The New York Times in my opinion is one of the best newspaper publications that our nation has. From world news, sports, arts and travel the NY Times keeps us up to date on everything happening in the world. Naturally I love the Fashion & Style section that The Times offers. For those of you that aren't up to date on the fashion scene, i'm going to pick apart an article from the style section, and help you understand exactly what Cathy Horyn and Eric Wilson are trying to portray.
Here is the article:
A fashion reporters language consists of five things.
1. Silhouette/Design
2. Details
3. Color
4. Fabric
5. Creative "Jargon"
Keep this in mind when reading any publication related to fashion.
This article in particular is recapping some of the moments from London Fashion Week.
The first show Cathy writes about is Philip Treacy. Mr. Treacy is a legendary hat designer. Lady Gaga wears a lot of his designs.
His 2012 hat show was described as being quintessentially British. The hats had punk feathers, lagoons of swirling straw, a huge saucer with a yellow happy face. When you think of these words you don't think hats, but that is the brilliance of Philip Treacy. She only described his hats with details and color. no fabric or design was discussed, so if you don't see pictures your mind is left to imagine.
Next Cathy talked in much detail about Christopher Bailey's Burberry show.
She loved the color of metallic tones such as inky blue, fuchsia, copper, pink, and green. Cathy explains how these colors are what you see in the city standing on a bridge over the Thames River. I one hundred percent agree with her statement. When I traveled to London I loved seeing all the colors at night. It was absolutely beautiful. She then talks about the silhouette of his famous trench coat. She describes it as being cut corset tight in pleated satin. Cathy was very impressed by how Mr. Bailey was inspired by London itself and brought that into every aspect, even the tinted vinyl handbags.
Next up, Tom Ford.
Cathy describes his collection as streamlined, with a new interpretation of biker shorts. He uses a trim popover top with patches of black patent leather. We can definitely picture that in our heads. It totally captures the essence of London.
She also briefly mentioned Mary Katrantzou's postage-prints and Simone Rocha's cotton eyelet separates. When Cathy uses fabric description it makes it much easier for the known fashion connoisseur to understand what she is talking about.
She also uses the terms color blocking, stripes and neon jolt. These are all terms that most people understand. Cathy's articles are very easy to understand if you stop and think of the adjectives she is using.
Throughout this article Cathy focuses on how these designers looked to London with its originality and creativity to inspire them for their collections.
When describing Christopher Kane, Thomas Tait, and J.W. Anderson, Cathy uses many fashion terms that directly correlate with the atmosphere of London.
She talks about the impressive free hand quality in the cutting, a great sense of judgement, contemporary spirit with a solid sense of couture, and a sophisticates sense of sensuality. I couldn't have summed up London fashion any better.
In this article in particular she refers to a lot of fabrics such as striped knits, stretch satin, jersey, and leather. She also uses some creative jargon such as lanky, gel squiggles, wing nuts, and wormed.
Hopefully now you are able to understand the crazy way we describe fashion. Just remember the five key classifications and you will be fine.
XOXO
Shelby
