Every women should have a blazer in her wardrobe. It’s the most essential piece that you can style with everything.
Jack Carlson in his book, Rowing Blazers, states that the first blazers were used to keep rowers warm during chilly training sessions and races on early mornings. They were made from a thick flannel serving as a windbreaker. The sartorial term blazer is thought to have come from the original colour of these rowing blazers, which were a bright shade of red. Another theory however, is that the name comes from a ship, the HMS Blazer, with the blazer being part of the crew’s uniform. Ultimately, the blazer became so famous and versatile that its sports connotations fell away. In womenswear, Coco Chanel created her own tailored piece from the masculine shape, which is now the epitome of the brand. In 1975, Helmut Newton photographed the Yves Saint Laurent Smoking Jacket on androgynous models in Parisian alleyways for French Vogue. These images are still a reference point today.
And as pragmatism was always a quality of the Parisian Woman, what better thing is there than this essential garment for spring? A good blazer can dress up anything, from jeans and pleated skirts, to gowns and even maillots. From the studio to the street, here are the most chic blazer combinations…
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Dictionary of Patterns
Herringbone or Chevron
Typically a two-color combination of black and white, grey, brown or blue. The pattern is formed with alternating colours, with each colour woven. Usually is made of heavier fabrics like tweed.
Glen Check or Prince of Wales Check
Resembles a tartan print but in a monochromatic scheme.
Houndstooth
Composed by broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes. Houndstooth appeared in the 4th century in Scotland and was created as a pattern to signify peace.
blazer ˈbleɪzə / noun – a plain jacket not forming part of a suit but considered appropriate for formal wear
Credits & Sources
What’s On for more on the history of the blazer; Garrison; Attire Club; Cut Y Paste | See more of the Vogue Paris Editorial here & more about Blazers here
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