One of the most striking Observer Woman (my friend Adjust the Sails would have a field day with the wrongness of that particular title…) covers to come of late came in the form of Penelope Tree’s fringe and unforgettable eyes staring back at me. 
I’d recommend people to go out and buy the Observer today or if that’s not possible, read the interview online as Ms. Tree rarely gives interviews…
The tidbit that I took away from the piece is however quite unrelated to Penelope Tree…
"While she’d begun to cultivate her own style – she’d get furious reactions in the street of New York for her barely-there minis and racoon-tail skirts…"
Racoon-tail skirts? Now I’ve never encountered one but I’d sure like to see it just for satisfying curiosity’s sake. It then got me thinking about skirts with something going on in the back… relating to my eternal obsession with the need for an amazing back and the duplicity of the look when the front is deceptively simple and a quick turnaround reveals something altogether surprising. An odd image to conjure up but at a recent doctor’s office wait, I came across an old issue of Arena with Mischa "I’m so rebellious" Barton sporting some amazing Roksanda Ilincic mesh/feathered knickers that definitely made a striking view from the back.
Whilst I’m sewing machine-less at the moment, my pending DIY projects are on hold, packed up in a suitcase with thread, needle materials etc ready to be moved to my new flat (fyi, estate agents are annoying sods…), I can only conjure up Photoshop ideas to work this selection of mini-skirts from Topshop… with the addition of mesh, feathers, corsages etc at the back, a very decorative derriere could easily be achieved… of course decorative derriere may not be everyone’s cup of tea… hence why if any of these skirts come to fruition, a simple drapey tee and some super-adorned flats (plenty of those available next season…) would be all that is needed…
I love this idea – a kind of mini bustle (bustlett?). Adding some feathers to the back of a skirt would make a fantastic party look. I too would like to see what Tree’s skirts looked like.
Good luck with your move!
You’re just the person to (re)start this trend and make it massive.
style bubble this is so cool! i love those skirts, i can see them on you! you should take some photos of you in sometihng similar!
btw, who is this? ikilledysl.blogspot.com i just across it and i know you know like every1 on the fashion blog industry (ok not industry but network) xx hit me back!
ooohhh I love this idea reminds me of the Vivienne Westwood skirt SJP wore in SATC season four – short green satin with loads of white feathers on the back, actually I think she wore the red one too it was so cool!
Cool! Love the last one!
the skirt in the middle is my favourite, just great!
Thanks for the link to the interview — that was great.
I remember Vivienne Westwood did something similar a few years ago. I really liked them.
The concept sounds cool, but it could also end very badly. Interested to see what comes of it, after you get back to your DIY’s.
I love this idea!! The idea of a skirt having a “tail” or “trail” is just my cup of tea!
Thought of you while reading Observer Woman this morning; the cover photo really reminded me of you rocking your Shu Uemura lashes!
I customised a denim skirt a few years back with patterned silk scarf trimming the end and falling in ruffles at the back like a tail. But feathers would take me to a whole new place!
Oooh I do love Observer Woman mag – mine is still sitting snugly in its plastic wrapper just waiting to be devoured.
Looking forward to reading the Penelope Tree interview. I’m saving it up for bedtime reading tonight.
Love your backside skirt ideas – very clever! xx
I so forgot to get it today due to pigs – really!
Love the skirt stuff and have worn a racoon tail on one – but it was not my idea but a friends. It was actually fun if a little bit disturbing too (we were students – although really that’s no excuse). Your photoshops are a muh better vibe!
I so forgot to get it today due to pigs – really!
Love the skirt stuff and have worn a racoon tail on one – but it was not my idea but a friends. It was actually fun if a little bit disturbing too (we were students – although really that’s no excuse). Your photoshops are a muh better vibe!
I so forgot to get it today due to pigs – really!
Love the skirt stuff and have worn a racoon tail on one – but it was not my idea but a friends. It was actually fun if a little bit disturbing too (we were students – although really that’s no excuse). Your photoshops are a muh better vibe!
I so forgot to get it today due to pigs – really!
Love the skirt stuff and have worn a racoon tail on one – but it was not my idea but a friends. It was actually fun if a little bit disturbing too (we were students – although really that’s no excuse). Your photoshops are a muh better vibe!
I so forgot to get it today due to pigs – really!
Love the skirt stuff and have worn a racoon tail on one – but it was not my idea but a friends. It was actually fun if a little bit disturbing too (we were students – although really that’s no excuse). Your photoshops are a muh better vibe!
As a huge fan of anything feathered, I cannot wait to see what happens if this idea should come to ‘fruition’ (a word that is not used nearly enough). And what an apt descript. of Miss Barton!
Very peacocky!Viv would be proud.
Great skirts, another thing I’ve been into is the new ready to wear line by Regal and Rebel. The line, inspired by a unique fusion of punk rock and traditional Tibetan dress, includes day and evening dresses, casual tops, denim, jewelry and much more. You can shop online at http://www.regalandrebel.com
I recognize the feathers in that second skirt! I love embellished skirts I’d just worry about crushing them when I sat. But I do have a skirt that has a “bustle” sort of element where there is a strap and it pulls the skirt upd a bit to a neat effect. I need to see if I can fit into it bacause it’s great for fall.
Luv
Poochie
man i love that roksanda illincic skirt
shes so talented and underrated
Is it wrong that the first thing that came to mind when I read “racoon tail skirts” was the Pussy cat dolls? One of them always seems to have a ridiculously long tail attached to their clothing.
Anywho I adore the last skirt and it’d be interesting to see how you would interpret this style of skirts.
That actually would look phenominal, but in a less fashion obsessed city like mine and with a large booty already, I’d probably get sexually harassed… sad.
oh feathered tails! My feelings towards them drift from love to hate so am very curious to see what you come up with! =)!
Another feathered tail I can remember was chanelle at the BB8 finale. Am not proud to pass on that information but had to mention… haha.
Definitely reminiscent of the SATC tail-feather skirt. Observer? Where can I pick that up?
Cool idea, I like the last one best.
i’m REALLY into this. i have something for fall i am making that is all about this.
Carrie bradshaw had a skirt like that in one episode of sex and the city. It was a green satin mini (looked a bit like the jil sander one) and then in back had a huge fluff of white tulle.
very unique design somehow there is a side of me that don’t like it and other like it…hmmmm
ooh, you know the first one reminds me of KoS shower flower blouse…
http://www.viceland.com/int/dd.php?id=191
That’s a great interview – shame the photoshoot isn’t online.
go with your DIY ideas soon! they are rather very interesting! more feathers!!!!
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Love the idea, but I’d do it on a top. I hate sitting on lumps, and I know my booty would ruin those feathers. (yummy, yummy feathers) The plastic mesh could be awesome though.