Functionality = Beauty

The buzzword of the Victorian Era was that of 'improvement'. Whether it was the improvement of the largest city in the world, at the time being London, or the improvement of the self. They believed that any single person could change their fortunes. Indeed so much so that they believed that poverty was a self inflicted woe.

Browsing the various romanticised depictions of working Victorian London in paintings and prints, I am always struck by the clothing worn. By contemporary standards the fashions seen in some circumstances would almost be akin to a man wearing a suit whilst working on an oil rig. Something that I have always found intriguing, is the concept of designs and structures having both a function as well as aesthetic value. A beautifully designed building is even more beautiful due to the fact that one can live inside it. Similarly clothing gains a wonderful artistic value due to the simple fact that one wears it, one's body gives the design a unique life.

I had in mind the concept of smart utility wear whilst dressing this morning for a short walk. Design and function is something that is inherent in all clothing, however I tried to go for the more workwear inspired vision. The wider cut, unfinished trousers and boots were somewhat complimented by the knitwear of the cardigan and tie. To further emphasise a notion of practicality, I decided to pin my tie so that whilst I moved around, it would not.

Currently playing: Helicopter - Bloc Party

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