Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion

On New Years Day, after a delicious breakfast in the CBD, my amazing man and I hit up GoMA to check out Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion.

I've been looking forward to it since I read an article way back in June outlining all the amazing Fashion Exhibitions set to hit Australia 2014 - 2015.

Future Beauty, curated by Akiko Fukai (Director of Kyoto Costume Institute) focusses on the movers and shakers that have transcended Japanese fashion onto the word stage over the past 30 years.

 

Watanabe AW04/05

 

Prepare to have your mind blown as you wander through the creative minds of Issey Miyake, Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, Junya Watanabe just to name a few.

The installation of the exhibition takes you through four sections of influence, travelling from the shadows and darkness, through to the concept of flatness (and construction) through to tradition and innovation with a little touch of modern quirky greatness to top it all off.

Each arena explains how the concept was formed, how it influenced the movement of fashion at the time and how the designers involved were impacted by the work they were creating, with many designers growing through certain labels and branching off to explore their own tastes and desires under their own labels.

What I love so much about Japanese fashion is that it feels as though it is more creatively free than the traditional European houses. Unlike your Balenciaga's, Dior's and Chanel's of the fashion world, the designers making waves in Japan are unbound by traditionalism. There is no need to stay within parameters and boxes to fit a particular aesthetic, the concepts can be wild and ground braking because they are so focused on becoming different to what the world has previously expected.

 

Most memorably for me this can be demonstrated in pieces such as the honeycomb garments by Hiroaki Ohya, created with paper

 

Ohya SS00

 

and the piece by Koji Tatsuno created with materials that are traditionally used for millinery.

 

Tatsuno AW93/94

 

This is not to say that Japanese fashion isn't still influenced by its rich history, but that it is adapted to fit a modern scene, as demonstrated in this beautiful dress by Yohji Yamamoto, featuring a traditional chrysanthemum motif.

 

Yamamoto SS95

 

Whether you are a lover of simplistic modernism, innovative technologically advanced fashion, Kawaii fashion or you are just looking to see something new and exciting, get yourself down to GoMA and check out Future Beauty. It is like a shot of Saki for your senses.

Drink it all in!

Junya Watanabe AW09/10

 

The exhibition is on until the 15th of February so get your tickets now!

Images courtesy of GoMA

 

Au revoir 2014

Like many, I love to reflect on my past to see how much has changed, what mistakes I made and what lessons I learnt from making said mistakes.

2014 was a big year for me.

I let go of so much negativity and embraced a whole lot of happiness and positivity.

I made new friends, expanded my mind, worked towards and achieved new goals and let go of a few poisonous people along the way.

On January first 2014 I decided to keep a happiness jar, a reflective method of ensuring that at the end of each day I could find something beautiful about my world and something that I felt grateful for and that made me smile.

 

 

Today I tipped all of my little paper cranes, parrots, origami hearts and simple folded paper memes and read them back to myself.

2014 was a year of exponential growth for me.

I let go of relationships that no longer served me with happiness and I embraced new ones that filled my heart with love.

 

I read fantastic books.

 

 

I took a language class.

I had major dental surgery.

I bought a new car.

 

 

I got a new job and got promoted.

I fell in love.

 

I spent time with people that matter the most to me.

I went on some hilarious adventures.

 

 

I travelled.

I cried.

I baked.

I visited galleries.

 

 

I spent time with people I loved.

I watched my niece grow.

I laughed, a lot!

I ran in a charity run and raised money for Cancer research.

 

 

I got to sew for myself.

I had long phone calls.

I ate some amazing food!

 

 

I went to hospital, unfortunately as a patient.

I booked an overseas holiday (for 2015).

I actually had a great New Years Eve.

 

 

When I look back at all the little notes scattered across my lap, one thing remains constant, the theme that seems to pop up the most is love. Love for my boyfriend, love for my beautiful friends, love of my job and love for my family. The people in my life are the source of so much of my happiness.

 

"Caught up with TJ and Flick at the new Kwan Brothers! So much delicious food and with great people"

21/5/14

 

"We had a surprise party for mum for her Birthday. She was so excited!"

31/5/14

 

"Good Friday! We had a big get together for Dads birthday and Easter. It was great to have everyone together!"

18/4/14

 

"Night out with my girls! Had a slight delay when I locked my keys in my car but at least I now have RACQ hahaha!."

19/4/14

 

"Spent an amazing day with Ash and we decided to become officially boyfriend and girlfriend. He's the most incredible man I've ever met".

