Thursday, November 4, 2010

Model Off Duty: Dorothea Barth-Jorgensen

Dorothea Barth-Jorgensen style
Model Off Duty: Dorothea Barth-Jorgensen
Swedish stunner Dorothea Barth-Jorgensen is a rare creature. Not only does she steal the spotlight with her wide-set eyes, high cheekbones, and signature pout, but she also eclipses the competition with a sartorial sense that is inspiringly unique. Unlike some strutters who shine in runway designs, but underwhelm us the second they slip back into their requisite moto-boots, Barth-Jorgensen's playful style, actualized from a mix of designer treats and high-street and vintage finds, displays a true love of fashion. Plus, the classic beauty's proclivity to "make" some of her own items (that's right, she just whips up one-of-kind jackets and dresses for fun!) clearly displays a devotion to the magical world in which she works. The combination of these daring dressing sensibilities and inherent talent—she walked a bevy of runway shows for S/S 11 including Chanel, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Rodarte, graces the pages of Vogue, W, and Love in hauntingly lovely spreads, and has her own blog full of behind-the-scenes photos—is what makes Dorothea Barth-Jorgensen the perfect subject for this month's Model Off Duty.


While Barth-Jorgensen's personal style—which is well-documented at The Fashion Spot—is too deliciously eclectic to force into any singular genre, we have noted that she often opts for a masterful mix that begins with American Apparel's Nylon Tricot Leggings ($34) and ends with an intriguing upper half! Take, for example, her outfit backstage at Sophia Kokosalaki's F/W 09 show (top row, right). The leggy model paired her super spandex with a bandleader-inspired Richard Chai vest, Topshop Unique lattice boots, and topped it all off with a self-made jacket for a quirky Sgt. Pepper-like look we love. The multi-tasking model also took the opportunity to spruce up her liquid leggings more recently when she posed for the camera backstage at the Valentino S/S 10 show (top row, far left). The beauteous Barth-Jorgensen selected a soft-hued, golden-brown scarf and top from Dries van Noten, and forewent her usual footwear for Valentino's Garavani Mia Sandals ($750) from the runway collection.

Still sticking to her tried-and-true American Apparel bottoms, but stepping up the MOD uniform with the addition of lace-up vintage boots from New York City's Screaming Mimis' boutique, Barth-Jorgensen channeled an androgynous vibe at the Haider Ackermann S/S 10 show (bottom row, far left). There, she contrasted the go-to base with sleek vintage favorites in the form of a white button-down shirt and an evening-appropriate cropped jacket. Barth-Jorgensen once again opted for a similar style equation (leggings + boots + upgraded outerwear) backstage at Lanvin's F/W 09 show (bottom row, center). This time the expert outfitter altered the legging silhouette by adding a Monki black dress and a luscious, silvery gray tiered Richard Chai jacket with a subtle brocade print—a prescient nod (we'd expect no less!) to the Baroque'n'Roll trend of this current season!

While the stylish Swede clearly has a knack for sprucing up her favorite leggings, she also has a few other tricks and silhouettes up her sleeve! Case in point: backstage at the Proenza Schouler F/W 09 show, Barth-Jorgensen threw together an edgy, cool-girl ensemble that's achingly, effortlessly chic (top row, center). Thinking outside the box, she used a Staerk bathing suit as her base and then added black-and-bleached The Second Skin Jeans ($55) from Cheap Monday, Proenza Schouler two-tone boots from their F/W 09 collection, and yet another self-designed jacket we wish she'd produce for sale! But Barth-Jorgensen's handsome handiwork is not just limited to outerwear; to run from show to show during Paris Fashion Week S/S 10, the savvy Swede slipped on a lovely dusty rose-colored dress she whipped up herself, and finished off the look with a vintage motorcycle jacket and her favorite pair of boots—strategically unlaced, of course (far right).

While much of Dorothea Barth-Jorgensen's wardrobe is one-of-a-kind, we've found some pieces that will give you a chance to recreate her chic, off-the-clock style! One of the primary items on your to-buy list should be a blazer; we like L.A.M.B's Crepe Blazer ($445) because it's similar in shape to Barth-Jorgensen's own design and either Kimchi Blue's Cutaway Cardigan Jacket ($58) or Silence and Noise's Tuxedo Blazer ($78) for a lighter option in the style of her Richard Chai topper. If you're looking for another jacket-centric option akin to the all-vintage ensemble Barth-Jorgensen wore backstage at Haider Ackermann, try layering Selected Femme's Cropped Blazer ($93) over a classic button-down like Theory's Larissa Top ($190) for a nearly identical look. Additionally, you'll need some pants to wear with all these jackets. The key is to pick something superslim and dark, whether that's a pair of American Apparel leggings or skinny jeans with some sheen, like J. Brand's 912 Low-Rise Pencil Leg Jeans ($198) in Venom. Aside from the blazer-and-skinnies combos, we also like Joie's Chateau Sandwashed Dress ($198), which boasts the same rich-blush hue as Barth-Jorgensen's handmade frock. Style it with a little leather (or leather-like) layer, such as Forever 21's Motor Leatherette Jacket ($25), and combat boots for a perfect pseudo-girly look.

Finally, our muse of the day clearly has a thing for her go-anywhere boots, so emulating her personal style means lace-ups are required! While Barth-Jorgensen's go-to pair is vintage—let her pick inspire your next trip to the flea market or local antique boutique—we found some in-stock options for your shopping pleasure. We think Oasis' Izzy Work Boots ($117.95), and either Miz Mooz's Jayne Boots ($160) or Aldo's Stallins Pointed Lace-Up Ankle Boots ($185) will give you that perfect MOD finishing touch!—Liza Kaplan

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