How Would a Modern-Day Explorer Style a Shirt? Here’s What We Designed
The powerful image of the explorer trekking through the Amazon rainforest. Covering up to shade from the impossible Sahara desert heat. These images represent a time of possibilities, undiscovered treasures hidden by mother nature.
The History of the Pussycat Bow Shirt
There are many variants of the Pussycat bow from casual to formal wear, from the narrow to the fullest bow, in cotton or expensive silks. Many designers have included one style or another in their collections from Gucci to Chanel. There was a huge media fuss around the $1,100 fuchsia pink crepe-de-chine silk Pussycat bow Gucci shirt that Melania Trump wore at a presidential debate. The Pussycat Bow dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when both men and women wore a necktie as an accessory. The cravat and the stock tie were very similar to the Pussycat bow.
The Dagger Collar and the 70s
2021 saw a huge revival of the 70s style. In 2022 some of us are still rocking the flared high-waisted jeans and the fitted shirt with its dagger point collar.
From the mid-’60s into the ’70s, things got wide. The ’70s were all about self-expression. It took elements from the 60’s flares, pop-art psychedelia and re-invented them in a much flashier way. The 70’s era favoured the androgynous look, with high waisted flares, jumpsuits and platform shoes. Shirt collars became pointed. Shirts were made from polyester and rayon and some collars were floppy. These collars were made to be open, spread over the collar and rever of your jacket and this included the men.
Linen - How To Wash And Care For Your Linen Garments
Linen, you either love it or loathe it. It's the creases. Some just can’t stand the creases. I think the creases add to its personality. Sometimes to help combat creases it is combined with other fibres like rayon, cotton, wool and silk. Linen is one of the oldest textiles dating back nearly 5,000 years.
The 70s Skinny Silk Scarf
Everyone loves a scarf, especially in Winter, but scarves can be a Summer thing too, especially if its a colourful skinny one. The skinny scarf is associated with the 70s along with David Bowie in his flamboyant Ziggy Stardust days, Marc Bolan, Stevie Nicks and Anita Pallenberg. These scarves were worn tied around the neck or in the hair. Biba and Celia Birtwell designed patterns that were colourful and bold. They were influenced by pop art and abstract patterns using these on their scarves.
The History of The Overshirt
The popularity of the Overshirt continues. Yes, it's cold outside but the overshirt is something more than just keeping warm. It's more than a shirt and more casual to wear than a jacket.
Silk - How To Wash And Care For Your Silk Garments
Many are put off purchasing silk garments because they believe they are difficult to care for. Some silks are washable, with others dry cleaning is recommended.
Test your garment for colourfastness before washing. Dab an inconspicuous area, like an inside seam with a damp clean cloth or Q tip. If the colour bleeds, the garment will have to be dry cleaned. Always ask your dry cleaner if they clean silk.
The Belt / Waist / Bum / Skater / Cross body / Chest-Tactical Bag
I had a conversation today about practical small bags for women and men that enabled the wearer to be hands-free and of course, the Bum bag was talked about. It's been in and out of fashion quite a few times, [and laughed at] but when you think about it they are really practical. How many times have you struggled to carry your stuff?
It's usually the smaller things that fall to the bottom of your bag that has everything in it but the kitchen sink. Let's all agree that a Belt/Waist/Bum/Skater/Crossbody/Chest/Tactical bag is a sensible, practical investment.
Where did the Hounds Tooth check come from?
The Hounds tooth check originated in the Scottish Lowlands way back in the 1800s. The design was inspired by the rough outline of a hound dog's tooth, which resulted in the iconic broken check shape that we all know and love today.
Originally houndstooth was worn by those who weren't allowed to wear tartan, as well as by people who didn't have a noble title or belong to a clan. The pattern was predominantly worn by shepherds, woven from warm, cosy wool. Hence why it was first known as ‘Shepherd’s Check’. After this, it was claimed by Scottish clans, although interestingly enough, it was never claimed by any Scottish families themselves.