Moved Away

While I am still writing, I am no longer posting to this blog.

New writing (and more) can be found here: www.ariadarcella.com

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a shot of GOOD TAILORING

I've decided this week that it is absolutely imperative I become my own version of the Thin White Duke.
This is all depends, of course, on finding the perfect suit. Tailoring for men is one thing, but finding a suit that fits a woman without losing to much of its classic masculinity is quite another.
What comes with the suit is an attitude - a strut- that cannot be created with a dress. It's the unapologetic cockiness and the casual cool. I suppose I am in great luck that my fashion wish was granted, and designers went trouser-happy.

a shot of NONE THE RICHER

So as mentioned before, I have a thing for violent accessories. I found this for $10, at a store that was closing down, so I have no idea who crafted this fine ring of mine (UPDATE: Thanks to the magical powers of Google, I have figured out that this ring was designed by Australian company None The Richer. Aaaaaannnnd, they are awesome. More to come). Double sided, it has a revolver on one side, and a semi-automatic on the other (bullets connect the two, along the outer edge - nice touch).
I don't own a real gun, and I don't see any reason why most people should. I am, however, fascinated with all of the inventive ways mankind has come up with to harm one another...

a shot of SOMETHING NEW

I've decided to consider the whole fashion as a mask thing literally. Who needs Tom Ford sunglasses when you could have a hand painted, lace covered mask with rhinestones? Life isn't a cabaret, it's a masquerade - and the fun comes from dressing your alter-ego.

(Side note: This does not mean I wouldn't gladly wear Tom Ford sunglasses, so please, send them my way)

a special shot: 12 DAYS OF VINTAGE (DAY 3)

Sometimes, when a garment or look is so associated with the time period it came from, it can take on a personality or set its own scene.
Take, for example, the Sunday Tea dress. Casual dress for those who refuse to let 'casual' enter their wardrobe. This particular dress (from the mid 80's) is basically the formula for which they are all based: pink, below the knee, sweetheart neckline, with just the right amount of gathers and pouf. Can you picture it in action? On the grass, accessorized with big white sun hats, and enough back-handed compliments to make you wonder why anyone would ever attend in the first place.
"Dah-ling, you simply must join us!" Yes, we all must. The dark side calls, and they have petit fours.

a shot of ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Sarah Burton gets it. She just gets it.
To follow the untimely exit of a genius and have the whole world watch with extreme scrutiny.... To create a collection that is so perfectly 'McQueen-esque', but that still stood out as a piece of her own work...
While viewing the collection, it was as if McQueen never left, but when it was over, it was Burton's name that was on my mind.

a chat with ZORAN DOBRIC

With praise from Fashion Television’s Jeanne Becker, his work published in fashion magazines around the globe, and an inspired collection shown at Toronto Fashion Week (review here), designer Zoran Dobric is gaining a reputation for his unique designs. Dobric, who studied design at Milan’s fashion school Instituto Marangoni, and started his own collection in 2005, sat down for a brief chat on all things fashion

[On His Own Work]

When viewing Dobric’s previous collections, it’s hard not to notice an emphasis on prints and graphics in his clothing.

When asked which comes first (or which is more important to a design) he explains, “if I’m working with a particular print or graphic it’s not really separate. I keep both in mind”.

When asked about his influences, he casually shrugs “Usually my current feeling or expression”.

While his Fall/Winter 2010/11 collection was heavily influenced by the patterns and idealized faces of Art Neuveau, Dobric hinted that his upcoming Spring/Summer collection took inspiration from African and Art Deco prints.

“Because my last collection was more Euro-centric, I wanted to do something different. I like putting things together that you wouldn’t normally think would make sense”

[On Canadian Fashion]

It is clear that Dobric is fiercely supportive of other Canadian designers, and is aware how difficult it can be to establish oneself as a designer in Canada.

“I would say that we have talent – we have talented designers – but they’re not getting enough support from the media, from the stores.” In Dobric’s view, Canadian fashion has potential that is buried under inattention. “If someone could invest into them, they could become international”. Dobric, who was once a part-time professor at the Ryerson University School of Fashion, notes: “Even fashion students don’t know about Canadian designers. When you go to Italy it’s the #1 thing, but in Canada?” he shakes his head “Canadians should promote Canadian designers more”.

[On the Fashion Business]

When it comes to the runway, Dobric explains his pro and con: “[shows are] good for brand awareness, but not good for selling because it takes place late in the season”. When asked if he would consider opening his own store or boutique, Dobric pauses.

“I would prefer to focus on my work than focus on something that would sell”.

While he makes it clear that expansion is a goal of his, he also notes how difficult it is to split his time between the creative aspects of his designs and running a business. For the time being his expansion plans are focused on abroad

“It’s my constant mission to reach outside markets.”

[On Style]

Throughout the conversation Dobric made reference to the correlation between what we wear and our personalities. Even something as simple as jeans and a t-shirt have the power to say something about us.

“[Fashion is] something personal you need to express” he says, before explaining how this idea effects his consumers when viewing his work. “People need to be able to see themselves wearing the garment. It’s important that it becomes part of their lives”

Out of many famous designers, both past and present, Dobric cites Coco Chanel as being the most successful when it came to fashion and style.

“She was able to embody the spirit of the time. It’s about new and it’s about edginess and Chanel had that.”

In one off hand remark, Dobric manages to sum up his views on the industry, style and clothing: “Fashion is a weird thing, isn’t it? It’s a really weird thing.”