INSPIRATION 3: MARION MOREHOUSE

ICP (International Center for Photography) presently has two fashion photography exhibitions up, Weird Beauty: Fashion Photography Now and Edward Steichen: In High Fashion The Conde Naste Years.

I made a bet with myself before entering the exhibit that I would not find a single photograph that reflected my point of view in regards to fashion. As I exited the Fashion Photography Now portion of the exhibit, I felt confident that victory was at hand.

However, this little gem of Marion Morehouse by Edward Steichen was right around the corner. I snapped one photo before the guard informed me that there is no photography allowed in the photography museum.

I was pleased to lose the bet. Good thing stakes are low when you are betting against yourself.

Marion Morehouse wearing a riding habit, 1927

THE END: UNKNOWN, KENZO MINAMI, AND EDWARD RUSCHA

Recently, I saw this magazine clipping at a friend's house:Then, Blackbird got this Kenzo Minami t-shirt and I definitely took note and remembered the magazine clipping though I didn't think much about it...
However, on my recent trip to NY, I stumbled across this painting at MOMA. Could it just be coincidence? Perhaps...either way, the t-shirt and the painting are both rad.

Kenzo Minami - THE END T-shirt
in white
DETAILS: "THE END" print on front and narrow slashed line on printed backside. Slightly relaxed crew-neckline. Kenzo Minami's t-shirts are made in Japan from a light enzyme-washed cotton. Please note that these t-shirts fit a bit small; the S being approximately a USA size XS, M approximately a USA size S, etc.
sizes: S, M, L, XL
$198

Edward Ruscha. The End. 1991
Synthetic polymer paint and graphite on canvas
70" x 9'4"
The Museum of Modern Art

INSPIRATION 2: NY LANDSCAPE ART

After spending all day in museums, I spotted this incredible piece of landscape art on the street. Quite possibly the best work I saw that day.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY: BAND OF OUTSIDERS S/S2009

My store picks for Valentines Day are the Band of Outsiders Oxford Shirt and Captain's Wheel Tie. There are a vast selection of ties in the store. I just happen to be a sucker for anything nautical.

Band of Outsiders - S/S Overdye Oxford Shirt
in blue, gray, red, or pink
DETAILS: Made from a thick oxford cotton, overdyed to achieve a beautiful vibrant color. A-body fit with box pleat and darting on the back to create a slim fit.
sizes/blue: XS, S, M, L, XL
sizes/gray: XS, S, M, L, XL
sizes/red: XS, S, M, L, XL
sizes/pink: XS, S, M, L
$204

Band of Outsiders Tie
DETAILS: Measures 2.5" across the widest point. 100% silk. Made in USA.
$130

INSPIRATION 1: AMELIA EARHART

Aside from being known for her numerous groundbreaking achievements in aviation, Amelia Earhart should also be remembered as a fashion icon. Born July 24, 1897, she defied the dressing conventions of her time and really knew how to use a scarf.

"The most effective way to do it, is to do it." -Amelia Earhart

WELCOME: ABOUT THIS BLOG

Between the Bees is a Blackbird Blog about fashion and ideas created by Dez.

I started out as a customer of Blackbird a couple of years ago and quickly fell in love with the store. I am female bodied and have always preferred the quality, functionality, and design of menswear over womenswear. I always felt at home shopping at Blackbird and was impressed by the fact that they consistently stocked items that fit me.

Now, I’ve partnered with Blackbird as an Independent Fashion Agent! In the fashion industry, I fit into a hole in the market that is not catered to and is never researched in demographic market studies. My intention is to build a bridge over that hole. This blog is a tiny, elephant step towards such.

This blog has proven difficult to define, as it is the beginning of an exploration. Further, I want it to be inclusive. As soon as I start assigning language to it, such as male/female and masculine/feminine, it becomes exclusive and constrictive. I am interested in what is between these normative dichotomies in fashion. I like things that cannot be neatly packaged. I also have a background in visual art and architecture and am interested in examining the places where all three disciplines intersect. So, what defines this blog is precisely its evasion of definition. How’s that for confusing?

All suggestions and feedback are welcome and should be directed to me at dez@blackbirdballard.com.