About Rudi Gernreich

Austrian-born Gernreich immigrated in 1938 and lived in the United States until his death in 1985.  He was a designer best known for his provocative creations that liberated women from clothes that constrained the body. Gernreich impacted the fashion world with his visionary creations such as the "monokini" topless swimsuit, the transparent "no-bra bra," which was made of molded nylon cups attached to shoulder straps and a narrow elastic band encircling the rib cage, which we would all love to wear. He also produced androgynous separates and suits that blurred traditional boundaries between the feminine and masculine. We women can thank him for authorizing the first unisex looks for those days we just feel like looking oh so lady-like. While such styles are universally accepted today, Gernreich's fashions provoked storms of controversy and media coverage when introduced in the '60s and '70s.

Besides being an influential designer who was very ahead of his time, Gernreich pushed both fashion and social boundaries in the US. Gernreich was an influential co-founder of the Mattachine Society, the USA's first gay liberation movement.

Learning Leonard

Having found it's inspiration in the 1970's, Leonard emerged as one of the leading fashion houses with a fixation on color and print.  Known as a contemporary to Pucci, Leonard reminds us of days gone by where bold prints reigned supreme.

Fabiana is one of those people in life you meet and instantaneously are attracted to her passion for life. Fabiana studied design in Paris and has worked all over the world, including New York. She currently resides on the island of Anguilla where she has built a family and a well known brand of “Why Knot” sarongs and tunics. These pieces embody the spirit of the island itself – easy, fun, and perfect for any occasion.

The original “ Why Knot” store was started as a small stand under a big beautiful tree close to the beach.  The business quickly grew and tourists all over were bee- lining for Fabiana when arriving on this small island.  Today, Fabiana has a beautiful store Oceanside where she spends her days, designing, selling, and relaxing with her beautiful family.  I don’t think life really gets much better.

Summer is in full gear and we think everyone needs a “Why Knot”.  You can wear the classic sarong 7 different ways and we have confidence you can probably figure out a few more styles we don’t even know about!

The Man Repeller’s “Jury Duty Look”! 

We would definitely keep her on our case!

Check out the PINKCLOUDS x Eleven Objects exclusive collaboration July 6^th!!!

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What excites you about vintage fashion?

When did you confirm you were a vintage lover? 

"Well, I've always had an appreciation for unusual and/or quirky fashion and can remember digging around often in my mom's and grandmother's closet. My mom's mom was a seamstress, so her sewing room was like a virtual treasure trove...lots of gorgeous buttons and trimmings. I'm very nostalgic, so I get a very powerful emotional response from vintage pieces I love....so much more than anything new."

What are the top three things you look for when vintage shopping? 

"Generally, it's either pattern or the hand of the fabric. For some reason, I can spot good fabric from a few feet away. I'm also a sucker for anything metallic."

Favorite vintage store or market?

Where do you find your goodies Onland vs. Online! 

"Definitely eBay online and the Salvation Army onland, which is like my church. A vintage store has to be very special for me to really love it. The only one I go to repeatedly is Mafalda in Brooklyn."

I often end up hesitating over a purchase (usually because I have already done enough damage) and walking away to "think about it" and 9/10 times I go back for it! What's you tactic for avoiding impulse purchases or over shopping?

"I really never go too nuts. I'm a very thoughtful shopper and tend to have pangs of desire for the same things: Great blazers and coats, maxi-dresses, gigantic necklaces, and printed "mom" trousers...my look will very likely be the same when I'm 70, 80, and hopefully, 90."

Any memories of an item you passed up and either regretted not buying or went back for and was crushed to find out someone else already bought it.

"Oh boy, there are many, but I feel very resolute in the fact that if I don't wake up thinking about it, it's not meant to be mine. I will say that I was very disappointed at myself for hesitating on a fantastic pair of Marni platforms. They ended up going for only $65 on eBay. Another one was a long vintage sweater coat by Missoni from the '70s. I still think about it."

How do you style your vintage pieces with the rest of your 

wardrobe for a more modern look. 

"Vintage is so much a part of my vibe, it's just me at this point. Generally, my shoes and bags are new and 3/4s of the rest of my outfit is vintage, which seems to be the ratio that works for me."

Who are your favorite designers of the past? 

"Jean Muir, Betty Jackson, Sonia Rykiel, Norma Kamali, Yves Saint Laurent, Geoffrey Beene, Hermès, Anne Klein, and all the Italians, Gucci, Missoni, Valentino...it's really endless."

Which designers or brands do you lust after today? 

"The same along with Derek Lam, Chris Benz, Band of Outsiders, Rachel Comey, Opening Ceremony, Suno, and anything designed by Phoebe Philo."

All-time favorite find? 

"A vintage black DKNY tuxedo jacket from the early '90s that fits me like it was made for me in some centuries-old atelier. It's THAT good."

Any trends or looks you are fixed on at the moment. 

"Graphic-printed pants, gold and copper lamé, pant-suits, old denim work-shirts, and anything in red silk." 

Favorite piece from PinkClouds? How would you style it? 

"This silk printed Bill Blass trench, for sure. I'd wear it with simple white cropped jeans and and bright red platform sandals. I'm also WAY into this Claude Montana suit...there are so many ways I would wear this, I can't even count. But a little piece of me thinks it could be amazing to wear it at City Hall to get married!"

