A Story in Selvedge and a Brown Paper Package Tied . . .

Between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve I went to the bookstore to replenish my magazine stock and was delighted to find the Nov/Dec Selvedge on the shelf, with my story on Dolce and Gabbana's Winter 2013/2014 collection inside.

My story explores how the designers incorporated religious iconography into their gorgeous collection, partly via the gold mosaic cathedral ceiling at Monreale, partly via colour and silhouette.

Wearing Vatican red

I was fortunate to interview two excellent sources: Alexander Pope from the most recent Project Runway (remember he was eliminated after making a dress with a cross on it?) and Professor Lynn S. Neal, who is currently writing about the relationship between fashion and religion.

A sneak peak; the story includes much more prose . . . and photos!

If enjoying the entirety of the magazine wasn't enough, I received a generous package today from the Selvedge team, wrapped up in brown paper and tied with tri-colour string. Here's what was inside:

Each piece was wrapped individually:

There was some Liberty of London fabric, which I plan to use as the binding of a new quilt:

A selection of ribbon, for making more ornaments (see previous post):

A beautiful hand-embroidered summer throw from Stitch by Stitch in redwork:

And two perfect bags.  The large Margo Selby is for cosmetics; the small wool Melin Tregwynt for change, or buttons, or charms, or simply for gazing upon.

Time for sleep, and gentle textile dreams.

Momo Wang, "Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity" and Miss C in Selvedge

Yesterday I picked up the September issue of Selvedge (it takes a good while to cross the pond and assume residency in my bookstore's magazine racks).

In this issue I have two stories--the cover story on Momo Wang, who graduated from St. Martins and makes wonderfully creative "upcycled" fashion and a review essay of the "Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity" exhibit, which I saw in Chicago.

I was delighted to see on Selvedge's Facebook page that Momo Wang stopped by their shop earlier this week.  Here's Selvedge's snapshot of the designer holding a copy of the magazine with her look on the front.

It was a real pleasure to learn about Momo Wang's vision and to see images of her imaginative, lovingly handcrafted clothes.

Below: a peek at the layout and gorgeous photography:

And the review essay:

See Miss C in Selvedge

I have a new story in the May/June issue of Selvedge on the Portuguese designer Teresa Martins.

The magazine focuses on "botanicals" for early spring, and, on the contributor's page, I reminisce about my favourite flower, the wild lupin that grows on Prince Edward Island.

I've included my contributor's photo here, and you can see it's a textile-focused image.  The scarf is by Pero, from my friends at Selvedge; the smock, made from Liberty of London peacock print, is by Nadinoo; and the silver bracelets are gifts from dear Nepali friends.

Styling a Pero Scarf

I received the loveliest package in the mail on Friday from the wonderful editors at Selvedge, for whom I occasionally write articles.

It contained a scarf from Pero, which has been an object of my obsession for a couple of years now.  Pero is an Indian label that makes the largest, gossamer-thin scarves that are edged with tiny delights: little pearl buttons, cunning tassels, elegant designs woven into the fabric.

My scarf, pictured here and above, is easily large enough to cover a twin bed, but thin enough to wrap beautifully.

Howevs, excited as I was to wear the scarf, I felt that either a change in state or style was necessary.  To me, my beautiful Pero scarf calls out to be worn in California, among stylish LA gals, like Melissa, client and friend of Nathan of Bravo's Million-Dollar Decorators.  She's feeling a little beleagured here, as her patio floor is in shambles, so let's give her some space.

Gentle readers might also take a look through this book:

It details the casual bohemian LA cool that I associate with my Pero.  I find myself looking for thin cotton snock tops with embroidered hems (the embroidered hem is very important).

Maybe one from Odd Molly?

No embroidered hems, but my own needle could take a turn here.

And on bottom?  Absolutely NO skinny jeans; I'm feeling a gentle boyfriend fit here a la this pair from Madewell:

But although these jeans may be Madewell, they are not Styledwell. I am over heels (especially pumps) with jeans, so I'll complete the look with my trusty Acne sandals.

While I'm daydreaming, let me pose a question:  What's better than one beautiful scarf from Pero?

A Pero scarves, natch!   (Oh, groan!)  But I'm not that greedy.

Can't Keep This Under My Hat: A New Selvedge Story

 I was delighted this summer to write a story for Selvedge about Shilpa Chavan, designer of Little Shilpa extraordinary headpieces (just look at her glorious work below!). Lady Gaga has worn some Little Shilpa designs . . .

It was a pleasure to chat with the smart, cool and hip Ms. Chavan, and I was very fortunate to receive contextualizing comments from the uber milliner Philip Treacy (Shilpa interned with him some years ago) and the always articulate and savvy Sasha Wilkins of Liberty London Girl.

The digital issue is ready for North American digital subscribers and the paper copy is available in England.  I'm really looking forward to paper, as the art is particularly beautiful throughout this publication--the Etiquette Issue.

So I should mind my manners, and not crow, but just for today I'll throw caution to the wind.

Miss C's Olympian Selvedge Story

My story "Power Lines: Stella McCartney's Winning Style" has just appeared in the new Selvedge sports-themed summer issue, timed just right for the Olympic Games.

McCartney has designed the kit/athletic uniforms for Great Britain's Olympic athletes, and I wrote about those designs as well as about her sportswear-inflected fashion.

Thanks to the smart Kate Battrick, who provided me with her assessment of McCartney's designs for the piece.

Monocle Mentions Miss C's Article

I was delighted to learn from Selvedge's brilliant editor, Polly Leonard, that my piece, "Thoroughly Modern Modesty:  The Allure of the New Demure," received a shout-out from Monocle 24, the broadcasting arm of Monocle magazine. 

The editor, Tyler Brûlé; the broadcast editor, Gillian Dobias; and the editor of Eye magazine, John Walters, mentioned it during a conversation about Selvedge.

The review is below, and my piece is mentioned (and pictured!) toward the end.  Along the way, you'll find many sumptuous Selvedge covers to feast upon, and some thoughtful words to ponder.