What images are conjured up in your mind when you hear the words avant garde? They’re quite weighty words, aren’t they? Words that probably resonate with you but might, if you were put on the spot to explain their definition to someone, make you stumble a little to do so.
I know the root meaning of them, of course; they come from the French meaning vanguard or forefront.
Avant Garde is about experimenting, being daring, radical and unexpected, certainly unorthodox and decidedly beyond the confines and comforts of the mainstream. Avant Garde ideas can be challenging to understand, and are often dismissed as simply being wacky, weird or outrageous, having high shock value due to unfamiliarity. They can, in some arenas, even be perceived as dangerous or promoting perverse ideas. Avant Garde is most closely associated, although by no means exclusively, with the arts and culture.
So why are we talking about avant garde in this post?
My blogging pal, Sheela invited me to be part in this month’s Project Sister Act, alongside 3 other bloggers (you can see their outfits at the end of the post). A huge honour and a complete unexpected delight – thank you Sheela – especially as I think the theme is such a bold and exciting one. For those of you who maybe unfamiliar with Sheela’s series, here’s some background to it, in her own words.
Project Sister Act is very close to my heart. It advocates how women across all age groups (I’m talking about teens to 60s, 70s, 80s), are united in showcasing that style knows no age boundary. That style is indeed an expression of one’s personality, no matter if one’s a product of the 70s or 90s. And that the one same motif can be stylish on any and every woman, regardless of the year she was born.
When I read Sheela’s invitation, I was in the car with Tall Brown Fox who was driving us to the coast for a day out. It set off a very animated discussion between us about what we each regarded as Avant Garde in the context of the theme and how it relates to fashion and style in general. It also led us to explore what it meant in the wider context of society and in fields beyond fashion such as science, art, music, architecture etc … I can’t tell you how quickly the car journey went!
Sheela kindly gave us free rein to interpret the theme as we wished.
Since I’ve started blogging I’ve really been able to fully understand and realise my own style. I’ve always known what I like and don’t like but the different aspects of my style personality have become more distinct. I’ve realised that one such aspect that I’m drawn to is masculine chic. This might very well surprise and challenge an outside viewer’s initial perception of me. After all, I’m small, have curly hair and very feminine features in face and body shape. Hardly anything masculine about my physical appearance.
I pretty much knew straight away how I wanted my interpretation of the theme to be. I wanted to create a playful, nuanced exploration of the duality of the feminine and the masculine. I have made small forays into this before. For one of my Seasonal Skinny posts last year, I did a menswear inspired outfit in my Suited and Booted post, but this time I pushed the boundaries a little more to produce an outfit that I have christened;
Steampunk Couture Inspired!
On first impression, my outfit may not look very avant garde and certainly, afficiandos of Steampunk would probably scoff and say, ‘a top hat does not Steampunk make’, to which I would agree but let’s take a closer look.
Tall Brown Fox in particular likes steampunk and I’m certainly intrigued but it. I have to say that I prefer the male steampunk look over the female. As much as corsets can give you a stunningly sleek silhouette, I’m not keen on garments that by their nature constrict.
I’ve taken the clean lines of male tailoring, with the cut and fit of the trousers and the jacket. Layering is a key element in steampunk but instead of going an obvious route of waistcoat and shirt, I layered the shirt, open, over a cami – the feminine twist! The longer length jacket is reminiscent of a Victorian or Edwardian Frock coat, which is very male Steampunk.
A popular adornment in masculine Steampunk is the wearing of a pocket watch. I bought this silver belt chain to give the impression of this and was the only item I bought specifically for this outfit. Although the timing was perfect, as I had been thinking about buying a chain belt for sometime!
The tailored trousers fit the style perfectly, as the little pocket by the belt loops is like a fob. A fob is a small pocket near the waistline of trousers or on a waistcoat that would be the right size to hold a pocketwatch.
