Metallics: can we go there?
Should we go there?
I've been sitting on this swatch for a few weeks now -- it's a gun metal gray linen that has been coated with silver. It's not always as reflective as it appears up top; a lot depends on the light.
I was thinking this would make great linen pants and coordinate well with my daisy print jacket. But it could also be a blazer, a shirt, or -- heavens! -- an entire suit.
I like metallic fabrics, especially in a rumply natural fiber like linen, which takes away some of the slickness of shiny clothes. I don't want to look like this:
Or this:
Or this:
But I do like these two looks, which would translate very easily into menswear -- I mean, they're basically menswear already:
I've decided that metallics look best in classic metal shades -- silver, gold, bronze -- rather than Hot Wheels colors -- don't you think? Not according to Burburry Prorsum for Spring 2013.
Anyway, I picked up another suit pattern on eBay for a song yesterday, Vogue 2616, in a 32-34-36, and I'm curious to see what the 34" jacket looks like muslined up. It's from 2001 and no more generic than any contemporary men's suit pattern. It could be tweaked.
For a blazer, I could also return to this, which I used last year for my blue linen blazer:
After the Marc Jacobs taffeta ensemble, I don't think a silver linen suit would be that out there, do you? Still, I generally think of metallic fabrics the way I think of leopard skin, reptile prints, and Paul Lynde: a little goes a long way.
What do you think, readers?
Metallics for men -- YEA or NAY?
(And do you think they work better for women or do the same rules apply?)
Jump in!
Posts
YES!!! That fabric....oh that fabric! I covet it!!! I agree though, not in hotwheel colors...for guys or gals, in my opinion. I bet a jacket would be great in it, S8368 with maybe black velvet lapels? no?
ReplyDeleteI would like to jump in, but right now I find myself speechless. Yup, I got nothing.
ReplyDeletePeter, I say go for it. I love the idea of metallics on anyone. If it's grounded with great basics it could look incredibly chic.
ReplyDeleteDon't do it Peter. The shine of the fabric will greatly detract from your shining personality. Something's should be left were thy die.
ReplyDeleteNay! Not unless you're planning on making a SuperHero's costume
ReplyDeleteI'm torn (pun intended). I think slacks would be great with your new jacket...but unsure about a shiney jacket with shiney pants.
ReplyDeleteLOL--hot wheels colors. I like it. and since I didn't take time to wade in on the floral ensemble, I'm surprised to say, I really like that too. Very fashion forward, but not too loud.
ReplyDeleteAs for the metallic---it would never get worn her in jolly old Nebraska, but I would think in New York you'd have occasion to wear it, so I'm all for it. I agree, it's not in our face metallic which is part of it's appeal.
One shiny piece is good,but more is not better. Silver and pewter look best with white or black, but I agree that colored metallics look cheap and hot-wheelie. But hey,it's your jacket,prove me wrong ;)
ReplyDeleteI vote Yae, I think metallics can work just as well (and just as easily go wrong) for men as for women. I do think the super slick and colorful metallics are best avoided for both men and women and your leopard print analogy is perfect! A little does go a long way, but also no reason metallics can't work even for daywear if styled right.
ReplyDeleteThis one is tough. I think that metallics rarely look good on anyone. But, gotta be truthful, they seem even less suited to men than to women. Mind you, stylish people find a way to make everything stylish - so I have faith you will come up with the perfect metallic jacket. Or you can bring it with you to sit on (in order to keep the aliens away).
ReplyDeleteI'm liking very much. Classic lines for that non-traditional fabric and yes the jacket, pants or your new button down pattern. It would be nice to see the fabric mixed with another piece you make that's Not shiny: a super soft charcoal T, a knit linen pull-over, jeans...
ReplyDeleteYea!! I think it's perfect. Metallics can be over whelming but the fabric you have is just right. I do agree that a little goes a long way however so maybe just pants, no jacket. (Maybe pants and vest?) Anyway, the fabric is wonderfull and you can pull off anything stylishly. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteMetallics can look very Vegas/costume shop, or stunningly chic - it's a one extreme or the other texture.
ReplyDeleteMen's trousers can become a "bulge beacon" in metallics. Save for male strippers and gay pride revelers, that's not what most of us want to wear.
A metallic linen fabric, or a shiny silk suiting can segue the look into something unexpectedly stylish. Shine with texture and/or fluidity reads luxe, not cheap (like those "gift wrap fabrics" Burberry Prorsum is showing).
