I do not know a lot about Chanel couture, and how its foundations drew a lot from menswear, but the rebelliousness of Gabrielle Chanel is what hooked me to the movie Coco avant Chanel.
The riding vest she is wearing here reminds me of a chopped coat featured on The Sartorialist.
The light that she brings to a room is muted and spare — almost severe.
But it is that ambiguity and sharpness that gives her designs their edge.
She cut through the patterns set by male standards, sheared off frivolity, and prized comfort.
But it is also her sheer determination that I admire — apparently gray and steely, but hiding flecks of color.
It is what is hidden and controlled that matters.
Now if only I can stop myself from scrambling for the nearest white and navy boat shirt to fulfill an old craving.