When Fashion and Nature Collide – The Creativity Issue

Published by 3C Style

Scientific journalist, author and fashion blogger from Montreal - Journaliste scientifique, auteure et blogueuse mode de Montréal View all posts by 3C Style

Hello!

I present the theme of our March edition, creativity, through 24 of my favorite outfits styled for When Fashion and Nature Collide (WFNC). Our March issue also represents the anniversary of the original collaboration between myself, Lisa and Darren – the “Happy Trio” that recently launched the Threadless store Fashioned by Nature.

Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola –– Balloons & Hearts Design by Lisa Lawrence, LismorePaper –– Photo collage & Stylist: Dominique Nancy, 3C Style –– Dress and shoes from ERA Vintage Wear

Wow! I can’t believe it’s been a year already. This collaboration brings so much joy and inspiration. Although it represents relentless hours each month to think, organise, create, rethink and shoot the looks, I only see the positive energy from our project. We are ready to take you for another ride and I can’t wait to see where our 2019 adventure takes us. We thank you all fellow creative bloggers for the remarkable year of friendship, kindness, and support. We couldn’t have done it without you, nor can we take the next steps without your help. You are the ones that keep us going.

Note: In case you’ve not seen these capsules before, the When Fashion and Nature Collide project is a monthly collaboration with two of my WP friends: Lisa of Lismore Paper and Darren of The Arty Plantsman. Artwork Copyright ©Fashioned by Nature.

The third wednesday of each month you can see outfits styled by me, and art from Lisa, that were inspired by Darren’s flower and critter pictures and other photographers who collaborate with the team. With the spirit of protecting nature I pull together my outfits with clothing already available in my wardrobe. When purchases are to be made, these come from vintage shops and thrift stores or from socio-eco-friendly brands.

Enjoy the issue!

Insect photography by Darren Sleep, The Arty Plantsman –– Quote from Maya Angelou –– Photo collage by 3C Style

Do you see the fairy ballerina in this photo collage? Look at the shadow of the insect. This stunning shot taken by Darren has inspired Lisa and I so much. I will soon style an outfit with this gorgeous critter in mind and Lisa has a surprise for you too.

The great thinker Maya Angelou said that “You cannot use up your creativity. The more you use [your creativity], the more you have.” This is a mantra Darren, Lisa and I have lived by since we began working together, and we are proud to showcase some of our hard work to you now. There are over 90 WFNC looks that I have created this year. These 24 outfits below are my favorites and represent a wide variety of inspiration, from the texture of a flower to the plumage of a silky chicken. I pride myself on bringing out the similarities between the clothing and the animal or floral pic.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these outfits.

Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola, Annie Gaudreau and Darren Sleep –– Flowers and Critters Photography by Darren Sleep, The Arty Plantsman (except the duck, Flicker and tiger that are from Pixabay, and the chicken that is by Roda Shope) –– Photo collage & Stylist: Dominique Nancy, 3C Style

For the first Issue of When Fashion and Nature Collide, I went to shoot at the Botanical Garden, a must see if you visit Montreal. Another beautiful thing worth seeing is the artwork that Lisa did with this pic ––see it Here.

The May edition 2018 holds many looks and pics I’m fond of, starting with one of my favorite flowers: the Moraea.

A critter whose plumage harbors my signature colors.

This outfit below combines three of my staples: turtleneck, statement bag and booties.

 A very special chicken that inspired me a DIY: feather mules.

This wrap dress from ERA Vintage Wear brings back so many nice souvenirs. But that’s a topic for another blog post.

I’m still over the moon with these over-the-knee boots and this vintage coat-dress. Yep! The silk coat comes from my friend’s boutique. What can I say? I am an #ERAgirl.

Polka-Dots will never go out of style, and to me the Flicker will always be among the cutest birds of all.

The Passion flower is also very special to me. Its beauty and perfume trigger precious memories. By the way, these pics were taken by Darren on his last visit to Montreal.

Can you see the resemblance between the stigmas of corn (bristles), the plant and the lace of my top? Another photo taken by Darren.

Animal prints are definitely part of my wardrobe essentials. This photography below was also taken by Darren in St-Eustache, the historic village where I grew up.

Finally, another plant and outfit with lots of texture.

You can see all the 24 looks with the flowers or critters that have inspired me along with the amazing artworks of Lisa and Darren in their original posts via these links – March, May, June, July, September, October, November, December, January and February.

Another huge source of my creativity in fashion stems from the fact that I refuse to be a fashion victim and buy new clothes all the time. I would much rather transform something I already have into a trendy new piece through a few judicious tweaks of the fabric or buttons. What others consider waste, I regard as possibilities for awesome clothes and accessories. Luckily Darren and Lisa share my sentiments. Although they use different mediums, the core of our collaborative creativity is a standard that we can all agree on.

I believe the tenants of my creativity break down into five major points.

The Mental State of Creativity

Creativity is a part of everyday life for all of us. There are, however, some things that everyone can do to stimulate creativity even more. Learning where your personal creativity stems from is a huge part of being able to express it fully. For me the inspiration comes mostly from nature, art and books. When your brain feels like a popcorn machine, you’ll know that you are doing something right.

Practicing Your Art on a Daily Basis

This may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised at how many people miss out on this very important part of creativity! Getting your ideas from your brain into the world is a skill. This skill gets better the more that you use it, so practice, practice, practice!

Take Care of Creativity Like a Best Friend

Creativity is a friend that will be by your side if you are loyal to it. If you neglect the friendship, however (by not practicing every day, for instance!), then creativity will have to move on. Treat your creativity like a best friend. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.

Share Your Ideas

Collaboration is a huge part of creativity. You are not going to have all of the ideas all of the time. The right collaborators represent an expansion of your skill set. Collaborating with Lisa and Darren has been one of the best decisions of my life. My brain is constantly doing the popcorn machine bit, and I’m sure that I inspire plenty of ideas in them as well.

Feed Your Brain for New Inspiration

Your brain must rest in order to receive inspiration. When I am not necessarily thinking of the best ideas, I will take a walk, swim, read, do photography and mood board or just doodle in a notepad. Vacuuming works too but its not as much fun!

I used to decorate the margins of my school books with doodle of flowers and goofy faces. It helped me pay attention. Nowadays, I share my ideas for Fashioned by Nature designs with Lisa and Darren through doodles. Some of these might become or already are products available in our shop. 

Doodles and image collages by Dominique Nancy, 3C Style – Artwork by Lisa, Darren and I. ©Fashioned by Nature

I am happy to have presented these ideas and more to you in my March edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide. How has this little discussion inspired you? Be sure to let me know.

Don’t forget to visit LismorePaper and The Arty Plantsman to get an overall view of When Fashion and Nature Collide. Visit our shop on Threadless and see all our new products, HERE.

Next edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide: April 17th 

Let’s stay connected: Bloglovin – Instagram @3cstyle_fashion

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