The Silk Scarf Aficionado

I am fanatical about militaria. This is most probably slightly contradicted by the fact that I abhor, detest, loath, despise (I think I have made my point) khaki. Shudder. But, give me a beautiful piece of structured tailoring in a navy pressed wool fabric and throw in a few brass military buttons and I will go weak at the knees. As a result, I completely melted at the spectacle of the McQ Autumn/Winter 2012-13 show. However, I must say that I am slightly disappointed in Sarah Burton’s decision to turn what McQueen intended as a younger, more accessible line* into a high end fashion line with coats costing in the thousands. I feel it slightly betrays McQueen’s vision.

If you are fanatical about militaria as much as I, then TK Maxx has a treat for you: Moschino silk chiffon scarves depicting military buttons. Better still, the scarves cost only £39.99 as opposed to the RRP of £108. Although this scarf design is a number of years old (I have had the silk satin square version of this design in red for 2 years), it is nonetheless still very current and promises to be a wardrobe staple.

Lucy xx

 

 

*”McQueen does not want it to be avant garde; McQ is supposed to be more commercial”.

Pearly kings and buttons and things…

There is no disputing that Moschino scarf designs are immensely fun and playful. Quite literally in the case of the monopoly board game design I saw on eBay a few months back. Why did I not bid on it?! Just imagine having the option of rolling out your scarf on a slow day in work and indulging in a board game to alleviate the boredom! On demand entertainment worn around your neck – it is pure genius.

Yes, Moschino scarves are most definitely good fun. After all, fashion should be about having fun and, what better way to have fun with fashion than with a little help from the tongue-in-cheek designs to emanate from the Italian Fashion house.

Last year I received a marvellous Moschino scarf from my boyfriend’s parents as a Christmas present (no awkward ‘thank you, just what I have always wanted’ appreciative facade required here!). This particular design was pearlescent pink and lilac in colour with the slogan ‘Moschino is Pearly King’ depicted in pearl buttons. Rather peculiarly, I always find myself attracted to Moschino scarves with designs incorporating buttons or badges. To the majority of people, this is not in the slightest bit peculiar. However, to me it is because (wait for it) I have a slight phobia of buttons! That is correct, buttons bother me. I mean really bother me. In the way that fingernails down a blackboard bother most, buttons have me wincing and cowering (normally, not in the functional sense, but more in the design feature sense - why ruin a perfectly good vest top with button detailing on the neckline? Do I want to look like I am wearing my granddad’s vest?! *Shudder*). I am sure Sigmund Freud would have something to say about that; phobias pertaining to the fastenings of attire are the manifestation of deep-rooted, subconscious desires for the daughter of the aunts’ sister’s husband (oh no, wait, that would be me).

Dear me, I am in the ‘rambling off at a complete tangent’ mood today! To prevent boring you any further, here is a quick summary: I hate buttons. Regardless, this scarf is magnificent and most definitely an asset to my collection. However, although a great design, it has always both puzzled and intrigued me as to how an Italian Fashion House came to take their inspiration from an English working class tradition. Irrespective of the answer, I am obviously pleased that they did.

Lucy xx

P.S. Check out Lara Mullen as a Pearly Queen in Vogue UK’s ‘London Pride’ feature in the June 2012 edition.

The scarf that began it all…

 I haven’t always been the scarf fanatic that I am today. In fact, I can blame my obsession on a Moschino silk satin scarf I bought a few years ago which started a collection that quite quickly snow-balled out of control. Although a small scarf at little over 60cm x 60cm, the scarf was bursting with the playful flamboyance that you would expect from the Italian fashion house. Covered in a design of button badges, this particular design tapped into the child in me who grew up loving all things 60s psychedelic or 70s rock (Austin Powers or That 70s Show anyone?! What can I say; I was a child of the late 90s, early 00s). I just had to have it. And, at a bargainous (not a real word, I know, but it says it all!) £29 from TK Maxx, why not?

Unfortunately, I soon discovered the wealth of wonderful designs that Moschino had to offer and shortly my one scarf collection became a two scarf collection when I purchased the silk chiffon 65cm x 170cm version of the same scarf, which suddenly became the twelve scarf Moschino collection that I have today (excluding the pashminas and woollens ones that is!). With quirky designs ranging from Olive Oyl (specifically for the Moschino Cheap and Chic line), to newspapers, magazine covers, graffiti, or designs inspired by pearly kings and queens, Moschino silk scarves are just far too addictive. My personal favourite is a red 90cm x 90 cm silk satin scarf covered in a gold military button design, although the red lips 65cm x 170cm silk chiffon scarf is most definitely a close contender (a steal at only £10 second hand on eBay).

Yes, Moshino, I blame you for the addict I am today!

Lucy xx

 P.S. in the process of writing this post I have managed to spill Earl Grey tea down the Givenchy scarf I am wearing. Perhaps my enthusiasm for combining tea and silk scarves in my Twinnings / Alice Temperley post was a little premature!