Appliqué, Patchwork, Embroidery & other Embellishments in Fashion

I have an eclectic collection of fashion photography that I stick on my mood board and enjoy watching all the time, sometimes for the beauty of the garment or the atmosphere the photograph conjures up. I also collect “fashion stories” about women that inspire me. One woman who embodies eclectic taste in fashion is Gloria Vanderbilt, a New York socialite, who had a very successful jeans brand in the 1970’s and is an accomplished painter too.

Patchwork Queen! Photograph by Horst P. Horst 1975

This is a random selection of fashion looks that inspired me recently:

The Italian Fashion House Etro is the master of mixing patterns & fabrics

The severity of the silhouette is softened by the embroidery on the skirt

This coat by Valentino is so timeless…

Fringe & embroidery, just throw this over a black pant and sweater…