15/3/14

 

"Mini escape with my amazing man. Best night, indulging in a spa bath with champagne and nibblies."

8/5/14

 

"Very blessed to have such beautiful people in my life"

14/6/14

 

The other common theme was job satisfaction, last year earmarked a new endeavour for me as I decided to take a year away from my business and work for the man. Turns out, I actually really enjoy working for someone else and the financial freedom of having a fulltime job (with no ongoing business expenses) allowed me to fulfil my goal of buying a new car. Every time I get in my little Kitten (that's my cars name) I feel a sense of pride and achievement. The work isn't particularly stressful or taxing on the old brain cells, but it's fun, the people I work with are fantastic, and as far as working full time goes, I have no real complaints.

 

"Can't believe that March is almost over already! I had a chat with my new boss and he said I'm doing really well at work. Also had my last French class, sad but exciting!"

31/3/14

 

"Had a meeting with my CEO and found out that I'm being promoted to 2IC of Indooroopilly!" 2/7/14

 

I loved expanding my mind with new projects and although I let my blogging slip I delved into books with a new fire and passion, not only that but I started learning French and intend on continuing this into the new year too!

 

"Had a super productive day off. I've almost finished reading The Great Gatsby and hopefully I've found a car to buy!" 21/7/14

 

2014 was filled with such great diversity as I found that not everyone in your life is meant to stay and not every day will be all smiles. Some days are hard, some weeks are hard, but life sets you challenges for a reason; you have to remain strong enough to see through the haze, knowing that there will be so much more for you once you get through the shit.

 

"Today I am grateful for the air I breathe and the life I lead." 21/6/14

 

"The sun came out and I woke up, but everything else was kind of shit" 10/3/14

 

Despite having a roller coaster year, I absolutely wouldn't have changed a thing, my New Year resolution isn't to lose a certain number of kilo's or to travel to 36 different countries, I have no desire to purchase a house just yet and I'm not going to cut out all forms of carbohydrates from my diet, instead, my New Year's resolution is this:

Be happy!

If I can look back at 2015 and say "yes I am happy" then I will have achieved my goal. I don't believe that you should wait for a new year to set unrealistic goals that you just beat yourself up on by Australia Day, I believe that every day is an opportunity for greatness, and every day you can take another step in your thousand foot journey.

Enjoy your year.

Don't over think the past.

Allow yourself the freedom to do what your heart desires.

xx

 

 

 

"Had a little blast from the past. So much has happened and changed in just a few short years." 24/6/14

Three Top Tips for Breaking Black

After entering back into the world of menswear this year, I've noticed my style becoming somewhat influenced by what's around me. Menswear is so often about working with a classic foundation and adding accessories, splashes of colour, and simple textures to make a look both unique and occasion appropriate. So after seeing what the talented design team at Bonobos have put together this season I decided to write my three top tips for working with black, both for guys and girls. 

A simple black or grey palate starts you off with a sophisticated base which can be accessorised for any occasion. Take a classic black suit, or dark charcoal as your base, team with white or pale colors to bring that suit to life. If it's a good cut and fits you correctly, you're already half way there.  

In my wardrobe black is always my best friend, when there's nothing in that wardrobe, you can guarantee my LBD will be right for any occasion, with a few simple accessories I'm ready for anything. This gorgeous piece is from Cynthia Coetzer. 

My next pick is inspired by tweed, a classic in menswear, often associated with the notion of gentlemanly ways. A tweed coat or suit will always make you look dapper, just remember to get the fit right! When you're playing with textures make sure the suit is cut close to your body so you don't over emphasise your size. 

This notion can be used in womenswear too, rather than playing with tweed, I've found that lace often works in the same way. A lace dress will hide any trouble spots you may have and highlight your feminie attributes. Lace, floral and geometric patterns fill most of my wardrobe as they're so versatile and can be changed up to suit any occasion. This little lacey number is from Review. 

Lastly I couldn't go past the Tux. This last look is ininspired by Bonobos stunning tuxedo! Nothing says classic like black and white so make sure you rock this with a crisp white shirt and black bow tie. 

Ladies black and white will never lead you astray, bold colors and great, but if you want to keep it classic use a monochromatic palete and an asasymmetrical print. Add some drop earrings and sky high heels and you're ready for your fairy-tale evening out. Gown by Evelyn Curtis.

Black is no longer just for funerals and the office, make the most of this versatile Outfit choice; mix, match and have fun with it!  

