We went to see a fine young gentleman yesterday, Zack Pinsent at The Fashion History Museum in Cambridge
, Ontario.If you ever have the opportunity to visit this little gem of a museum I highly recommend it. The story of how the museum came to be is wonderful. You can read more here.
Commitment To Style & Sustainability Zack Pinsent
If you’ve never heard of Zack Pinsent before I suggest you watch this little two minute video below from the BBC or read this article with loads of brilliant photos, and yes, he really does look like a Disney prince.
Would you be dedicated enough to wear historically accurate clothing every day?
Zack no longer owns any modern clothes and has dressed this way for ten years. His style fills him with confidence and brings him joy.
Isn’t that what we all desire from our clothing?
Zack creates all of his clothing himself. He is a self taught tailor and operates his own business of bespoke period clothing based in Brighton.
Sustainable Slow Fashion
I was impressed with Zack’s commitment to the environment and slow fashion. During his presentation he lamented our destruction of the planet due to relentless consumption and subsequent disposal of what he accurately deemed, “inadequate garments” to landfills.
In contrast, Zack strives to use locally sourced, biodegradable, natural fibers and ensures every morsel of material is used. To demonstrate his fabric frugality he revealed his coat had been pieced together (stoted, or invisibly stitched together) from twelve scraps leftover from his client’s orders. Nothing is wasted!
The bespoke period pieces he creates are skillfully stitched (upwards of 90% by hand), giving a whole new meaning to the idea of slow fashion.
Zack performed a “reverse strip tease”.
He started the presentation wearing his underwear from the era (which, by the way, was a full shirt and britches with stockings, no nudity, sorry ladies!) and explained each layer in detail as he added it. The resulting dramatic complete ensemble was similar to the one below. Dashing right?
He was charming, informative, funny and delightfully entertaining.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Prior the presentation we took in the current exhibit, “Made in France”.
These were the three dresses that need to somehow magically find their way into my closet. I’ve been a very good girl Santa!
And finally this sparkly number below by Harry Algo, 1966.
The name Harry Algo didn’t refer to an actual person but the company made quality clothes at affordable prices for department stores in foreign markets. It operated from the 60’s to the 80’s. I still find vintage Algo pieces while thrifting like this vintage lurex maxi dress currently for sale in my Etsy store.
This is what I wore…
And the husband was channeling Don from Mad Men.
The tie, hat and tie clip are authentic 50s.
How committed are you to your personal style?
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
you are such a gorgeous chic couple! love your dress!!!
zack pinsent is a very interesting person and i´m in awe by his style!!! of cause is the pre-industrial fashion a very slow one – textiles were expensive and got cherished until they fell to rags……
i never would commit to hand sewing (arthritic hands and all) but turning in the direction of old european folk wear opened my eyes for long lasting quality, natural fibers and comfy, always flattering cuts – and a very dressed look…..
i can totally see this 3 dresses on you ;-D
xxxx
You would have really loved his presentation Beate, all of the details and skill in the sewing.
You are such a fabulously;y dressed couple, you must have turned a few heads.
I’ve seen Zack on the BBC and also, I think, read about him in The Chap magazine (a British magazine for well dressed men which I think Robert would love!)
His style is fantastic and I love that his coat was made from off cuts from other commissions.
I hope Santa is reading this, all three of those pieces would suit you perfectly! xxx
I did have a few comments on my coat…I’m so happy I decided to keep this piece!
My husband will be looking for that magazine now.
I’m totally delighted by this young gentleman’s personality and how he enjoys his clothes with confidence and joy!. He’s got such a magnificent attitude and talent and skills!.
This kind of things put a smile on my face.
And obviously, I’m also delighted by your fabulousness!, both of you look so elegant and cool!. I love your dress and your blue coat and those boots! (love your talent to pick everything and create a gorgeous ensemble). And The Husband looks so damn dapper!. You’re Fabulous!
Loving those dresses too, particularly the supposed Cardin, wow
besos
I agree Monica, this type of thing puts a smile on my face too. He was such a charmer, reminded me of a young Hugh Grant a bit, without all the scandal. LOL
Thanks again : )
First, you two are gorgeous, together and separately! Love your boots and blue coat, and R’s throwback look, esp the “kissing hat”!
