OVER SIXTY AND SENSATIONAL
By Helen Martin
The Magic ... of Fabric
As a top high-fashion model , Ms . Martin has appeared in dozens of designer shows , including : Christian Dior , Balenciaga , James Galanos , Kritzia , Marc Bohan , Yves Saint Laurent , Armani , Bob Mackie , Oscar De LaRenta , Karl Lagerfeld , Chanel , Donna Karan , Pauline Trigere , Todd Oldman , Fendi Furs , Valentino and Givenchy .
In the fashion industry , Ms . Martin was named Regional Fashion Manager of Neiman Marcus stores where her responsibilities included serving as liaison with the Chicago fashion press , supervising all major f ashion events in a three-store area and presenting fashion clinics to community and civic groups .
Sometimes fabric is referred to as material ; I never use the word material , preferring fabric instead . Materials can mean a bundle of sheet rock or writing materials : pencil , paper , etc . But the word fabric , to me , means texture , quality – textiles .
Texture that you can see , feel to the touch . Quality in the concept of design and balance . How the fabric feels in your hand … the light weight of magnificent gabardine wool , the sensuous touch of a heavy silk , the silent swish of chiffon moving against your legs .
Certain fabrics carry decades of traditions , for instance , heather-green wool from Scotland used for sports and hunting attire as well as general street wear .
Years ago , I visited a shop in Scotland which the locals lovingly referred to as The Queen ’ s store . I did purchase a khaki rain hat exactly like The Queen wears . I do know my rubber Wellingtons were like hers – how many times have we seen pictures and films of Her Majesty walking the English countryside in her wellies ?
I came away with several shopping bags filled with heavenly heather-green items ; several sporting hats and caps and a wonderful green wool fedora I wore with my front pleat skirt , saddle color leather belt and cable
72 Explore Corsicana | Fall 2022