Victorian, steampunk, mod, 1920’s/30’s/60’s/80’s, Situationist, Incoyable and Merveilleuse (late 18th century anti-political/revolution French fashion subculture). I am a costumer at heart who is fascinated by fashion (aka, costume) not just because I am a ‘woman’ and like to look ‘cute’ or ‘desirable (which I do and am not saying there is anything wrong with)’, but rather because I also view fashion/costume through a historical or anthropological and philosophical lense. I could easily fill this space up with all of the beautiful finds I own and desire to own, but rather I will tell you why it matters to me at all. I believe that how we express ourselves through our clothing is not just a visual cue to the rest of society about who we are and what our social status is, but rather who we are as individuals, and as humans who share in the existential human experience. Fashion/costume also has and does play a very important role in telling us about history. We can tell alot about ancient civilizations (and present) by how we dress: where a society places its values, its politics, its social strata, its religious beliefs. And we are living at a very exciting time where if I feel like dressing up as a 15th century Merveilleuse, or cross-dress as a man, or try to recreate a Cindy Sherman photo, people here in the Midwest (U.S.) might look at me strangely, but I am free to do it. I am free to borrow as many elements of fashion from as many eras of fashion/costume as I like, and no one can tell me I am ‘wrong’. Call me Victorian, but I believe in accomplishing as many as 6 impossible or socially abnormal things a day in order to strengthen one’s character and to improve society all around. I mean how can we improve humanity, if we ourselves are not willing to improve? I think it is the international cultural exchange via fashion that ultimately draws me to this blog…I love that women in Cairo and Tokyo and Mumbai are working together to define fashion history!!!

Melphia recently wore

silk striped cavalier-styled bodice/blazer w/ full peplum and leg-o-mutton sleeves // Klee jeans // stretch 80s high-waisted tapered/cropped leg jeans // red // vintage pants // vintage belt // 60s woven straw hat // red // polyester 70s blouse w/ ruffled collar and gathered yolk // green // thrifted belt // dumpstered costume piece (altered design by me/wearer) blazer // stretch cigarette pant w/ gold sequins and strap/buckle // black // vintage hat // striped 1930s or 40s straw hat w/ ribbon hatband // white // late 70s leather corset clasp belt w/ elastic back // Jason Abboud boots // suede and leather heeled modern-victorian // vintage heels // Bellini New Yok hat // vintage blouse // woven 70s belt // 80s pumps