Nancy Cunard-poet, publisher, and activist-was famously fashion-forward. In this photo, she looks like she could step out of the current issue of any high fashion magazine.
Nancy Cunard, looking quite editorial.
That sleek belted-jacket is everything, with the statement necklace and her signature piled-on bracelets both coming in a close second.
Perfection.
Nice short documentary about Maelcum Soul, who was associated with John Waters and Divine.
La Belle Iseult by William Morris (died 3 October 1896). 1858.
“I have to see a thing a thousand times before I see it once.”-Thomas Wolfe (born 3 October 1900), You Can’t Go Home Again
Georgia O’Keeffe is so intrinsically and eternally elegant that mere fashion doesn’t matter; it’s a blip on an inconsequential radar. Unlike aesthetic conformity, personal style effortlessly squashes large spans of time into nothingness.
Don’t believe me?
This image of the legendary artist is 97 years old.
Georgia O’Keeffe by Alfred Stieglitz, 1918.
There’s so much to love about this look, this vibe, this scene.
Where to start?
Fierce. Every last bit. Fierce.
Maria Callas is my favourite opera singer, and this short video is beautiful. Full stop.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”-Ralph Waldo Emerson (died 27 April 1882)
Maud Gonne (died 27 April 1953)
…hair, makeup, clothes, attitude, and personality.
Portrait of Solita Solano by Berenice Abbott, circa 1920
Georges Seurat (born 2 December 1859): Port-en-Bessin: The Outer Harbor (Low Tide), 1888.
“The eyes see only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.”-Robertson Davies (died 2 December 1995), Tempest-Tost
“One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.”-Oscar Wilde
Our dear Djuna, who wasn’t always so dear, encompassed both of Wilde’s dictates.
Why wouldn’t she?
Djuna Barnes was not afraid to overstep the accepted boundaries of writing, art, behaviour, or fashion. She knew that, sometimes, too much wasn’t nearly enough.
Our favourite tetchy lady knew what she was doing. Here’s why.
Lessons in How to Dress, Djuna Barnes-style:
Tip #1-It’s okay to wear too many layers and accessories, as long as it is artfully done:
Djuna, daring you to find her anything short of magnificent.
A lesser woman would be weighed down by all those layers and accessories, but not our Djuna. She looks resplendent. The open collar, delicate jewelry, and commandingly vibrant lipstick pull everything together.
Tip #2-The key to wearing a bold print is to conquer it by the pure force of your personality:
Djuna Barnes taking charge of some giant dots, circa 1921.
Clothes smell fear. If you’re scared to wear something, you probably shouldn’t. Otherwise, don it with the conviction that no one else on earth could ever pull it off like you can.
Surrounding a huge pattern with solids never hurts, either.
Tip #3-Shoes and Hats! Shoes and Hats!
Solita Solano and Djuna Barnes were exceptionally chic in Paris, 1922.
Shoes and hats are all you need to be stylish and memorable. It doesn’t matter if you are wearing a ball gown or a T-shirt dress, as long as you are shod and topped with wit or taste, or even creative vulgarity. Swap those gorgeous 1920s frocks for modern minis and logo shirts, and Solita and Djuna would still look phenomenal.
Think about that.
Now go out there and face the world with confidence and a bit of writerly style!
“What am I pondering, you ask? So help me God, immortality.”-John Milton (died on 8 November 1674)
Photoplay, September 1922: Marie Prevost (born on 8 November 1898)
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