Vogue, are you listening? I have a couple requests. Specifically, I've been thinking about which fashion designer you should hire next for your designer pattern line. I don't want to be rude, but I think your choices have been veering a bit off track lately.Readers, we discussed the latest Vogue designer patterns here, and there was a general feeling of disappointment (to say the least). Personally, I'd like to see Vogue hire more designers with ultra-feminine, retro sensibilities. More Tracy Reese than Chado Ralph Rucci, in a nutshell. This all got me to thinking . . . if I could be in charge at Vogue for a day, which designer would I hire?
I did a bit of debating, and I have to say, I couldn't decide between Rebecca Taylor and Nanette Lepore. Can I please have both, Vogue?
I love Rebecca's ladylike looks that are both glam and wearable. And she's proven this season that she is a master of the faux two-piece dress. How cute are these little retro numbers? I'll take one of each, thank you.
Now it's your turn to play creative director, readers. Who would you hire?
I totally agree that Vogue should do Nanette and Rebecca. I really love Nanette Lepore.
ReplyDeleteI love Nanette Lepore. McCall's sometimes knocks off her jackets -- I've made 3 of them! And that last set of pencil skirts from Vogue was also a Nanette Lepore. They may not be labeled, but they're out there. You just have to look for them.
ReplyDeleteI love both Nanette Lepore and Rebecca Taylor but I'd also like to see patterns by Trina Turk - I love her style.
ReplyDeleteErica, I have noticed that (thanks to your blog, actually!), and while I'm happy to be able to use the patterns . . . doesn't it seem wrong that they copy the designs without crediting the designer? Why does Michael Kors get his design credited, but poor Nanette doesn't? Seems like an odd system.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more, Gertie. I love the styles that you picked out. Those are some awesome skirts. This was such a good letter to Vogue; you should send it to them. Who knows?
ReplyDeleteZac Posen and Jason Wu please! There have been so many dresses from the runway that would be great patterns to have.
ReplyDeleteGertie ~ Simplicity has done a couple of project runway patterns that look like the Rebecca Taylor dresses.
ReplyDeleteAs for giving credit on "adapted" ideas that's the nature of the designing beast in America. Designs are not copyrighted and since they are not if you make a slight alteration to the garment, you have a "new" garment and credit doesn't have to be given to the "originator" of the idea.
Plus Vogue has to pay a percentage or a fee to every designer that they feature...unfeatured designer patterns are more cost effective for the company. It's all dollars and cents dontcha know!
Finally, I think you really need to start looking for some of the vintage Vogue Designer collections that are featured on almost all of the vintage pattern sites. You might be happier with some of those patterns...and there are alot of them out there!
I second mjb, Give me some Zac Posen and I am a happy girl.:)
ReplyDeleteOh, I love those Rebecca Taylor dresses! I'm drooling on the keyboard.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see some Anthropologie-style dresses -- they so often have intricate, feminine detailing.
"This is just like fantasy football, but actually fun!"
ReplyDeleteHi-larious.
Thank you Gertie! I had actually hardly heard of Nanette Lepore and never saw anything of Rebecca Taylor. Not that I'm not fasshion-interested, but their company's sizes must be US market only...
ReplyDeleteHaha, if Vogue people were smarter, I could buy their designer patterns in France! These rebecca Taylor dresses are especially appealing, but I wonder if you could not obtain the same effet by mixing two fabrics on a dress pattern.
Pattern Junkie has something there. I would love to see more patterns with feminine detailing... I know some of the stuff at Anthropolgie would be SO easy to make, iffen I only had a pattern. (And may I also say *cheaper* too!)
ReplyDeleteOoooooh. I love Nanette Lepore. Unlikely this will ever ever happen, but Christian Dior patterns. (Also unlikely that I'll ever be able to sew Christian Dior-esque clothing).
ReplyDeleteFunny I am making the skirt in the Vogue pattern first pictured in this post. I have fuchsia wool.
ReplyDeleteNanette Lepore rocks, and Vogue should be taking notice of bloggers like you who are putting the pressure on for them to step up a bit. Seriously, we are not all daggy ladies of mature age! We want cool patterns! I've often sighed in dismay at the meagre offerings in their pattern books. Honestly, who buys that stuff? Maybe their business model wouldn't be in so much trouble if they took a bit of notice from their up and coming crafty customers ....
ReplyDeleteYes, what is up with this Ralph Chado Rucci. I can't even be bothered to google to find out who he is supposed to be.
ReplyDeleteNanette Lepore = win.
Years ago Vogue had Cacharel patterns, they should bring them back. Not the one's from then, I mean cacharel now. I'd love to see some Chloe too. They should get Marc Jacobs happening again also. And, um, Miu Miu that Prada diffusion line. And Paul Smith? But I don't know if any of these designers would do it.
Anthropologie - yes!
ReplyDeleteThe lady who designed for Michelle Obama... Isabel Toledo?
Vogue needs to get with it. I used to look at their designs in longing and awe. I eventually plucked up courage to make a gorgeous jacket by ?Carmelo Pomodoro.
What happened to Vogue as the place for fashion forward, adventurous, challenging patterns? Now they don't even back themselves enough to make up the designs for the pattern catalogues - far too many line drawings that I don't trust.
Simplicity (and even New Look!) are now the fashion forward, stylish pattern company.
What's up, Vogue?
Agree with you about getting some new designer input - not too up on the American ones, although I love the idea of Marc Jacobs giving the designs a bit of an update.
ReplyDeleteIs it my imagination or did they once do a Givenchy jacket with an integral bow on it?
Those are my favorite designers, too! :) I agree with many others that have already commented... you should totally send this letter to Vogue!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Nanette Lepore, but that stuff's going into my "inspiration" folder. And I'm going to look up Nanette Lepore right now!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyones designer choice. Vogue, should especially take a look back, at the vintage Vogue patterns printed thruout the 20th century. There are standouts in each decade that would be great today.
ReplyDelete