IronKurtain & Annagybe - can you help me? - YouLookFab Forum

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IronKurtain & Annagybe - can you help me?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

If I remember correctly, both of you wear Helmut Lang items - and beautifully so. There's something so incredibly beautiful about the soft drapiness coupled with the edginess of the pieces.

What is the sizing like? Can they work on a petite apple? Probably not a dress, but what about a top?

Thanks in advance

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I find either true to size or a bit on the large size. I have a jacket that is a size medium. In most designer stuff I'm a large. The jacket is cut close on the torso though.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Thanks Anna - I'm assuming for taller folks though, right? Can I ask you a personal question - and please be honest? Do you think I could pull off a HL item?

Debbie

Veteran

Shannon I am glad you asked this question. I have been curious for myself.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Depends on the item. But somehow I don't feel the overall aesthetic fits your style descriptor. Unless you're trying to branch out.

ironkurtin

Veteran

There is the new Helmut Lang and vintage Helmut Lang.

I only wear the vintage Helmut Lang that was made in Italy and has Italian sizing (38, 40, 42, etc.). If you're looking at vintage HL, I can help - otherwise, no idea. I do own a few of the "new" sweaters but I paid very little for them off of ebay, and am glad I did so, because I feel very strongly that new HL has decreased in quality. Many of their knits are very pretty but they fall apart right away.

As far as carrying the style, if you think you can, you can. Seize the day!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Thanks for weighing in IK. I've wondered about the quality of the newer HL vs vintage. That's valuable info. Nice to hear you think I can pull it off!

Anna - I know I can count on you for honesty and that's why I ask You're quite right, the overall aesthetic isn't my style. And yet I'm so drawn to it.

Is there such a thing as combining my style with that aesthetic? For example, pairing an nice draping HL top with a black pencil skirt and my kitten heels?

Anonymous

I have a pair of jeans and a sweater. The jeans are TTS, the sweater is perhaps a half a size bigger but not by much. The brand is rather utilitarian IMO but I have found things I really like.

Sure you can pull it off!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Thanks Zap!

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I tried on a couple Helmut Lang jackets recently (before ending up with my comparatively cheap Theory jacket). In numbered sizes, 6 worked best on me. I wear 4 at AT, BR etc, and 8 in Theory. In s/m/l, m worked best.

Good luck experimenting! I think you just need to try a bunch of stuff on to figure out whether you can work it into your aesthetic and whether you really want to.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ooooh. This sounds interesting.....

rae

(website)

Veteran

I could have sworn I saw petite HL at the rack... I tried a skirt and found it on the larger end of TTS. I think you might pull of a drapey top with your skinnies, pencils, or slouchies. It just has to be the right one you know? Not too rate.

bj1111

Veteran

I am a petite pear 5'1" and carry my weight on my hips. I love the new hl, haven't had the chance to try the vintage lang...mostly because i haven't look hard enough.

I have several pieces, a grey leather jacket, a stretchy print dress, a black jacket and an open weave knit. The print dress was one of my best buys in 2012 and just brought it out this year.

I think lang tts but slightly larger than theory. I wear a 4 in theory jackets and a 2in hl.

If you like theory jackets, you might try lang. Jackets are where i see lang really easy to integrate into your work looks. You could look at the dusty sapphire draped wool dress as well. An easy move into lang, but try a size up as well....here i wear a medium, but a size two in dresses with numerical sizes.

I think you can grow to the lang aesthetic but it may take a few steps.

There is a helmut sale 25% off for friends and family if you are interested in the code.

catgirl

Veteran

This is actually a style direction I want to pursue, Shannon. I'm going to post a separate thread on it. I have two HL items, a metallic knit open cardigan and my red stretchy skirt. I think it's pretty TTS - both of my items are S. I can see you incorporating some pieces but don't jump in with both feet until you are sure!

Deborah

Veteran

Shannon, I love how you are thinking of incorporating the HL style. In doing so you will make the look yours and I think you would do it well. I think it's all about selecting the right pieces.

Shannon have you looked at Canadian label Complex Geometries? It's a similar aesthetic. I am planning to develop firstly my summer capsule by adding some of their pieces.

http://complexgeometries.net/p.....3-lookbook

Lyn D.

Veteran

(Lots of unusual cuts and drape in the CG link above)
I don't know anything about HL, but interesting non-body-con pieces could work with any body shape- and make for unusual and striking fashion statements for sure.
What fun if you decide to experiment with this Shannon!

Nicole D

Veteran

Thanks for that link Deborah - worth looking for.
I have coveted HL from afar and tried on a few pieces but they just looked blah on me... I love the aesthetic but on me it falls a bit flat. Like the Vince label - I adore the minimalist look but can't really pull it off. I say give it a try, Shannon. If you're hankering for some luxurious knits you could try Lida Baday too.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I agree with Ironkurtin - the quality is not what it used to be. A lot of their tops are very thin (not in a good way) & are dry clean only - which is crazy imo.

Having said that I say if you are drawn to it is worth a try:)

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Appreciate the input ladies - I seem to want to try new things every season. Last summer, it was the rolled BF jean, this past winter it was the slouchy pant and/or voluminous top, now it's maybe an arty or edgier piece coupled with a classic piece.

Which leads to a discussion on whether or not you can truly combine two completely different aesthetics to make your own look, or does that just become confusing visually?

Rae - definitely not RATE. That would look completely contrived on me.

bj - I completely forgot you have some HL pieces. I also didn't realize you were my height. I really appreciate your input on specific pieces and sizing

Una - I promise not both feet! I'm actually thinking if I decide to try a piece out, I may pick something off eBay to at least keep the price more reasonable until I'm sure.

Deborah - wow, I'm embarrassed to say I've never even heard of that label although it's in my own country! I need to have a good look - thanks for sharing.

Thanks Lyn, Nicole and Caro.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, we need a new thread on that can you combine idea.

I think I started one last year, and Angie said: But of course!!

Thing is, I was finding it difficult to imagine successfully combining a sort of retro flair with my love of minimalism and architecture. I am a HL lover also -- from afar, up until now. But perhaps a closer acquaintance is also in my near future.