Coco Chanel said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Wise words indeed, but still, I often get caught up in the pages of my favorite catalogs, catchy window displays, runway looks, and impressive street style. Fortunately, behind many a fashionista there is a supportive husband--and in my case, an adorable and style savvy one at that.
I am thankful to my partner in crime, Dallin, for helping me keep my trend goggles on and to examine fashion in new and exciting ways. On any given day, Dallin manages to discover the most interesting--and often shocking--fashion stories, and I often find links to these newsworthy stories in my email inbox.
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| Bulletproof Garment by Miguel Caballero Image by J. Pat Carter/AP from the NY Daily News |
In fact, about a month ago, I was introduced to designer Miguel Caballero's line of bulletproof fashion. I kid you not. Apparently, Caballero first developed this concept in his native Colombia, where his wealthy clientele required protection from drug cartel hit men, but didn't like the bulky look of bulletproof vests. Now that is what you can a design challenge. Then, two years ago, the designer saw a market opportunity in the increase in gun violence in the US and took his work state-side. He has since created bulletproof gear for celebrities like Diddy, the Wu Tang Clan, and Steven Seagal. His looks include bulletproof trench coats, hoodies, polo shirts, and even dinner jackets. Perhaps this isn't exactly what Madame Chanel intended in her definition of fashion, but there is clearly--and perhaps sadly--a market opportunity for Caballero's protective vision.
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| Roland Trettl's Creation of Seaweed and Octopus Shown at the Communication Museum in Berlin, GermanyPhoto by Odd Andersen, AFP/Getty Images from Canada.com |
While bulletproof style certainly pushes the boundaries of traditional fashion, I was even more surprised when Dallin shared an article on edible fashion with me earlier this week. Believe me when I say that this is not the stuff of a Project Runway challenge. Rather, The Fashion Food Exhibition at the Communication Museum in Berlin features the work of chef and food designer Roland Trettl, edible fashion made of pasta, fish skin, octopi and vegetables. In addition to a live exhibition, photographer and collaborator Helge Kirschberger also captured Trettl's creations on camera, and the images depict show-stopping designs like a head scarf made from the fatty membrane of a calf's stomach. Not exactly your typical runway look, but as Museum Director Lieselotte Kugler told the AFP, "The images are not salacious or pornographic but they are erotic and raise questions." Indeed, as unappetizing as this all sounds to me, Trettl's work certainly captured my attention (and sort of turned my stomach, if we're being honest).
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| Roland Trettl Places a Fish Skin Mask on a model Photo by Odd Andersen, AFP/Getty Images from Canada.com |
While I won't be in the market for a bullet proof vest or a fish skin mask any time soon, I am grateful for these irreverent reminders of the meaning of fashion. And I am thankful to my amazing husband for discovering and sharing such fashion oddities with me, helping to push my fashion sensibilities and expand my horizons. But just so we're clear, if you're going to buy me a present, stick with Chanel instead of Caballero or Trettl, okay?
