INS(oev)IDE # 14 - Scarfs
The neighborhood is doing a "trend" their own way.
INS(oev)IDE is my attempt to give a behind the scenes look at my street photography project seasonsofeastvan.
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As we crept closer to the celestial beginning of winter, the temperatures were dropping and the outfits in the neighborhood were adapting. When the warmer autumn months come to a close the outfits tend to get a bit more…drab, dark, and layered, as seen in many seasons past. The rain combined with a low day sun and a general seasonal darkness tends to reflect in many of the outfits during this time of year. Peoples trips out into the neighborhood tend to get brief as they try to stay warm and dry errand to errand.
There has been an uptick in one particular late fall/winter clothing item that I continue to see over and over this transitional season. These items have added pops of colour, wraps of warmth and have simultaneously shown how “east van” tends to put their own spin on the greater style movements. I often think that my eye gravitates towards clothing that I could see myself wearing and that inspires my own wardrobe choices, however, this item is one that I rarely wear, don’t overly plan on purchasing, but the looks are inspiring regardless.
After I sat down to edit the first few batches of photos this late-autumn, I noticed the trend right away, so in order to check my observations, I decided to compare it to the last couple of years. While there are some people who seem to consistently integrate a scarf into their wardrobe, there is definitely a noticeable increase this year, with my 2023 book only having a couple of scarves highlighted, and the 2024 book having a small handful from last fall.
With some quick digging, it seems that this “trend” is being seen/promoted in the broader fashion landscape; luxury fashion using lab-grown fibres, skinny-scarfs being back “in-style”, and big scarfs being integrated into looks as a “must have” accessory and being fully built into outwear.
While I might be late in writing about this rising trend, it is clear that the neighborhood isn’t immune or in its own unique bubble sheltered from the greater trends happening globally, something which I tend to forget as I focus solely on what's happening on the streets rather than what's being written about in Vogue and the like.
That being siad what we do have, is our own unique way of doing it, which represents the character of the neighborhood.
Our Versions
Of course there is a very practical use of a scarf, protecting and insulating the neck in a cooler climate, but using it as an accessory with a story is an approach that the “fashion” sources above don’t ever really execute well, and one that really motivates me.
As I continued to notice and shoot scarves, I started to ask people about their scarves.
The vast majority of answers I received over the last few sessions were in the theme of; found, thrifted, hand-made, or passed down.
Like the majority of the clothing styles and selections my gaze heads towards, it is no surprise that the accessory that is so close to the face and caresses the body would have the opportunity to also be sentimental and unique, worn with pride, with almost everyone touching their scarf gently as they told me the origins of their scarf.
While some of them can categorically fit into the greater trends that have been highlighted in bigger publications, it is evident that we are continuing to put our own local spin on it.
Here are some of my favorites so far, with a quick story for each.
I have been taking photos of Michel for years now, he has moved far away from Vancouver, but by chance I happened to see him out and about during a brief visit. This scarf was massive, and suited his stature perfectly. The length in which he tied it complimented the length of his jacket, and by chance the colour coordinated well with his walking friend that day. The colour and texture also matched the energy of the neighborhood that day, with holiday trees being carried up and down the blocks as people picked up their pines over their shoulders and brought them home from the Home Hardware. The thick knit created a wonderful silhouette around his neck and the cozy scarf looked like it was going to keep him warm all afternoon as the sun started to drift closer to the horizon. It was great to catch-up quick with him that day and I always look forward to our next encounter, a local legend that I will ALWAYS bother for a photo.
This colorful scarf caught my eye right away. During the winter months, the west side of the street becomes dark even before noon, and as this person emerged from the shadows, the fun colour blocked scarf drew my attention right away. Its soft, DIY aesthetic, juxtaposed the gritty leather jacket paired with the black jeans and boots. It adds a pop of fun and lightness to an otherwise dark aesthetic. Hand-made and wonderfully unique, they looked at it with pride as I asked where they got it. More unique details popped out (such as the beaded key chain and necklace) as I analyzed the photo further later on, obviously a care for the details and adding details is part of the daily fit.
I get the most nervous asking elderly people for their photo, as, in the past, I have gotten some of the most stern “no’s” from this demographic, not wanting to be on social media, or just unamused with my quick pitch. As I walked up the road the colours in this scarf and the jacket were complimented so well by the background colours I knew I couldn’t pass it up. Luckily for me, she was kind enough to let me take a photo, and mentioned she had her photo taken in a different part of the city a few years ago during a different season. It is clear she was creative with impeccable style. I loved how big and bold this scarf was, and she told me she’s had it “for probably longer than you’ve been alive”, proving that some items are beautiful beyond the time and space that global trends allow them to be.
Conclusion
A scarf is an item that personally, I only wear to soccer games, but my eye has evidently been focused on over the past few sessions in the neighborhood. If you’re reading this and become inspired to find your own scarf to boost an outfit, I encourage you always to take a look at a local thrift store, raid your families closets, support a locally made item (see Lloyds Hooded Scarf for instance) or make one yourself!
I am away from the neighborhood for a few weeks, but I look forward to seeing all the winter fits when I return late January.
As always, thanks for reading.
Leave a comment to let me know which scarf was your favorite this season so far!
Been waiting for this one, big day for scarf enjoyers!!!
Great post. For me the scarf is not only one of the most entry-level accessories for the winter but it also one of the few items of clothing anyone can easily make (crochet or knitting and A LOT of time the first time), so I really enjoyed the historical significance and uniqueness you identify in each piece :)