Sunday 11 October 2015
Autumn
"...an evening with the first ripple-chills of autumn running through it..."
Autumn: a season of descending - into the darker months, of the leaves falling down and slipping down the colour chart into our achromatic clothing. It's many people's favourite season - but what is it that makes it so appealing?
Could it be the enticement of pumpkin-spiced lattes with whipped cream smothered on top? (#1 reason for me...)
Or the satisfaction of crunchy leaves underfoot and collecting the shiniest conkers?
Let us not forget the excuse autumn presents us with; to cover our less flattering places with chunky knits and scarves! (That means more pumpkin lattes for me...)
...or is it simply because autumn kickstarts a festive few months? With Halloween, Bonfire Night and Thanksgiving approaching, it's difficult not to get wrapped up in the convivial spirit.
Last Sunday, autumn's crisp yet sunny weather induced a trip to Lotherton Hall's "Age of Glamour" exhibition with my Mum.
The display captured the emergence of post-war glamour and Parisian couture, to mass produced clothing in London (and indeed Leeds!) throughout the 50's.
Pieces from Christian Dior's couture were visible amongst other designers, as Dior launched the 'New Look' in 1947.
He focused on the fit and femininity of clothing (thank him for dresses with nipped-in waists), and although Dior's designs and pieces are renowned for being expensive, he once explained;
"Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money."
Perhaps we all have something to learn from Dior, one of the most successful designers in the world and I shall be following his words of wisdom when indulging in Autumn/Winter clothing.
