This is the continuation and concluding part of the previous article.
AVANT-GARDE
(synonymous with Artsy or Maximalist fashion)
The avant-garde dresser marries fashion and art. She is unconventional, explores unusual silhouettes, and draws on architecture, art, nature, and other elements to inspire their style expression. They tend to stray off the beaten paths of current trends as they explore their individual fashion identities.
The go-to-designers for this group are Comme Des Garcons, Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto, Junya Watanabe, Alexander McQueen, the Scandi-5 etc. Designers who utilise embellishments like feathers, grommets and three-dimensional forms in their looks. Heels are grotesque, angular or whimsical, shapes are innovative and interesting.
Preferred footwear groups; consider all shoe types but with a twist or an edge, "statement-making" shoes, some infamously dubbed- ugly shoes, conversation' starters, never boring.
Associated brands; Loewe, Dolce and Gabbana, Awake Mode, Prada, Maison Margiela, Jean Paul Gaultier, Balmain.
Suggested style influencer; Amirah Richelle, Londongirlinnyc respectfully.
https://www.instagram.com/amirahrichelle?igsh=dDhtZnd6ZjV0bGRk
https://www.instagram.com/londongirlinnyc?igsh=ZHY5ZndyaGxvbGdj
PREPPY
It is a 'uniform' style in the sense that there are usually no surprises in its form, tailoring or fabrication. It is a smart capsule collection of basic items of clothing such as suits, shirts, slacks, sweaters, jodhpurs etc. Fabrics include plaids, stripes, cashmere, and wools.
This group may be invited to attend the Grand Derby or Royal Ascot races, typically apply to Ivy League colleges and/or take up golf or pickleball on the weekends.
Designers like Burberry, Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, and Coach cater to these customers.
Preferred footwear groups; riding boots, pumps, kitten heels, loafers, rain-boots, galoshes, sandals etc.
Suggested style influencer; Octavia B. comes to mind for this group.
https://www.instagram.com/octaviab__?igsh=eWJpZjB4aTFoY3d5
PUNK
Biker, Grunge and Gothic styles are all drawn from the same 'cloth'.
The style is a statement/movement in/of itself, and the disciples, rebels with/without causes. It is a form of dressing originating from a place of personal conviction or decision so it is a proponent for individuality, yet not so unique because it is part of a movement if that makes sense.
Leather is the primary uniform of choice, graphic tees, lace, distressed clothing, metallic accessorizing and embellishing, body tattoos and markings, spikes, piercings abound etc.
Designers like Viviene Westwood, DSquared, Zandra Rhodes, Stephen Sprouse
Footwear; Boots, platforms.
Associated brands; Dr. (Doc) Martens.
Suggested style influencer; Hodan Yousof is in a class, all her own.
https://www.instagram.com/hodanyousuf?igsh=emlkdHA1MWVxZXNw
ROMANTIC
Evokes visions of frills, ruffles and bows. A romantic-styled lady is feminine, dreamy, usually clad in soft, pastel colours or, rich jewel tones. They are drawn to garments that incorporate sewing techniques like embroidery, beading, and embellishments. Fabrics of choice include laces, satins, tulles, brocades, jacquards and chiffons.
Clothes are inspired by past eras (Victorian) or ancient architecture (baroque), attention is paid to undergarments as this forms the foundation pieces for the overall outfit. Corsets, drop-waisted gowns, satin-silk scarves, and flowy, transparent cascading layered garments are typical design elements of this style. Pill-box hats, capes, collars, hoops or hoop-like accoutrements and intricate jewellery are go-to accessories for this group.
Designers like Erdem, Ulla Johnson, Dolce and Gabbana, Zimmermann.
Associated footwear groups; sandals, slippers, ballet flats.
Suggested style influencer; a.vrrry is my pick for a modern-day romantic-styled dress girl.
https://www.instagram.com/a.vrrry?igsh=MXJoMnJuOXRvbG90Zw==
SPORTY
The sporty style look with possible origins in the United States of America, is synonymous with the current athleisure wear trend and incorporates active/performance wear pieces into everyday wardrobes. At the very core of this style genre are the elements of comfort and functionality. It differs from the casual style in that the clothes are tailored specifically for athleticism and sports as opposed to just having a laid-back persona. However, present-day designers are incorporating more stylistic design elements like colour, shapes and textures to add interest and structure.
Fabrics typically used are stretchy in nature; nylons, polyesters, scubas etc.
Lululemon is an example of a go-to brand for this genre.
Associated footwear; sneakers, canvas, runners, high-tops, etc.
Suggested style influencer; Br00klynBetty has a great sporty style and the best sneaker collection I have ever seen.
https://www.instagram.com/br00klynbetty?igsh=MW1oNmU1dzBibmJhbw==
ANDROGYNY
is a type of style that merges masculine and feminine design elements in fashion to create a unisex look. Examples include exaggerated, broadened shoulders in long-line female suiting as seen in Yves Saint Laurent jackets through the ages, wide-legged, tailored trousers or the addition of wrap skirting over pants for men. When successfully executed, it conveys a studied, neutral facade without detracting from the masculinity or femininity of the gender or even their sexuality.
A very feminine woman can adorn an androgynous look without losing her essence and vice versa. If anything, androgyny serves to further enhance one's gender in its dichotomy.
Designers to look to for this are Yves Saint Laurent, Mugler, Balmain, and Y-project(they'll be missed).
Associated footwear groups; loafers, oxfords, walking boots etc.
Suggested style influencers are Carolyn Gray and Sami Abenchaou_ who studied this genre and are passing with flying colours.
https://www.instagram.com/itscarolyngray?igsh=MXh6ZGR4OGxlbTlsZw==
https://www.instagram.com/samiabenchaou_?igsh=eXd4b3d0enN4bHl2
ECLECTIC
I feel that most successful fashion stylists fall into this category. A willingness to be open to and appreciate all or most style types will be an invaluable asset when working with different kinds of clients. Otherwise, one would only have the capacity for clients with shared similar style personas.
Eclectic style is a blend of all the above styles, yet inherently unique to the individual. It may seem easy but it can be a hard genre to navigate, as there's a very thin line between being eclectic and becoming a fashion 'magpie'.
Designers to look to for this genre; vintage, archival pieces of fashion design masters, think, Schiaparelli, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix (a personal favourite).
An eclectic person will thrift and shop anywhere and everywhere. They shy away from trends, yet do not appear dated. Clothing pieces are a beautiful mix of high and lowly priced brands as long as they're unique and innovative.
Suggested style influencer; Tracee Ellis Ross, From her acting days as "Joan" in Girlfriends to date, Tracee has shown that she thoroughly enjoys fashion. She is very experimental, even playful with her fashion choices and the results are effortless, yet graceful.
This is reflected in her shoe choices as well.
Shoe brands; all brands with "je ne sais quoi" factors.
https://www.instagram.com/traceeellisross?igsh=ZTg0dDFxaHh6NWxn
There are other style groups but I'll say they draw parallels with the above groups in one way or another. Most people could be purists, some will merge, dip or evolve through these different styles as years go by. The most important thing is to identify who you are and thrive, celebrate and bask in it.
A newer style group that has always been there just not gazetted or officially isolated and identified is the Afro-fusion style in fashion. I'll be delving into that very soon.
Having said that, I see what group I fall into. I am not surprised as this is also reflected in the kinds of shoes I typically go for.
I am curious to know what your guesses are as I lurk in the comments.
present my shoe-D card to you all, 'ShOefficers'.😄
Thank you so much for reading.
Nago.
Comments
Post a Comment
Please be kind, civil and objective. Disregard this and the block button will be employed.