MoDa Part 2

 BADDA789- Bowmans Furniture- 1930's

At my second visit to MoDa, I focused on Bowman's Furniture catalogue. The exterior of the catalogue denotes a theatre scene, with the orchestra situated bottom centre. This connotes that without seeing the furniture I immediately imagine them to be expensive and glamourous. However once looking inside the objects have no correlation with this image. 

Within the furniture catalogue I personally was most interested in the last page of the magazine, which did not feature much furniture; yet displayed was a 30's/40's map of London, giving a discription of how to locate their store.

MoDa

Reference No. ST3813

The item I looked at in MoDa appears to be the collar to a garment. At an estimate the item was most likely produced between the 20's-40's. A Lively and bold block print covers the fabric with a simple leaf pattern. Around the edge is black finishing, which appears to be bias binding; preventing the fabric from fraying. However one edge is fraying as it appears this was where the collar was attatched to the garment. It is presumed that the collar was manufactured by a small workshop, possibly to show the print and how it can be incorporated into a garment. 

Furnishing fabric, F Gregrory Brown (designer), William Foxton (manufacturer), 1922. Museum no. T.325-1934. © Victoria & Albert Museum, London

This simple design can be considered similar to the leaf print shown on the collar. This work is produced from an earlier date but represents significant changes in design throughout the decades.

'Spectators'

Day, LucienneHeal Fabrics Ltd

1953

Although this print is produced using a different technique it has similar features to the collar. The pattern is bold and energetic and further presents a simplistic design. 

http://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/ 

Lawrence, Madeline C. Silver Studio. 1930

This 30's print design shows similar qualities to the collar I looked at in MoDa. With it's energetic print it is further clear that this design was also produced for Silver Studio. 

Silver Studio, 1935

Possibly produced around 1935 this print is comparable to the leaf printed collar as it was also made by Silver Studio. 

circa, 1966

Howell, Margaret

I feel this ensemble relates to the collar as it suggests how the collar would possibly be incorporated into a garment. 

The collar further reminds me of a 40's housewife, still dressing up to do home chores. 

Interview with Rosie Ord from 'The Jacs'

Rosie Ord is the stylish, eclectic female vocalist of 'The Junk Alley Cats' or The Jac's for short. Her look portrays influences from their music and 50's rockabilly.  She perfectly illustrates the style my sub-culture is trying to convey; and I am lucky enough to have been able to interview her. 

Firstly I would like to say I’m a fan of the rollers in your hair which is a interesting reflection of 50’s style. Would you say that the 50’s are a big influence to your look?

I think the 50’s are a big influence on my image and although I like to take inspiration from each of the decades from the last century, the 50’s has always stood out to me for its glamour and femininity.

Are you interested at all by any fashion trends. Or do you create your own individual look?

I don’t go looking for trends but sometimes I see things on the high street that I think are cool and I’ll wear it whether it’s in fashion or not. I’m a great fan of charity shopping, I don’t spend a lot of money on clothes and I’m always getting freebies from my friends and family.

  

How would you describe your own personal style?

I think the word that sums my image up best is vintage. I love knowing that nobody is going to be wearing the exact same clothes as me.  

I understand your the Lead Singer of ‘The Jacs.’ What musicians inspire your work?

I’ve always been inspired by mid-century jazz and blues singers such as Billie Holiday and Otis Redding. I feel that these artists truly express themselves through their music and I try to emulate their emotion.

Do you have a set look for when your on stage that is different from your everyday look?

  

Definitely, my day to day look is much more casual and comfortable; I’m a sucker for knitwear. I’m never seen without bright lipstick though, on or off stage. I love to dress up for gigs, I think it’s important to maintain the band’s vintage image, both in look and sound.

How long have been singing with the Jacs, since joining the band has anything changed about your look?

The Jacs have been together for nearly two years now. The thing that has changed most about my look has been my confidence, having to get up on stage and perform in front of people I’ve never seen before has helped me get the confidence I need to wear what I like.

Do you go to any festivals?

I'm a big fan of W.O.M.A.D festival, the music and vibe is excellent. The people are always friendly and most importantly I get to go a bit crazy with my outfits!

https://www.facebook.com/jankalleycats

Kaleidoscope

Bright fusions of colour and pattern are layered and manipulated to create a kaleidoscopic affect. 

