R.I.P.

I just wanted to pay respects and acknowledge a fashion icon who passed away on Thursday evening (January 6).  Joan Vass was eighty-five years old and the last time I saw her a couple of years ago, she was full of energy and life.

Joan Vass & DVF: October, 2008

Photo: Stacy Lomman

Joan brought casual knitwear to the forefront in the eighties and her comfortable, oversized pieces were modern and chic.  I am proud to say that I worked as design director for the Joan Vass label from 2006-2008, though by that time she had sold her name and had not been directly involved with the brand for many years.  Still, I did my best to uphold her aesthetic and maintain the identity of her product.

me, Richard Mauro, Joan Vass: October, 2008

Photo: Patrick McMullan

Guessing Game

We haven't played in a while my taffetadarlings!  I pulled out some more pictures from my archives and thought I would see if anyone can guess this (relatively) obscure designer.  Jeffrey, from Fashion By The Rules, is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to designers, so my money is on him!  He keeps a running list of what he calls "Designers Who Have All But Been Forgotten," which he updates frequently.  It just might serve as a little cheat sheet!

Hint:  This young, promising designer led a new generation of talent during the 80's, but was taken from us (and fashion) too soon.