Published in 2011 by Michael Amboyan Brown 13211 Windsor St. Leawood, KS T: 913 660 5858 E: hello@seemichaeldesign.com www.seemichaeldesign.com The fonts used in this book are Eames Century Modern with the weights Bold Italic, Medium Italic, Regular Italic, and Book, Gotham Narrow Thin and Light. Printed on 80-pound, bright white Sundance Text Felt paper. All design, photographs and production done by Michael Amboyan Brown unless otherwise stated. Contributing photographers:
Rockie Nolan www.rockienolan.com Featured on pages 34-37.
Tayler MacGregor Smith www.flickr.com/potatobeanz Featured on pages 22-23. Printed by Creative Approach in Savannah, GA. www.acreativeapproach.com
F
ashion influences our culture much more than say theatre, journalism and even film. Where would we be today without Coco Chanel and Yves St. Laurent? Fashion, like art, has
evolved throughout the years and yet continues to be the closest form of art people indentify with. It is a statement of who we are or who we want to be. Fashion is around every corner, it is the first thing people see and usually what they base their first impression on when meeting another person. What we wear is an expression of ourselves. The cut, color, fabrics all define the wearer in some way. People use fashion as a way to show others what they’re feeling, what they like and sometimes their economic status. Whether we like it or not, we are defined on what we’re wearing, who we’re wearing and how we wear it. Fashion is never, and has not for some time now, just clothes. Every time we step out of the house, we are making a statement with what we wear. Clothes hold symbolic and emotional value. We wear certain outfits to appear a certain way. We keep a pair of jeans we’ve had for six years because every good and bad expierence we’ve had, we were wearing them. Certain pieces of clothing hold power over our emotions. This book intends to explore clothes beyond the fabric.
Mérida Miller fashion designer
“Before I was born, my mom was a jeweller. Like, a really, really good one, too. Her stuff was amazing but she gave it all up after she had me. I mean, I didn’t even really know until I got into fashion. So when I was thinking of ideas for jewellery to go with my line, I decided to incorporate one of her pieces into one of mine. I don’t think I’ve ever made something that ended up being so special to me.”
“She gave it all up for me, it was the least I could do.”
Deanne Revel
writer
“I was raised to be the epitome of a Southern Belle. But I am far too comfortable in the 21st century to even consider that kind of lifestyle. Throughout my 22 years, I’ve shed any resemblance to anyone with a hyphenated name (Jesse-Belle, Dorothy-Anne, etc.) or an affinity for hoop skirts. But there is one remnant of my Southern heritage that I hold on to. A pair of pearl earrings, given to me by my mother, that I wear almost every day. I know that there will always be a bit of the South inside as long I have these earrings.”
“They’re probably the last thing left that make me a Southern girl.”
Kat Shannon photographer
“This is definitely one of my go-to outfits. I always feel good wearing it. If there is one piece of clothing in my closet that I wear the most, it’s these navy, high-waisted shorts. I love them and will never get tired of them. I literally wear them all the time, every day if people didn’t look at me funny.”
“I didn’t plan it, but I’m pretty sure these go with just about every top I own.”
Michael Brown graphic designer
“When I feel awful, I wear a bow tie. I always say to dress better than you feel. When you look put together, you actually start to feel better. It’s hard to stay in a bad mood when you have a bow tie on. Me and bow ties are one in the same; their perfection is in their imperfections. They give me confidence. I know that when I put a bow tie on I’m telling the world that I am one of four things: a history professor, a nerd in a 90’s comedy series, Pee-Wee Herman or someone with a sense humour and style. ”
“No one can tell you that you look like crap when you’re wearing a bow tie.”
Tayler Smith photographer
“After three years of friendship through a computer screen, my very best friend came to visit. He only stayed for four days, but I will cherish those days for the rest of my life. That Friday, we went on a thrift shop adventure. Weaving in and out of aisles of unknown treasures, I found this dress. One dollar later, it was mine. This dress will always remind me of our perfect day.�
Abby Heausler fashion
“This is the dress I wore to my high school graduation. Every memory I have of this dress is a good one. I’ll never forget how much fun I had the night of graduation. I almost forget how bittersweet that night actually was. It was the last time I saw these people that I essentially grew up with. Though, whenever I remember that night, I can’t help but smile.”
“The cut, pattern and colors... everything about this dress is absolutely perfect.�
Dylan Shaw photographer
“I was wearing this shirt during the best April Fools Day joke ever. Last year, Haley and I decided to be in a relationship on Facebook. It was the most elaborate joke ever. I wore it for our couples’ profile picture. The best part was that so many people believed us! So, of course, we tried to keep it up for as long as possible. When I where it, I miss Haley, but then I remember why it reminds me of her and I just laugh.”
“I bought this shirt because I knew no one else would.”
Rockie Nolan photographer
“I find clothing very interesting because each piece can have so much character. When I wear normal things like jeans, I always feel a little boring. But when I am in a vintage dress, I feel like a little character. It’s like getting to play dress up when I was little, except now all the dresses and shoes fit me. My closet contains a mixture of crazy sequin dresses and meek argyle sweaters. I can’t really just check one box when it comes to what I wear.”
“Now that I’m older, I’ve really come to love and appreciate vintage fashion.”
Your style speaks. Rarely are we given the opportunity to know what certain material things mean to other people. Clothes hold powerful memories and connotations. Now, go to your closet and find a piece of clothing or an outfit that speaks to you. A shirt or a dress, that when you look at it, memories come back to you. Make a statement with your clothing. Experiment and have fun.