Eclectic, arty and colorful - a style interview with Elizabeth

I institute Elizabeth on Instagram where here colorful creations immediately catch your centre. She possesses a rare power to put an enviable artistic spin on styles from beyond multiple decades. Her stylish and visually striking outfits of the day are daily surprises that go on you coming dorsum for more. I was lucky enough to interview Elizabeth and tap into her artistic genius.

Can you tell us a little chip more about yourself?

My involvement in all forms of textile extends dorsum to when I was a little daughter; making clothes for my doll from scrap fabric my mother had left over. I began sewing clothes for myself from the age of thirteen, after taking up Secondary School studies in Habitation Economic science. I ever knew I wanted to become a instructor; though despite developing a great love for sewing and cooking, I decided to honor my love of Art, qualifying as a Visual Arts teacher at the terminate of 1981. I was pleased I had the pick to major in Textiles, studying weaving, dyeing and printmaking.

Excelling in Linoblock printing, it was a natural progression to contain this technique into the fabric of garments I designed and sewed for myself, and then as an aside to my teaching, later in 1984, for boutiques on consignment. I operated nether the label "Tpinjii Designs" (an Anglicised name I adapted from my Maltese heritage – a discussion significant "to draw").

After winning two fashion awards (1987 & 1988), I decided to go out the Education profession and focus on my love of fashion, developing Women'due south Wear ranges with a focus on unique textile prints, asymmetry and a touch of the avant-garde. Returning to teaching fulltime in 1991, I continued designing and manufacturing my collections for another three years, ceasing to merchandise nether Tpinjii Designs at the end of 1993. Since and then, I spent a brusk fourth dimension creating formal and wedding gowns for a select grouping of clients; but these days my mode focus is purely on extending my own wardrobe!!!!

Every bit a point of reference which age group do you belong to or possibly you lot are willing to share your age?

I was born in 1961. I've just turned 54.

Tin can you tell us a flake more virtually what you do and why you started sharing your photos on Instagram?

As I mentioned previously, I take been an Fine art teacher since 1982, owning and operating a fashion characterization for x years during that time. I stopped teaching fulltime at the end of 2004, and since then have taken upwardly various positions in the Education sector, from Public Relations to Supply (Relief) Instruction.

At the beginning of this yr (2015), I decided I would like to return to the Mode Industry in some chapters, but realised that I didn't have a current Visual Portfolio of my styling, which I could present to prospective employers. Equally I was on telephone call each mean solar day for teaching and had to be dressed set up to get anyway, some friends pointed out that I therefore had a gear up-made photograph, and suggested that I employ Instagram every bit my platform. Through my posts I hope to tell a complete story through my ensemble and (whenever possible) the surroundings that I "phase my pose in".

I currently accept a foot in both Education and Mode – working part-fourth dimension for Japanese-Australian designer Akira Isogawa and the remainder of the time doing educational activity call-outs equally required. In my "spare fourth dimension" I enjoy sewing, visiting austerity & vintage stores, cooking and spending time with my teenage son.

How would you lot depict your ain way?

My mode is definitely eclectic. It'south a combination of clothes I have sewn, thrifted, been gifted, upwards-cycled and repurposed, as well as designer and vintage pieces. I'chiliad hopeless at throwing "things" out, only the beauty of this, is that I have many clothing and accompaniment pieces (from across several decades), which I set myself the challenge of utilising in my daily ensembles. I have never been a "slave to way" so I judge my style has never been "in" nor "out of" mode but running the form of my creative self-expression to honour what "feels right" for me on any given 24-hour interval. It'due south for this reason I chose the Handle "timeless_styling" for Instagram.

How has your style developed over the years?

I would say that my level of Adornment is the main development of my style. I take clustered quite a collection of hats (both vintage and contemporary) every bit well as costume jewellery.

The inclusion of vintage wear in my wardrobe has also added to this development, as this has called for the need to "research the style" and later "interpret" the era of these pieces into a mod context.

I am also hugely inspired by The Advanced Mode "move" developed past Ari Seth Cohen……and long to be similar his muses "when I grow up"!!! Studying their commonage styling has definitely influenced the development of mine. I honey everything about their expression & philosophy, and hope to accept the opportunity to meet with some of these amazing inspirational women one day.

What would yous consider the most important components of your style? Do you feel you have a signature style?

Colour & Design teamed with Adornment are definitely my main trademark. I enjoy layering and presenting some form of "Wow Factor" in each outfit……whether as a colour accent or statement piece. Detail is also very important me. Everything I habiliment has a purpose for being on my body…..from the visible……….to the invisible (even my lingerie must according!)

I have always been attracted to disproportion and texture, feeling that both these components add an additional signal of visual interest. Their inclusion in an outfit can be subtle, but i or the other volition most frequently be included. Sewing my own apparel has given me the added advantage of beingness able to play effectually with each of this either at the point of construction or by embellishing the textile.

Where exercise you live and how does that influence your manner?

I live in Brisbane (the uppercase city of Queensland – a land of Australia). It's probably fair to say that the sub-tropical climate of where I live has had a subliminal effect on my pick of wearing bright colours and patterned fabric……only ultimately, it's my personality which is responsible for how I have called to bring this together in my ensembles.

What inspires your outfit choices the most?