Xx

Check out the new collection at www.Bonobos.com 

Instagram Fame Train

It's occurred to me that my beloved Instagram is turning into somewhat of an amateur porn hub. Despite admins trying their best to block and delete and ban users from posting explicit content, you just can't fight the masses on this one as they continue to post millions of images everyday.

I for one, am a huge fan of Intsy and love using it to see what my friends are up to, look up cute DIY cupcake decoration ideas or find out new places to eat, I scroll through fashion labels and boutiques accounts for their latest trends and styles, and my own personal account keeps track of my Fashion, Friends, Food and Fur People. (You can find me @lexi_evelyn_curtis) 

What scares me about Instagram however, is all the content out there that isn't a puppy meme or an outfit of the day, what puts me off and what tears my heart out is all the girls using it to post photos of their bits and bobs for the sake of likes and followers. Now as much as I'd like to play naïve and pretend that these girls must simply be posting these pictures due to their sky-high self esteem and sheer vanity, I feel as though the reality of the situation is most likely the opposite.

I hate to point out the obvious, but if I had to guess, these women are seeking approval and praise for their bodies due to a lack of self esteem and self love, and a belief that the only thing they have to contribute to the world is their flesh.

I'm no stranger to the odd #selfie here and there and I even have a few snaps of myself and my girlfriends at the beach, but when it comes to having a million users ogling my images, I'd really rather keep my clothes on. Not only am I not comfortable with strangers using my pictures for whatever late night activities they feel the urge to perform, but my body is for me, not for the whole world to see. When you put these sorts of images out for the world to see, you're asking to be judged and I can tell you from a girls point of view the first reaction to an image of a girl taking a bathroom selfie naked is

slut. 

I want to preface this by saying there is a big difference between a gym progress shot and provocatively posing as if you're getting ready to star in an adult film. Gym selfies can be inspiring and motivational, however posing naked for the sake of likes and followers is quite a whole different ball game. I also happen to follow a few very talented Burlesque performers who's job it is to take their clothes off, yet even these professionals manage to post appropriate content and keep the real show for those who attend their performances.

 It might seem harsh but this is the reality of the situation and I know I'm not the only person that feels this way. I can guarantee that no man is going to look at an image of a girl with only her hands covering her genitals and say

"Gee she probably has a great personality and can hold a good conversation! I think I'd like to take her out on a nice date and see if we have anything in common."

My heart goes out to these girls because despite the fact that they are probably incredibly intelligent, funny, creative and exciting, all they are putting out into the cyber world is "Hi, I don't like clothes, this is my body, judge me only by this" and in doing so are selling themselves short. It's like whacking a "FOR SALE" sign across your forehead rather than saying "PRIVATE PROPERTY".

When I put it out there on Facebook, that I feel these sorts of images make women look cheap I was told to simply "unfollow it if you don't like it" but the point I'm trying to raise has nothing to do with my eyes being offended, the point is that I feel women are degrading themselves and selling themselves all for the sake of "likes" and "followers" and that they are worth so much more than that. 

"Being famous on Instagram is like being rich in Monopoly, it's not real".

Despite this funny little quote doing the rounds on all manners of social media, the concept is true and I think it's about time we understood that our value should not be based on how many people like our photo or how many people follow us on a social media platform.

The answer to this is simple, if you want a lot of attention, provide something a lot of people want to see. i.e. your tits and ass will do just fine. But wait just a second because what happens down the track, when you go for a job and your employer to be realises you're the girl he's been thinking about whilst making love to his wife every night?

What are you going to do when you meet someone special but they find it hard to be intimate with you. The feel you don't value your body because you're willing to show it to the world rather than keep it a special thing between two people?

What do you do when you realise the guy at Coles is the one who keeps putting creepy comments like "dat ass *clapping hands*" on every one of your #booty pictures?

How are you going to explain to your (future) daughter that it's not ok for her to do this very same thing when she becomes a teenager, when you're splashed all over cyber space for all the world to see?

As a woman, I do believe in standing up for myself and expressing myself in which ever way I see fit, but my body is my temple and it's not for a million creepy dudes to lust after. The guy who gets to see my junk is the one who treats me right, who loves me and who wants to put a ring on it, not a guy I've never met who follows/ stalks me liking all my semi-nude images and telling me he'd love to "split dat in 2". That's not acceptable in the real world and as far as I'm concerned it's not acceptable in cyber space, but it all has to start with you, stop the post before it becomes a problem, you are worth more than likes and followers!

xx

 

If you're suffering with any body image issues or anything that makes you feel distressed chat to the guys and girls at Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.

