Banana Republic Boat Neck Dress (similar here or here) Mod-Inspired Swing Coat Expressly Made for SEARS (similar here) Prada Round Baroque Sunglasses Kate Spade NY ‘Licorice’ Pumps Vintage Patent Handbag (similar here)
As the mercury begins to drop, the thought of keeping warm approaches with the crisp autumn breeze, an ensemble that consist from both a vintage aesthetic undertaking a youthful subculture can be easily emphasized with the usage of a beautifully constructed piece of outerwear. The 1950’s housed a variety of styles with most coats extending to a greater length, whereas a middling amount sat right around the hip which included fabrics and textiles of camel hair, wool velour, tweed and cashmere.
Tailored neatly to fit close to one’s body and through the waist, making for a blarney fit with a noticeably wider base. Depending on the particular design, buttons from the chest to the waist accented the additional room for movement that with, no pun attended, would “swing” with a woman’s movement. Far from a customary hourglass silhouette partaking to an idea of a dress which was worn underneath a coat, which can be followed through the Victorian era.
An antidote to the relentless association of day-wear sophistication can somehow be touched through the vintage adornment of a garment expressly made for SEARS. Not be mistaken with traditionally styled coat dress that resembles the effortless ease of a shirtwaist dress. Appliqued with a piebald diagonal striped pattern which are completely wound around creating a point of an optical illusion in addition to complimenting an ‘A line’ shape. Paired with a rayon open back boat neck sheath, the rounded edges find a comparison to the curved lines accenting the three button closure. While a play on curvature is pushed forth with the elegant presence from a nero baroque-inspired sculpted arm, with the modern touch of a Prada accouterment makes for a distinctive noteworthy image.
American Living Ruffled Surplice Sheath Retro Emerald Green Cabochon Brooch (similar here) 24kt Gold Vintage Gold Leaf -Life Earrings (similar here) Vintage Fur Muff (similar in white here) Ted Baker London patent Pumps
In fashion, as Heidi Klum declares to contestants in her intro monologue for the hit Lifetime reality show, Project Runway “As you know in fashion, one day you’re in and the next day, you’re out”. I find the truth of this to be perceived from the individual rather than the viewer. Coming from an artistic upbringing which consisted of both literature and fine arts an entelechy came forth with my novice venture into fashion merchandising nearly fifteen years ago.
Now at the age of 33, I’ve been given a number of occasions to interview industry leaders, modeling bespoke design’s on a number of social media platforms spanning from an editorial perspective. A recent opportunity in juxtaposition with Westfield San Francisco Centre, the tech epicenter of Bespoke alongside Marybeth La Motte of Red Carpet Bay Area brought me to an exclusive one-on-one interview with Jake Wall Co-Founder of JAKE and season 14 contestant of Project Runway. Session among the 37,000 square foot hub which consists of, retail and high-tech, Jake’s kindred spirit is exposed during our private interview. Enlightened as we converse on a wide spread of topics that surrounded his tailored experience on Project Runway along his contemporary offerings as an entrepreneur.
Aside from our one-on-one, I’ve had the chance to connect with Jake and his entrusted business partner Nathan Johnson on a personal level as an upcoming client and friend. Standing atop Market Street, a boundary of two grids, which separates the garnishing of the cities clatter, Artful Gentleman by JAKE resides. A tailored yet defiant twist with the development of design might come to mind with Jake’s sensible approach to the industry.
View this exclusive interview online at VRAI Magazine where you will discover an array of images taken by Jim Norrena of ACT OUT Photography during a previously attended private party in sponsorship with Celebrity Cruise’s and Project Runway while dinning at one of San Francisco’s premier restaurants, Tap 415. In addition, stay updated as a forthcoming bespoke partnership with Artful Gentleman by JAKE debuts along with a behind-the-scenes interview with Blake Patterson of Project Runway.
A dated garment of worn materials held together with fabric and stiches confines such a beatify story of the life of two sisters, Annie & Lucy Sandoval. What better way than to capture this beauty than to transport oneself to a historic place which they once stood, 244 Lakeside Drive.
Custom Vintage Bow Accented Dress (similar here) Vintage Samsonite Luggage (similar here) Antique Pearl & Floral Earrings (similar here) Brain Atwood Pumps (similar here)
Standing adjacent from The Gold Coast, a historic neighborhood within the Lakeside Apartment District resides a pillar of historic measure. In the context of historic implementation a day wear dress such as this holds such a label of love from the journey it originally set upon nearly seventy-four years ago. A crown jewel of the Gold Coast is 244 Lakeside Drive where an eleven story Beaux Art inspired monument being built in 1924 and owned by Stephen D. Bechtel. While an invitation is required to get inside, visitors will stand upon the lawn of the curved driveway where a lion’s head foundation steadily pours water positioned outside the main entrance. A building with a novel of history which originated in the 1890’s as the estate of Adolph Schilling providing such an enrichment of character to the lakeside of Oakland and today’s panache.
From a extemporize collection of exquisite vintage hats wrapped within aged rust colored tissue paper concealed within an array of brittle boxes displaying designers of the past generation, Harman San Francisco and Gene Doris. Horsehair headpieces embellished with the overlay of a soft touch of velvet and subtly worn veils caught a mellifluous emotion from my initial glimpse. A gifted wardrobe including authentic vintage garments and accouterments came to pass with a visit to a house built in 1908.
I find the best things in life are free; a much spirited play on words by Lew Brown comes to mind with the assembling of a label less dress from an era of day wear poise. Time-to-time you may have heard someone express that it’s not the labels you wear but how one stylizes their self; I find a truth behind such a laconic phrase.
richinlovefashion.com 