Fashion, as we know it, despite it’s attempt to be cutting edge and contemporary, is more often than not an homage to decades and icons past, with trends finding themselves on an ever cyclical lifeline, transformed and reinterpreted from one season to the next. So, why not acknowledge those who have blazed a trail before us, inspired entire movements, and in turn shaped the future of fashion within which we live. Dazed and Confused, the fashion bible known for having it’s finger well and truly on the pulse of the latest designers and trends that find themselves somewhat on the periphery of the mainstream, and therefore the epitome of cool, are even delving back into the fashion archives to inspire editorial features for the September 2009 issue, showing pieces from current collections with a decidedly nostalgic feel. Channelling style icons of yesteryear Paloma Picasso, Patti Smith and Lou Lou de la Falaise for this sleek shoot, Dazed have used pieces from Mawi’s Autumn/Winter 2009 Costume Luxe collection for their similarly successful juxtaposition of the classic pearl within a very modern setting.
However, if you are sat scrolling through the pictures bemused as to who the style icons in question are, then listen up. Lou Lou de la Falaise literally grew up in the world of high fashion, and after a move to Paris which lead to a friendship with fellow resident Yves Saint Laurent, Lou Lou de la Falaise has since been immortalised as the inspiration for the female tuxedo and risque see-through blouses that YSL conceived back in the 1960s when women had never even heard of the word androgyny. Seemingly moving within the same circle as Yves Saint Laurent and his now muse Lou Lou, Paloma Picasso, the youngest daughter of none other than Pablo himself, began creating her own costume jewellery in 1960s Paris, and was inevitably snapped up to design accessories for the now iconic designer to accompany a number of his subsequent collections. And, across the pond in New York, singer-songwriter and visual artist Patti Smith was pioneering a punk rock movement that would last well into the 1970s. So, what’s the theme, I hear you ask. Well, these are three women who seperately inspired different takes on an androgynous look that would help to shape the way that women dress to this day. Masculine tailoring that had up until that point been reserved solely for men, tough leathers, and heavy hardware inspired accessories were the backbone of a fashion movement that continued well into the 80s and through to today. A new take on femininity that was by no means less sexy than that which came before it, but that now saw women taking control, and in turn, dressing to suit.
The shoot, which showcased one designer for each of the looks depicting the ‘key fashion moments’ as Dazed puts it, includes names such as Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein, Chloe, and Margaret Howell, each chosen for their qualities reminiscent of this epic moment in fashion. Of course, accessories were a must for this spread, and as mentioned before, pieces from Mawi’s Autumn/Winter 2009 Costume Luxe collection were on hand to add a feminine touch without detracting from the distinctly masculine undertones. Classic pearls set within gold industrial inspired claws, and huge pearl domes housing sharp cut Swarovski crystals are typical of Mawi’s latest Costume Luxe collection, meaning that whether channelling the pioneers of androgyny or playing up to your feminine side, these pieces will work regardless.
Autumn/Winter 2009 – Costume Luxe Collection – Claw Set Pearl Bangle in Gold, £297
Autumn/Winter 2009 – Costume Luxe Collection – Tube and Set Crystal Bangle in Gold, £230
Autumn/Winter 2009 – Costume Luxe Collection – Single Claw Set Long Pearl Necklace in Gold, £378
Autumn/Winter 2009 – Costume Luxe Collection – Linked Pearl Dome Necklace, £351
The pieces featured in Dazed are now available to buy after what feels like a rather long time teasing you all with pictures of various pieces from the collection. So, if you require any further information about the pieces above, or any of the Autumn/Winter 2009 collection before you make your purchase, then do not hesitate to get in touch with us here on sales@mawi.co.uk.
September 2009′s Dazed and Confused is out now.
