Time Passes but Nothing Changes, Really

Round about and around and back again - wandering through the crazy corn maze of the internet. I found this link, and I know that I sure don't want to reenact many of my old photos! Take a look - this might be a fun family game at a holiday get together - try some amateur "back to the future" pics!

Back to the Future photo project

Where did THAT idea come from?

 

Sometimes I fall into the trap of looking at a vintage pattern and seeing something that is interesting in a “Gee, how quaint they used to be”-way, or maybe just a feeling that thank God we don’t go THERE anymore. Or I might just wonder ~ if I saw one of the 40’s or 50’s pattern illustrations come to life, would I think they were freakishly tiny-waisted?

Most of the time I am looking at the line and design of the clothes, though, and I thought “vintage!” when I saw these selections at Jenni Kayne:

And how about this selection?

(all currently in my Etsy shop, in a bizarre coincidence)

Maybe if the vintage patterns were re-illustrated with a contemporary look – perhaps a touch of stunned boredom – or maybe ironic stupefaction? 

Vintage Pattern to Runway Fashion

The success of Project Runway and the delightful expansion of interest in sewing, sustainability (reuse and recycle) have spawned some beautiful creations and some that are, well, definition-bending. I have been intrigued with how many of my vintage patterns are showing up in today’s fashion – a recycling of creativity, or maybe just another sip from that fountain. Here is one Fall 2011 D&G creation that can be adapted and recreated:

using this pattern, for example:

Taper the skirt, raise the hem, recycle some lace fabric – Look around for more inspiration. There is a lot in vintage fashion that is timeless, just waiting for a deft touch with a slightly different treatment or a previously unknown fabric option.