In the outer edges of the Downtown Los Angeles in the Arts District, Corinne Grassini has her studio and showroom for Society for Rational Dress, a line of of clothing that gives a nod to comfort, art and architecture. The area has certainly that industrial feel, like where Terminator 2 would go to work if he had a cool job in design. Walk around and you’ll see artist workshops, and gallery spaces next to vacant lots. It certainly prepares you for a visit with Corrine, who works in an architecturally dramatic concrete and exposed brick studio. “Artists who are inspired by industrial materials inspire me.. and you see a lot of that down here. You can see it in the clothes with the little leather accents, and the brass accents. Everything has a little element that has a bit of a soft side and a bit of a harsher detail to it. If I could use concrete in clothing I totally would.” She says in her soft spoken manner.
I’d been following the development of the Society for Rational Dress for a few years and always loved the richness of the collections, partially avant garde and completely wearable, a combination that is rarely found in clothing lines. Thick leather straps that could be re-purposed as a cuff or rearranged to transform the garment, along with the softest of cotton jersey and the beautiful silks were certainly covetable, especially with the oncoming summer heat.
The name, ‘Society for Rational Dress’ came from the a group of 19th century women who wanted to free themselves from the corsetry and other binding garments called the Rational Dress Society. They wanted to wear more functional clothing. “I was just attracted to the idea of women wanting to wear whatever they wanted to wear instead of following the trends of the time.” she added, “By no means do I think I am a dress reformer, nor do I have a connection to that avant garde approach design or what I wear, but I like that they did their own thing, and that it was a group of awesome women.”
Visit Corrine at SocietyforRationalDress.com.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
It all looks so comfortable and relaxed! I really love it. I will need to look at some more of this.
Wow the shoes are very cool. never hear of them but will check it out. Love the blue top. Thanks for sharing. stumbled across your blog and enjoying the posts
Angel @ | 77inspire |´s last blog .. SARAH SEVEN
The buckles on the shoulder of that navy dress are amazing. I would feel so dystopian in it-like I would be attending a cocktail party in a broken down future or something.
Gosh, I’m weird.
OH well.
xox
Lusting the second and third outfit!! Great blog- now following you!!
http://www.lovelywanderlust.com
LOVE the third outfit!
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