Many thanks to Bryan for passing along page 64 of Details' December issue, featuring Viktor & Rolf's 10 Rules of Style, over lunch at Barrio Chino today. I am especially partial to #3:
"The right suit should be comfortable but tailored. It shouldn't resist your movements, but it should enhance your figure and give you the silhouette you wish for when you're undressed."
I agree wholeheartedly with that world view, and it reminds me of an IM conversation I had with my pal Amy a few months ago, prompted by my reference to more than one article of clothing I own that has prompted admirers of both genders to say they'd like to "unwrap" me "like a present." I was talking about an outfit for a date and how I would summon up the look of "just running through a field but in a sexy way." She asked me how I "became such a fashionista" and I'll summarize my response for your amusement:
"I am just a visual person... About six months ago, I was wearing some weird get-up, and I suddenly thought to myself, 'There's a world of difference between dressing for men and dressing for women. I'll do it commes des garcons for a while.' It made me even more fashion-y, but also more subtle... an infamous story about the secret to my appeal: I purposely dress like I could get undressed in five seconds... No buttons, no zippers, no pants, etc."
I've relaxed the rules since then but it's still amusing to recall because the other day I came across some "Action Not Glamour" shoelaces that I adored but, with the exception of a pair of boots I seldom wear because the heels are agony, don't own any shoes with laces.
The semantics of clothing as a visual language have long fascinated me, as no reference goes uncoded, from uniforms to couture. I am especially reminded of attending the PEN/Faulkner Gala a few years ago and chatting over dinner with famed linguist Deborah Tannen, who pointed out that men and women's choices for formal wear are jarring in terms of what is permissible and what is scrutinized. We're always saying something. What's your take on what you wear?
{image: Viktor & Rolf Fall '05 coverage at style.com}
Comments