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So we may see a lot of purple shades in the coming months, but Eliza Jamkochian from Glamorous Boutique in Lafayette informs me that we're going to see many colors and in interesting combinations: "Red is hot and it's everywhere, styled with mustard yellow." As for seasonal fashions spring and summer are all about the dress, which is available now in familiar silhouettes with added detail including bell-sleeves and scalloped hems. As Jamkochian reminds us, "Classic dresses are a must-have as they are staple pieces that will not go out of style."
Susan Goldie of Sewnow in Lafayette is talking color, too, this season. "It is refreshing to think about yellow, tomato red, sky blue and all shades of purple from ultraviolet to lavender." Goldie has just returned from a textiles show in Los Angeles where, she reports, innovative fabrics were highlighted - fabrics with texture, shiny vinyls and space-age looking treatments. Goldie was also impressed by the increased availability of fabrics made in the U.S. and sustainable fabrics at prices more affordable for home sewists. Goldie and her staff at Sewnow are gearing up for spring break sewing camps.
Jewelry designer Janet Kaufman is set for the new season working in mixed metals. The Moraga resident has been making jewelry for 20-plus years and is inspired by movement. "I design earrings that are light and move freely." She sees jewelry as an enhancement to women's innate beauty and a way to make a statement. For spring Kaufman is offering feminine pieces. "I plan to bring flowers and pearls into my spring line just in time for Mother's Day and weddings."
I asked San Francisco fashion reporter Tony Bravo what he thought of my latest fashion read, "Infinite Variety: The Life and Legend of the Marchesa Casati" by Scot Ryersson and Orlando Yaccarino. "One of the best artist/muse biographies I've ever read and a compelling story about personal fashion evolution," he said. "Casati's journey needs to be read to be believed."
Marchesa Casati was quite the It Girl in early 20th century Europe. With a family fortune backing her, she lived a large life in several Italian palaces and another one in Paris, bespoke and designer duds, jewels not just for her neck but also adorning the collection of the live exotic animals she kept close at hand - black panthers, snakes, and monkeys. Casati's unusual look and flair for fashion made her an icon of her day and she continued to inspire modern designers such as Alexander McQueen and John Galliano well into the 1990s. She's worth knowing about for any fashion enthusiast.
I was sorry to hear that Bedazzled bead shop in Lafayette is closing after 17 years. The store owner tells me the commute is getting to be too much. A popular destination for local crafters, the shop will be missed.
Speaking of commutes, I recommend a drive to Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles in Berkeley to view their new exhibit called The Fringed Shawl. Opening on April 6th, this exhibit takes a look at the history of the shawl from the must-have accessory of the Victorian Lady to the fashionable home decor item of many a hippie in the 1960s. Take a look at the website for more information: lacismuseum.org.
Enjoy the season of color and go forth in style.
Moya Stone is a fashion writer and blogger at overdressedforlife.com.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA