Where have you gone?

Here: http://paleshadows.tumblr.com/

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE A GUITAR, SOMETIMES YOU ARM YOURSELF

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In my continuing journey to explore the connection between music and menswear, I have stumbled upon two groundbreaking Japanese forces: the avant-garde rock band Les Rallizes Denudes and the menswear mecca that was Number (N)ine by Takahiro Miyashita.


Both were heavily influenced by Western culture, specifically that of America. Les Rallizes Denudes looked to bands like the Velvet Underground and Blue Cheer, while Number (N)ine was at times reminiscent of the Old Wild West and Edwardian tailoring. What brings these the music and the clothing together? Their shared love of a rebellious, no fucks given, rock and roll attitude. Example: Les Rallizes Denudes' original bassist went on to participate in the hijacking of Japan Airlines Flight 351, and the rest of the band carried on carriers of concerts that ended in the trashing of stages and flights with crowds. Takahiro Miyashita was known to keep skulls in his shops and started selling rosaries as fashion pieces years before it picked up with the rest of the world. 


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Night of the Assassins

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Ice Fire

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dreams do come true

welcome back Hedi, it's been far too long

My Old Self

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Few pictures I ever find strike me so much as this one taken at Robert Geller's Fall/Winter 2009 show. The connection I feel convinces me that I would have worn something similar in a past life, probably as I was composing poetry in a damp and foggy German garden of the 1840's or getting lost in the shadows of a dusty library full of Marcus Aurelius and Diogenes Laertius. What pictures have you found that connect you to the past? 

picture courtesy of Boston Roll

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Siouxsie and the Banshees - Arabian Knights 

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50/50

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Fashion tends to repeat itself; what is in style now was probably in style at some point in time some years ago. The next big thing is slated to be 1950's fashion. Miuccia Prada, who dominated last season to the point where retailers virtually lifted her pieces and put them on their own shelves, flooded her golf field runway with cropped shirts, high-buttoned suits, and newsboy caps. 

Prada s/s 2012

Prada didn't simply copy designs from a different era, effectively putting out a vintage reproduction like most designers do, but she took a cut and a style and made them Prada by adding studs and whimsical prints. While prints have been popular the past few seasons, the emergence of the 1950's as a key style may come as a surprise to some, but not to the movie or music buff. Jack Kerouac's classic On the Road is being adapted as a movie coming in 2012, and bands like The Drums are consistently infusing 1950's trends, such as rolled up jeans, into their ever-influential wardrobe. 

Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and their Beat friends 

1950's style icon James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause

Stock up on 1950's staples like cropped shirts, letterman/varsity jackets or sweaters, blue jeans (make sure you roll 'em up), motorcycle boots, jean jackets, converse all-stars, and a slick pompadour.

The Drums in 50's gear

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Betty James - I'm a Little Mixed Up

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raf

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While some critics argue that Raf Simons has been running out of ideas and reissuing clothing from old collections, I say that the Belgian designer's fall/winter 2011 was one of his most interesting and striking collections in a while. I was initially shocked at first, but eventually came to appreciate the cozy yet bold nature of this season's offerings. One piece that stands out to me is this hooded sweatshirt. It features a padded and strictly tailored body, giving it a boxy silhouette that is a breath of fresh air in menswear today. Buy it here, while it lasts. (all picture from there as well)


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Bill Cunningham - 10/22/11

Your's truly with the man himself, Bill Cunningham.

Firstly, let me apologize for not posting since August. School and my job have kept me very busy but I am determined to write more often from now on. Now to get down to business....

I was fortunate enough to be photographed by the legendary Bill Cunningham outside the Manhattan Vintage Clothing show this Saturday. His humble nature and seasoned sense of humor made for a few minutes of enjoyable conversation about my purchase that day (a Dior Homme dress shirt from s/s 2002 - more to come on this in a future post). 

Jacket - Vintage from Another Man's Treasure / Shirt -  Vintage from 10 ft. Single by Stella Dallas / Jeans - Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche by Hedi Slimane 

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