I thought it was only fitting to bring back blogging buddy Jamar Graham this season to cover Gary Graham.
My first show of the Fall/Winter 2011/12 Season consisted of what I thought to be 70’s and 80’s references from designer Gary Graham at his Tribeca boutique. What I took away from his new collection consisted of a collage of motifs from Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin’s eclectic styles. The hair was volumed Joan Jett styled wigs paired with paisley print bandannas. With the addition of safety pin necklaces, converse sneakers, few graphic tee’s and striped cotton socks, I was sure I was right.
I was wrong though, Gary Graham took inspiration from Joseph Campbell's Hero with a Thousand Faces. Graham told the story of three phases: departure, initiation, and return.
Looks included carrot leg pants, draped over-sized cardigans, abstract digital printed leggings and dresses, smart suiting jackets, and beautiful silk dresses and blouses.
An interesting mix of motifs and references made for a upbeat stylish collection from one of New York’s creative designer collections.
Colors
Charcoal, beige, black, digital prints in yellow, red, and orange, maroon, and Ivory
Materials
Silk, embroidered wools, cotton, lycra, felt, shearling, twill.
Loved Looks
My favorite look was hands down an amazing draped Ivory floor length wool coat with dart detailing at the hem.
Unloved look
Embroidered wool gauze jacket, black t-shirt, and border batik silk dress.
People, Scene and Music
Abandoned seaside dock with slanted door opening?
Note from Editor: I've never read Joseph Campbell's A Hero With a Thousand Faces. I'm going to go with my first assumption and say Jamar hasn't either. But, Fashion Funhouse Emporium is an educational blog, as you can tell from its name. From what my research tells me, Campbell's hero theory is based on monomyth. Though this is not Campbell's word for word explanation, the idea is that a normal dude has the chance to be a hero. If he so chooses, he ventures into a supernatural world where he faces trials and tribulations. He learns stuff, then he comes back to the normal world kickin' some knowledge.
Jamar gives the Gary Graham Presentation at Karl head rating of:
What the hell does this mean? View the Fashion Funhouse Emporium Karl-head Rating System.
