New York: Designer Anna shares insights into her latest vintage-inspired collection influenced by historical themes, vibrant colour palettes, and classic storytelling. Drawing from screwball comedies and the lives of famous heiresses, she combines timeless elegance with a modern twist, reflecting the evolution of contemporary fashion.
In a recent conversation with “Office Magazine,” designer Anna shared the inspiration behind her latest collection, which draws heavily from vintage aesthetics and historical themes. She articulated how the palette of her collection was influenced by an exhibition at the Morgan Library that focused on the Ballet Russes, featuring the vibrant costume paintings of Léon Bakst. The resulting colour choices include shades of teal and green, magenta and caramel, purples, and blacks, reflecting an artistic synthesis of these historical elements.
Anna elaborated on her fascination with screwball comedies from the 1930s, specifically citing the film Bringing Up Baby. This classic revolves around a chaotic love story intertwined with a pet leopard and a series of comedic misadventures, illustrating a whimsical approach to storytelling that resonated with her vision for the collection. Additionally, she mentioned another entertaining narrative featuring an unexpected exchange involving a mink coat that demonstrates the comedic flair of the era.
The designer also drew inspiration from real-life heiresses such as Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke. Hutton, known as the Woolworth heiress, famously squandered her substantial fortune on a lavish lifestyle, while Doris Duke, another heiress, was celebrated for her eclectic style and opulent tastes. Anna referenced how Duke’s audacious fashion choices, characterised by eccentric glasses and bold garments, informed some of her modern interpretations. She remarked, “We did eyewear like that,” highlighting the collection’s homage to vintage elements.
The collection features an array of textiles such as zigzag knitted tweeds and jacquard fabrics, alongside innovative uses of wallpaper prints in hammered satin and lamé. Faux fur options, including faux mink and leopard, are integral, alongside exquisite embroidered suede and devore velvet for evening wear. Additionally, Anna mentioned the incorporation of a washed velvet embellished with a Fortuny print, evidencing a commitment to merging historical significance with contemporary sensibilities.
Anna’s styling approach reflects a modern interpretation of vintage clothing, where pieces can be mixed and matched rather than strictly recreated. She noted the eclectic mix of garments as a way of honouring fashion’s rich history while adapting it to the current market. “I wanted to style it the way people wear vintage these days where pieces are trophy pieces and they just kind of mix it,” she said, indicating a trend toward individuality and personal expression in fashion.
This collection embodies a blend of historical influences, diverse textures, and aesthetic coherence, showcasing how vintage-inspired fashion continues to thrive amidst the rapidly changing landscape of modern design. Anna’s work stands as an example of how timeless brands adapt and remain relevant, catering to the contemporary consumer’s appreciation for both nostalgia and innovation in fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
