Going Zen


July 20, 2012

by Gracia Ventus

How does one go about choosing the attire of the day? Occasion is, needless to say, of the utmost importance, unless one goes by the name of Lady Gaga. So let’s say it’s a Saturday, I’m heading out to meet my friend(s)/significant other in the city (circle applicable option).

First thing that comes to mind is, do I need to be dressed comfortably today? There’s lots of walking to do, so no cab-to-curb shoes.

Is there something you’ve been thinking of wearing? Hell yes my Cos dress that’s never seen the light of the day because I’m too scared to wear white.

What kind of look can I go for in this white dress? An ass-kickin’ off-duty samurai of course.

self-fist bump





Cos dress; Thrifted kimono; Rick Owens boots

In the back of my mind (or is your conscious thought at the front?), all I could think of was Christophe Lemaire’s relaxed simplicity, all loosy-goosy and billowy. However, one can’t stray too far from Rick so I chose these particular boots over a proper pair of bottoms, also partly due to the fact that I don’t own any loose trousers, yet.

While Monsieur Lemaire’s collection was refreshing, it is by no means new. Damir Doma has been doing the desert nomad look for many years, while Yohji Yamamoto is probably the grandfather of luxurious comfort dressing. With that said, I really wanted to buy the a thing or two from his capsule collection with The Corner, but broke girl was, and still is, broke.



Christophe Lemaire for The Corner, via Arewu Journal


Much to my surprise back in February, Rick Owens decided to join the Zen crew by presenting his version of floor length coats for his FW 2012 show, complete with floor-skimming cashmere robes. In 2008-2009 he showed women who came from outer space, clad in skin tight leather space suits. Fast forward a few years later, these women have mingled with the Earthlings, but as high priestesses who rule over mankind from high up the Mountain, simply because they are too fearsome and the puny Earthlings are no match for them. If they remove their masks, they must draw blood. Also they probably keep a bevy of men at bay for snu-snu.



Certainly not the kind of woman you want to mess with, no siree. Via Models.com

Mind you that initial thought process in dressing occured to me almost subconsciously as I was trying to get dressed as fast as I can in an hour. My point of reference was solely Christophe Lemaire’s works, or so I thought. It was only when I retraced my thoughts as I was writing them down that I realised I might’ve jumped on a muthaflippin’ trend. But no matter. One simply does not feel unhappy when one dresses like a samurai, trend or no trend.



This face says: ‘I’m proper chuffed with this fit’

(12 comments)






12 thoughts on “Going Zen

  • Rachel McGann

    by Rachel McGann on July 20, 2012 at 10:04 pm

    those boots are fascinating..such a striking silhouette !

    Reply
    • Rosenrot

      by Rosenrot on July 20, 2012 at 11:54 pm

      Thank you for your kind words, Rachel :)

      Reply
  • inkarlcerating

    by inkarlcerating on July 20, 2012 at 10:33 pm

    amazing story. u have a great vision.. love the humor too plus i read the whole post. which i seldom do nowadays coz im super busy. but i’d digest your words coz youre awesomee!!!

    Reply
    • Rosenrot

      by Rosenrot on July 20, 2012 at 11:54 pm

      I hope it’s the good kind of busy with your labels, Karl. Thanks for dropping by.

      Reply
  • Alicia – Sea Of Ghosts

    by Alicia - Sea Of Ghosts on July 20, 2012 at 11:36 pm

    I just adore floor-sweepers. I’d long given up the hunt for a cloak-like black cardigan after never finding just the right one… but now you’ve rekindled the desire!

    I love how you manage to keep a no-black outfit darkly sophisticated. Very inspiring xx

    Reply
    • Rosenrot

      by Rosenrot on July 20, 2012 at 11:56 pm

      I can’t say it was an easy exercise because I, like you, am naturally attracted to black.

      I have to agree on the difficulty in finding said cardigan. I’m searching for the same type as well, without resorting to expensive RO.

      Reply
  • Anonymous

    by Anonymous on July 20, 2012 at 11:36 pm

    You’re from another planet Rosenrot !

    But to be honest I much prefer when you incorporate tailored garments in your outfits. The last one with the wide Margiela pants is perfection to my eyes.

    About Christophe Lemaire, have you ever handled his garments ? I find them very well cut but rather poor quality-wise. I’ve ordred a pair of pants from Thecorner and the fabric was miserable. Also, threads were starting to coming off.

    It’s a bit surprising that the guy behind Hermes uses poor fabrics for his own line…

    Reply
    • Rosenrot

      by Rosenrot on July 21, 2012 at 12:02 am

      I have yet to get hold of his clothes, but it’s unfortunate to hear about the poor quality of the garments. How often did you wear it before it started fraying? I hope it’s just contained within the collection with The Corner, which probably means that his mainline stuff will be even more expensive. Bah!

      Don’t worry, I don’t stray too far from tailoring. I can never resist sharp blazers!

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      by Anonymous on July 21, 2012 at 1:21 am

      I’ve never worn the trousers actually. It was already fraying fresh out of the box ! i’ve sent it back to Thecorner of course. And it was not from the capsule collection :/

      Maybe I’ve been unlucky though. There’s a pair of wool pants from the upcoming collection that has caught my eyes. Maybe I’ll try again.

      Good to hear you’re still into tailoring and sharp blazers !
      Would love to see you in a nice Dries Van Noten colorful outfit too. I’m sure you would rock this out.

      Reply
  • Stephanie

    by Stephanie on July 21, 2012 at 3:20 am

    Damn, nice work! I love this silhouette. Anything samurai-related is A.OK. in my books. Love how you incorporated the kimono.

    Reply
  • Lucinda

    by Lucinda on July 23, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    The soft silhouette and the white with grey is very inspiring. I used to avoid white too but recently I’ve been dreaming of top-to-toe white looks.

    Reply
  • Semicosmic

    by Semicosmic on July 23, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    That kimono! Still so completely jealous you found it for such an amazing price.

    Reply

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