Archive for October, 2009

New Twist on Neckties

Monday, October 5th, 2009

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In just about every thrift store and flea market you are bound to come across a selection of discarded vintage neck ties. Prints from neckties have always brought a rich sophisticated look to a traditional man’s suit. It is sad really that this dashing vintage accessory doesn’t get more love and attention.

Now, one designer is bringing the necktie back in a whole new way! Nicole Deponte is an eco-conscious designer who has found a way to up-cycle the look of vintage ties into funky new neckwear designs. Her collection, called Lilian Asterfield, is a line of one of a kind, hand sewn ascots, necklaces, and scarves that can be worn on both men and women. She mixes and matches colors and prints from different ties and creates unusual textures by tucking and pleating them into brand new fabulous works of wearable art!

Nicole Deponte started her neckwear collection with a bag full of her grandfathers vintage ties which had been passed down to her. Now she scouts for vintage ties every chance she gets. However, if you have your own vintage ties lying around that you would like to make use of custom services are available. You can find her unique accessories in boutiques such as Alter in Brooklyn, NY. To find out more about Nicole Deponte and her work you can visit her Etsy site lilianasterfield or on her website www.nicoledeponte.com.

Vintage Gloves Take Shape

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

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Fashion is art, but art is not always fashion. Designers and artists are finding new, and sometimes old, materials to work with and express their point of view. While attempting to research vintage gloves for a potential blog I came across some very inventive creations made from this lady like accessory. While we may never return to the day when gloves are a required part of a woman’s ensemble, these clever artisans have shown us new uses for them!

Maison Martin Margiela, a designer well known for his innovative perspective in the world of fashion had designed this original halter top exclusively out of vintage leather evening gloves (spring/summer 2001). It was part of a fashion exhibit held back in 2007.

Dolce & Gabbana had models walking in their Fall 2009 show with leather gloves as fascinators. This was certainly a show stopping eccentric look that had milliners everywhere stop and take notice.

Louise Black is another designer who took the gloves off to design this black and white black and white corset out of vintage gloves. She tells me, “I’d had the gloves for a while, bought in a log of vintage accessories at an estate sale. I was watching the movie Beetle Juice while exercising one night and liked the way Delia Deetz was wearing a glove on her arm and some in her hair. I started thinking it would be neat to work those gloves I’d been hanging onto, into an outfit. Also I needed to do something special for my project runway audition, thus was born the glove corset.” You can view more of Louise’s work on Etsy under user name louiseblack, and also on Shrimptoncouture.com.

Textile artist, Rachel Denny, designed this rug or wall hanging out of vintage gloves for DesignMilk.com. Denny works in a variety of materials—wood, plaster, resin, wool, found objects—to name a few. She is continually excited by the potential of her materials and how they can be manipulated in unexpected ways. “I am inspired by the elegant forms found in the natural world and the time honored action of trying to depict these forms in a relevant and interesting way that is an homage to this beauty and wonder.” You can view more of Rachel’s work on RachelDenny.com.

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