

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  3. What I find interesting with experimenting is that you realize what is you and that the rest is superfluous.
    Some of the trends and styles I tried in my teen years are still a big influence 20 years later.
    I think that at a point in your life, you reach a certain kind of balance and all the influences gathered though the years become either a part of your way of dressing or are naturally tossed away.

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  4. The grunge era has been highly influential in my life. I was a very young teenager at the time, and spent all my money on concerts and records. I've actually seen Nirvana twice:)! I still love plaid shirts and grandpa cardigans, but now I prefer them in raw silk and cashmere à la Marant, haha!

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  5. I love wearing rock&roll band tees all the time. I just love them so much and remind me of my "youth" because that all I wore when I was in high school. And yes, everything thought I was a weirdo (until the got to know me, that is!)!

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  6. I have to figure out what’s going on with my reader, because I missed this post completely. There are things that are always ingrained in my mind, even if it took years or I’m not (yet) or no longer dressing that way: 90’s Madonna, signature Dolce & Gabbana, The Addams Family, Star Wars and Aaliyah—to name a few. My tastes don’t evolve, but they shift. I may not wear baggy jeans and (stiletto) timbos, but slouchy trousers and combat boots still share that silhouette—I guess I’m a chic-er slob now!

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  7. Garderoben: Lucky you! Watching Nirvana perform!! I agree, I prefer my grunge clothes to be more refined now!

    Emmy: You had great taste back in high school alerady.! The rock tees are a classic! They look great with everything!

    Prêt: That's exactly what I meant. I wouldn't wear the same panoply I loved when I was a teen but there are some things I feel Iwill always love and will always translate a bit in my grown up style.

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  8. Nevermind is one of the few albums I can listen to cover-to-cover without skipping tracks. I even love the Unplugged version.

    Marc Jacobs' earlier work still sticks in my mind, he brought grunge to the runway and everyone didn't know what to think of it.

    I do make an effort to look nice all the time, but few outfits are as truly comfortable as ripped-up slouchy jeans, an old worn-out tee, and a flannel shirt!

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