The Swan Collection by Summer Tales Boutique (and open day in their store)

 

Hey there, stranger.

It's been a bumpy ride over the last year and I hadn't felt the need to write here until today (but that's a story for another time).

Yesterday, after a not so good week, I can say that I had a wonderful day surrounded by some of the amazing members of the Dutch Lolita community. We all had an appointment at one o'clock in the afternoon at the Summer Tales Boutique in Houten, a wonderful town near Utrecht. The reason for this meeting was the presentation of the new collection that Katie and her team have been preparing with care over the last few weeks: The Swan Collection.

The Threatened Swan (by Jan Asselijn c.1650, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam) is the painting that this time has been chosen for this new chapter of the Dutch Masters, a theme that STB takes up almost every year. You can't imagine how I felt when Katie revealed her painting of choice, as The Threatened Swan is one of the most impressive paintings you can see in the Rijksmuseum, maybe because it doesn't portray any human beings in it, but you can feel the emotions that he is having the swan at that moment when he feels attacked. The majesty with which it opens its wings to defend its nest showing all its strength and splendour leaves no one indifferent, in addition to the realism that Asselijn manages to print on the painting.

In the STB's own words, "This collection is all about empowerment and standing up for yourself. And at the same time embracing your dark side. It emphasizes the feeling of having to conform to certain (societal) expectations and breaking free from them".

The fabric chosen for this collection is a mix between hemp and organic cotton, but also they're working with new materials in the studio: vinyl. We can find details and amazing accessories made of this material, from a corset choker to arm warmers and a beautiful bustier that will not leave anybody indifferent (believe me, I've seen it live and everything looks better in real life than in photos).

Plus, we'll be able to purchase a wooden pin designed by the talented Lattegalaxy made especially for this release!

 

Best girls <3 Kim, Zoe, Josine & I

I love how the polaroids came out, they always have that nostalgic and a bit cursed feeling?

Anyway, in case you're wondering what she was wearing, I'll show you below! If you follow me on Instagram you will already know that I started learning to sew by myself. Here is the first piece I made about a month ago, this beautiful skirt with painted flowers. I must say that I find quite a bit of pleasure in sewing and learning from my own mistakes (but that too is a story for another time).

Shirt - HellBunny (old)

Skirt - Handmade by me

Tights - TejaJamilla

Bonnet - Hats by Issis Starlust

Shoes - Naf Naf

Accesories - Tierranegra, My Inspiration

Hope you enjoyed this post, see you next time!

PS: Don't miss the online release of the collection today at 20'00h!