Fashion—a human triumph. Since we stood upright and decided to get dressed, we’ve been dripping. Clothing, jewelry, bags and shoes are some of the more exciting and utilitarian examples of human creativity. Our clothing is a huge part of how we express our character, desires and attractions—fashion, from haute couture to wearables, is as pertinent as any art form.
And for as long as I’ve been alive, I’ve been a hound for it. From battling to get my ears pierced at age 9, to buying my first pair of sparkle jellies, to slaying summer in denim halter dresses with patchwork flowers. As a teenager I combed through thrift stores in Berlin and bought wrap pants in Granada, and now, in my late 20s, dedicated to the Nike blazer, a chunky platform boot and monochromatic sets—among other things—I’m a well-curated amalgam of travel, research and ongoing personal inspiration, which comes from my exposure to everything from Picasso paintings to Russian literature.
“Look” is my chichi baby, where weekly I will share the visual dream worth wearing, from the highest-quality Japanese denim, to an L.A. crushed-velvet smocked minidress, and where to get it locally. Expect to hear from local designers, clothing-store owners, clothing makers, fashion photographers and more. Looking to ancient Egyptian eye makeup, Rococo frills, Byzantine gem settings and cowboy cuffs, “Look” keeps style vital, vivid and within reach.
Welcome to “Look”!
Love,
Jane
This week—puffer jackets, please. Preferably neon orange, but beige and black are never wrong, nor is a geometric, floral or animal print.
First iterated in 1936 by Eddie Bauer after a near-fatal exposure to hypothermia, the puffer is now highest of high fashion, while still preventing a chill. Over the years designers have experimented with palette and lines, from Norma Kamali’s 1970 sleeping-bag coat to the Farm Rio striped puffer fleece hybrid in lurid technicolor. Puffers aren’t going everywhere, and a cold front just moved in. Zip up.
Where to get them locally:
Oakland—Standard and Strange
Sonoma—G’s General Store
Santa Rosa—Punch Clothing
Jane Vick is a painter, writer and journalist who has spent time in Europe, New York and New Mexico. She is currently based in Sonoma County. View her work at janevick.com.