Peter, if you're thinking of a metallic linen suit, then run, don't walk to your sewing machines! This unruly reader shall gladly be shipped off to "Suit Camp".
I actually like the gunmetal metallic color fabric. I think you could definitely pull it off. While I am not a fan of the bold metallic for myself, I do like a bit of metallic here and there. I have a great little jacket from Ann Taylor Loft that has metallic threads running though it. Just the right amount for me without going overboard. :]
ReplyDeleteDo it! That linen is fab, and in pants will look perfect with the daisy jacket.
ReplyDeleteLike anything, it depends on the personality of the wearer. I'd say for you, as long as it's not over the top, it's fine. The gunmetal-grey shiny linen you chose is subtle enough that it would look fabulous on you as a single separate, and I even think you could get away with an entire suit made from it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like the daisy shorts and jacket ensemble. I think the print is dark enough that it's not overwhelming as an outfit, although I have to say I prefer them styled with other things.
I'd love to see that fabric made up as a suit, even if you found it worked better worn as separates. Fabrics that are fashion-forward tend to look especially good in classic, understated styles.
ReplyDeleteYes the daisy print jacket might work with metallic linen shorts especially if you were an androgynous club kid or fashion student in their twenties. Interesting that the only image you used where the metallics didn't look flash and vaudeville were of a woman wearing a menswear style. Some things look interesting on the runway or in editorial, however in reality.... Perhaps that why Century 21 has so many novelty items for sale that didn't make it. If you can't give up on the metallic, perhaps you should run up a number for cousin Cathy.
ReplyDeleteI love shiny things! Metallic fabric and glittery shoes; good for boys and girls! Go for it! I predict that lots of !!!!! will be needed.
ReplyDelete"One of the 24 similarities between girls and fish is that they're both attracted to shiny objects. You really don't read my blog, do you?" -Barney
ReplyDeleteI will remark that hate against women isn't any more appropriate than hate against gays... For those women readers who might not know this: "fish" is an insulting term that gay men use to refer to women amongst themselves, and that is quite clearly the context here.
DeleteDefinitely, yes!!!
ReplyDeleteMaybe start with one piece (jacket?) and see how you feel about wearing it head-to-toe.
ReplyDeleteI think that metallic linen would make great pants that would team up well with that daisy print- however I agree that metallics play up "bulges" so you might want to consider that-or not; after all, there was that "see-through shirt" discussion a few posts earlier! Maybe "obvious bulges" would be considered a "positive" as well! You could wear the see-through shirt with the "bulge-enhancing" pants and be a BIG HIT in your social circle! (just don't wear them to any future sewing blogger get-togethers!)
ReplyDeleteI would consider it a "positive' that the metallic quality of this fabric is not "overt"; too much metallic (including that in the candy colours seen above) is, quite literally, much too "flashy" (and thus has a limited range of wearability) and makes people look like candy bars. Plus it tends to look like CRAP very fast as the metal effect wears away and the wrinkles settle in.
And I agree about Paul Lynde; I thought he was damn'd irritating, myself, even in small quantities!
I love that linen fabric! It would make a wonderful sportcoat to wear with grey flannel trousers.
ReplyDeletePeter: That fabric would be great as a jacket! The other thing is that it would certainly set off anything underneath that was a bright color. Please, GO for it! - Babe.
ReplyDeleteThe only metallic clothes I've seen lately that I like is the suit Adam Lambert wears here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpkNRXcm2UA (You don't have to watch too much if you don't like him to get an idea of the suit)
ReplyDeleteI think your understated metallic would look just fine in a jacket based on how much I like his suit. I say "go for it".
In general, I think men and metallics are a pretty limited combination that tends to come and go as a trend. That particular metallic linen though, looks like it would work for you, being a bit on the more subtle end of the metallic spectrum. I think women usually get away with more metallics than men. If I were looking for a coat I wouldn't be planning to wear more than one season, I'd wear the flashy pink trench from above...I doubt my husband would say the same for himself.
ReplyDeleteI saw a green metallic material for St-Patty's day that I thought would be hot for a dress. A pair of pants would be great with a matted top, but not for both top and bottom
ReplyDeleteIf i had a flashy, jazzy place to wear them to, i would!
