Siren FASHION the
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College Tribune | November 25th 2008
Tis the sequin to be jolly Jessica Whyte reviews the Christmas ghosts of fashion and the hope for revival for yet another year The season of Christmas has always been intertwined with tradition: decorating evergreens, gorging on winged creatures and stuffing mandarins isnto stockings. In keeping with Christmas tradition, December issue fashion magazines are proclaiming the commencement of the ‘party season’ and the subsequent birth of this year’s festive look. And so, after much anticipation it can be revealed that the official garment trend for Noël 2008 is (drum roll drummer boy if you please)… the sequin. Sparkly dresses? Who would have thought? It’s a good thing that there are wise men out there in the world earning an extortionate salary to herald these dramatic shifts in the fashion industry. What needs be emphasised however is that in spite of the general association with glitzy glamour for the festive season, Christmas 2008 will see the sequin taking centre stage, not glitter or crystals. This does alter the playing field considerably, for most
women embrace glitter, many embrace crystals but few entertain the sequins. If there was ever an element of fashion to be unfairly stigmatised it’s the sequin. Regarded by critics as the mascot for tacky attire, sequins have always been labelled as glamour repellent. The sequin has its place in “fashion”: on the costumes of circus acrobats, Russian gymnasts and the contestants of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’- some even go as a far as saying that they are the uniform of exotic dancers and prostitutes. Considering the notorious reputation that the sequin has for cheapening the overall look of a garment, it is highly ironic that its origins are seeped in wealth. In 13th century Europe, sequins were moulded from actual gold and were used as a form of currency. These sequin coins were stitched to women’s clothes as a way of displaying her family’s wealth. Nowadays, many women fear that sporting a sequined ensemble could result in a
critical judgement of her sense of style. If one wears a sequined outfit to a party or an event, they will be instantly noticed and are therefore putting themselves at risk of being scrutinised. This raises the question why so many women view this attention as a major ordeal? A pos-
It’s vintage, darling Aoife Smyth delves into the world of vintage clothing and unearths Dublin's hidden fashion wonders Coco Chanel said "In order to be irreplaceable, one must be different", and with vintage clothing, the chances are, you will be different. The beauty of vintage clothing is that it doesn't date and it can be considered an investment for your wardrobe, as trends are cyclical, so you're not risking buying something that is out of fashion a day later. Fiona Smyth, co-owner of Dublin vintage shop The Harlequin, says that when you buy vintage "You are buying something unique, and of course, making a statement." These days, mixing high street styles with vintage items is seen as an enviable art. Celebrities like the Olsen twins, Kate Moss and Mischa Barton are often seen gracing the pages of magazines in vintage clothing. The question on
many vintage- virgin lips is where do I start? Well, unknown as it is to many, Dublin has a few hidden gems on the vintage scene such as The Harlequin, Jenny Vanders and Wild Child, to name a few. Oxfam on Georges street has a vintage section which, although more expensive than other Oxfam items, is extremely cheaper than many High Street shops. What are the benefits of buying vintage? Well firstly, individuality is a key factor and for those who dare to be different vintage is perfect. Vintage is more reasonable than a lot of high street shops, and a lot of designer clothes are based on vintage pieces, so you have the chance of buying pieces which influence the designers. Like art, this is an investment, the older the better. Not only is buying vin-
tage is environmentally friendly, it is ethically friendly too, as you are not funding sweat-shops. There are a few things to watch out for buying clothes of this class however. Perspiration stains, mildew, moth damage and badly worn clothes, as none of these are a particularly good look. Always bear in mind that vintage sizes are unreliable, as a lot of them would have been tailored to fit a specific person, especially in the fifties. If you're buying vintage from e-bay, you check all the exact measurements, but don't fret if it's wrong when it arrives, as many items can be altered by a good dressmaker. The great thing about vintage clothing is that it allows you to follow trends, but in a more timeless way. Fashion for spring 2009
carries many of these undertones, such as 80's glam rock skinny jeans, sheer, satin and chiffon dresses channelling the 50's and even 80's onwards. The style of the nineties is considered vintage now and next season the will be seen on our catwalks. Think 90210, New Kids On The Block, grunge and high-waisted trousers teamed with blazers. A lot of these quintessential nineties items can be thrifted at local charity shops, car-boot sales and church fetes, if you just have enough will power to rummage. Buying vintage involves thinking outside the box and considering alterations. A floor length granny-esque skirt could be chopped to match the high street styles. Get your rummage on and don't forget to be brave!
sible answer could be connected to the powerful visual impact that sequins create, and the ability they have to enhance or detract from the glamour of a garment. Sequined outfits most commonly fail for the following reasons: their lack of quality, there poor application and the use of a cheap or unsuitable fabric. Like Christmas tree ornaments, sequins decorate an outfit and the golden rule with fabric decoration is you get what you pay for. It all comes down to your budget. Stretching the purse strings a little further will ensure a higher quality of fabric and standard of sequin stitching. Though now may not seem like the best time for ‘extravagant’ purchases, sequins are timeless and a worthwhile investment. For those still reluctant to venture into the sequin domain, be reassured that fashion is ultimately about expression and creativity, about taking the risks that others won’t. In conclusion to this article and the end of another fashion season, a festive toast to the sequin… and to all who dare to wear.