Life is short. Show us who you really are.
We live in interesting times. Conversations inspired by new ideas are now happening at a faster rate than ever before, thanks to our interconnectivity. Old modes of thinking are being deconstructed and replaced with more progressive ideaologies. As we continue our exploration of gender norms, we question what it is to be a man, or a woman. Or a non-binary person who identifies in other ways. How great is this? I honestly never thought society would be exploring this in my lifetime!
Which led me, a history loving designer-maker, to begin wondering why men have had so few options to sartorially self-express in the last….oh, 200 years or so. Once upon a time, it was men that wore the most flamboyant costume, and women, by comparison, were fairly sedate. However, it all began getting a bit dull in the early 19th Century and it’s remained pretty bland for men ever since. Gay men have always been the rebels and outliers of fashion, performers have their designers and stylists, but for the ordinary-joe straight man? Poor guy - aside from baseball hats, t-shirts, patterned ties, and branded logos, he has pitifully few options to show the world who he is on the inside. Add to all of that a culture of toxic masculinity where “real men don’t dress like that,” and you have a bunch of scared, boringly dressed guys who have no idea how much fun they are being denied.
I mean, right? Shouldn’t getting dressed be fun? Especially if you’re getting dressed up for a special event.
Weapon of Choice New Orleans presents our Chestplates - a new unisex neckwear option! Embroidered lace, metallic appliqués, vintage jewelry elements, and medallions add texture, color, and glamour to a plain suit. Elegant and dashing, each one is handmade and sometimes hand-tinted using airbrushed fabric paint by me. Hand sewn and machine-stitched, the Chestplates are built to last. Indulge yourself, and show the world who you really are with these easy to wear, unique accessories that will become your signature look for years to come.
With love,
Laura
