A Wardrobe Malfunction at the Opera, or Deadstock Devil Dust is not an Oxymoron

[cmpollack]

My wonderful NOS 50s Triangle wool purse fell apart on the way to the opera last night, almost (but not quite) turning the evening into slapstick tragi-comedy.

It inspired me both to blog about it:

http://cur.io/

and to reflect about the age old debate over how careful with vintage we ought to be (ie conservation vs wear).

I invite your thoughts on the issue, as well as any tales you have of vintage wardrobe malfunctions of your own (which may make me feel better about my little incident...)

:duh:

 

[hatfeathers]

Oh, bummer!

I've near worn out two vintage box purses, myself. I try to stop using them before they are toast...and I don't use anything that wasn't already damaged.

 

[missproper]

When I was first dating my husband we went out to a night club, and of course I wore this gorgeous tight 1940's dress. It completely split down the side half way through our date. Luckily it was repairable. :embaressed:
I've also worn out two beautiful 40's purses, just from daily use and abuse. :clueless:
Oh, and my favorite 60's coat is falling apart as we speak. I can't even count how many times I've sewn the pockets & sleeves back together, but I just can't stop wearing it! I love the way it fits.

 

[dorotheascloset]

I was at my first fashion show for the shop, at a nightclub...walking across the room (early, so not tons of people) and the 70s wedge heel platforms I was wearing literally came apart. The canvas upper completely pulled away from the heavy platform!!! I loved those shoes, too.....

Ang

 

[avamac]

I'd posted about an infamous wardrobe malfunction in the 60s...but think it might be a bit risque for the public side...


AND I wanted to say again that I really enjoy your blog. You're a ...way....more than good writer.

 

[dorotheascloset]

Love your blog!!!!!

Ang

 

[cmpollack]

I don't use anything that wasn't already damaged.

I think I've seen the light on that one, Jenn... Even the most careful usage doesn't rule out accidental damage (like dropping your pristine purse on the elevator... ) I have tended to gravitate toward things with stains, mends, or other flaws that don't bother me at all and do make me feel much less guilty about regular use of them.

Missproper--I love the story re your 60s coat. Amazing the devotion and sense of lifelong commitment one can feel to a vintage item (my parents used to be that way about ALL their clothes, but that's another story... )

Ang--I think I remember your post (and it's a good thing you didn't hurt yourself, a la Naomi Campbell, falling off your wedges!).

But I don't remember yours, Maryalice, but I'm intrigued... I remember a story (in the early 80s, I believe) about Neil Diamond jumping onto the stage and splitting his pants up the back, but the issue there wasn't the age of the thread, I think, just too-tight tailoring! (And many thanks for your kind words re my blog!)

Thanks for sharing your stories! I'm feeling much less traumatized by now...

 

[thespectrum]

began effusing anthrax-scary clouds of gritty orange powder

That was a great blog entry, a lot of us can relate to DD!