Final Paper Proposal/Topic Choice

my mother (left) and her friend in her college, Xinghai Music Conservatory, 1985

This photo was taken in front of a wall of red brick in my mom’s sophomore year in her college. On the right, it is her friend, Chen Lin, who later became a singer.

I chose this image because I found their clothing quite minimal in terms of color yet still remain stylish, incorporating some kind of design twists. The white or black and white outfits were considered very stylish back then. My mother’s sister and Lin’s sister brought the pieces from Hong Kong to Guangzhou for them. I can see the Western influence on their ruffled blouses and the silhouettes of the pants and skirt. My mother’s friend passed away when I was a baby. I found this photo very precious and memorable.

I also pursue a quite minimal style in my daily outfits, which one can easily tell by knowing my favorite brands: Celine by Phoebe Philo, The Row, Raf Simons, and Jil Sander.

Model in Carolyn Schnurer’s white oxford cloth shorts and top with white cord passementerie and scarf by Vera, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper’s Bazaar Cover, June 1950

I find this image interesting because the model is wearing beachwear yet you can’t tell that she is by the beach or not. She is in this arch looking at somewhere far away. I like the aesthetics of the photography as well as her outfit. Although wearing all white, she is accessorized well with a red scarf draping from her breast (which seems unusual), a brown belt, a straw hat with scarf underneath. She seems to be happy about the place she is looking at.

As for its relationship with my personal style, I wear all white outfits and beachwear quite often. I am very into the vintage, minimal, iconic, and classic looks.