ReplyDeleteFrank
my first reaction was NOOOOO, when would you ever wear that, but then I thought about it. Fact is you don't sew for the need for clothes, you sew for fun and challenge, so go for it. Although it does say ballgown to me rather then suit :-)
ReplyDeleteOne "Look-at-Me!" piece at a time is much more effective and tasteful. Too much can look desparate for attention. This applies for both men and women. Peter, before you decide what to make, check the required cleaning method. I suspect that because of the silver, this fabric should not be drycleaned, and some construction cannot be washed. My choice, based on esthetics alone, would be a blazer but . . . . Is there something you like along this line that can be "unconstructed"?
ReplyDeleteI can't speak for men, but I can't really abide metallics on anyone....
ReplyDeleteI think I sent you a photo years ago of my daughter's Ken doll, which she only ever dressed in my old PJ doll's 1970s silver lame (pretend there's an accent on the e there) pants. So, of course, I say get your shiny on!
ReplyDeletePS - Your gunmetal fabric is not super shiny, so I think it would work without being blinding.
ReplyDeleteYea! Love your fabric. DO IT!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have the gold on blck version of this fabric and it is exquisite - so much classier than any other metallic fabric. I say YAY, because in crumply, casual linen the metallic will look interesting. Heck, if you can rock toile du jouy pants, you can rock some blingy linen!
ReplyDeleteI ordered an 'obsidian' black metallic linen from Marcy Tilton. The web description said it had metallic threads, yum! However, IRL it had a shiny coating that was verry plastic. Totally unsuitable for the tropics, like wearing a plastic bag!! However, for someone who is not a menopausal woman and doesn't live in the tropics- for example you, Peter! I'd say go for it. Or, as they apparently say in Newfoundland, "Fill yer boots".
ReplyDeleteGorgeous fabric. Go for it and make a suit.
ReplyDeleteWell made clothes and well made wines are all good, regardless of color or sparkle, when taken in the context of the appropriate setting. There is nothing wrong with Elvis's metallic suit, but it probably wouldn't be the best choice to wear to your next interview at an accounting firm.
ReplyDeleteI would have said that metallics might do better for jackets than pants, but at tap class on Saturday someone turned up in metallic black diamond check leggings. She and they looked fabulous! She did, however, say that the sweat quotient skyrocketed wearing them.
ReplyDeleteMetallics will work for you and for Cathy, because you are both in such perfect shape-- as the fabric will emphasize.
ReplyDeleteMetallic outfits and really long hair. In reality, neither of these work for most people (male or female. In the world of fantasy though, when they do work, it is so dramatic and lovely, everyone aspires to it. For real people - metallics are for shoes and bags, not jackets and shirts. But Peter, you live your life with a bit more drama, so maybe metallic tux is in your future
ReplyDeleteYea, but I agree with you that a little goes a long way. Also, I think the wearer makes a difference - like leopard or snake skin, you have to wear it with panache.
ReplyDeleteYea! I think that fabric could make a fantastic pair of pants. Those Burberry things are atrocious though, they scream ken-dolls. Although, if i saw them in real life, I would probably think "You love looking like a candy wrapper? Good for you!".
ReplyDeleteI now feel an urge to buy (Dont have skills for sewing pants.. yet) a pair of gold metallc pants for my husband..
I say Yea! That fabric would make a great suit.
ReplyDeleteYea. 100%. You can totally work it out.
ReplyDeleteI loooooove this idea. A metallic blazer with some simple jeans and a white shirt? PERFECTION.
ReplyDeleteI saw Mike Mills of REM wear a silver suit once. He'd be the only one I'd allow...
ReplyDeleteWhat about a metallic vest to test your feelings? Just make a quick one, then go back for fabric if you desire.
ReplyDeleteI was watching a roxy music concert on DVD recently and Bryan Ferry was wearing a gold metallic suit which looked cool and totally appropriate for what he was doing. In real life, though, I'm not sure, but if anyone could pull it off, it's you.
ReplyDeleteI must tell you I saw the gold lame Elvis suit whilst touring Graceland. If you are a big guy like Elvis, it would look sensational, like it did on him.
ReplyDeleteI love it! Can I ask where you found it? I've been looking for metallic fabric.
ReplyDeleteThe top floor at Mood, with the linen.
DeleteThanks Peter! I know where I'm going next pay day. Believe it or not but I have an outfit planned around metallic cotton/linen. Let it not be said that I'm afraid of an eye catching fabric!
DeleteOh, i could go there. I have kicked myself too many times over a gold metallic leather jacket that I didn't buy on a trip. It was awesome and I would have felt like a million in it. But I kept saying "Where would I wear it?" Ha! I would wear it to work, to the store..anywhere as long as it wasn't too hot (weatherwise) to wear it.
ReplyDelete