In late September, 2017 I tripped on a garbage bag filled with concrete rubble and broke some bones in my shoulder. In preparation for post-op, I had to assemble clothing that could be worn over my immobilized shoulder for a period of two months. The recommended garments were giant tee-shirts, men's size XXXL. They were meant to be discarded after my arm came off the sling. Despite my pain, I could not bear to wear something so unattractive for two long months. In casting about my closet, I came upon a Zuri dress that was purchased for a summertime trip to Manhattan. With the help of my husband I tried it on over my arm injury. It worked! I immediately ordered six more Zuri dresses so that I could have a dress for each day of the week. These colorful dresses made my recovery much more pleasing and I was showered with compliments from doctors, nurses, technicians and physical therapists.
I was 65 at the time, and it got me thinking about fashion choices, or the lack thereof. So much of retail seems to target eighteen-to-thirty-year-olds and offer designs appropriate for teenage body types. My injury made me consider what else I could add to my wardrobe besides denim leggings, torn jeans and loose shirts that had been my mainstay as an artist.
Alas, the immediate choices for the 50+ crowd weren't fabulous. On the affordable side, I could buy loose tunics, wide-legged pants, oversize tee-shirts or the ubiquitous black leggings. Or I could switch to an expensive designer wardrobe in all shades of black.
Taking a step back, I realized there is another choice. I have gone home to Japan every year for the past 30 years and have paid close attention to fashion trends. Over time the wildly innovative Comme des Garcons, Yamamoto Kansai, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake and Kenzo design housses have faded into expensive respectability. Other Japanese designers have settled into a range of silhouettes that are attractive for women of all ages, particularly for those over the age of 60.
Through the lens of Japanese fashion, I have begun to find clothing in this country that I like and wear. Examples include the Uniqlo Marimekko and the Uniqlo U lines and of course, Zuri.
Recently, thanks to COVID and stay-at-home directives, I have also rediscovered my love of sewing. Pattern houses and sites like Etsy and Ebay offer a multitude of looks that are quirky, innovative and beautiful. Online fabric shops sell familiar textiles and new ones that are delicious to handle and sew. And for someone like me, who hasn't sewn anything since the 1980's, YouTube tutorials and internet blogs offer perfect snack learning opportunities. Making my own clothes has opened huge new possibilities for fabulous over-60 clothing.
In this blog, I will write about my fashion choices and projects. Please check back periodically and keep me company!
