Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts

09 February 2012

Inspiration: Givenchy & The Viet Cong

I was recently asked how women might mix patterns. I started digging around the Trad archives and found this Givenchy Couture sketch I bought without really knowing why. I put it away with the intention of framing it but never did. I have a whole lotta stuff I need to frame.



In the same folder was this watercolor I've been meaning to have framed. The dealer who sold it to me called it "Commie Art" and it's of a VC squad attacking a U.S. Army camp. It's dated 1968. I also bought this without knowing why.

Sometimes I'll see something -- art, clothes, pictures -- and think it's something else. Once corrected, I almost always enjoy what I think I saw more. I'm not sure if that's creativity as much as as it's nearsighted stealing.


The Givenchy fabric on the top reminds me of the camouflage pattern on the '50s French Foreign Legion Paratrooper smock. The green, orange and black tartan echos the night attack with its tents, fire and shadows.

With the understanding that inspiration can come from anywhere, and it's Fashion Week in New York...I propose trousers in the top camo and a jacket in the tartan. With a white oxford button down of course. Now where's my tent?

15 November 2010

DIY Christmas Sweater





I've never been much of a DIY kinda guy. But the idea of strolling shopping malls just plain depresses me. So this year I went to the source. First stop, Arthur Provencher's Wind Ridge Farm in Henniker, NH for the goods. Llama wool of the highest quality. Light, warm and obviously US sourced. The wool is sheared, combed and carded and spun all in the US of A. For a sweater I'll need two pounds. That's $98. I saved on shipping by picking up my order at the farm.

I don't knit but I'm a big fan of finding and paying people who do. Check out a local knitting supply store and ask who can do a decent sweater. Look at existing patterns or create your own. I'm working on a fuzzy blue and white argyle with rampant Llamas for the Golf Foxtrot. Cost. $200. That's $298 all in. I got to meet the Llamas, design the sweater and stay outta the mall.