The Artful Utilitarian

Most people who know me understand my love of art history, architecture, and all things fashion of course! However, they would also tell you that I have an adoration for Impressionism, portraits, and above all Bauhaus art. Even at a young age from initial sketching to learning techniques from my seasoned professors I knew that it would be one my favourite eras to study.

Engineers and architects run in my family, so it wasn't too far off the structured ladder when I gravitated toward fine art with fashion thrown into the mix, which in time would also be the blueprint of my occupation.

I remember sitting in design class ... most times my inspirations were not as direct or literal as the average pupil, it wasn't a rebellious act nor was it intentional. It was just my interpretation. Occasionally abstract, sometimes acutely defined within the brushstrokes, and often with an underlining significance for everyone to relate to.

The Inspiration:
This outfit: a men's army shirt that I clumsily spilled loads of paint on one day, which is one that I wear quite often during my crafty studio sessions and sewing projects. With its pockets and roomy silhouette it's very useful for studio creations, as there aren't any constrictions or fit related seam issues.

The paint spill resulted in making a heart somewhere in the doodling process. It also reminded me of a building-block game, the artwork of Alma Buscher (1924). Buscher created popular children's toys that were balanced in proportion and easily defined for a child to comprehend. What can I say, even in paint smears I see more than colours embedded in my seams!

Photos: Top image: artwork by Ladyofashion, Alma Buscher image: Layofashion's art book collection from Taschen's 25th Anniversary special edition-Bauhaus


The goods: Men's shirt-Smith's, Tunic-Roxy, Messenger bag-Delia's NY, Shoes-BDG/Urban Outfitters