Fashion & the city. Entwined. Architecture and the city. City scenes and fashionable luring windows endure to bring appreciation from behind my lens. An ongoing attempt at capturing the essence of fashion’s change in a structural world of distinctive architectural details. A love affair, indeed…
Spring onward, from behind the lens…
The Beauty Of Neiman Marcus Visuals & City DetailsCity Patterns & Color Bursts Of StyleSeasonal Nods Of High Style, Neiman MarcusFashion and the City, Louis VuittonFor the Love Of Chanel…And The City Of ChicagoTwo Loves: Fashion & The CityThe Windows Of Prada, The Artistry Of Visual Display & Details Of Substance In A CityColor Burst, Tom Ford & City SceneStripes & City Style: Max MaraFashion & The City: Always Entwined. Max Mara.Burberry Fashion & Architecture
Appreciate the details that surround you. Looking closer, looking upward you will find details of beauty. And from behind the thick glass panes of fashion’s changing stage? Inspiration and appreciation of fashion’s whimsy and artful displays of style will loose you, if but for a moment, into the timeless and often fantasy world of fashion.
Breton Stripes At Max Mara
One side note…On this day, March 31, 2018, Jcrew has deemed it to be International Stripes Day. Befitting that the image below finds me in Jcrew stripes. Breton Stripes forever!
Chicago in September. What was a warmer than usual September day on the city streets of Chicago, the Autumnal inspirations were evident. The city was launching into a fashionably forward Autumn. The tops of trees that held just a tinge of Autumnal change off the Chicago River led me to my monthly jaunt in search of fashion’s changing windows. Yet it seems that the lens of my camera pointed at less windows than usual. Perhaps the pending change of season’s brings forth a change within me and what truly inspires me. Change is good. Fashion is everywhere, but there are some months that I seek for greater inspiration than I find. Alas, less is more. A mantra that I follow, indeed.
And sometimes a moment, while in the whirl of the city life that envelopes you, is needed to focus on the details of a city. Simple park benches off the Magnificent Mile. City scenes to take in, for certain…
September Seating, Michigan Avenue/ Chicago
Onward to the collected inspirations found from behind my lens. Onward to being inspired but what each of us are moved by…in appreciation.
Chanel Launch: Gabrielle/Macy’s State Street
One cannot help but meander inside the grate stately old Marshall Fields, now Macy’s, to see the visual of the launch of Gabrielle. In love with the interior and the fragrance, indeed…
Gabrielle, Chanel Launch at Macy’s, State StreetSaks Fifth Avenue: “The Runway Starts At Saks”, Michigan AvenueSaks Fifth Avenue: “The Runway Starts At Saks”, Michigan Avenue“The Runway Starts At Saks”Tom Ford: Fashionably Poised In BlackVisual Merchandising and The Mannequins of Tom FordFashionable Chicago In SeptemberChicago’s Fashionable Windows In September
From one who never tires of being inspired by the changing fashionable windows, onward in changing seasons and fashion ahead. For the love of a city and it’s fashion, ONWARD…
Chicago in December. Magical. Although my early December trek through the Windy City was not in the full swing and frenzy of the mass of Holiday shoppers as it would be in late December, the streets were certainly filled with those pondering or embarking upon their Christmas and Holiday lists. The holiday season in the great city of Chicago. Excitement always fills the air when one ventures onto the streets of any city. Yet the holidays seem to bring a different festive spirit that is fueled by the festooned buildings and lighted trees bedecked in holiday greens with twinkling lights…city wonderment, indeed…
Bedecked With Holiday Greens & Lights: The Chicago Tribune Building, Michigan Avenue
The embellishment of crimson red and boughs of pine against the backdrop of Chicago was a stunning view to behold. For certain, I adore this city in all seasons.
