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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.

Made By White Broken Hearted Pendant
Broken Hearted Pendant - available from madebywhite.com.au


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.....

Fuzz Design Workshops Space Invaders
Space Invaders Pendant - available at fuzzdesignworkshop.com


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.

Dolly Rockers Butterfly Pendant
Butterfly Pendant - available from dollyrockers.com.au


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.

Marni Leather and Perspex Handbag
Marni Leather and Perspex Handbag - pic from designerexposure.com


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.

Alexander McQueen Corsage Perspex Heels
Alexander McQueen Corsage Perspex Heels - available from net-a-porter.com


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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Comments
11 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by yaviz

July 30th 2007 12:57
What a cool post! It's definitely very informative.

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

July 30th 2007 13:03
Thanks so much! You are always full of positive re-inforcement - I LOVE IT!!!

Comment by katyzzz

July 30th 2007 21:08
I just love red and love the broken heart. Would you believe?

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

July 30th 2007 22:59
It's good to see durable materials in the fashion world. Dressed up and stuck in a sandstorm? Your perspex necklace will come through all right...

Comment by Chic Critique

July 31st 2007 04:20
I know katyzzz, that red broken heart is wicked - glad you like it and thanks so much for stopping by!

Cibby - true - it will be like the cockroaches of the fashion world - surviving nuclear holocaust!

Comment by KylieW

July 31st 2007 05:25
I love the Alexander McQueen shoes. Very funky indeed. I would have never have thought of perspex in fashion.

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

July 31st 2007 06:31
Oh God...I'm such a tragic..not just a Rugby one...

I love perspex shoes!
Love the McQueen pair, although they're a bit 'frou-frou' for me...I like my perspex 'clean'.

Unfortunately, the words "perspex" and "shoes" together, usually conjure up images of porn stars in highly coloured bikinis with the Aguilera fake tan.

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
This material is going to be around for some time
I've had the wedges for 13 years and the slip-ons for 15!! The wedges came out during the 90s, 70s revival and the slip-ons are brides shoes by Alan Pinkus

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

July 31st 2007 07:36
I know KylieW !!!- I was thinking of the theme tune as soon as I saw it - de de de de de de....(then twice as fast) dededdededeededededed.....he he he (hard to capture sound in a comment really)

Comment by Chic Critique

July 31st 2007 07:37
DD - I'm sure you're a complete sex kitten without the faux tan in your perspex shoes - sounds like you're ahead of your time you gorgeous thang!

Comment by Sisi

July 31st 2007 09:27
The most amazing perspex piece I have seen is the perspex Michael Kors cuff watch I also love the Marc Jacobs perspex heel slingbacks

Comment by Chic Critique

July 31st 2007 11:23
Thanks for the link and for stopping by Sisi!

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