I thought it was about time that I dedicated a post to bicycle fashion, and what better day than on an “inspired” Wednesday? Since I’ve began this journey, I’ve often been asked the question, “why bicyclette?”. Coming up with a name is something that I find extremely difficult. It’s a very personal process, and it is really the beginning of the brand definition and identity process. You need something that is lasting and something that speaks to you. I’m not sure exactly where the name bicyclette came from or why I was so drawn to it, but it speaks to me. I remember traveling to the Netherlands when I was younger to visit family and explore my heritage, and finding so much inspiration in the gorgeous, effortlessly chic women on bicycles in every city.
I still get questions inquiring as to whether I’m selling bikes, which I find somewhat amusing. I know not everyone will agree with my choice, but to me, there’s a story behind it and a meaning that I believe evokes the spirit of the brand I am trying to create.
Awhile ago I came across Copenhagen Cycle Chic, which is a blog that is dedicated to street style incorporating bicycles. Voila! – perfect inspiration. Another, more recent discovery is Riding Pretty, whose blog name I love, and is “dedicated to all the girls in the world who want to ride pretty on a bicycle”. Sounds just about right to me!
Image Sources: Riding Pretty & Copenhagen Cycle Chic
As I’m sure we are already aware, blogs provide a perfect means of procrastination. There’s always a newly discovered blog to explore, archival posts to catch up on, or links to jump to. I know for me, it often happens when I’m already on my computer working on something, and I need a momentary distraction or my mind wanders. This occurs way too often for my own good, but at least I can admit it.
Last night, as I was working on the next iteration of the presentation for the Enterprize National Competition (next week!), I found myself on the Jak & Jil blog. Now, I’ve always known about it and Tommy Ton, but for whatever reason, never actually explored it with great attention. Well I did last night, that’s for sure, and became mildly obsessed. There is something about his photos and the way he captures his subjects that I love, and the variation in composition, oftentimes only shooting the shoes of an outfit, that is interesting and compelling. Stylistically educational, both through the photos and his brief accompanying words. So I went through about 40 pages of the blog last night, and though it wasn’t exactly the most productive evening from a work standpoint, I feel as though I learned a lot, and benefited from exploring Jak & Jil. This is needless justification, perhaps, but I have no regrets.
Tommy Ton also shoots for Style.com, and so I eventually wandered over there by way of a link on his blog. Entitled Decade Hopping, the post was about “the Return (Again) of Seventies Chic”, and focused on highlighting the contrast in styles inspired by the 80s which we’ve been seeing a lot of recently, and those influenced by the 70s. I love this. A fashion photo essay of sorts, with beautiful women in fantastic outfits communicating a shift in trends and inspiration.
In the words of Tommy Ton, “Some members of the fashion flock are staying faithful to the hard-edged 80s look…
… Others are rediscovering the subtler palette and more feminine silhouettes of the 70s.”
All Images: http://www.style.com
All Images: http://www.style.com
What do you prefer, styles influenced by the 70s or 80s?
I love the rocker-chic quality of 80s inspired pieces and the harder-edged details (studs? yes please!), but I must say, I’m excited to start playing around with the softer silhouettes and more muted colour palette and see how others style these looks. Loving the neutral tones, flowy fabrics, long lengths and layering possibilities.
Tres chic and perfect for spring and summer. Ah, warm weather, how I miss thee. Here’s to hoping that my upcoming trip to Vegas will fulfill this need for the time being.
As I’ve alluded to before, I recently did a photo shoot for my second creative thesis project, starring my lovely friend Jen. Here are the final results! You just have to imagine them poster size, on nice fancy paper….
So the idea behind them is that they would be put up as posters around the city as an alternative form of promotion for the blog and bicyclette as a store concept. You can rip off the little tabs at the bottom, which has the blog address on it, so people who are intrigued by the photos can take a look.
I’m curious to hear what everyone thinks of them? I really enjoyed coming up with the concept and putting it all together, and I would love to hear any feedback…
I know it’s late, but I thought I would squeeze in a quick post and give myself a little break from the torture that is Dreamweaver. (It’s now been about 6.5 hours).
As I previewed a few days ago, I’ve been working on my second creative project for my thesis, which is due tomorrow. I’ll post the finals tomorrow, but I thought I would share where some of my inspiration for the photoshoot came from: black and white photography.
I’m a bit of a photo junkie, and a sucker for beautiful, captivating images of all sorts, and black and white photography has a special place in my heart. There’s something incredibly raw and gritty about them, and simplistically beautiful at the same time. They invite you to use your imagination to fill in the tones and shades.
Love the carefree attitude. The street style vibe and the candid quality. And the setting. I kind of want to be her.
I wish I could share the original source, but I have a bad habit of “borrowing” images that inspire me and forgetting to note the source. If anyone knows, please share!
Leave A Comment