Any other special vintage moments you want to share? 

"It's funny, I would never imagine that hunting for great vintage would become my favorite hobby, but it has. Whether I'm at a huge flea-market or a tiny yard sale, the whole process of looking and touching and digging is just incredibly meditative to me. I just hope I have a daughter one day whom I can pass all my finds down to!"

                    Check out Christene’s FIX SALE NOW! For more of Christene follow REFINERY29!!!

PINKCLOUDS FEATURED IN FUTURECLAW

Cindy Crawford from FutureClaw Magazine on Vimeo.

 What inspired you to start Tales of Endearment?

After fashion week/March 2010, I had a bit of down time so I started thinking of ways to occupy my time. You can only read so many books or browse the internet for so long. I thought I should start a blog. I came up with the name first. Then it was just a matter of finding an angle, a subject I would be passionate enough to write about on a regular basis. I was researching vintage on Ebay a lot at the time and saw all these amazing clothes and accessories and thought: there must be a way to show these to the world. I can’t buy everything – some of it not the right size or too expensive or, hello, no more room in my wardrobe! – but maybe I can inspire other people (especially designers) with my finds. And then one day it hit me: I should write a blog about vintage! The rest is history.

Of all the cities you have traveled to what is your favorite city for vintage shopping?  Do you have a favorite store in that city?

This is a hard question. I can find a great place in every city I travel to.

I love New York because the demand/supply is very high and vintage is as accessible as ever. Vintage stores keeps popping up (actually the past 2 years a few have disappeared due to the economic down turn…) and we have the best fairs, markets and shows in the country. My favorite designer stores are Marlene Wetherell’s and New World Order. My favorite low-key store is Fluke.

Palm Springs is the best for thrifting! It is so cheap and fun. My favorite store there is Resale Therapy.

What is life like as a model caster?

Casting is a fun job. I work with young, beautiful people every day and can pretty much handle a casting from anywhere in the world on my laptop. Give me a phone and a computer and I get you your models! Even pool side. I love working with different clients who have different wishes or work in different formats. The model agents have all become my friends over the years, so phone conversations are not necessarily rigid and hardball. I love my job, and that’s what matters most.

Who are your favorite models? (past or present)

Some of my favorite girls are Marieke Leroux, Anais Pouillot, Sophie Srej, Amanda Norgaard, Julija Step, Daphne Groeneveld, Marina Perez, Maria Carla Bosconi, Anja Rubic, Abbey Lee Kershaw…

When you think of all the shoots and shows you have worked on, what are you most proud of or which one stands out the most in your memory?

My favorite shoots were the Rocawear campaigns. There was so much going on on set! Celebrities, helicopters, snowmobiles, little kids, extras, sports stars… So much fun!

Any embarrassing or funny Fashion Week stories?

There’s always the little hiccup here and there but embarrassing, not really… Castings during show season are pretty stressful. There’s not really much time for fun and games. We try to stay as cool and professional as possible because every little detail counts.

What was your most extravagant vintage purchase?

I think my Alaia dress. That was around $800 I think.

What is the most precious thing in your closet? (vintage or new item).

I have a black Balenciaga party dress that is priceless. I paid a lot for it but so far it’s incredibly useful and appropriate for any fashionable occasion. Never outdated, never conspicuous. And it’s so soft it feels good to wear it as well.

Who are your favorite brands right now?

Balenciaga, Mark Fast, Peter Pilotto, Chanel, Adam, J.Crew, Miu Miu…

What is your fix of the moment? (Trend, designer, or item you reallllly want)

I really want a classic, black, padded Chanel bag with silver chain. And I need that Isabel Marant multi-colored fur. That would really make me happy. 

What is your Pinkclouds Pick?!

All the really cool furs!

Check out Natalie's vintage blog Tales Of Endearment Feb

Photos courtesy of Tommy Ton Style.com

It does not get better than a day of sorting through Marlene Wetherell's store.  She has the most amazing collection of vintage pieces and some of the best Geoffrey Beene I have ever seen! Visiting her NYC store in the Antique Market, 40 W. 25th St, is one of my favorite Sunday activities.  I never leave without buying something.  Actually, I believe I blew my entire first pay check at Marlene's booth at the Chelsea Pier Show my first September living and working in NY!  Some things never change...

We always love hanging, shopping and working with Marlene :) Here is a little more about our favorite lady!

Q&A questions:

Who is your all time favorite designer?

Favorite designer without a doubt...YSL!

How did you get started as a vintage dealer?

I started as a collector of textiles and clothing.

I did photography and styling before and used my pieces in shoots...

I turned my passion into a business...

What do you love about vintage?

I love vintage because of its quality + craftsmanship. There are pieces that never go out of style...

It always looks unique... It mixes beautifully with new pieces.. It makes for an individual style.

I also love pieces that reflect an era or decade... It says so much!

Who are your style icons?

I love some of the french actresses from the 60's like Romy Schneider, (she was German actually but acted in french films), Jeanne Moreau, and Delphine Serig.

What is your favorite item from our site?!

Love the YSl leopard print chenille coat.. Because it's YSL , it's super chic, timeless, and can be worn with anything!

xoxo Marlene