A Softer Touch

Music - Pink and Blue II (1919)
"Nobody sees a flower, really, it is so small. We haven't time - and to see takes time like to have a friend takes time."
Georgia O'Keefe

As I was seated in the reception room awaiting a check up with one of my doctors yesterday, I found myself almost hypnotised by a framed print of Pink and Blue II by Georgia O'Keefe. When I had first entered the room, from the corner of my eye, I saw a welcoming wash of delicate colours on the wall. I decided to sit opposite the frame and take the time to really look at piece. I quickly found myself lost inside of the painting, yet it was not lost in the sense of being confused, but rather having wandered through the piece to be surrounded by an immense beauty.

My eyes first followed the curves, taking note of the beautiful colours and soft washes. Each brushstroke formed a gentle slope, down which I seemed to glide into an abundance of warmth and colour. I fell deeper into the painting and it was as if I were standing in the middle of a pink and blue landscape, surrounded by giant petals. Those petals seemed to sway and slowly dance to some beautiful unheard melody. I found myself watching them, entwined with one another, moving with such intimacy, it was if they had danced together their entire lives.

When I awoke this morning, the painting was firmly imprinted inside my mind. When I closed my eyes, I could still it as if it were right in front of me, as if I could reach out and touch the colours and feel the welcoming warmth upon my fingers. I could not tell you why the painting had the impact on me that it did, but it brought a sense of calm and innocent wonder to my mind as I sat there. I felt like I was the first person in a long while who had truly seen the painting, not simply in the sense of recognising what colours and textures were there in front of me, but really seeing it. I therefore decided to form my outfit today around that beautiful inspiration.

I wanted to create an outfit that was delicate like the painting, but with something that was slightly more vivid and direct. The colour combination obviously had to be based on pink and blue, and I chose to pair my dyed blue trousers against a pink fine cashmere sweater. I felt that the lighter colours allowed for a more subtle, yet still impactful contrast. Trying to break up the colour contrast slightly, in order to allow the eye to follow the colours more naturally, I went with a washed yellow t-shirt. I was tempted to go with a white, however I felt the stark contrast may have made the outfit a touch too cold, whilst I wanted to retain a warmer look. I did however opt for black and white footwear, simply to allow a clearly defined and contained end to the look.


P.S. oki-ni are currently holding their 30% secret sale, click here to sign up. Here are two outfit ideas created from a few pieces in the secret sale. If you have the resources, be sure to buy a piece you love before it is gone...

1. Haversack Four Button Sweater
2. Haversack Single Pocket Shirt
3. Vans Sk8 Hi Lx
4. Folk Slim Trouser
5. Folk Stills Belt
6. Jil Sander Suede Colour Boots

1. Rick Owens Ls Washed T-Shirt
2. Raf Simons Thread Boot
3. Rick Owens Ls Crew T-Shirt
4. Raf Simons Silver Astronaut Boot
5. Martin Margiela Washed Down Grey Jean
6. Timex 80 Watch

Currently playing: Aria da Capo (Goldberg Variations) - Johann Sebastian Bach

xxxx