The mens’ cape is undoubtedly one of the coolest pieces of clothing ever invented. It’s been around since the middle ages in Europe, when knights would wear them into the battlefield. The utility of the heavy cloak (a very long cape) was rediscovered in the 19th century, when they were worn to keep out rain and snow. “gas capes” were used in the World Wars – enormous bulky pieces that could cover the gas masks and other apparel of soldiers in the trenches. Tons of anime characters wear them. Dante, my idol from Devil May Cry, wears a cape (and has that platinum-white hair!!! But that’s getting off-topic.) If this isn’t an article of clothing that reeks of valour, machismo, and awesome style, I don’t know what is.

The versatility of cape material is great. It’s not a stretch to use materials as diverse as fur, vinyl, leather, pleather, canvas, plastic, or velvet… All to great and differing effect. My question to the world is WHY DON’T YOU SEE PEOPLE WEARING CAPES?!? Except for really strange people. They seem to have no problem wearing them. In an era overly concerned with ‘fitting in’ and looking like other people, I think it’s time we collectively grow some balls and start wearing capes. Come on, Superman wore one!

Suffice it to say that Pierre Cardin was the most prominent pioneer of Space Age fashion. He helped popularize a modern, minimalist look that rocked the world and is now making something of a comeback.

These cool boots are so retro that they’d actually be the leading edge of mod fashion on the streets today. Check out the flat heels and androgynous look. Even for a guy, it would not be unthinkable to wear the black ones in the middle – though I wouldn’t wear them unless they had some sort of buckle or other masculine detailing on them.

Check out this weird dress. I’m not a huge fan of it, but it does scream ‘sixties’ – and the androgynous Twiggy-inspired look is all over this model. I like the low-heeled shoes – worked into an outfit properly, they can be very classy. I have to admit, I think the experimentation with pattern and see-through materials is very very cool. It would be cool to see a whole gown done in the mesh, with something beneath. Preferably with long gloves.

Finally, I’ve decided to write a post specifically on sunglasses. More specifically, (you guessed it) retro and futurist sunglasses. Sunglasses became popular in the 1950s, as they became very widespread and people began to wear them as fashion accessories. Designers from this era began to play with shape and decoration, creating some dramatic looks.

*BOO*! These ones, for instance, give the wearer quite the look. Retro sunglasses often feature big lenses, interesting frames, or funky colours. Here’s another pair I really like – Nice use of colour. Personally, I like bigger sunglasses on girls, and more face-fitted ones on guys. This helps men keep their faces looking chiselled, while ladies in dramatic cat-eye glasses can widen and brighten their eyes (presuming the lenses are somewhat translucent).I think that both pairs would go really well with a retro, modernist, or futurist look. They would definitely spice things up a bit… They look like fun to wear. As of now, I’m cutting this post short – I’m quite tired. More to follow, tomorrow. Over and out!

-FH.

As you’ve probably realized by now, I’m really feeling the vibe of retro futurism right now. It’s so funky! Picture an era when countries were scrambling o be the first to land a man on the moon, or where nuclear power was being perfected. An exciting time, when the eyes of the world were turned to the future – what was going to come next? The fashions of this time reflect this excitement, as designers sent space boots and futuristic materials down the runway.

The anticipation of the future is something of which our modern culture seems to have lost track. Everywhere you turn, people are reminiscing about previous ages, whether through their choices of style in art, music, fashion, or architecture. I don’t begrudge the world its nostalgia (I have mine, obviously), we all need something familiar and comforting in times of great change. *I* just want to see more excitement with regards to the future! Designers, stop thinking about what was; why not imagine what would be, what will be? One of my biggest retrospections focuses on the 50s and 60s.. Oh, the good old days. People used to embrace the future and its supposed culture. What a notion.

Fresh from my sketchbook, I have two new works rendered in monochromatic marker and ink (These markers are great.. I love the metallic effects you can achieve using them. I’m going to experiment more with them soon). Note the metallic, sculpted look of the dresses, they wear like corsets. Paired with the long space boots and the retro hairdos, these ladies have an avant-garde futurism feel with undertones of bygone age.

The wild hat was inspired by Hussein Chalayan (see my previous post). The other lady was inspired by the quintessential ’50s pinup waitress – Long boots, miniskirt outfit, puffy sleeves. She’s supposed to be leaning against some sort of (fashionably futuristic-looking) bar. There was originally a space helmet, but it was poorly drawn so I got rid of it.

Anyway, next time I plan to do an article on retro, futurism, and vintage style accessiories and how to wear them.. No promises, because I might change my mind. I’ve got my sketchpad out already.. Over and out!

FH.

When it comes to art, I am usually a fan of the interesting and ground-breaking. Fashion is no exception to this.. So when introduced to the works of designer Hussein Chalayan, I was naturally intrigued.

The man’s work is amazing. Not only does has he proved himself as a solid designer, but he strives to take his work further to even greater artistic heights. Chalayan’s designs are a commentary on our society, issues he sees, and his visions for the future. I consider the man nothing short of a futurist visionary.

Fashion-wise, his work breaks ground in terms of form & function. Sending mechanized dresses down the catwalk, his designs this season are ultra-modern and very technologically advanced, all the while looking very stylish. One minidress flashed with panels reminiscent of oversized pixels.

Another model sported a translucent, web-like hood that raised and lowered by itself. Personally, my favourites were the girls wearing luminescent hats. They look like jellyfish.

So, next time I plan to write more on futurism. No more of this week-long hiatus nonsense. Over and out!

Fashion Hobo.