Necking

Proenza Schouler Resort 2012, Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2011

Accessories are often the last items people put on but as book covers, some merely contain the contents and others say a thousand words about them. Proenza Schouler’s accessories, like patterns from a kaleidoscope, are examples of the paradox it takes twice the careful planning to come off random. For Resort 2012, Alex & Lee, Bay Area artisans, contrasted no frills hardware like cords and bronze clasps with precious stones like Brazilian stalactite. The earthy elements grounds it in folk art where jewels alone would be conspicuous consumption.

Even though the designers had access to everything off a Thomas Pynchon laundry list, their picks conjure a backstory they retraced the steps of a tribesman to use what their foraging would yield. Cords to copper holds everything together, championing the ethos make do with what you have. But since what Alex & Lee have are a lot of technical skills, their macramé knotting to tight wrapping  makes improvised materials look well thought out. The interplay of practical and pretty objects says I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty but I can still look good doing it.