Inspiration can appear in all forms………I don't have a set formula. I will brainstorm with one detail (such as a piece of jewellery, chapeau or material – for instance) and allow the ensemble to grow somewhat organically until I feel I have achieved a visual balance.

External forces can likewise be fun to gain inspiration from: I recently discovered a wall near where I piece of work, which I felt would serve as a fabulous backdrop for an Instagram photo……it was covered in remnants of affiche paper, glue and blutack. I delighted in interpreting those textural markings in my option of fabric and accessories for that detail outfit.

Do yous take things like color profiling or body type into account when you lot dress?

I work with a broad colour palette. Though I've never had my colours done – over the years, I've learnt which colours "piece of work" better on me than others…..and if I really want to wear a color which I know tin can brand me look insipid or washed out, I'll either clothing it away from my confront, or add a scarf/jewellery which will "throw" warmth to my skin. As far as body blazon goes, I am about witting of being short waisted, being broader in the hips and that my trunk shape has altered, and then there are sure styles which I am no longer as comfortable wearing…………..just again, over the years I've learnt to create silhouettes which complement and (hopefully) flatter my body type. Having said that though – as with colour – I am also prepared to sacrifice that chemical element of flattery if I wish to brand a strong sculptural statement with my outfit…..All in the Name of Artistic Expression!!!

Has your style changed at all after turning 40?

Every bit I accept, and still clothing, clothes which I made in the 1980s and 1990s, I'm more than likely to say that my style has grown rather than changed! I take been interested in the blueprint and sensibility of Japanese design for nearly xl years at present. – existence particularly in awe of the work of Issey Miyake and Akira Isogawa. I feel this is the deepest essence of my style – drawn to treating my body every bit the three-dimensional form that it is…….creating an interesting viewpoint from whatsoever side.

Working with vintage wearable has just occurred in about the last 10 years, and I've found bully joy in combining these garments with contemporary pieces I've sourced, to create a unique look.

Do y'all believe in dressing 'age appropriately' and what does it mean to y'all?

That's an interesting question! And one that is probably way too complex to fully analyse in this infinite. I certainly feel that on a personal level, I'm witting of how much "skin I betrayal"……but I have no boundaries in terms of theme, decade or silhouette when information technology comes to putting an ensemble together. Dressing appropriately for the occasion or circumstance (such as cultural guidelines in a foreign country) is also important to me. I believe in that location is a fine line between dressing sensually and provocatively……….the onetime is always more than exciting both visually and psychologically.

Would yous say that at this stage of your life you are now more than, or less interested in fashion, style and the way you lot await?

Fashion has only ever been a guideline for me. I have ever been more interested in style and presenting myself in the best possible way. First and foremost for myself then for anyone who cares to expect (and hopefully) bask what they see. As I've become older, I've become more confident in how I express myself and prepared to break "style" rules and having fun along the mode. I have ever worn makeup to compliment my look; the nuts of which always include mascara and lipstick (if naught else).

Why is the mode yous look important to you?

I am a very "Visual Being" and have e'er surrounded myself with colour and elements of beauty in my decor. Dressing myself as I do, is a mere extension of this. I also owe it to my self-esteem, not to become complacent and develop a level of comfort which could spiral into invisibility.

I enjoy the challenge of creating new looks (and certainly Instagram has been a positive platform and motivator in this regard). As a teacher, I have always felt it is my duty to act equally a part model for teenage girls, to inspire them toward beingness creative with their styling likewise as the importance of being well groomed……to respect themselves and take pride in their beingness.

Do you follow trends? And if yes, which trends excite you at the moment?

I don't follow trends, but tend to follow my creative urge, which tin exist inspired as much by a garment that I'll meet in a fashion magazine as a cute piece of fabric that will straight the silhouette of the ensemble.

Being fortunate plenty to run up and having clustered a substantial fabric collection – I take never felt the desire to slavishly follow Fashion. I have a huge collection of Vogue Patterns which are carefully filed by designer. I constantly refer to them and my fabric collection, to interpret elements of trends which I find interesting.

Do you have any fashion and style tips for women over 40?

The origin of the word "Fashion" is from the Latin term 'facere' and the French 'façon' meaning to do, make or shape. And so my communication to women is to work towards making their own individual shape, rather than be dictated to by current trends.

Find silhouettes that they are comfortable in and then build upon this with your accessories.

For those who shy away from color, perhaps begin with one item that will add that 'Pop' or 'Argument' to your ensemble and allow yourself the freedom to experiment, explore and relish. Wearing dress should be about having fun and feeling good.

Anything farther you would like to add together?

Ultimately, wearing wearing apparel should exist about what you enjoy and feel comfortable in. Our life in the 21st Century is very fast paced, and sadly, it is unlikely that we can render to the days when "getting dressed up" and the "glamour" of posing in forepart of a photographic camera was particularly special.

But that doesn't mean we tin't still take pride in how nosotros look, placing a small amount of actress effort in our appearance tin have a magnificently positive rippling impact for ourselves and those around u.s.a..

Endeavour it onetime I can guarantee it'll bring a smile to your eye!

Give thanks you and so much, Elizabeth, for giving united states a glimpse into your colorful and amazing fashion! Connect with Elizabeth and follow her style journey on Instagram.

Which of Elizabeth's outfits is your favorite?

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