Monday, March 1, 2010

The Return of the Muse: Shingai Shoniwa




There has been something missing from fashion for quite some time. I couldn't quite put my finger on it until I saw Shingai Shoniwa, lead singer of the Noisettes, in a photograph wearing a hot pink vintage bolero and a pair of orange jean shorts a few months ago, an odd combination and yet, she made it work. It was then that it occurred to me what fashion needs more of- individuality. If you look at photos of Shigai she is an absolute individual, and unafraid to take chances: she wears everything from established designers like Vivienne Westwood and Matthew Williamson, to newbies like David Koma, Ana Sekularac and Georgina Hardinge. She also mixes in vintage and afro-centric pieces into her wardrobe, and is unabashed about being photographed twice in the same piece- daring indeed.

I think back to great style mavens like Jackie O or Audrey Hepburn and wonder what this generation's equivalent might be. I know that it's not possible for everyone to create their own interesting style of dress, but with the availability of new trend information from street fashion blogs, and access to independent designers on site like Etsy, we certainly have the opportunity to express ourselves with our clothing.

What do you think- in an age of stylists who carefully curate celebrity images and a sea of trends has the sense of individuality in fashion been lost? 


GET SOME SHINGAI-INSPIRED STYLE

 Vintage-inspired silhouettes made from African fabrics.

Well-edited selection of vintage clothing and accessories- think eBay without all the junk.

Unique costume jewelry.


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