“Fashion is made to become unfashionable” – Coco Chanel said – true! but an old quote says “a Classic never goes out of style”
I came to a point in my life when I ask myself what’s the next step as far as fashion goes? because I look around and I can see that the fashion industry reached a point where inventing a new trend or clothing concept is almost impossible for me to see.
How easy is for a designer to come up with something original now days? what is that inspire them to create patterns, fabrics, distinct cuts? recently I read a fashion design textbook where it talked about how to get inspired and at the end of the chapter the theme was to go to a local museum spend a few hours take notes on what you see and then find your theme, and so I did; but then I had a curiosity and I wanted to see how fashion was twenty years ago or a century ago? what was a designer’s inspiration two centuries ago when most people walked to work? many factors can influent a clothing collection: culture, religion, technology are some of them. I also noticed that the 80’s and the early 90’s is the last fashion time period that has originality; everything after is a reinvention of the past trends.
What is a reinvented classic style?
In our case a classic style of a garment or a design is something recognized over a period of time to have the highest quality not greatly subject to changes in fashion. A reinvented classic style is a style that has classic essentials (cuts, shapes) combined with modern elements. Often we see pictorials when models or celebrities wear a classic outfit – a suit from the 60’s for example – riding the latest motorcycle type to advertise for; or wearing pearls with your pj’s – the message? classic never goes out of style.
The following pictures show how photographers did a photo shoot based on the classic style emphasised with contrasting elements.
Beyonce Knowels adopted a chic masculine style by adding a tie and a felt hat to a Calvin Klein suit with high-waisted pants. I like the lose button down shirt and the the hair. The jacket though, would have looked better if it had more buttons to cover the tie that is tucked in the pants (big NO); also the cuff links must be in the same line with the sleeve’s buttons - I like symmetry
Justin Timberlake photographed in a black classic tuxedo. Fashionista, Kim Verbeck for Exclusive Artist/Lancome Men kept the basics of a classic tuxedo: satin hat, black bow, pleated white shirt, and an elegant silver head cane all stilled up with military boots. Great look!
Stylist Marie-Amelie Sauve chose an interesting combination of fabrics. Giselle Bundchen is pictured in a slightly masculine allure: pleated front classic cut pants with a matching hat and belt, the tweed trench with fur sleeves and the massive necklace gives a modern look to the classic look. I like how the stylist played with a bunch of fabrics; the trench gives a kick to the whole outfit.
In this photo shoot I like how the idea of an Elvis Presley look is slightly feminized with accessories - massive rings, ruffled collar with pearls attached on; the belt gives a feminine note to the whole outfit. I like the shoes that the stylist chose - it reminds me of tap dancing. The haircut and the wide shirt sleeves are the key of the whole outfit.
Claudia Petrelli, musicologist and fashion designer, is a native Romanian who come to Michigan, Grand Rapids in 2007 in order to explore a different culture and live the American Dream.
Claudia Petrelli - musicologist and fashion designer - is a native Romanian who come to Michigan, Grand Rapids in 2007.
