Lessons from the china closet

We have been looking at china.  

What does this have to do with sewing and clothing you ask?  Surprisingly, a great deal.

I wanted new china.  I don't particularly like what we have and use everyday, although it was a great improvement over the china we had before: china I liked more style-wise but disliked contextually.  That china was a wedding gift to my DH and his first wife; she didn't want it, he kept it.  The stuff we have now is the result of protracted negotiations and was a compromise for all parties; neither one of us was happy, but we could both accept it.  It is time for a change.

As we were looking at china, looking at what is available, what we have, and what I actually like, as opposed to what I was expected to like, I was struck by something.

 

Apparently my taste in china runs to extremes, as it actually does in many other things as well.  I tend to like very plain, simple, modern pieces, things one of G's cousins calls "stark", or very ornate embellished pieces.  As for the majority of china patterns, which for the most part fall in between these extremes, there is very very little I like, although I am drawn to a few simple patterns with strong bands of color and little embellishment, patterns with an almost architectural feel.

What struck me was that I could apply this knowledge to my wardrobe as well.  I like very simple austere clothes, and I actually can do minimalism on occasion and pull it off, but I can't stick with it.  I am also drawn to very dramatic, sometimes highly constructed, pieces.  And then there is my love of the dramatic accessory and interesting color combinations.   

And yet, although most of my clothing choices tend to be fairly classic, I feel  rather blah and discomfited with fairly classic ways of putting things together.  I need, in my clothing choices, to stick with very simple structured pieces, almost to the point of being stark, or go for a strongly  decorous effect, and I feel compromised when I try to take a middle path.

I spent a little time perusing china patterns just to make myself a kind of visual guide.  I think over time it will prove quite clarifying.

I am sure there is a way to work this out without looking like I am going to a monastery one day or a party at Versailles the next.  

Comments

[Linda]

Tableware is such a big decision, one you live with many times a day! I have two different sets of Rosenthal; both white...one quite contemporary with an architectural feel and the other is more classic with a simple raised pattern and shapes that feel Arabic. My most basic everyday pieces are white Revol porcelain from Sur La Table...the plates, bowls, and cups are large and have nice clean lines/shapes. White is always a fine backdrop for food presentation. There is much more opportunity for flair with table linens!

[metscan]

I take the last comment back. The china you have in the picture is Ettore Sottsass. And I noticed also the Suomi from Rosenthal. Have you made up your mind yet?

[metscan]

I believe the Alessi china you are interested, is the Bavero by Castiglioni? Very beautiful.

[Myrna]

Love the wardrobe connection. It makes sense to me. I too like clean lines plus details. I tend to dress with the simpler the outfit, the more dramatic the jewelry and the more dramatic the outfit, the simpler the jewelry only - like you - I'm on a journey to discover. Things are changing. It's fun. Thanks for sharing.

- Myrna

[metscan]

Hi! You are on the tracks! I can see the white Alessi china there. It is not the same I have, but so close. And there are more special dishes to add. I´d certainly choose the Alessi dinnerware.