Ask Angie: (and everyone) Thoughts on this (or another) black blazer

Lately I've been quite smitten with this Helmut Lang blazer.

http://www.intermixonline.com/.....038;cid=LS

In combing through my closet this weekend, I've come up with a couple of blazers/jackets that need to go, but I've also been realizing that when the weather cools off, the one blazer I reach for the most -- my black Gibson from two years ago -- is going to start to wear out at some point in the not too distant future. Strangely enough, the Gibson is my only solid black blazer, and I like the length, versatility, easy structure, and ability to layer it.

I could justify the price of a nice designer black blazer, but it would have to be the right balance of distinctive and versatile. I wouldn't want it to look so 2013 that it looks 2013 in 2015, if you know what I mean. I want modern but not overly trendy. Of course, it doesn't need to be "designer" but I do want a quality piece with some hint of rock'n'roll sophisticate.

I'm not sure the HL blazer is the one, but I find it very appealing. I don't even know how HL fits would work on me. I love the idea of leather detail, a slightly strong shoulder, a slightly fitted silhouette, and a longer length. I also think this angled hem would be nice on me, rather than a straight hem that cuts across my lower hip. I even like this particular (semi?) collarless style, while most collarless jackets don't thrill me.

What do you think? Any suggestions for this or other black blazers?

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12 years ago

Anonymous

Oooo, that's nice Janet! I like if for your style. I do think the longer length can be tricky if you are concerned about proportions (I have one I need to post and get opinions on), but you should definitely try one of these on. With your long legs, it might not be a problem at all.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Claire! Yeah, I was loaded up with shorter and cropped jacket silhouettes, and I have now added a couple of longer jackets to my closet over the past year or so.

The Gibson is so flattering on because of the curved hem and the way it is cut to form a slight high-low shape. This one is different but I see possibilities in it. I can usually carry off a longer length in a jacket if the hem is cut in a way that doesn't cut me straight across my hip or thigh, where I am proportionally widest. Diagonals are often my friends!

Mochi

I love it. I do think "futuristic" as well as rock and roll. It's so one-of-a-kind. Not an expert but tend to think it would defy trendiness on that account.

donnat

Mochi has the right idea. It has a futuristic kind of vibe to it. I think it will remain kind if different from the main stream for a few years.
I shall be lusting for it.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I think the reason you reach for the Gibson is because of its shape - to your point. It's extremely flattering on a pretty pear-shaped figure. Client Karen is also pear shaped and it's her favourite blazer by far. She has practically worn it out already - again, to your point.

The HL jacket is great. Order it. Play around with it. See if it is as good as the Gibson.

Thanks! Angie, what's your feeling about sizing? IIRC, Helmut Lang runs small? I'm thinking an 8 or possibly even a 10 if the sizing really does run small.

I vote size 8. xo

ironkurtin

I personally think a lot of the stuff that is super hot now from HL is going to look dated in two years. They're aggressively "now." (Why this would bug me, when I happily wear vintage original HL from the 90s, I don't know. No, I do. I think the older stuff is much better quality in materials and tailoring.) I don't know if this blazer is one of those items fated to fade but when you try it, I would def think if you can see yourself wearing it in a few years when this kind of detailing will be gone with the wind.

catgirl

I love this. I can't tell whether it will date. It does say "futuristic" which sometimes converts to "passé" as time goes by, but I find that hard to gauge. I have one HL jacket in a size 6.

My idea of a classic HL style is the smoking tuxedo blazer (what that means, I don't have a clue!):

http://www.helmutlang.com/SMOK.....d=womens-j

Diana

It's beautiful. Now I want to try it too. I bet it would work beautifully in that bf jeans outfit from Anthro I posted the other day. It has the same combo of drape and architectural shape that makes it not boxy (like a bf blazer would be) but still not overtly feminine.