A DRESS IN VANILLA:

A exquisite exercise in the magic of understatement

                                       

Can women’s garments be displayed without seduction??  Can the female form be presented without being in overt DISPLAY?

In my researching of women's garments over the centuries, in ancient times there was core practicality as rudimentary animal skins were placed over the head and tied with more animal skins or plant material. Basic protection fron the elements and useful needs were paramount. Gradually there were years of greater display of "status" or hierarchy or placement, as garments covering female bodies have shifted from core survival and protection from the elements, to profound showing off of the upper classes.  Humble clothing remained relatively presented with less “fripperty” or decor and remained focused on work elements and practicality.

As a mostly introverted woman and an Elder, age 70, I have also mostly resisted the urge to show off my female form. I do not desire to be on display. While I do not want to be dowdy, I have kept my focus on modesty, comfort and what I call "sublime utility."  Even while I love the beauty of Haute Couture, I simply do not abide the demand for sometimes vulgar or irrational display of private female form. Our society has devolved into chaos and the tearing down of the natural modesty of the feminine spirit and I am not participating.

As a writer, I am always in a pile of paper for research and study. In going through my many fashion magazine photos collected from many years and gradually reducing the overwhelming collection to less of a pile. one two page story has woven a lovely spell over me for several days. It is from a Vogue magazine from 2009 (back when Vogue was classy) and features a magical and expensive dress that is: not short, not tight, shows no cleavage and has no loud display. The society lady describes an amazing dress made in "double crepe shantung silk the color of vanilla ice cream." The dress is knee length, with a full skirt and small waist, bracelet length sleeves, wide boat neck and an added petticoat to make the full skirt stick out. This is not a loud dress but has absolutely captivated my spirit, as I read her description of the garment over and over and over again. There is something so powerful about what I call "sublime understatement."  This dress, even though quite expensive at nearly $5000, is worth every penny. It is beautifully created by a high end designer, with luxurious fabric, created lovingly with modesty and subtle decorum, and yet is poetic to the max. My spirit soars in seeing even a smidgen of this dress, as it  resonates so much with my poetic and sensitive soul. No overt feminine display, no showing off, not a vulgar bone in its body, this dress is a potent, positive power piece. If I had a high end event and was in shape....and had the funds, I would buy and lovingly wear this magical garment. This shows the immense power of simply being quiet, kind and not screaming for attention via a crass garment. Granted, one would have to be a formidable woman to wear such a dress…but the statement rests.

Magic is NOT display, "look at me" demands, uncouth behavior or the dreaded "slut template." It is incredible quiet restraint, anchored by gentility and decorum and pure unadulterated poetic intensity. I long for this in garments, as this lady only need to put the dress on, without tons of overdone accessories, only diamond and emerald earrings, hair and make-up and lovely, classy mid-high slender heels. This was not a show-off dress and yet I feel certain it would have stood out in a room of LOUD.

I crave the genteel, the respectful, the most excellent power of understatement. Our culture in 2022 is in DESPERATE need of this. This is a pure reflectino of God and His love of true beauty!

WW   11-3-2022