Friday, May 8, 2009

My Debut as a Frustrated Designer: The Floral Shirt

As you know a huge part of my posts on this blog deals with the "projects" that I take on with my tailor: following these pieces from the inspiration, to the conceptualization, to the fabrication, and finally, working them into an outfit.  Recently, I have started to become more experimental with my projects, actually "designing" pieces from scratch as opposed to having classic/basic pieces made, or having things copied.  This floral shirt, which I blogged about having made a couple of weeks ago, is my debut as a frustrated designer.


I'm slowly dipping my toes into design, trying to practice restraint.  The only design input that came from me really, besides strict specifications on the fit, would be the covered placket, which is the flap that conceals the buttons in front.  I think it adds a much-needed shot of modernity and masculinity to such a grandmotherly fabric.  

I was very pleased with how the fabric draped; silk drapes and flows very much differently than cotton, which is the most common shirting material for men.  Silk also holds pigments better than cotton, so you could achieve more vivid colors on silk that don't fade as you wash it.  I do think they should start making more shirts for men in silk.  Here it is worn:

Philippine-made straw hat, floral shirt designed by me (I just love saying that.), Opening Ceremony for Uniqlo cropped khakis, H&M shoes

15 comments:

khaz said...

i was waiting for how your fabric would turn out, and it came out beautifully

Anonymous said...

it looks fantastic!
you definately pulled this off without moving into grandmother territory at all. quite a feat! :D
well done!
can't wait to see more of your personally designed items!

Sabrina said...

The covered placket was a very good idea. The shirt is amazing, hope to see more from you in the future!

Joey said...

That shirt is fantastic. Really well done. I really like it when clothes blur the gender boundaries. Of course, your styling really puts it over the top. Well done!

Btw, just found you via brook&lyn and love your blog. Will be subbing in my reader and linking. :D

yves said...

So you got that shirt finally made!
Fits to a tee, refreshing, very Copacobana chic, i'm inspired ;)

much love
yvestyle.blogspot.com

Miguel Paolo Celestial said...

I like how the florals on the right side are faded, compared to the left. I think the contrast made it possible for the shirt to look masculine.

Brook and Lyn said...

I would wear that entire outfit as is...great job on the shirt. It's fun to design isn't it? I would love to do some more and make HK an annual trip.

Freya said...

great job! You have great style and this doesn't look grandmotherly at all on you.

Emma Homestay Bandar Tasik Puteri said...

i think what determines the masculinity of this shirt despite having the grandmotherly feel (like you said) is the cut and fit of the shirt, which is wonderful and can't be any more perfect! Such a great tailor you have!

Camie said...

Izzy the shirt looks great on you. :) bagay rin ang bright blue shoes. :) Looking forward to your future adventures with the tailor's.

Hello My Name is Katie said...

the shirt is perfection. and of course you wear it extremely well.

this is now my reference for quintessential spring/summer outfit.

White Lightning said...

THOSE SNEAKERS ARE EVERYTHING!!!

Noelle Chantal said...

Izzy, i like the outcome of the polo! you are so right about choosing that print and fabric, it turned out so beautiful. and i like the bright shoes here. very summer-y color. i love this one you look so fresh! :)

Jesm said...

i like that the buttons are hidden.

Anonymous said...

nice shirt... if you could just fold the sleeves up a little and loosen the colar button - that would make it a little more masculine.

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