I have always appreciated a bit of dichotomy in my clothes. A dash of sweet and sour, dark and light. Now, don’t get me wrong, I can embrace a good theme and go full tilt into saccharine, but there is something about a look that has a bit of push/pull that makes me stop and look again. I think it’s because, just like people, clothing should be layered. None of us are ever one thing – why should our wardrobe?
When I saw the latest collection by Maison Murasaki, I was immediately taken by the As Fresh As A Daisy skirt. First, I saw her sweetness. Imagining myself enveloped in layers of green gingham, with visions of meandering through fields of daisies, letting my hair blow in the breeze. And then I saw the mystery of the black lace. With her curls and edges, whispering of a few secrets hidden in her folds. Of rendezvous in that daisy field with her paramour.
Since the start of her business, I have always adored working with Maki, seeing what comes out of her soul and manifests from her sewing machine. My Daffodil Skirt is one of the most treasured pieces I have in my collection. And this latest piece felt like wearing a dream. The kind that grows fuzzy around the edges, slipping through your fingers as you wake. But, it’s the kind of slumber that leaves you feeling refreshed, fresh as a daisy, as if you just had the best sleep of your life.
Daisy, daisy,
give me your answer, do!
I’m half crazy,
for all of the love of you.
Harry Dacre
Seeing this skirt come together on Maki’s Instagram was like watching a sculptor create something magical from what was once a block of marble. Or the way a painter can go from a blank canvas to something you could stare at for hours. As a sewist (on occasion), I love seeing the steps and care that go into building art from scraps of fabric and felt, to the gingham dream I got to twirl around my garden in.
When my latest reverie arrived, I was (as usual) taken by the care that went into the packaging. Delicately wrapped in tissue paper and a sturdy box, tied with a purple bow, it felt like a second Christmas. Maki even thoughtfully included spare thread and a spare daisy and leaf appliqué, should an accident happen.
The skirt closes with a back invisible zip and a sparkly button. Made out of a weighty 100% cotton with a cotton blend lining, everything about this skirt is perfection – from the delicate handmade daisies (of which there are over 80!), to the hand stitched lace appliqué that dances around her hem, to the roomy pockets that hold treasures you may find along the path. As usual, the fit was divine, hugging my waist and flaring out dramatically, falling 29″ from waist to hem (not including waistband). This skirt is a full circle, holding two petticoats with aplomb in these shots, but could have easily held another. Or four. (read: Kara’s Dream Skirt).
Make no mistake, Maki’s designs are definitely investment pieces, worthy of the label of couture. She individually cut and handmade each detail – stitching and beading each daisy – seven different materials actually go into each crafted flower, which takes more time and care than I can imagine. But, she is definitely worth saving your pennies for (and Maki is amazing at working out a payment plan).
The As Fresh As A Daisy skirt is sold out at the moment, but there is a gingham dress from this collection still available, and Maki is always open to custom designs. I highly recommend keeping an eye on her latest designs by following her Instagram, Facebook, and website (ohhh cherry blossoms, you’d better believe I’ve got my eye on you).
I’ve said it in the past but it still holds true for all of Maki’s pieces I am lucky enough to own: This is the kind of garment that will hold a place of reverence in your closet, and be passed down to your daughter and her daughter (or in my case, niece. That girl has NO idea the truckload of beauties she will inherit one day. All I can say is she better like appliqué… )
Now, this gingham gal best be off. Students to teach, havoc to wreak…
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Top: Beleza Vintage (similar here & here)
Skirt: Maison Murasaki
Beret: c/o Unique Vintage, sold out (similar)
Gloves: c/o The Dress Form (similar)
Belt: Anthropologie, no longer available (similar here)
Brooch: c/o Maison Murasaki (similar)
Handbag: Looks Like Summer (use code DRESSED to get 15% off)
Shoes: Seychelles (similar here & here)
.
instagram // twitter // facebook // pinterest
.