CRazy Print

A few words this season. Aztec? Navajo?

Lately, it’s been impossible to sway through stores without being completely bombarded with tribal and Aztec-inspired prints.  Tribal print dresses in the summer are a given, but this fall; accessories to sweaters, dresses to tights, there is nothing that you can’t find with such a style stamp. The print is transitioning to cooler weather clothes as well. Bolder prints seem to suit the chunky knit so harmoniously, alike the classic Norwegian knit, or christmas jumper that make you feel suited to staying in and warming up.


Although both are similar aboriginal prints, 'Aztec' and 'Navajo' were the names given to tribes that essentially fought for status. Without delving into too much history i have perceived prints with repetition of triangles, horizontal stripes and lines to fall under the aztec ruling. The remaining loosely woven prints are often wider and feature larger pattern repetition, significantly differing from the latter of tight, intricate triangles, to be the navajo detail. Often both are rimmed with tassels common to that of ponchos and fringed bags.


Both can be seen below from womenswear brand Proenza Schouler in their most recent autumn winter campaign, here they have winter aztec knitwear.

Navajo here showing a thicker and looser woven strand, the weave appears speckly.

Regardless of origin, both are impacting autumnal clothing design. The aztec bag i known was a purchase from a retro store in Copenhagen for a mere £6 british money, the shirt teamed with it is Topshop from the 80's. 


Warnings and sytle tips seem to circle around clashing two prints but avoiding going to far. I think the monochrome of black and compliments a clash of bright aztec red. 


So whichever tribe your on, wear it this winter.


garments: vintage.

Cover up and Bare

"A flash of skin beneath a chunky knit adds a whiff of scandal"

October's Harper's Bazaar featured a shoot, "Go with the Flow", which focused on the knits arriving for autumn/winter. The stand first explained that “its all about dressing down this winter’: mixing elegant with slouchy, bulky with sheer, sequins with sweaters and even an evening dress worn with a parka.

I was given inspiration with the above image to use a jumper that I purchased in a vintage store for a few pounds to create the said dressed down yet evening feel.

The caption alongside their image states "A flash of skin beneath a chunky knit adds a whiff of scandal". Imitating this i used a hand knitted cropped jumper with lurex glitter threading and leather leggings. What was noticed about the shoot was the differing textures; wool v sequin and shiny leather v fluffy knit. Both the knits quite evidently tend to be day items, such technique effectively supplies a casual sense. 


Aimed for was night out getup, however with the temperature rapidly reaching single figures come the evening hours at home i don't know how long a bare midriff would last!






garments: vintage, leggings: H&M

70's

After browsing a favourite vintage site, Rokit.co.uk, I came across their Autumn/Winter 11 Lookbook. Amongst their key ideas for the coming season was a revival of the 70’s guise. Although 70’s and 60’s shone through this summer in the form of floppy hats and loud prints, a change to cooler climates inspired the likes of Gucci this fall to bring out the bell bottoms and high necks.

Their catwalk collection here showing shaggy fur and the wide leg. A rich colour palette, resemblant of gem stones, reds and purples have also proved popular.

The flares worn were an online purchase and as a consequence needed a few inches removed before I could wear them. As a lover of black the aim was to keep the style but mix with another trend target: bondage and fetish. Such a fashion scope uses leather, open knits and sheer fabrics to reveal skin and the silhouette underneath. A reflection of see through knits and mesh can be seen in the turtleneck. 

As i mentioned with the colour, the 70's wave hitting the catwalk is often lacquered with metallics and deep tones. H&M have the casual approach, mixing terracotta, burnt orange and mustard often in cable knits or floaty tops billowing over light blue denim flares. This also brings into light how responsive high street stores have behaved toward demand for retro fashion. River Islands line Chelsea Girl brings 70's styles to the modern shopper, using the stores old name from the 60's and 70's before it changed in 1988. This nostalgia has presented the retailer with fashions of flares, crochet, and bright coloured furs. Too, their mix of rich v soft colourings offer a significant salute to the 70's and its bold identity. 

Be it designer or high street offerings, the strong staples from 40 years ago have proved high impact to filter from history, to catwalk and easily into the hands of style seekers simply by shopping in their favourite stores.


garments: vintage