That Autumnal Feeling
Although we may be in the middle of Summer, I can not deny that my thoughts keep straying off into fancies of Autumn. Indeed there is a certain charm to the late days of Summer, as it slowly grows cooler and darker. The still somewhat bright yet chilled evenings are lit with splendid sunsets of vivid pinks, purples and oranges. The once green trees turn at their edges to fiery reds and deep browns. And, as the days go by, they will shake themselves free of their colourful burden, proudly standing gnarled and aged in the cold wind. Whilst Summer may be a riot of colour, Autumn is more the celebratory last flourish, of Nature working her hardest before the cleansing white canvas of Winter which plunges the world into slumber.
Indeed the Autumnal allure that seems to have gripped me these past few weeks, as it does every Summer, was reignited by the release of the Fall 09 LookBook from Japanese denim makers Edwin. The lookbook was a beautiful reminder of the rugged, earthy and practical fashions of Autumn that have set themselves in my mind. It was a celebration of tradition and skill, and indeed served well in displaying their latest collection. The carefully aged and distressed denims and clothing really stood out as the perfect accompaniment for Autumnal explorations and comforts in front of the wood fire.
I have always felt that to use the dress and traditions of another culture and apply your own reinterpretation of it, lends itself to a very romantic imagining, usually somewhat removed from the original meaning. And indeed this is something I find with the Edwin lookbook. The traditional Americana elements are clear, and yet it is viewed and interpreted with the very same romantic eye that I myself hold towards that style. This is not to say that the interpretation is wrong, or in any way less appreciated, but rather, that there is a variated perspective that I admire.
The clothing is beautifully and carefully crafted, and indeed this is one of the areas in which I make an exception for my usual tastes in pre-distressed clothing. I am not usually a fan of buying new garments that have been overly pre-distressed and aged, as for me that loses much of the magic behind a piece with a story to tell. I would much rather use and age a garment from new myself, and have the wear and tear marking the various chapters of our story together. Similarly I enjoy purchasing second hand pieces that look as if they have undergone a fascinating journey. Whilst I do not mind purchasing jeans with a faded wash, it is high contrast fading and obvious tears that I find somewhat cheating the concept.
However, with Edwin, it is an exception. The pieces are all carefully hand faded in order to recreate a true vintage look. Far from being unceremoniously stone washed (a process they actually created) with other garments, they show signs of true character and care. These are high quality denims and fabrics, which are aged and distressed, not in an overly stylised or flippant manner, but rather, display the proud marks of craftsmanship and history. Indeed these are certainly pieces that I would love to wear for Autumn. It would be as if the story had already been set and begun, under the hands of the traditional craftsmen, and that I was then given the select opportunity to continue and finish it for myself.
P.S. Apologies for the delay in getting back to all of your wonderful comments, as always I shall try to get around to it as soon as possible.
Currently playing: Looking For The Perfect Beat - Afrika Bambaataa
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