Replete with her vertiginous androgyny, Saskia de Brauw is just one of many reasons to love Saint Laurent’s gender bending S/S 2013 campaign on this icy Siberian night in my quaint little Astoria duplex. Donning a glinting black sequined blazer that rests at the hip, while a crisp Italian lapel and pitch black tie frame her darting brown eyes radiating a quivering sensuality. Organic in gender ambiguity with a studied masculine presence, de Brauw’s calculative gaze and oblique virility declares her predisposition as fashion’s famed supreme (dandy).
Ranked at #2 of the “Top 50 Models” on models.com, the Dutch born artist is best known for her inane androgynous appeal, modeling for a bevy of campaigns that include Chanel, Akris and Givenchy. Ms. de Brauw has been featured alongside Andrej Pejic and Tilda Swinton. For all these reasons and more, Saskia de Brauw is my fashion seduction. In light of 2014 being a MAJ moment of ‘70s glam and nostalgia (I predict), this attire infuses your wardrobe with enough sartorial allure to last you through every high-octane affair or dapper queer BK dance party.
Understructures
One streamlined option that may be more akin to your gender presentation, personal preference or aesthetic is a chest binder. The Underworks Ultimate Chest Binder Extreme Gynecomastia Tank Top has been noted as one of the most comfortable options for binding. Available through the Underworks website as well as on Amazon, this nylon and elastane woven undershirt conforms and moves with you whilst being neatly tucked into your slacks. (29.99)
The Button-Down
Regardless of your budget this wardrobe prerequisite can be found at a slew of different retailers and e-tailers (and in terms of sizing and fittings, this is great subject ripe for further discussion). Below are some recommendations I received from masculine presenting gender queer individuals as well as butch lesbians.
JCrew Men’s extra small and small for a rather large bust for $88. If this price segmentation is a bit steep for you because I know it is for me, try Uniqlo men’s slim fit for $29.90. This is an especially savvy solution for long torsos.
JCrew Ludlow Spread-Collar Shirt | $88
Uniqlo Men’s Oxford Slim Fit Shirt | $29.90
For smaller framed individuals, Tomboy Tailors ($198) and Banana Republic Men’s small do the job, however if this is a little high of a price point Target’s Merona collection ranging from $18-$24.99 makes for a great fit as well as H&M and Old Navy which fall within that same price category.
Merona® Men’s Tailored Fit Oxford Button Down | $18
H&M Men’s Slim-fit Shirt | $14.95
The tie…
Given your style, retro, classic, contemporary (to name a few) this is completely up to you. With a plethora of options here are some that might catch your fancy.
Slim Jim
This sliver of a tie was coined “slims jim” in the post war Britain by Teddy Boys who would wear this with velvet trimmed Edwardian inspired suits and a pompadour. Its minimal width allows for maximum statement when showcasing a snappy blazer or channeling your severely minimalist tendencies.
This one from Etsy is a Vintage ’60s satin woven version with gradations of slate, graphite black and white, making this one vibrantly versatile for almost any occasion except for maybe corporate America. Retails at $29.
Vintage 60s Super Skinny Tie by Etsy seller hanniandmax
For the less zippy and more timeless, I would recommend a clean-lined black satin tie as one all-season essential that runs the gamut of price segmentations. From Skinny Fatties’ custom made ties starting at $34 to Macy’s Lauren Ralph Lauren black satin version retailing at $44.99 your world is just one big fat oyster.
The Statement blazer…
From eBay to Zara black sequined blazers seem to be running amok. This nifty find I found on eBay for the steep price of $229 inspired by the Daft Punk Hero Robot if that’s any indication how you’re night is going be.
If shawl collars aren’t your things, and you’re vying for something more decorous I would try this version from Ali Express, complete with an Italian-style lapel and matte black satin-banded trim throughout for $130. There is also this spectacular option from Zara for $79.99 that features a studded satin lapel. However if this suiting is more of a nightstand, you can still go big but on a budget with this snappy version from Candy Apple.
Zara Blazer with Studded Satin Lapel | $79.99
Follow Christine on Instagram for continuous fashion inspiration: @mumadeline
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