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