3 minute read
The Yin and Yang in fashion
from Luštica Bay LIFE
by Lustica Bay
The Yin and Yang in fashion
WHEN A MAN’S SUIT BECOMES A WOMAN’S WARDROBE STAPLE
Advertisement
Back in the day, it was downright unacceptable for women to wear pants, and in the very rare occasions they did, it would be out of public view. It was not until the 20th century, that this notion of women wearing pants became socially acceptable; be it for practicality and comfort, or as a way of promoting women’s rights and freedom of choice.
The evolution of female fashion has a dominant history of pushing boundaries and challenging societal gender roles;. What was once scandalous in the 1800s, today is a “must-have” in almost every modern-day woman’s wardrobe.
Drawing from functionality, the balance of the yin and yang, the collective energy of the feminine and masculine, Montenegrin fashion designer Sanja Matijević turns “men’s suits” into a whole other fashion journey, celebrating the contemporary woman. Matijević’s design identity stems from what was once a man’s world of attire, to what she has now turned into a series of urban fashion looks for women as they go about their daily lives.
In her words: “I think women look the most elegant in suits. In addition to the aesthetic movement, a woman can complete her wardrobe in the best way and have something for almost every occasion with just one suit”. Her urban street art collections are a work of an absolute genius, as she transforms ordinary suits into asymmetrical cuts, adorned with militaryinspired details using buttons, beads, rivets, coins and pearls.
Matijević’s looks can be dressed down with sneakers or glammed up with a statement accessory and heels; regardless of the choice, chic comfort and funky practicality are never compromised.
The winter 21/22 collection plays on the potential of adding, mixing or removing any of the additional components, allowing even more personalization to each look. The cuts are accentuated with zippers and strips, intricately ornamented with metal, and the buttons – the brand’s staple – add to the functionality and visual appeal . The jackets, oversized and deconstructed, are designed to create an unexpected look; their shoulders accentuated, with the final look characterized as minimally eclectic.