The Devendra Dress

Freak folk is not dead! At one point in my life, it was my raison d'etre. When I was out and about, I frequently found myself jotting into a record shop to sample the latest Animal Collective EP. When I was home, I'd chill out and listen to the first Joanna Newsom album on repeat while working on a term paper. Occasionally, my suitemates would pop in and inquire "What IS this?!". At first, they were thoroughly perplexed by the weird vocals, overzealous arrangements and psychedelic sound effects, but after a few forcible listens, they would start to come around. If there was any artist that was particularly effective at bringing the laymen into the freak folk fold, it was Devendra Banhart. Devendra's music is a strange combination of old world folk sound and 21st century folk sensibilities, not to mention some truly psychedelic lyrics. After a few spins on the record player, my suitemates would remark "This isn't SO bad" and I'd consider my job done. At that time, music wasn't just a part of my identity, or a list of bands on my Myspace profile, it was my identity. Back then I was sure my fate lay in music journalism, and the idea that I'd one day spend my days writing about sweetheart necklines and shirred waists never crossed my mind. To me, this dress represents the delightfully bizarre culmination of Emily past and present. If I had this patterned dress from Numph back in the day, I would've rocked it at any number of gigs I squeezed into at tiny little clubs, where obscure bands played to a dozens of discerning ears. Purchased at the Bread & Butter Trade Show in Berlin, this dress, with its silky composition, flowing fit, dash of pleating at the neckline, and surrealistic print, would've impressed all the right music fans. I would've paired it with a thin braided belt that I picked up secondhand, a muted wedge, and beaded earrings. Fashion might not have been part of the conversation then, but looking good always ensured that I waxed poetic about the music I loved with confidence. - Emily, Fashion Writer