THE PERFECT DRESS

My encounter with the Perfect Dress back in 2017 had to do with trouble-shooting the weather. I was flying into Manhattan in mid-July, not my idea of fun. It was perhaps more bearable than Kyoto in mid-July, but it came close. I began fretting in April, trying to figure out what I could wear that would be comfortable walking the High Line, ducking into air conditioned museums, dining in stylish restaurants, and remaining uncrumpled from the humid, relentless heat. Black was definitely out. It made me sweat just to think about all that heat black fabrics would absorb. Besides isn’t summer supposed to be colorful?  

Enter Zuri. I happened upon a New York Times article about an online store that sold just one dress. Intrigued, I went to their website and fell in love with the silhouette and the choices of bold, colorful fabrics. Each dress was given a quirky name rather than a description of color or fabric design. And just like the article said, they sold just one dress. 

 

The NYT article must have resonated with a lot of women because pretty much all of the dresses were sold out. I finally snagged one called “Laffy Taffy." With bright swirls of hot pink, orange, yellow and navy, it was bold choice. But it was also the only one left in Size M. Due to high demand, "Laffy Taffy" took months to ship and arrived a couple of days before I departed for Manhattan. If it didn’t fit, I would be SOL.

The dress was perfect. Cut close to the body at the top, it fit my torso like a glove, then flared out from the waist for easy walking. Instead of a loose tent shape, the hourglass silhouette was feminine and flattering. Everywhere I went in Manhattan, women stopped me and wanted to know where to get one. The cotton fabric kept me cool outside, the sleeves kept me from freezing in air conditioned spaces and the colorful print made me very happy.

Since that trip, I've purchased many Zuris, some colorful, some muted, such as the spotted one shown here. I wear the more sedate ones in Japan, to blend in with women wearing understated colors.

Following my experience in Manhattan, I've also become an unwitting influencer for Zuri. An artist in my studio building instantly fell in love with the dress and has become one of Zuri's biggest fans.I went to a gathering of writer friends and they were so charmed by the bold fabric print that they made me take my dress off so they could try it on for themselves. Surprisingly, my Size M fit everyone, regardless of body shape. One of my friends at that party wrote an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about Zuri and has become friends with one of the owners. There have even been book readings at the San Francisco store - a perfect collaborative opportunity for the shop owner and writers.Now that Zuri has been around for a number of years, I am seeing more and more women wearing them but because the fabric selections change constantly, I rarely see the same dress on someone twice. Zuri women wave to each other, in acknowledgement of our Sisterhood.

 

 WHAT MAKES ZURI A PERFECT DRESS? 

Attractive silhouette

The soft hourglass silhouette is flattering on the body. I have seen women in all sizes and shapes wearing Zuri dresses and they all look fabulous. Also the length of the dress is just right. It hits just below the knee, makes walking around easy and does not tangle up with tights, leggings or skinny jeans. Zuri has now introduced shirts and sleeveless dresses in their collection. 

Bold fabric choices

Zuri uses a variety of kitenge and ankara fabrics from East and West Africa, respectively. Some designs are colorful, oversized and bold while others are more sedate. Most are short-production bolts so if you love the fabric, get the dress right away. The dresses are cut on the bias, which is why many of the patterns run diagonally. Warning: there is not a single black dress selection in Zuri. 

Sleeves

I love short sleeves! My arms are too flabbly to hang out of a sleeveless dress. Thank you Zuri for including sleeves that are neither too short nor too long. I wish summer clothes by other retailers included sleeve options. 

Pockets, Pockets, Pockets

Too many women's garments have either no pockets or tiny, useless imaginary pockets. Where am I to put my mask, iPhone, sunglasses, keys and money? Zuri's ample side-seam pockets can accommodate these and more, without looking the least bit bulky.

Buttons

The row of buttons make the dress versatile. The hidden button placket is a great touch because it prevents the front from gaping if one is busty or have had too much to eat. 

Versatility

I am amazed at the many ways Zuris can be worn. Due to a cool summer here, I usually wear mine with a thin Uniqlo HEATTECH shirt and leggings underneath. I've worn it on its own in hot weather, and in the winter, as a jacket or under a jacket. I wear the sleeveless dress with either a HEATTECH shirt underneath or a linen shirt over it. Others have worn the Zuri as a skirt or a shrug.   

   

 

 

 

  

IT STARTED WITH ZURI

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!