For his first column in the April edition of Elle magazine, Creative Director Joe Zee draws from his fashion career spanning over 20 years to lend his opinion to some of this seasons most prevalent runway looks he feels should be taken with a grain of salt. Jumpsuits made the list. I was not too surprised; the mere mention of jumpsuits can conjure up a myriad of issues and images that don’t help its reputation. Namely mechanics, the ever-present threat of anatomic definition in your nether regions, and last but certainly not least the problems that arise when faced with the need to use a public bathroom. Mr. Zee does not even venture to give specifics, besides “Unless you’re a mechanic, there’s really no room for a jumpsuit in your closet” (pg.102)
I was saddened to read this, and couldn’t disagree more. In the past couple of seasons, jumpsuit sightings have been teetering between few to nil’, so seeing so many in the spring/summer collections in such a variety was inspiring. And despite the sanitation issues, their not all bad. The one linen jumpsuit I own from Mango circa 2003 fits perfectly into today’s safari look, and its recent reintroduction to my wardrobe initially came only from a need for comfort on a particularly bloated Friday morning. In addition to the plus of comfort, I can almost guarantee collecting multiple positive comments ranging from mild appreciation to shock and awe, immediately followed by a “Where did you get that?” each time I wear it. And more often than not, jumpsuits offer the same luxury as the perfect summer dress, the ability to dress it up or dress it down. Furthermore, if jumpsuits were thought to be unsalable, chances are a majority of designers would opt to not. It is no fluke that many designers from Versace, Stella McCartney and YSL would choose them to grace their runways if there wasn’t hope of being embraced. Local designers Janeane Marie of Love and Memory and Rachel Mara also chose to send jumpsuits out this past weekend in the Portland Mercury fashion show, to great acclaim.
Despite his earlier comment, Joe Zee does give some advice to those willing to venture into onesie land. “…keep it sexy. Wear it unzipped like a V-neck and put a belt around it to give it a waist.” Good advice, but it might be easier to inspire confidence in your readers if you don’t admonish the very thing you are advising on.
My suggestion? Just do it! Jumpsuits are one of the must have garments of the upcoming sunny season. Check out your favorite vintage shop, they are bound to have some bright, floral and over the top attention grabbing pieces. Some minor adjustments may be needed if the aforementioned problem should arise, but in this town you can’t swing a tape measure without hitting a designer/seamstress/crafter. Support the local scene, and get your jumpsuit on!
–Valerie Mathus
Valerie is a Portland-based fashion designer.
[Listen: Jump by Van Halen.]
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