Oh, how I love and adore this city and the color red…
Chicago In December
Of the fashion that filled the windows through the city and on the Magnificent Mile? Delightful. Some more festive than others, but each a representational of holiday flare and style. Fashion and its season’s presented in a visual compilation from behind my lens…
I begin with Holiday fantasy behind the windows of Neiman Marcus…Cheers to the mannequin and the artistry of visual merchandising! “A little bit of fantasy…”, indeed…
Fantasy & Fashion: Neiman Marcus EleganceHoliday Elegance Behind The Windows Of Neiman MarcusEnticing Windows Of Holiday Appeal: Neiman MarcusEnticing Windows Of Holiday Appeal: Neiman MarcusLouis Vuitton…Holiday StyleWhite & Black: Winter DelightsMichael Kors: Shiny, Bright & ClassicMoncler: Winter Delights In Tweed & FurPrada: Holiday Delights Of Fashionable AppealHoliday Style: Prada StyleMacy’s State Street: Homage To ChicagoMacy’s State Street: Homage To ChicagoMacy’s State Street: Homage To ChicagoParty Ready At Hugo BossRed, Red Delight: BurberryFrom The Windows Of Burberry…Salvatore Ferragamo: Red & Gold DelightsGolden Treasures: Salvatore Ferragamo“Land Of 1,000 Delights”….Magic Behind Saks Fifth AvenueGolden Delights: Saks Fifth Avenue’s Holiday StyleGolden Palms, Comfort & Holiday StyleMax Mara: An Abstract Holiday
A word about the windows of Max Mara. Typically my favorite windows. Yet unexpected was the abstract Holiday window in unexpected hues. Regardless, Holiday-esque it certainly alludes to. And of the white and black topped hats? A love behind my lens, for certain…
The Fashionable Windows Of Max MaraThe Fashionable Windows Of Max MaraBlack & White Delight: Max MaraBlack & White Delight: Max MaraStyle & A City Reflected: Max MaraStylish Impact: Max MaraStylish Toppers, Max Mara Style
Perhaps beyond the Holiday visual, a visual conjured up of an escape to warmer temperatures behind the windows of Chanel on Michigan Avenue…
The Windows Of Chanel…Walk This Way: ChanelTod’s Circus: Defining Visual Of StyleSnow White Behind Tom FordCrimson Red & Escada StyleFashion Captured From Behind My Lens…In Black & White
From behind the lens my eye will never tire to seek and capture a mere visual of the artistry of fashion and its windows that seek to beckon those that pass by. Onward to another year of capturing fashion and a city ahead. For one who has photographed the fashionable windows of Chicago every single month for over 3 years…onward!
Inspiration and fashion, Onward, indeed…
Onward,
Kristin
“Photography can only represent the present. Once photographed, the subject becomes part of the past”- Berenice Abbott
Myself Captured in Reflection: Fashion & The Photographer’s Selfie.
Chicago. On a day that was unusually cooler, given a recent streak of high temperatures, I boarded the train for the Windy City of Chicago. My monthly visual quest for fashionable inspiration. The Fall-like weather that settled in paired with the layer of clouds that hung overhead (which would soon disperse)and certainly brought forth further Fall Fashion excitement. August. The end of Summer and the slow progression towards layers with cooler days and nights that are ahead. And so it was. Another journey to the fashionable streets of Chicago. Camera in hand. From State Street to Michigan Avenue to Oak Street & the Gold Coast. Fashion’s changing force visually presented. Inspiration abounds for those that seek visual appreciation and for those that seek fashionable impulse. Fashion’s appreciation, indeed.
Yet beyond the display that awaits behind the glass panes of fashion is a visual appreciation of the city that surrounds. Chicago and its architecturecontinue to remain a draw from behind the lens of my camera…Appreciation of a city, indeed….
