Last week I went to the MFA with GeekOutsider to see the Samurai exhibit (which was very cool, and inspiring style-wise in its own way). Imagine my delight when I realized there was a concurrent exhibit on 60s and 70s fashion, Hippie Chic.
I found this so inspiring. Here are some highlights.
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OK, what do we take away?
We need:
more color
a lot more color (both in the sense of great riots of color in a single piece and of a single bold solid color for a piece, ex. the solid red buttoned dress)
tailoring
feathers, somehow (that massive blue coat is Marabou feathers – YES)
nontraditional suits for men and women (are you seeing that olive and black skirt suit??), but especially men
renaissance homages (the yellow renaissance dress with the embroidery and the gorgeous draping has to be my favorite)
hooded cloaks (the gray and black cloak was another I loved)
awesome boots (with the stars?!!) – awesome boots are timeless (this was GeekOutsider’s favorite look, in the teardrop swing with the casual corsetry)
imposing collars and cuffs (that red Russian coat with the black fur trim…)
style fusion – take anything you want from anywhere in history. I was amazed by the Louis XIV get-up, which is to me completely cute and desirable. Those little calf-length pants with diamond edging! I could wear those. I could wear those right now. Current fashion incorporates features from many eras, it’s true, but I think almost always in a very small, minor or diluted way. Returning to these eras in an undiluted form can be extremely refreshing – not incorporating them entirely, which is the realm of costume (though it can be a fine line, between costume and attire, and one it is fun to blur), but incorporating them in a way definitely and authentically; truly balanced fusion.
The exhibit is up until mid-November, and a general admission ticket gets you in. You can go for free on Wednesdays after 4pm….
I actually ran to get ahead of these women to capture them, I liked their looks so much. In one you get a clear snapshot of beautifully executed individual style, and in the other a pitch-perfect interpretation of current trends. Both looks are great, but put them side by side and call them friends and I say they get even better.
The effect is, in part, that they look like they enjoy getting dressed. If this effect can be achieved, no matter what someone is wearing, no matter what other effects might be in play, I can usually enjoy the result, too.