when i think of queen victoria the word that comes to mind is dignified. perhaps it’s just because of the imagery i’ve seen of her, who could forget that statue where she’s enthroned and looking out into the distance? it’s a pretty powerful image and you can tell that she means business. my favorite of her accomplishments (along with her husband albert) was the crystal palace exhibition where the world showcased technology and culture. to me it seemed one of those pivotal moments in history where everybody realized the future is going to come barreling towards us and we’ll be charging right at it. of course she today would walk that fine line between dowdy and dignified (a feat not accomplished by some of her contemporaries).
1: i mean business: suit by oscar de la renta, shirt by stella mccartney, tights and shoes by yves saint laurent
2: state function time: dress and shoes by reem acra
3: opening the crystal palace: coat by prada, trousers by stella mccartney, shoes by rachel roy, shirt (you can barely see) by reem acra
empress theodora of byaznatium was one of the first rulers i learned about in high school. she was part of that massive curriculum of ‘world history’ that we were taught over two consecutive school years. as far as her accomplishments, i’m ashamed to say i can’t tell you many of them. i recall her in a positive light and i do remember that it was under her and her husband (emperor justinian) that hagia sofia was built. the most clear images i have of empress theodora are mosaics. perhaps it was the artist in me that was naturally drawn towards the culture of each country we studied rather than the history itself but i thought those mosaics were amazing. the time and craft put in to each one is insane, i guess thats what you do when you don’t have tumblr. so when styling her for ‘the now’ i reverted back to those mosaics and the result was patterns, applique and a decidedly warm weather wardrobe.
1: empress theodora: dress by isabel marant, shoes by dvf
2: let us build hagia sofia!: dress by dvf, shoes by kris van assche
3: my dress looks like a big mosaic: dress by matthew williamson, shoes by stella mccartney
yesterday evening as i rode the train home from work, i was wandering through shuffle mode on my ipod. after being mildly embarrassed at an immasculating smattering of miley cyrus, the glee cast and lady gaga i was relieved to hear deathcab for cutie’s cover of earth angel (the classic by frankie valli and the four seasons). it was perfect for unwinding after a hectic day at work. i immediately started to think of what the earth angel might look like today. sure, back in the day she probably looked something like barbara ann but now she’d be much different. i’d imagine earth angels would be those girls that just throw a bunch of crap on but somehow look so put together, but so unpretencious. then when you finally bump into them you’re like oh shit, earth angel. picture the setting-drinking a beer at a bar after work by yourself and then earth angel walks in probably waiting for others and just sort of walks on by, but you’re starstruck… awesome.
1: earth angel on the street: romper situation by rachel comey, shirt by balmain, shoes by stella mccartney
2: earth angel is going to a party: jacket by balmain, dress by halston, shoes by jonathan saunders
3: earth angel needs groceries: dress and bag by isabel marant, shoes and socks by rag and bone
