I’ve had weighty matters on my mind, Directorate. Big questions.
Questions like, “If NASA were to launch another Voyager mission and asked me for a Directrice ensemble to send into space to show distant civilizations Business Casual, what is the best example of Peak Directrice? Do I need to send my best work? What does it all mean?”
And then I realized: I don’t need to answer questions like this on my own. I have all of you.
So I ask you, Directorate. What AW2025 outfit should be at the ready? Plaid Potholder Breastplate Apron? Or Challenging Sweater with Assertive Shoes? And should I offer to send the actual clothes or just photos of the clothes? Should I offer to go with?
Here is one possibility.
Let’s make this a fair fight. Here’s the other choice.
This outfit has some Peak Directrice elements: assertive shoes, wide-legged wool jersey pants, an impractical but irresistible sweater. So it’s a contender. But I forgot to add a piece of jewelry! I wouldn’t want beings beyond the Milky Way to think we don’t accessorize on Earth.
I paid full price for these pants at Eileen Fisher — and you know I don’t like to pay full price! — because I feel confident that the cost-per-wear will drop to $2 in 5 years and the pants will last the rest of my life. Burial pants. In organizing my sweaters last month, I was pleased to revisit several Eileen Fisher pieces that are 20 years old and they still look great. Eileen Fisher merino wool may be unbeatable.
The sweater is is not Eileen Fisher. She would never make something so preposterous. This is Jacquemus, designer of the Flamenco Life Vest.
I don’t think I am supposed to be wearing a blouse underneath the sweater, according to Jacquemus, but one is essential for the business environment. Also, the sweater is fuzzy, which can descend from cozy to itchy after a few hours.
I folded the waistband of the sweater under because it was tight (by design, I think) and while a little bit of gapping is passable, a sweater that is pulling apart at the waist looks less deliberate. Of course a folded under sweater creates a little bulk, but it seemed the better choice. Choices.
Speaking of choices, looking at these photos now, I think a different blouse would look better under this sweater — a straight hem instead of a shirt-tail hem.
Back to . . . the other thing.
I saw this . . this . . . this garment a few years ago and it spoke to me. But it sat in my closet for a few years while I pondered whether it was too weird for me, even in a subversive mood.
It reminds me of the clothes you put on a paper doll. Remember those?
The plaid is a lovely slate blue with red and orange accents — just the thing to dress up a pair of slate blue action slacks.
With a brooch added, it’s perfect for heading out into the world and provoking thoughts. Deep thoughts.
I got this brooch at Ombre Gallery last summer. It was part of a touring exhibit of Korean artists, each piece more exquisite than the last and my greedy self wanted every single one. The beautiful marigold color in this brooch caught my eye; the buds are made of rice that was dyed this vibrant shade.
So, which outfit should represent mankind? Or would you pick something altogether different? Go deep into the archives, Directorate!
Outfit 1: Plaid Potholder Breastplate Apron: A.W.A.K.E. Mode; Shirt: COS; Pants: Prana; Shoes Sezane; Bag: Max Mara; Brooch: Saerom Kong
Outfit 2: Sweater: Jacquemus; Blouse: Talbots Perfect Shirt; Pants: Eileen Fisher Felted Wool Jersey Wide-Leg Pant; Shoes: G.H. Bass Weejun Loafers
