Perspective on Perspex
July 30th 2007 11:52
Traditionally used in furniture design, building aquariums and even for contact lenses, perspex has recently made resurgence as a material for use in fashion accessories. Known for its durable properties, this oft-used alternative to glass has proven to provide a pallet for kitschy jewellery and whimsical footwear.
The local leaders of the trend are Made By White. The White sisters took their love of fashion and their professional backgrounds and started their own line of jewellery which blends Halloween, horror and childhood imagery with punk sensibility to achieve avant-garde style.
Again on the Australian front, Fuzz Design Workshop show how an 80's edge meets rock and roll to create flamboyant and funky accessories. The "Plastic Fantastic" range showcases true retro feel, using styles such as the necklace shown below. I can even hear the music that went along with the video game.....
Heading North, Noosa based Belinda Jayne Cole of Dolly Rockers has re-created a Gen-X child feel in her range of necklace pendants which includes seahorses, quavers, anchors, the "lightning bolt" (an 80's staple), as well as the butterfly.
Of course in the 60's a lot of perspex was used, given the interest in different fabrics and the industrial vibe of the time. Many swing dresses had perspex beading, and not many girls were seen without a bangle made from this popular acrylic. Many bangles can still be purchased made in perspex, although more commonly these days they are made from acrylic blends.
Handbags have also more recently seen a change in composition, where perspex has been utilised, not only for its aesthetic but for longevity. Couture designers such as Marni, have mixed materials to create texture and appeal.
Unfortunately, the words "perspex" and "shoes" together, usually conjure up images of porn stars in highly coloured bikinis with the Aguilera fake tan. This unlikely choice for footwear has made its way onto the catwalks of many designers in recent seasons. Dolce and Gabbana released their perspex heeled sandal, while Alexander McQueen has created this gorgeous set of corsage strappy heels, made with perspex.
Whatever accessory style you're after, make sure you choose wisely. This material is going to be around for some time, so you want to make sure it's an item you treasure, or something you can leave behind.
Maybe it could be the Gen X version of an heirloom?
The local leaders of the trend are Made By White. The White sisters took their love of fashion and their professional backgrounds and started their own line of jewellery which blends Halloween, horror and childhood imagery with punk sensibility to achieve avant-garde style.
Again on the Australian front, Fuzz Design Workshop show how an 80's edge meets rock and roll to create flamboyant and funky accessories. The "Plastic Fantastic" range showcases true retro feel, using styles such as the necklace shown below. I can even hear the music that went along with the video game.....
Heading North, Noosa based Belinda Jayne Cole of Dolly Rockers has re-created a Gen-X child feel in her range of necklace pendants which includes seahorses, quavers, anchors, the "lightning bolt" (an 80's staple), as well as the butterfly.
Of course in the 60's a lot of perspex was used, given the interest in different fabrics and the industrial vibe of the time. Many swing dresses had perspex beading, and not many girls were seen without a bangle made from this popular acrylic. Many bangles can still be purchased made in perspex, although more commonly these days they are made from acrylic blends.
Handbags have also more recently seen a change in composition, where perspex has been utilised, not only for its aesthetic but for longevity. Couture designers such as Marni, have mixed materials to create texture and appeal.
Unfortunately, the words "perspex" and "shoes" together, usually conjure up images of porn stars in highly coloured bikinis with the Aguilera fake tan. This unlikely choice for footwear has made its way onto the catwalks of many designers in recent seasons. Dolce and Gabbana released their perspex heeled sandal, while Alexander McQueen has created this gorgeous set of corsage strappy heels, made with perspex.
Whatever accessory style you're after, make sure you choose wisely. This material is going to be around for some time, so you want to make sure it's an item you treasure, or something you can leave behind.
Maybe it could be the Gen X version of an heirloom?
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Comment by yaviz
A friend of mine loves to wear those kind of necklace, so I'll make sure she checks out those websites you mentioned.
It's also great for you to include an example of a well-known designer's implementation of the material, it'll sure give people more option.
Comment by Chic Critique
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
It is eons since I've heard of perspex, we all thought it quite fascinating when we first saw it, this seems to be a great modern day use.
katyzzz
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
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Comment by Chic Critique
Cibby - true - it will be like the cockroaches of the fashion world - surviving nuclear holocaust!
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I couldn't wear the space invaders necklace. I'd be walking around all day making the shooting sound effects from the game!
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
I love perspex shoes!
Love the McQueen pair, although they're a bit 'frou-frou' for me...I like my perspex 'clean'.
Nooooooooooo!!!!
I have 1 pair of perspex platform wedges with purple inner soles (looks nicer and more G-rated than it sounds), 1 x Cinderella slip-on heels and have just bought a pair of ridiculous but gorgeous patent pink stilettos with 3" perspex heels!
I swear my tan is real.
...and no kidding
That Marni handbag is gorgeous...sigh...
Love this whole post Chic.
...and merci pour the Spiro alert...
much warmth...
Dusk
KW...giggle...re the Space Invaders necklace!
Comment by Chic Critique
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Comment by Sisi
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