With frock coats, a cravat would normally be the traditional attire but I brought in another feminine element. At the collar I put a cameo style brooch. But not just any cameo brooch; look closer and you’ll see it’s a decidedly masculine theme – it’s a gasmask, albeit a stylised one for Steampunk!
Huge thanks and round of applause to Tall Brown Fox for not only having great taste in admiring Steampunk in the first place but for allowing me to commandeer his Steampunk accessories of top hat, goggles, glasses and brooch.
Just as the traditional Chinese yin and yang symbol shows seemly opposite forces intertwining and complimenting each other, so the feminine and the masculine can easily cohabit. And sartorially, they enhance each other’s qualities.
Feminine dressing isn’t just about the obvious; frills, florals, short skirts and high heels – although there’s nothing wrong with that. The steampunk inspiration allows me bring in flavours and ideas that would perhaps be less familiar to broaden people’s view and challenge their preceptions of what feminine dressing can be.
Yes, there’s an element of theatricality about the outfit, especially with the steampunked top hat, with its accessorised goggles, but this isn’t a costume.
Take off the top hat and the steampunk glasses and I’d happily wear this out, not least because I’m flaunting some pattern mixing plus polka dots! And you should all know by now, how happy polka dots make me!
Let’s meet my fellow Avant Garde Stylists from the Teens to the 50s!
What an incredible group of ladies to be involved with. I’ve found some new and exciting blogs to follow, which I hope you do too.
Thank you Sheela for including me in this wonderful avant garde party. It was a blast.
Our teen Avant Garde Stylist is Eve from The World According to Eve
Eve looking strong, serious and totally comfortable in her skin. I love the touches of the glasses, unusual yet striking jewellery and wow, those are killer boots!
And thanks to Eve, who came up with the idea for this month’s theme.
Our 20s Avant Garde Stylist is Chasmine from The Glamazon Universe
Chasmine says she ‘chose this look because I love how lingerie gowns, lace camisoles and unmentionables are becoming a part of our everyday wardrobe.’
Chasmine is so right – clothes aren’t just confined nowadays to their original purpose. Bring a little of the bedroom into everyday life.
Our 30s Avant Garde Stylist is Joi from In My Joi
Her look is a mix of ‘vintage clothing meets mod, via leather sneakers’.
I love the print of the outfit and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE can I have that coat, Joi?
Our 40s Avant Garde Stylist is the Project Creator Extraordinaire, Sheela from Sheela Writes
Looking badass and feminine, all at the same time. Look at those fabulouse sleeves!
And last but not least me, Petite Silver Vixen, representing the 50s!
I hope you enjoyed this Avant Garde collaboration – do pop by the other bloggers to learn more about their outfits.
What would your interpretation of this theme have been?
Linking with Not Dressed As Lamb / Confident Twosday / Garay Treasures / Turning Head’s Tuesday / Style Me Wednesday / ColorandGrace / JerseyGirlTexanHeart / Living In Colour / High Latitude Style / Happiness At Midlife / JerseyGirlTexanHeart / Eleganceandmommyhood / A Labour of Life / Curly Crafty Mom / Fashion Should Be Fun / A Pocketful Of Polkadots / Jeans And A Teacup / Nancy’s Fashion Style / Fine Whatever /
What a fabulous representation of a category Jacqueline!
Your talents of mixing your prints are amazing and quite spectacular!!
Of course the hat with the glasses just take the cake—definitely not something that everyone has in their cloest!!
Bravo, bravo!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I kinda went over the top with the pattern mixing didn't I? But still in quite a subtle way and I'm chuffed I managed to get polka dots in there too! I was so delighted at being asked and especially on such a inspirational theme.
The hat is quite big – I had to stuff it with a few plastic bags so that it would stay on top of my head and not fall down over my eyes!
I love masculine dressing! You look great here Jacqui. I follow Sheela and have been involved with sister act too. Everyone looks so cool x
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
It's wonderful to be asked to do Project Sister Act, isn't it, Laurie. I feel very honoured to be part of this select group!
You look so glam! Every detail is perfect! I love these series.
