To a recovering minimalist like myself, Italian designer Stella Jean's modern blend of checks, stripes and African prints is quite appealing.
 |
| Spring/summer 2014 catwalk photos: style.com |
But how much is too much? When it comes to clashing prints, I'm inclined to think that two's company, three's a lively crowd. And at my age, I'm a bit beyond raucous gatherings. But by paring this down: think printed jacket with jeans and a stripey t-shirt, or maxi skirt with a plain black shirt, the look becomes more cultural mix than Culture Club. Opt for a Jenna Lyons-inspired, modern-day mash-up and prints are so much easier to wear. Though I'll definitely be looking a little closer to home for mine: Brixton Market has a fine selection of shops selling African fabrics and fabulous frocks:
Tip: if you get the chance, go and see Yinka Shonibare's Wind Sculpture and exhibition at the Queen's House in Greenwich. It's fantastic:
How do you wear bold prints?
I love these clothes -- prints and necklaces are fab. Yes, maybe wear only one.
ReplyDeleteI don't ... prints terrify me. I think I'm an irredeemable minimalist. Even patterned scarves intimidate me.
ReplyDeleteI like these a lot for spring...so much better than traditional spring colors. The first and fourth look are so appealing to me...I would wear jackets like these with jeans...I really like them alot.
ReplyDeleteaha!
ReplyDeletestella jean were the sneaking photograph taking pictures of my summer sunday attire.......
should ask her for copies, i never came around to do enough images for my blog ;-)
and - the older i get the bolder the mixes! patterns hide a lot.
The prints are fabulous - but one at a time for me! Jazzy jacket with plain trouser and tee - yay! Multiple prints - too much like 'dooty old bag'.
ReplyDeletethat should be 'dotty' not 'dooty'
ReplyDeleteAlso, don't know how to give myself a name (tehcno-twit, me.) Anyhow, I'm Anna and I love this blog.
Fabulous clothes! I've always been a maximalist, you know, the more is better school of thought. When Coco Chanel said when you have your outfit worked out, then take one thing off, I thought, "is she nuts?"
ReplyDeleteLove the clothes, but think it's better to showcase something stunning and let the rest of your outfit play a supporting role. Just like you said.
There, the master has spoken!
Cheers,
Rosemary from www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com
I am afraid of too many prints but I like mixing and matching to the point. I would totally wear that top skirt with a simple grey tee or that frist trench with some jeans. Beautiful pieces! Kisses.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love that shop in Brixton Village - you've inspired me to do a bit of fabric shopping this weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe clothes are fun and inspirational. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteStella Jean does remind me of Duro Olowu though. Wish I'd known about Brixton on my last trip! I've been mixing patterns for years but usually on a smaller scale. Because I'm built on a smaller scale. A perfect post for a gray winter's day!
ReplyDeleteI'll take you there next time you visit, Michelle!
ReplyDeleteI tend to be a bit nervous of prints however intend to be a bit more adventurous this season.
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally, my last post (before today's) has me wearing a rather bold print-- I kept everything else black, although I suppose someone brave than I am might have thrown in a striped top or jacket . . .
ReplyDeleteToday I'm wearing a multi-colour ethnic-batik print in/on a Catherine Malandrino dress. I suspect I'm now done for a few weeks -- if you're looking for me, I'll be wearing dark jeans and a navy or black sweater. . .
I love a fabulous print on a great dress! Or even the right jacket! But I agree with you, I would prefer to mix it with jeans and other basics. Sure looks perfect for the runway though...
ReplyDeleteNo for me, not ever. It always looks messy to me. I do not like to stand out, but to each her own.
ReplyDeleteI keep my bold prints confined to accessories and then, the sky's the limit. On me, prints, whether bold or demure, look dreadful. It's not the print, it's me.
ReplyDeleteRosemary, I think that Coco Chanel has been misquoted, or something was lost in translation. She definitely meant ADD one thing before you go out!
ReplyDeleteBeing 5' and a bit, I tend to be careful with bold prints, but love bold prints for my scarves.
Alyson, do you know how long the exhibition is on for? I'll be in Greenwich near the end of February!
It's on till the 23 Feb, Sue.
ReplyDelete