Stellar City Scape : Chicago Love
And of the fashionable statements that visual merchandising designers present behind the windows of fashion? Onward into finding inspiration, as always…
Vivid Red & Striking AccessoriesFeathery Delight: Michael KorsGray & Black Hues Of Timeless Appeal: Tom FordTom Ford’s Striking Autumnal AppealVisuals Of Fashionable Appeal: Accessories Of High Style Behind Tom FordTom Ford’s Layered Classic DelightsMax Mara: Autumnal Hues Of EleganceAubergine Delight: Max MaraFlowing Elegance Of Rose & Hued Beauty: Max MaraElegance & Timelessness In The Details: Max MaraElegance: Flowing, Sequined & Ribboned Delight: Max MaraBlue Hues Of Fashionable Appeal Behind Max MaraHues Of Autumn In Max Mara’s Fashionable VisualBurberry: Fall’s Approach On DisplayAutumn and Style: Burberry’s Windows Of FashionAutumn’s Layers & Color Behind Herme
Jill Sander: Classic Appeal and Neutral Hues
Autumnal Appeal: Windows Of FashionFashion On The City Streets: Chanel’s Chance
Reflections. Part of the appeal….
Consider the world of fashion. The changing world of fashion from behind the windows that line the city streets. Visuals to inspire. Visuals to appreciate. There is an art form that lies behind the reflective panes of glass. Details to appreciate. As always, a constant focus from behind my lens. Summer’s end approaches. Fall lies before us. Fashion, onward, indeed…
Onward,
Kristin
“Selfie”: Reflections Off Fashion’s Windows In Chicago
January, February, March & April 2015May, June, July & August 2015
September, October, November & December 2015
Another year from behind the lens…
Another year of fashionable appeal of the timeless, ever changing world of fashion and its whimsy appeal brought forth by the intriguing and inspiring world of window display. Fashion window display. Although a retrospect of the year in photographs and compilations is not new to me (for I have ventured into the city of Chicago, with the sole purpose of photographing fashion’s changing settings, for two years now) the year 2015 in fashion deserves a visual review. Prior to the fashionable windows of 2014 it was a yearly visual appreciation of city inspirations. My love for the city has not paled. Yet my appreciation for the windows of fashion has deepened. Always have I been lured to the windows that mesmerize. Windows that flaunt a visual. Whether in elegant simplicity or in flamboyant and colorful display, fashion beckons me. From behind the lens, I have aimed my lens to capture the essence of the changing fashionable scene. Within the compilations I have sought to express the magic and changing world therein. Behind the lens. Behind the windows of fashion.
For those that wish to take a closer look at the photographic compilations beyond what is presented here, of each month of city scenes behind the windows of fashion, merely search “City Inspirations”. The compilations of a month-by-month visual will hopefully provide you with fashionable inspiration and appreciation throughout the year wherever you reside.
Of course, a closer view at a mere representation of each month …
Chicago In January/ 2015Chicago In February/2015Chicago In March/2015Chicago In April/2015Chicago In May/2015Chicago In June/ 2015Chicago In July/2015Chicago In August/ 2015Chicago In September/ 2015Chicago In October/ 2015Chicago In November/ 2015Chicago in December/2015
May you be inspired to look closer to the fashionable surrounds that exist around you. For me it is a continual visual of appreciation of the artistry and the magic of fashion merchandising and the evolution of fashion’s change. Inspiring, indeed. I will continue my photographic quest to share the fashionable inspiration from the windows of fashion. Chicago and beyond.
And as for the New Year ahead that awaits us? Perhaps the words I stated in 2014 deserve repeating:
“Edit and frame your view. Life is constantly moving forward. Move with it with appreciation. Focus on what surrounds you. May your eyes be wide and your interest piqued….always.” -Kristin
Jute sole “Espadrilles”. Long have they been an emblem of casual Summer “chic”. These jute sole shoes with canvas uppers have endured as a coveted warm weather essential. For certain, variations abound of this timeless shoe that pairs with a flexible and defining characteristic sole constructed of jute rope. Natural and lightweight delight, indeed…
Espadrilles: Season Style With Variations
Since the 14th century espadrilles have been crafted in the Pyrennean Catalonia region of Spain. Originally constructed as peasant footwear it is perhaps no surprise that the form and function of this lightweight, natural shoe would evolve and pair with fashion. Interestingly, the most primitive form of espadrilles date back as far as 4000 years. Quite an enduring history of natural appeal. The French term “Espadrille”, in the romance language of “Occitan”, was derived from “Esparto” (a plant that was originally burned then braided to make the soles) and from “Espardenya” in Catalan or “Alpargata” in Spanish. For certain, the braided rope soles with hand sewn fabric have endured as in craftsmanship. Today Jute Espadrilles are imported from Spain, France, Italy, Bangladesh and Argentina. Jute soles of broad, world wide appeal, indeed.
