It's rare these days that one particular piece make me completely speechless. After years of hard shopping and millions of pieces later, I found it. A dress so rare and amazing that I couldn't pass it up. On a trip back to my hometown last year, I came across, now wait for it .. A one of a kind .. Handmade ... 1950's vintage dress .. Straight from Ecuador! squeals in fashion nerd ... PS: did I mention the dress was in perfect, nearly untouched condition? ... Omg! swoons
What I love about this dress, is not just the rarity of it, but also the heritage. Throughout this dress are patterns and images of the indigenous Inca people. Briefly, the Inca were a members of an empire which spanned South America from Columbia to Argentina before the arrival of Columbus and other colonialist.
With over 10 million subjects, the Inca dynasty was the largest empire of its time! In addition to their development of 30 languages, commission of national roads, and temples, the Inca developed a distinct style of art that remains recognizable to this day.
Below, are a few of the shots I took in Central Park over the weekend wearing this amazeballs dress, along with images of ancient gold / bronze Inca artifacts found depicting the Inca people's sacred sun god deity. They considered themselves "Children of the Sun". As you can see, these same patterns and images were incorporated into my dress.
In short? This dress is exactly what I mean when I say that my personal style is a collection of global vintage with a modern aesthetic. A mint condition, handcrafted vintage item which also happens to acknowledge and celebrate a powerful ancient culture? ... How could I not!? ... Regrettably my fashion loves, this dress will not be listed in the Q.A.C webstore!
I've fallen hopelessly and completely in love with it! LOL There are some fashion finds that are absolutely priceless. :]) .. No worries, when the Q.A.C shop launches with new pieces this June, you'll totally forgive me. Even more global pieces awaits! ... 'Till then? As always, the journey continues!
To learn more about the powerful and vast ancient Inca culture click HERE
