Though I didn't pursue it at the time, after studying Art + Design at Red Deer College I was accepted into Fashion Design in Toronto. When I was creating my portfolio for submission, my greatest inspiration was old black and white movies. Among the clothing I designed and sewed, I created a double-breasted pinstriped gangster-inspired zoot suit for myself with a pencil skirt instead of trousers, a royal blue silk suit lined in plum paisley, and a drop-waist cream silk dress. With all of these outfits I wore long strands of beads and hats inspired by the 1920's, specifically by Louise Brooks, who in turn inspired my youngest daughter's haircut that she has had for most of her childhood.
Sadly, Louise was sexually assaulted and upon informing her mother much later, didn't receive any support being told that she must have led him on, and unfortunately those belief systems still often exist. In 1929 she starred in the film Pandora's Box which was considered a modern film out of Germany as it was the first portrayal of a same-sex relationship. She was an actor, dancer and eventually a writer, whose career experienced several highs and lows throughout her life, and has been the inspiration for books, music, comic arts and movies. Comments are closed.
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