A full stop.

I feel as though I am currently a full stop at the end of a very exciting chapter, in the book that is my life.

Problem is, I feel as though I have nothing notable to start to fill the blank pages of what comes next. I am, as it were, stuck, in a writers block about my life. Despite knowing I have a few very important life goals I'm working hard to achieve, they seem so far away, and built on so many if's buts and maybe's. I have nothing seriously short term that I can look to week to week and say "Yes I did this!" and for me that's a bit of an issue.

After running my business for three years and constantly struggling every week to make a name for myself and honestly just to keep my head above water, I got used to kicking goals every week. Every week I knew I needed to make a certain number of pieces to sell, I had markets to attend to, photo shoots to submit to blogs and magazines and shows to organise to showcase my wears and get my name out there.

Since giving up my business a few months ago things are quite different, I am now in a comfortable line of work, in a job which is good, I am in a relationship with a beautiful man and I am lucky enough to have some lovely friends to pass the hours by with. All of which is really lovely, but not entirely self fulfilling.

I hate myself for being so ungrateful for all of my blessings but I do find myself to be quite bored with my perfect little life.

All is well, and well is ordinary and well, ordinary just isn't me.

I have never been one to take the easy route and I've always strayed to do things outside the box, so imagine my conundrum when it dawns on me that my life now is really very "in the box."

I am a girl with big dreams, with lists and goals, because I love to challenge myself on a daily basis and feel like I'm not just wasting my time here on earth.

There are so many people I want to be and things I want to do, places I want to see and dreams I want to have, and all I'm doing with my little self is none of any of the above.

I want to be a performer, and anyone who knew me when I was young would know how much I love to entertain a crowd, I love to sing and to dance and to make people feel something from what I'm doing, yet I've never taken a singing lesson and I haven't performed since I was at high school.

I want to be a fashion designer, and fill my days with pattern making, sewing and photo shoots but I also need to be able to support myself.

I want to be a writer, and fill pages upon pages with a story that intrigues, that makes the reader laugh and cry and reflect on their life, but I haven't a clue what to write about.

I want to be an artist who showcases their work in a gallery and have people contemplate things over my use of colour and expression, yet I have no easel or brush.

I want to go to a country far less privileged then my own and help those in need. I want to know, that without a doubt I made a difference to another persons life because I was here and I helped, but I don't even have a passport.

I want to be someone, who closes their eyes at night and says "yes, I did this, I changed the world just a little bit today" but for no reason at all, I'm not yet that person, but I know for no reason at all, I will make this my reality, because it's something I need to do.

The hardest part about all my dreams is that I can make them a reality, but to make dreams your reality, you must throw caution to the wind, you must not be afraid to fall and you must be ready to pick yourself up after failing, right now however, I feel as though I'm still recovering from my last flight of fantasy and I need a few months to stick some feathers back into my wings, to get myself back on my feet and try to live a secure, normal life, at least for six months, maybe even a year or two, at least so I can buy a car that works and perhaps see a world different to my own.

I have no doubt that I will be a person that at least tries most of the above at different stages of my life, but as everyone keeps telling me, I am still young, there is still time, and I can do it all, but it doesn't all have to be done right now.

Your job does not define you.

The past few months have been a little tricky for me, as I transitioned from casual sales girl, full time designer, stylist, model wrangler, event coordinator, small business owner, blogger and all round fashion enthusiast to a full time sales girl in a men's fashion business. 

The first few weeks of full time work were great as I found my feet within the company and got accustomed to having a larger pay packet at the end of each week, but as I settled into my new role, I found myself questioning if I was doing enough with my time.

 

Despite working tremendous hours and giving my all to my new position, I started to feel a little discontent when someone asked me "what is it that you do for a living?"

Although working on my business for the past three years may have rendered me penniless, I had always felt a huge amount of pride that I was doing something out of the ordinary, that I was working hard to make my passion my life and filling my time with exciting adventures and challenges.

Now, I work as a full time sales rep, for an amazing company might I add, but that's the extent of my job title. Yes occasionally I still blog, and recently I've rediscovered my joy for sewing, but I'm in no hurry to rush back into my business, nor do I feel any desire to put on another fashion show any time soon, so if I'm no longer doing these things, who am I?

 

For so long I thought it was these job titles that defined me, but now I know, it isn't a job that defines you, it's who you are that defines you. A job can give someone an impression as to the kind of person you are, but in no way should it be what defines you as a person.

