I recently went to Singapore and was reminded how much of my fashion is filled with memories of the past. I spent some time with a dear friend. We were fashion designer friends in Hong Kong in the late ‘90s during our single, glamorous, fashion-obsessing lifestyles. It was a beautiful trip to the past, with happy memories of beautiful, fashionable outfits, fun dinners and our excitement over new boyfriends. Some conversations only exist between fashion lovers and designers. Discussions about what and where we shopped, designers at brands, fashion movies and TV shows. We have both moved on to new and different lives. However, we are quickly taken back to our past adventures and love of fashion.
While those times are in the past, much of my wardrobe, it seems, is not. Some of my happiest times still remain in what I wear. This begs the question, “Do we choose our own styles, or are they significantly connected with our memories of happy times from the past?” Let’s explore this further.
My travel wardrobe was (surprisingly) filled with clothing memories of the past. The most obvious item was my beautiful upcycled dress. This dress was originally made from silk that I bought in Arab Street in Singapore. I made a very narrow, bias-cut halter dress; it was always stunning. I loved to make Western-style dresses in authentic Asian fabrics, and I dreamed of creating a brand doing just that.
So, back to the dress. She was a beauty I never could discard, regardless of other emerging trends. Thankfully, I held on to her, and the amazing Alexa at Design Blender gave her a fabulous new life. This dress is always perfect for Singapore, including the weather, the colours, the print, and the magic of connection.
The next was my favourite combat khaki look. I have memories and clothes in my wardrobe from 20 years ago, including Miu Miu, Marni and Maharishi. I have added some beautiful Sacai to those. A lot of memories of Singapore are based around khaki greens and oversized florals, and for this trip, I had some pieces just fitting those descriptions. I went to Dover Street Market and was blown away by their selection of Sacai and Comme (among others).
I met friends from the distant and recent past and was happy to be connected to some shared experiences and fun times, which the past few years had temporarily suspended. I have many clothes that now qualify as vintage; these are not purchased as vintage but kept as I continue to love and wear them. I have equally discarded/given away stunning clothes that were connected to unhappy times in my life. I had a whole wardrobe of beautiful Danish designers I wore while working in my corporate life, but when I looked at them, I just felt stressed. A friend benefitted tremendously from those emotions and memories - she got the lot for free.
So how about turning it all around and keeping ourselves “wrapped in happiness”? After much editing and realignment of my wardrobe, I have achieved just that. I don’t chase trends to feel better. I know what I love and what suits me; my wardrobe is filled with those items.
There are a few key themes:
Exotic, glamorous dresses (many upcycled)
‘70s vibe tailoring (primarily vintage or handmade)
Khaki combat - old Marni, Miu Miu and Maharishi - with recent additions from Sacai.
Resortwear (which we have discussed at length here).
EXERCISE :
Discover for yourself which themes are most “YOU”, items that make you happy, and remember the times you want to recall.
Consider how chasing trends makes you feel. Do you look for things that remind you of the happy memories?
How would you be able to build the optimal wardrobe with your own authentic style that you love?
As always, have fun, love life, and enjoy fashion.
Love, Kate xx