Avant Garde indeed! Well done for a fabulous and interesting blog. Sounds a fun project too! Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
Thanks Jacqui. It was a lot of fun to put this post together.
Jacqueline, I love your bold use of patterns and the HAT. OMG, this is such cool item. You look like you should be on a stage 🙂
Thank you Glenda for your lovely compliments. The top hat does finish it off!
You have made Avant Garde your own by bringing what you know is your style and that is why it works so perfectly.The cut of the pants and the pattern mix are spot on , the top hat and goggles the perfect touch of whimsy.
Well, I hoped I nailed it so thank you for the thumbs up Jill, always a boost to hear when you own your style. I had great fun putting it all together so I'm so pleased it's worked out so well.
That hat is so neat! I love the bold outfit you came up with for avant garde!
It is cool, isn't it? I want to borrow it some more!
I love your interpretation of avant garde, especially the hat. You look like you're really enjoying wearing this outfit, quite rightly so!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Fantastic Avant Garde look! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
This is so Cool! I love it all – the print mix, the long jacket, the hat. Simply fabulous. Thanks so much for linking up with Fabulous Friday!
What a great outfit to fit this avant garde style! The prints all work well together!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
What a fun avant garde look! Fashion can be so much fun and you look like you're having a ball!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
I love the idea behind this project and totally agree with the idea that style is an expression of personality. This is a fun post, and I love your interpretation. You look amazing!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Cute!
Avant garde is definitely a phrase that I think I overuse in everyday life! Anyway, I love the idea of Project Sister Act and your avant garde outfit is amazing! I love how you used the Steam Punk aesthetic as your inspiration. The hat is especially fabulous!
-Katie
http://hellokatiegirl.blogspot.com/
I just knew the Steampunk would be so right for the theme so I'm so glad it came out well. Yes, certain words do get over used, don't they and then they can lose their impact.
Very interesting learning here! Avante Garde.. a perfect description Jacqueline. Love the top hat with goggles.. The mix of three patterns and layers is a wonderful creation on you and the solid black booties are a great choice. Love it!
Thanks for linking with Turning Heads Tuesday
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I really enjoyed doing the pattern mixing especially with the theme. Glad you enjoyed it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this post. You all look fab but my jove Jacqueline, I can only say: wear this as much as you can as it looks so freaking good on you. All the elements. I love all of it. It suits you so well.
Aces
Greetje
Thank you Greetje. You're comments made me smile. I shall take your advice and wear it at least once a week!
Hello !! Material Girl Active's heartfelt topper for your gym outfit features mesh trim, a front zipper and an inspiring sleeve graphic. lace evening dresses
What a great interpretation of the theme! The accessories are a brilliant touch to your outfit and I really admire that coat on you, what a nice piece 🙂
Hope you're having a wonderful week 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
I love this post, not only for all of the wonderful women involved, but also for your own interpretation with such a great explanation of the why's and wherefore's. I love all of the little bits and pieces that when brought together do really give an avant garde look to your outfit (the chain, the brooch etc). Well done to Tall Brown Fox for sharing his hat, goggles etc with you that you may channel the masculine in your portrayal.
Well done to all of you for this fab fashion file.
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
That top hat is so cute! I love how you mixed prints!
http://prettyinleather.net
Forgive me, Jacqueline, I was convinced I'd written a comment. In fact, I was certain I had!! What I wanted to say, firstly, is thank you, so very much for being a part of Project Sister Act. I don't know if you recall my initial email and what I said but I'll repeat it here. That when the theme of Avant Garde came to be, the first person I thought of to invite was you 🙂 in my mind, your style is the epitome of avant garde. Always trying something new, always experimenting, pushing way beyond your comfort zone, and having fun at the same time. I had such a lovely time collaborating on this with you, and I hope it's the start of many more joint initiatives, my friend xoxo
You look fab in Steampunk!!!! I love what you did with it! I hope you are ok as you haven't blogged for ages!!x