I'm a designer! I'm a blogger! I'm an event coordinator! I run my own fashion design business! Well, yes, those were things I did, but they aren't who I am.

I'm a creative sole, I love to write, I'm opinionated, I'm OCD organised when it comes to work, I love to be busy and I have a passion for working with cloth. These are things that define me, and things one could gather from my past job descriptions, but despite no longer being a fashion designer, I'm still a creative sole, I still love to sew, despite not working on my business (at this current time) I still like to be organised and I still love to network with people, despite not being an event coordinator I still love to party and organise little gatherings with my friends.

Despite the titles changing, I'm still who I am.

 

Regardless of my job description there are so many things that I would say define me, and these won't change, no matter what it is I do for a living.

First and foremost I'm a member of a beautiful family, I am a daughter and a sister (and a mummy to a little kitty cat called Duchess). I am a friend to many and a socialite at heart, but I only have a small handful of people I am super close to, and that I would do anything for.

I am an over feeler, I stress too much about the things I can not change, and I usually worry too much about other peoples feelings, despite my own.

I can be selfish and opinionated, but I hate to offend those whom I care about most.

I hate to see people cry.

I cry when an animal dies in a movie and I don't understand how people can be cruel to one another.

I don't understand war.

Sometimes I cry when I'm happy.

I am not a violent person, but I am hot headed in traffic.

I'm a dreamer and a talker and a collector of memories.

I'm adventurous but terrified of heights, I love cats and cute things and my favourite item of clothing is pyjamas.

I find it hard to lie.

I love sunshine and hate to be cold.

These are the things that define me.

 

I have experienced heart ache and deceit.

I have been in love with a person whom I had no trust.

I have known what it is like to watch someone lie to my face.

I have felt the sting of unfaithfulness and I have watched someone I love crumble before my eyes.

I have had my heart split open by many, yet I find it hard to hold grudges.

I get hurt easily, but with each new scar upon my heart, there is a little patch of silk that covers it, to serve as a reminder of the past.

I have watched someone I love try to take their own life, and I've felt that persons venom in words unimaginable.

These are things that define me.

 

I have felt my world fall apart around me and I've managed to pick up the pieces and patch them back together.

I have felt both success and failure, and it is the lessons I've learnt from these experiences that define me.

I am strong, and I am weak, and I will never give up on myself.

This is what defines me.

 

No job title, no test, no one person can define me, as I am everything that I am because of the 24 years I've lived and because of all the things I have done, felt, seen and experienced.

That is what defines me.

Don't let something as trivial as a job title define you, you are so much more than words.

 

 

A New Fire!

Well it's now well and truly been over a month since my last post, a declaration of my hatred for Facebook and my epic plans to once and for all rid the devil which is Facebook from my life...

 

That plan may have failed slightly. You see, as much as I feel Facebook is some kind of evil magic where people gather to brag about their good fortune, or complain about their mishaps and broken promises, it's also a great way to stay connected with your friends and family. Hence, in a bid not to ostracise myself from my gal pals, I am still using Facebook, dam you to hell social media, but I just can't let go!

 

Ironically enough, something I thought I had let go of, seems to be finding its way back to me.

My creativity!

The reason I haven't been blogging is not due to a lack of fun and interesting things happening to me, or because I no longer have an interest in the issues facing young women today, simply I've had a major blockage on all things creative, including sewing and writing.

 

That was until today anyway.

 

I've had a huge pile of clothes sitting in my sewing room waiting for me to attend to, all various degrees of work needing to be done on them, but up until today I really just didn't want to touch them, I didn't even feel like sitting in my studio, but for some reason today I did.

What's even more fantastic than the fact that I felt like sewing and mending is that on my way home from the Gold Coast this morning, I actually had a wave of designs flush through my brain, a whole collection materialised in my head!

This is something that hasn't happened to me since last year!

 

I was starting to feel that perhaps my creative spark had been snuffed out, but after my little creative sabbatical, it seems it has come back, and come back with a new fire and excitement!

 

Today I hemmed a pair of jeans I've been meaning to do for the past 5 years (they're practically brand new and never worn due to the obscenely long length) I hemmed a work skirt, took in a dress, repaired a cardigan, sewed a new button onto a circle skirt and repaired a belt loop, so yes, all in all, a very productive day.

 

Tomorrow I'm going to be taking a trip to Spotlight with my mum to see if I can find some of the material that I need for this new collection that has popped into my head. No promises yet, but Evelyn Curtis may make a return to the fashion scene before the year is done.

Watch this space!

xx