How was FROCKOLOGY born?
I have been in the fashion business for about thirty-five years and have always been an avid collector during that time. Over those same years working in different aspects of the world of style, I would use different things from the collection and people would fall in love as we all do with things of beauty and inquire as to purchase. I slowly began to source unique items to different clients as well as museums and private collectors. As the collection has grown so has my client list, not long ago one of my assistants suggested an online presence. So I thought why not and we started brainstorming for a name. A while back one of my interns was watching me while I was using a magnifying glass to measure hand stitching and he asked what I was doing. As I explained the point to my madness...he said...wow...your like a frockologist..the term stuck around the studio and when it came time to pick a name for the online site it seemed like a natural fit.
Anyone who deals in vintage clothing and accessories makes a studies of the history of costume even if they aren't aware of it. So to all the frockologist out there I say keep up the good work.
What about vintage interests you?
I have always had an interest in beautiful well crafted objects from the past. I feel that clothing best reflects society as it has been lived as well as remembered, sharing its many provocatively thrilling stories to those willing to listen. I prefer vintage that when worn makes us rethink its relevance today. Good design is timeless, how we choose to wear it reflects that time.
Do you have a favorite fashion quote?
My favorite is from William Shakespeare: "Fashion wears out more apparel than the man." I think its such a true statement, and one that has inspired me to collect as well as recycle great design.
What criteria do you use to pick items for your collection?
First and most important I need to see the beauty and inspiration behind the design. Next would come the quality and construction,it is there that the love of the craft is most evident. Then would come fabrication, does it look and feel right for the structure of the item. The final test is fit, when on the body it must enhance.
Who is your fashion muse?
I am inspired by many different things, the way a woman moves or holds her head or makes a gesture. I am always watching the women around me at work or leisure and when I am traveling.....they all offer inspiration....and for that I am truly grateful. I can only say this, that as a young man there was a woman who made the sun shine brighter and because of that to this day I will find myself wondering upon finding an object of beauty, how would she look wearing it.
What do you think about current fashion?
I am a great fan of current fashion. However I am sad to see that sometimes design inspiration is set aside in the chase for the next great "IT". The great designers stay true to themselves and the enhancement of their own concepts. I think Bottega Veneta said it best in the seventies when their slogan was "When your own initials are enough". Remember if you are chasing the "IT" you aren't leading fashion, you are following.
What is your best piece of fashion advice?
"Why be just a woman..when you can be..the woman."
Take a look back at all the most memorable women of style and realize that they neither followed nor led fashion but instead enhanced their own natural style until it sparkled,never changing but always evolving.