Credits to: Photographer- John Petersen, Model- Sydnee Williams, Editor- Aran Gibbs

Rumpus Party- Panto vs Monsters

Islington Metal Works transforms for 'Rumpus' an eclectic, wild and extravagant night out. The only place I have ever felt under dressed! The theme of the night was Panto vs Monsters. I felt reluctant to dress up for my first time there, thinking only a handful would be in costume. Little was I aware that people here go all out for this occasion, making me wish I put on my Halloween costume again! Divided into seven rooms across the venue; it was impossible to not get bored. Each room further having it's own theme you become mesmerised by every small detail, from the lighting, to the music. A further perk was being freely allowed to dance anywhere you like - even on the cushioned furniture!

The party made it impossible to not have a good time, you could see how much effort the curators put into the project. 'Rumpus' showcased a beautiful collaboration with arts, performance and music. Many people I had met there had simple 9-5 jobs, yet used this party as escapism. There is no judgement to dress or the way you acted as long as you were having a good time. The attraction to the night was the eclectic mix of art, theatre performance and music. It was Cirque du Soleil meets A Midsummer Nights Dream; alive with jazz, electro-swing and gypsydelica.

A young woman dressed as a Pixie, spoke of 'Rumpus' stating, 'it allows me to be free, this is my second year and I plan on coming for years to come!' After stating how under-dressed I felt she added, 'it doesn't matter if you come in complete costume, or in your underwear. Nobody is here to judge, just to less loose and enjoy themselves, you cannot leave here without smiling.'

Only hearing recently of this event, it is perfect for anyone following a diverse and open sub-culture. It goes against the norms of fashion and society, and embodies similar ideas to Franco Moschino's outlook on fashion. Definitely a night to remember, and a night where anything goes; even men dressed a meteorites!

http://www.rumpusparty.co.uk/

Franco Moschino

'innovative, eccentric, colourful'

The brand 'Moschino' was founded in 1983 by Franco Moschino in Milan. He first started in the fashion industry by illustrating designs for Gianni Versace. Since opening his first store, his work has been known to criticize the fashion industry. With garments like the embellsihed jacket that had "expensive jacket" written on; generated popularity for the brand and established Moschino as a designer. 

Moschino once declared he was 'not a fashion designer. I am a painter, a decorator. I am not the author of a new era.' Although Moschino did not perceive himself as a fashion designer it is clear that critics thought otherwise. He introduced new eclectic ideas for the industry, mainly based upon insults. However people warmed to the tongue and cheek his brand was known for.

 In 1988 Moschino introduced a new line as part of the company, 'Moschino Cheap and Chic.' Another bold move by the designer, which proved successful as it satisfied other consumers. 

Moschino Cheap and Chic S/S 2012

Detailing of crochet design onto soft knitwear.The colour tones of the dusty pink, olive green and cream  keep the look fresh, and understated.

In 1994, what unfortunately turned out to be Moschino's last collection was his introduction of 'Ecouture' capsule line. The garments were made with resourceful materials and labelled, 'Nature Friendly Garment.' Later that year Franco Moschino passed away on September 18th. Rossella Jardini, who worked closely with the designer, continued with the company as Creative Director. She later stated that 'Franco raised the designers who worked under him; he had faith in them and gave them creative freedom.' 

Moschino's label did create ironic and surrealist impressions of the fashion industry. However many of his designs have become remarkable success, proving his tailoring skills were as strong as other influential designers.  

Rossella Jardini has recently left the company after almost twenty years of dedicated, and beautiful designs that embody Franco Moschino's eccentric take on fashion. Jeremy Scott is now the new creative director, with his first collection for the brand premiering A/W 2014. A spokeswoman from the company stated, 'This appointment respects the DNA of the brand as Jeremy Scott represents not only an eclectic and contemporary communicator but most of all a designer capable of re-interpreting the identity and the essence of Moschino.' 

Moschino S/S 14 

The label does not disappoint with Rossella Jardini's final collection for the brand. Embodying true Moschino tongue and cheek style, with teddy bear accessories to 'Holy Chic' statements. The collection is outragous, eclectic and fun, with the models dancing down the catwalk to Gloria Gaynor's 'I am What I am'.