The Armour

Armour is defined as something which offers the wearer protection and is therefore traditionally conceptualised as tough and unforgiving. It is heavy and all but smothers the person underneath, but what if it didn't have to be about hiding the person underneath? Alexander McQueen and more recently Bouchra Jarrar's couture shows have proven that feathers can be used in a similar way. For birds they offer protection from the elements but are also used in order to attract the opposite sex in flashy shows of display or camouflage to suit their surroundings. Many of the aforementioned designers have stuck to rich earthy tones when using their feathers simply allowing texture to reign supreme. Compared to the other couture this season, Susie Bubble noted that Jarrar's collection was a welcome reprieve from the spectacles of fashion week. This resounding approval only reinforces the idea that feathers frequent some of the more spectacular editorials. Indeed it is somewhat overwhelming to imagine where one would wear such an outfit but as always, fashion can be used as more of an escape.

1, 4, 5, 8- Bouchra Jarrar via Style Bubble. 2- Grace Bol by Simon Burstall for Hunger Magazine. 3- Giambattista Valli, Alexander McQueen. 6- Mia Wasikowska in Alexander McQueen's Ostrich Feather and Silk Dress 'Dual in the Sun'. 7- Lady Gaga in Alexander Mcqueen SS11. 9- Chanel, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent. 10 & 13- Bouchra Jarrar Couture Fall 2015 photographed by Kevin Tachman. 11- Feather Dress from the Alexander McQueen SS08. 12- Versace, Alexander McQueen. 14- Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen.

I'm aware I'm a wolf

Wearing: Thrifted jacket, J.W. Anderson X Topshop sweater, POMS earrings, Target shorts and Chloë Sevigny X Opening Ceremony shoes.

Bill Cunningham once described clothing as the armor for everyday life and today I chose to interpret that in the most literal sense. Armor doesn't have to feel weighty or oppressive though, its purpose is to offer you some kind of protection. In this case that comfort was purely psychological for me but came in the form of knitwear, feathers and the colour red. I came to realise I was unconsciously referencing the garb worn by San from Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke. She too wore large earrings, moved with the ease and fluidity of a wolf and had had red markings on her face, as well as blood stains from fighting. My marabou feather earrings felt more like the feathers collected from arrows which again exaggerated this warrior-like state. Largely it feels like I am fighting with myself most days, or that any turmoil is completely internalized as I struggle to do what is right and keep myself satisfied. Self-exploration has become more important than ever as I continually try to figure out who I am and who it is I am trying to become.

5. 7. 3, 10 & 12- Princess Mononoke (1997).