Thanks for the intro to this young man and his talents. I have to learn more about him. I remember that museum and it was delightful. Sounds like the perfect date.
And the Algo lurex dress – a stunner. It could have featured in “Valley of the Dolls”, on a slinky, curvy dame with a cigarette holder. xox
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
The Aldo dress is exactly as you described : )
Wow! What a terrific post!
Zack has both style and ecological awareness. I admire both. Looking back to the past for fashion inspiration is high on my list of joys; his efforts are wonderful.
I’m trying to develop personal style since, for me, women’s fashion is new territory. Slowly I believe I’m getting there. Feedback from friends like you has been invaluable.
I just loved how Zack was able to do what he wants and wear what he likes…it reminded me of you when you were here last.
I’m glad he’s able to support his passion. I visited his website and would be interested in getting a historical outfit made. Unfortunately he’s in England and that’s too far for a fitting. I’ll look for someone on this continent who can do something similar.
Exciting!
Maybe you should book a trip to England : ) I used to live in Brighton for a bit. It’s lovely.
Gosh, you make such a lovely and beautifully dressed couple! What exactly was going on behind that hat?
Zack sounds like a wonderful young man. His style is brilliant and how dedicated he must be to accurately recreate period dress in such detail. I loved his style. He’s very much a Regency Dandy as personified in Georgette Heyer books; very popular when I was at school – a long time ago!
There are a couple of women I used to see regularly in the charity shops here; a mother and adult daughter. They wore and recreated 1940s fashions only; including the hairstyle; a Victory Roll! I would love to take some photos of them for my blog and talk to them about their commitment to this period; but alas I haven’t seen them for a quite a while now/
xxx
What a shame you don’t see those women anymore! I would have loved to have seen photos. Their dedication is inspiring.
Talk about dedication for Zack. I loved hearing about his work and how he uses all the scraps. My mom is kinda like that. She makes scarves and flower pins from leftover material when she shortens things.
And you two are so cute…I love that photo behind the hat.
XOOX
Jodie
I’m sure you and your Mom would have been impressed with Zack’s tailoring skills.
The hat is a handy prop ; P
Thanks Jodie.
How I would have loved this, Suzanne! I’d heard of Zack Pinsent and find him quite fascinating. In fact, several of my friends sent me that video. I love his dedication and style. I know some people who dress authentically in 1930s, 1940s or 1950s style, and although I love theirt style, I am not sure I could ever be as dedicated, as I’d find it too restricted. I love mixing up my vintage! I’d love that Pierre Cardin suit, please! Oh, and aren’t you and the husband a handsome couple! xxx
He was very entertaining.
Yes…that Pierre Cardin really does have your name on it Ann : )
When you come and visit me we will visit this museum together. Hint hint!
So cool you got to attend a demonstration by him! It sounds like it was a lovely outing- and those dresses are fabulous!
Pierre Cardin, that’s a name I haven t heard in a while. Never heard of Zack Pincent though! Interesting. Anyway, what a handsome couple the two of you are!
What a delightful dress you are wearing. It is sooo you. Love it. And I love the fact that your husband equally loves dressing up and is into the vintage clothing.
Thank you for the information about Zack. He is truly a unique person with a lot of self-confidence. His choice of dressing gives him so much more opportunity for colour and lovely things. Men’s clothing these days is rather dull. I couldn’t be committed to “dressing up” like that. I don’t want to that different but hey, cheers to him. He looks like a really nice guy.
Greetje
I had seen a video of Zack and I so admire his commitment to his creative and sustainable style. I have yet to visit this museum, and I wish I would have known Pincent was going to be there doing a presentation. That must have been such a treat! I am surprised you didn’t take any photos of him (or were they not allowed?). The sparkly Algo dress is gorgeous – the three outfits would fit into your closet perfectly.
Oh my. Zack is an amazing young man. He is a fashion inspiration for sure, as are you and your husband. You both look incredibly stylish.