March Winds, The Changing Season & How To Dress This Time of Year

Waking up to the howling winds, pouring rains and then experiencing a warm mid-day can be quite challenging for one's wardrobe when preparing for a full day of work and later day activities!  Some of my favorite things to wear are layering pieces like sweaters, vest or some sort of modern day wrap...which in all honesty is a spin off of the old classic shawl that your great-grandmother, grandma or mom actually still wears to this day! It's a very smart and interesting piece of clothing/accessory to add to your beloved wardrobe.  

Upon writing this Blog, I went down a historical or shall I say," herstorical" path of many cultures, regions & styles from different time periods dating back the the 1700 - 1800's.  I am sure there were many more styles before this time frame of when printing was becoming popular, with previous notations verbally or shall we say visually passed down as our ancestors did through story telling or generational craftsmanship.  

I have found that the most commonly known shawl, which was rectangular in shape and whose origins are said to have been in or around the lands of Kashmir & Persia, were highly coveted and made out of the prized pashmina fibers consisting of the soft silky fleece from the underbelly of the Himalayan goats.

Believe it or not women were not the 1st to wear shawls, but nobel men wore them as they were introduced thru travel and trade by the Europeans while exploring in the East.  Such fine items were often given as gifts to royalty due to their artisanal craftsmanship and regional fibers.  

But of course, woman discovered the greatness plus warmth of wearing shawls and took it to another level creating a time in history called," The Shawl Period in The 1800 - 1870's! A proper stylish woman would not be seen without one. As we women tend to take a hold of something, use it and find a better more practical way or want a prettier one... different versions developed along the way. 

The Sontag Shawl or Bosom Friend which crosses in the front of the body and ties in the back developed in 1850 - 1860's giving warmth, style and freedom of movement...said to be named after a popular German singer by the name of Heriette Sontag.  

The Shrug which is like a cropped cardigan sweater providing the wearer with a means to be open in front at times, but not so bulky as a full on cardigan was probably created sometime in the 17th century by a woman going thru menopause who needed coverage and couldn't bare the thought of having on too much clothing... Just my sense of humor and logic kicking in! Hey, I have created some wonderful designs from need & mistakes or just not wanting to waste left over fabric that still looked good to me. 

Let's not forget the Native's traditional influence and usage of their beautifully decorated Dancing Shawls, which are most commonly used as a cultural identity to the wearer's tribe highlighting her beauty, spirituality and resilience. Using colorful beads, ribbons and other fibers intricately placed to create wonderful works of art while telling a story about the wearer and dancer at the annual powwows. 

I will close out this herstorical journey of an almost magical warming and protective yet stylish piece of clothing storytelling with the Prayer Shawl... They hold so much significance to the creator, as well as, the receiving person of such a shawl because of the intentions of why and how this shawl is made. It is made as a comforter and a protector. The design is prayed over constantly while being made to help with good intentions for the person being gifted. Also given with a prayer so this person will always feel protection and loved by the Most High whenever the user wears this shawl upon her shoulders or places it over her knees... she is never alone and stylish all the more! 

Now who would have ever thought just one piece of clothing had so much to say?  May you find your special shawl, shrug or layering piece and wear it well! 

P.S. If your ever looking for a great sweater or layering piece check out my website - https//:wwww.reneefrancedesigns.com

With All Warmth & Protection!                                                                                                                  Creatively Yours, 

Renee F. Antoine                                                                                                                                      Renee France Designs

Creatively Moving Into A New Year

As founder and owner of Renee France Designs I welcome you all to share the creative flow that connects us all together.  Let's all raise a glass of your likings to finding ourselves among the living in this new year.  As I am writing this blog and sipping on some herbal tea my husband made, Jamaican Sarsaparilla to be exact...I will lift that to you!   

2024 has been one of the most challenging years ever! Filled with many great highs and some very deep low's...but here were are and as the famous quote of the most fabulous Dr. Maya Angelou, who was worldly known for saying, " And Still I Rise!".  

That we do as humans, as creatively as we can! We keep on keeping on... I am learning, flowing and  growing through life lessons one stitch at a time as I crochet or hand sew some of your favorite artisanal clothing designs while watching and learning even more from the nature programs  I grew to l love as a little girl spending precious time with my grandfather.  I like to give thanks and honor my ancestors daily!

We all come from amazing, intricate and detailed backgrounds just like my hand crocheted limited edition sweaters and dresses.  I enjoy watching the PBS show," Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. I am always amazed at the findings of each famous guest's unknown family's lineage. 

 I have often wondered where all the desire to sew, create & design the bespoke garments I am know for creating has come from!  I know little about the generations beyond my immediate grandparents on both sides, but I have been told there were many talented sewers, crocheters and knitters + more creatives... possibly more than I can ever imagine in my ancestral line! 
I have always felt it in my soul, like the blood running thru my veins and the ribbons and threads weaving thru the fabrics I work with ever so gracefully to bring forth with love each unique design I present to my clients.  Often times collaborating with you, my wonderful clients to bring your dreams alive for your most precious moments and special events to be celebrated while wearing an exquisitely tailored dress, gown or even the occasional suit.  I look forward to meeting with you by appointment or online to dress you & your family members or simple give advice on how to wear, layer, tailor or style while hearing your creative ideas as we move into the newness of 2025.