Tough shells

These Autumn women have a tough exterior. Leather, earthy tones. Striking colour highlights their shiny outer shells. Leather gloves and boots, like armour, supports their slight frames. I admire the way the leather looks fluid - ruffles, pleating and surface textures suggest to me that Autumn is all about what's on the outside. Protective. Safe. Guarded.

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Ann Demeulemeester

Christian Dior

Issey Miyake

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Christine Dior

Burberry Prorsum

Burberry Prorsum

I particularly like the fabric of this last outfit. It looks naturally died, but I can't confirm that. I'd like to imagine the large design houses are using natural dying processes, like eco dyes, in their ranges, but I haven't heard anything to confirm this. Would love to find out though.

Sketch #5

Not entirely sure where the chains came from. Just curious I guess. And in light of not finding the fashion blogs as enthralling as emerging Australian writers in Voiceworks I guess I've been reading a bit on fetish and on gender fluidity (more to come on that?).

Sketch #2

If I were to put this together I imagine using a combination of felt and silk for the dress and leather for the boots.