This week we're crushing on op art, bright colors, florals, and playful lines. Ever since I can remember I gravitated towards mod fashions in a big way. The summer mood for me lately is bringing back memories of running around the streets of Chicago sifting through racks upon racks of vintage dresses sidewalk sales and ogling space age furniture. Secretly, though, I wish I could find a time machine and go back to Carnaby Street in its heyday. Would you wear some of these outlandish fashions, too? There's a reason why some late sixties fashions are still so timeless today and not in the least dated. Do you know what it is? Ferocity, Designers like Mary Quant broke the mold but ultimately it came down to the confidence of the wearer. Some of these fashions are absolutely fierce and there are so many lessons we can learn from the successes and failures of previous generations.

This show-stopping op art dress with vibrant colors is AMAZING. (is) — This show-stopping op art dress with vibrant colors is AMAZING. (is)

Super relevant simple style with high contrast. (is) — Super relevant simple style with high contrast. (is)

The late 60's-early 70's had such iconic style when it came to shoes. We love these over-the-top statement flats. (is) — The late 60's-early 70's had such iconic style when it came to shoes. We love these over-the-top statement flats. (is)

Carnaby Street style in a nutshell. (is) — Carnaby Street style in a nutshell. (i s)

A more modern take on vintage fashion but everything they have is pretty amazing. (is) — A more modern take on vintage fashion but everything they have is pretty amazing. (is)

Classic, simple lines but killer style. (is)

Pretty much anything Colleen Corby wore was amazing. (is) — Pretty much anything Colleen Corby wore was amazing. (is)

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When most of us think of "vintage" Japan, the image of a geisha usually comes to mind. I don't know if I watched "My Geisha" one too many times (

Shirley Maclaine is my spirit animal

) or what, but I always picture 1950's-70's Japan as this sort of technicolor burst of postcards of shrines and local attractions. I think of airlines, Godzilla, and probably most of the stereotypical tourist traps you would think of. But the Japanese culture is incredibly fascinating, and the lovingly kitschy quality is not lost on me. I'm very fond of Metabolist architecture, of mod fashion (they did it better, honestly), and just the genuine spirit that seemed to be in the air during the time after the war. I've always held a fascination and the deepest respect for the culture and people. Both have proved to be a great inspiration throughout my life and continue to see new life in various projects and designs I work on. So, to fully disclose my full admiration of that nostalgia, here is a top ten list of why 60's

Japan Modern

was the best time ever for fashion design:

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1. They Had the Ultimate Camera Fashion

I can't even begin to describe to you how amazing and fun the cameras were created during this time. Not only did they have all sorts of neat gadgets, but they were colorful, usually made of plastic or a similar material, and worked as the perfect (effortless) fashion statement. Instant cool points just for rocking that powder blue Minolta.

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2. They Made Minimalism Colorful + Chic

While we Americans were rocking paisley sheaths, they were inventing minimalism in a new and colorful way.

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3. They Totally Knew Their Pattern-to-Solid Ratio

Even with patterns, they managed to make everything look flawless and feminine.

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4. They Made These Incredibly Popular

Does this even need an explanation? These suitcases RULED and still do today.

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5. Even Into the Late 60's, They Still Broke the Mold

Even when emphasis shifted to patterns, they still made awesome clothing and played around with different structures and textures.

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6. They Styled the World's Cutest Uniforms (and still do)

AIRLINES. When I think of 1960's stewardesses, their signature minimal mod style comes to mind. They paved the way for all other stylish industry uniforms, in my opinion.