COLUMBINA FEAT. AMAZON FASHION

One of my favorite, nostalgic set of characters has to be those in Commedia Dell’Arte — the first professional Italian theater troupe of pantomime — prevalent during the 16th-18th centuries. I grew up learning of Pulcinella from my grandfather, which you might know as Punch (as in, Judy & Punch), but there are a lot of other characters too, like Harlequin and Columbina, and Pierrot and Pierette. This cast of personalities are the origins of typecast as we know it: hero, and anti-hero, happy and sad. Columbina is what we’d describe as a coquette these days — a complete flirt who breaks Pierrot’s heart and chooses the titular Harlequin instead. Coquette style is in though, so here’s my take on a Columbina-inspired look.

I think the biggest thing to note when it comes to coquette style is that it doesn’t have to mean corsets, ribbons and pink. I actually interpret it as rich fabrics, with subtle skin showing here and there which is what I tried to capture in this look. I started with 1/2 of this Amazon set that I’m pretty obsessed with — a brown, ankle-length satin skirt that has a slit in the back and a tiny black bow detail at the front. I then paired it with a black camisole (which honestly could have worked on it’s own), and a sheer mesh cap-sleeved top from H&M (similar here) to add a little dimension and layers. I paired the look with an accessory I do feel is quite coquette — this black rose choker, and my Fendi baguette.

Shakespeare certainly had his fair share of ‘coquette’ characters — so here’s quote from one of my faves ;) :

“If I be waspish, best beware my sting.”

[Taming of the Shrew 2.1]

Cheers, xx - A. Martine

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