As a young person working in the neighborhood library I spent all my breaks in the back room stacks looking at fashion magazines, then sewing my own clothes, often inspired by something from the glossy pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, or Elle.
I love to read British, Italian, and Australian Vogue online with my morning coffee. I discovered them during the pandemic and find I really enjoy keeping up with the news on fashion and design. There are often inspirational photos like one of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel reclining on a sofa. Knowing something about current fashion also gives me a connection to my nieces.
Continuing to reflect on scent leads to an exploration of what I have encountered and then, to actively seeking information and inspiration through books and film.
When I was a little girl I used to play with my mother’s cosmetics; holding the metal tube of lipstick close to my nose to smell the perfumed waxy smell and opening near empty bottles of old perfume to see if there was any scent lingering behind.
Standing on tiptoe, breath fogging the glass of the multi-shelved vitrines filled with vintage trinkets, craning my neck to see the price…