The Art Of The Espadrille: Enduring Craftsmanship
Beyond the origins of peasant footwear, espadrilles have certainly evolved into a fashionable statement of warm weather style. Although traditional espadrilles are worn by both men and women during the warm weather months, it is the modern espadrilles on the feet of the woman that my focus is upon. As for the appeal of these natural jute braided sole shoes in America, it has been attributed to the “Silver Screen’s” 1948 film “Key Largo” starring Lauren Bacall. Bacall, with her ankles ribboned with espadrille ties. Perhaps Bacall created a fashionable stir that has not ceased to appeal. The world of Hollywood would soon embark and stroll upon the streets with soles of jute…and the rest is history.
Key Largo (1948) Directed by John Huston Humphrey Bogart &Lauren Bacall Hollywood Icons & EspadrillesHollywood & Fashion:Enduring Fashionable Appeal in Jute EspadrillesEnduring Appeal In Fashion: Jute Espadrilles
In 1970 it was Yves Saint Laurent who brought the espadrille to greater heights with the pairing of his vision for a wedge espadrille. Having met Spanish espadrille manufacturers, Lorenzo & Isabel Castañer, at trade shoe in Paris, the Castañer’s successfully interpreted Yves Saint Laurent’s vision. Alas, fashion’s allure to the stacked jute soled shoe remains. Of course, with fashion, revivals and revisions will always bring the classics back to the forefront. During the 1980’s America again experienced a revival with these jute soled & canvas shoes. No matter the decade, this jute sole shoe will continue a journey of fashionable Summer appeal…
“If Yves Saint Laurent wanted a wedge espadrille, a wedge espradille he would have!”
-Lorenzo Castañer.
Yves Saint Laurent’s Iconic 1970’s Stacked Espadrille
And of the stylized high-heeled variations? Fashionable statements of height paired warm weather appeal, for certain. Yet it is theflat soled espadrille that my focus falls upon. Comfort and ease. Lightweight and simple. A warm weather classic…
Fashion’s Enduring Love Affair: EspadrillesClaudia Schiffer: Timeless Summer Appeal In Espadrilles (1994)Natural & Warm Weather Appeal: EspadrillesCasual Chic With Warm Weather Appeal: EspadrillesJute Soles & Canvas Uppers: Summertime PerfectionStylish Variations: Summer’s EspadrillesWarm Weather Essentials: EspadrillesBreton Striped, Nautical Delight: Summer EspadrillesSummer Style Paired With Natural Jute & Canvas: EspadrillesTimeless Black & White: Summer Espadrille ClassicsEspadrilles & The Man: Enduring Ease
Of course, a nod to the men that don a pair of espadrilles and to cooler temps with the addition of leather uppers…fashion evolves, always.
Fall Inspiration: Leather Upper Espadrilles In Autumn
Consider the ease and stylish appeal of the warm weather espadrille. Perhaps they are the perfect carefree & lightweight shoes of natural appeal when the sun soaks upon us. What is for certain is that the jute braided soles of these distinctive shoes is certain to remain an element of fashion paired with ease and breathable comfort. A timeless solution to sultry days. Warm weather appeal, indeed…
Onward,
Kristin
“Selfie”/My Espadrilles: This Summer’s Interpretation Of A Classic
House Appeal 