I did say that the circus was coming to town and I'm fully convinced that I'm going to have to confront one of my biggest childhood fears full-on in order to proceed with my current love affair with the circus. Yes, it's the clown. I don't like to quote Carrie Bradshaw in a misty-eyed, fan-adoring way but the woman was right when she said 'NOTHING is scarier than a clown.' I was especially disturbed and shitting myself when I was confronted by this jailsuited horrificly made-up clown whilst I was in Miami on Halloween last year. I simply must get over the shock and fear though as sunaokuwahara, a very well-established Japanese brand that is part of the Issey Miyaki A-Net group has taken varying facets of clownwear and translated it all into a SS08 collection that most people will find something to take from even if like me, they have had traumatic clown-related experiences.
There's barely noticeable, subtle clown. Delicate nuances of clown that are extremely pretty. Clown rating 2 out of 10.
There's stripy clown. So far so good. Quite playful and conveniently crosses over with the ever-persistence of all things nautical. Clown rating 2 out of 10.
There's giant dotty clown. Ok, so now we're veering into dangerous territory where I'm picturing clown dressed in such dotty attire chasing after me with their squirty flowers. The separates remind me slightly of Givenchy's SS08 collection though so I'm not entirely scared off. Clown rating 5 out of 10.
There's literal clown. Yes, t-shirts with various embroidered/printed clown faces. As cute as they are to some people, I can't quite bear it, looking down and seeing that grin staring back at me. Though paired with the stripes in those loose layers, part of me does want to say yes. Clown rating 8 out of 10.
Then there's sad, serent clown. These are what I would imagine mime artists and sadder clowns to wear. It's mainly the multi layered neck ruffs that are making this part of sunaokuwahara's clownwear my favourite part. The mix of textures in cream, white and black seems to reference both Victorian children's night gowns and mourning wear. Clown rating 4 out of 10, which concludes that this is about the highest level of clown-dom that I can put myself through. Since sunaokuwahara is a little out of my reach (geographically anyway though Humor has some stock available online...), a trip to Annie's Vintage should provide some inspiration.
Hey Susie,
I've been meaning to write for awhile now, as I am an avid reader - and meant to send an email as well but my mac. account seems to not be working and therefore can't view your email!
Anyways, I wanted to say that your blog is a contstant inspiration - and perhaps I feel a greater affinity knowing that you are from Hong Kong! I am a gwei mui living and working here in HK as an illustrator/artist-in-residence ...
Though the fine arts are my obsession, fashion has always been an interest, and your passion for it is infectious! I begin to view the clothes the same way I would look at a painting ...
And I just wanted to send on the compliments by way of Asia ...
I only wish I had pals here who are as innovative with their style as you!
Cheers,
Emily
Posted by: Emily | 21 January 2008 at 14:36
the clown look is strangely appealing.. i especially liked the white,red and blue outfit with the puffy black stuff and the spotty shoes!!\and i must say that I almost put up one of your pictures of plaid on my post because i loved the way you executed the look!! i also want to thank you for being a constant inspiration..:)
Posted by: Cee-Cee | 21 January 2008 at 15:09
love this post on clown wear....i have a sort of attraction/avoidance to these jokers as well, but have to say the runway looks are quite inspiring...espesh the weirdo make up. Thanks susie!
Posted by: secret diary | 21 January 2008 at 15:52
I like the sad, serene clown best. The soft floaty dresses and mute colours seems oh so wearable.
As for clothes with clown prints..I'm not keen. Less night in the circus, more nighmare in the circus.
Posted by: miss woo | 21 January 2008 at 16:23
Susie, this was a fascinating post! I've become quite enamored of this little niche of fashion. I especially like the first set of looks, the "stripy clown" looks, and the last set of looks. Somehow they make me think of the 1920s, with the deco embellishments and little cloche-like caps. Lovely stuff! Also, I really like your new offshoot blog, with the daily outfits. I am always inspired by your creativity! And thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a very thoughtful message by the way!
Posted by: Jamie | 21 January 2008 at 16:27
Very interesting to see the circus inspiration coming through - but this one's not for me, also I'm not too big on spots. I still enjoyed the post, it's nice to know what's out there, and obviously you aren't going to love everything you see.
Posted by: bronwynb | 21 January 2008 at 16:31
I'm going to make an ageist comment here, but because I'm a card-carrying member of the early middle age I'm permitted:
Except for minor, probably unrelatable touches (a small cuff or collar), some things are best reserved for the young. It isn't that there is a "cute" factor involved, it's that a direct reference borders on the absurd. "Oh, poor Veronica and her circus phase. She's gone round the bend."
Sorry, have to quote Alice Cooper here:
It happens to me every night
Can't sleep, the clowns will eat me
They always want to take a bite
Can't sleep, the clowns will eat me
And if you think this isn't real
I'll show you wounds that never heal
To them I'm just a happy meal
Can't sleep, the clowns will eat me
Posted by: Suzanna | 21 January 2008 at 16:37
I totally understand your fear of clowns. Clowns and human statues. Bwrr, my worst nightmare.
I can handle the clothes though... It's mostly the make-up that freaks me out. Some of these pieces look very nice indeed.
Posted by: Elise | 21 January 2008 at 17:03
i love the ruffs, it's got me thinking about how you could wear one for daytime in any way... also i really like the eyes makeup, tears would look so cool! but whenever i'm close to a little eye liner star or heart i always think it may just look like a big make beauty spot to the far away?
Posted by: selina | 21 January 2008 at 19:12
Ugh - have had a morbid fear of clowns since 4. Couldn't get passed the faux clown look to examine clothes. So scary and am with bradshaw all the way
x
Posted by: Kate | 21 January 2008 at 22:05
interesting...i've never worn clowns on my tshirts before, perhaps i will go on the hunt for one now...funny how fashion grows on you.
Posted by: Fashion Tidbits | 22 January 2008 at 00:28
quite an interesting post. i like your creativity. wish i have half of yours.
Posted by: minty | 22 January 2008 at 02:51
hm, interesting.....good job translating classic clown wear to wearable fashions.
kudos!
Posted by: mm | 22 January 2008 at 06:30
Emily: That's very sweet of you to say... I miss HK ever so much.... !
Sorry if I have terrified some of you with my clowning antics.... sometimes even I scare myself!
Posted by: susie_bubble | 22 January 2008 at 11:33
hi, I suggest you to watch the spanish movie "crimen perfecto"..the collection is lovely but really reminded me of that..which is a cool film indeed anyway..!
Posted by: azz | 22 January 2008 at 14:02
what is all this circus stuff! i'm seeing it everywhere!
Posted by: lady coveted | 22 January 2008 at 23:01