Allison Dow is always searching for inspiration in forgotten places of the past, whether she’s making art or getting dressed. As an urban explorer, she transforms the broken and unloved into beautifully composed photographs. The clothes she wears illustrate her profound appreciation for sartorial history of the 20th century.
You’re a mid-century modern fanatic. What are your favorite fashions to wear from this era?
I absolutely love the 50’s tailored style, especially the two-and-three piece patterned sets. I mix and match the high-waisted skirts and blazers with silk blouses and bow ties. I’m also a sucker for anything with polka-dots or a sailor look.
You dress pretty casually, is it because you actually prefer to be comfortable?
My day-to-day dress is really based around being practical. Almost every week, I am inside of abandoned buildings or digging through dumpsters, so I often wear a shirt with a cardigan, jeans, and a pair of cowboy boots. I wish I could dress in vintage every day, so I take every opportunity I can to do so.
You often explore and photograph abandoned urban relics. Has that inspired what you wear in any way?
When I go to abandoned buildings and I know I will have time to do a real photo shoot with a friend, I like to take a few vintage dresses with me because I love the contrast of vintage and femininity against the background of decay. I’ve bought a lot of great vintage pieces with only the intent of wearing them inside of an abandoned place for a photo shoot.
Part of the art I make involves using the things I find when I’m out exploring abandoned buildings, and I often find small metal pieces or knick-knacks that I incorporate into the jewelry I make. One of my favorite pieces is a small light bulb I found and used in a necklace.
You’re a natural blonde but you rock it as a redhead. How has changing the color of your hair changed your style? Are you really better off red?
I love being a redhead. It helped me embrace wearing red lipstick and vintage styles I love, and I feel like it reflects my loud and sassy personality. And, I think every woman should go redhead at least once in her life!
Allison Dow is always searching for inspiration in forgotten places of the past, whether she’s making art or getting dressed. As an urban explorer, she transforms the broken and unloved into beautifully composed photographs. The clothes she wears illustrate her profound appreciation for sartorial history of the 20th century.
You’re a mid-century modern fanatic. What are your favorite fashions to wear from this era?
I absolutely love the 50’s tailored style, especially the two-and-three piece patterned sets. I mix and match the high-waisted skirts and blazers with silk blouses and bow ties. I’m also a sucker for anything with polka-dots or a sailor look.
You dress pretty casually, is it because you actually prefer to be comfortable?
My day-to-day dress is really based around being practical. Almost every week, I am inside of abandoned buildings or digging through dumpsters, so I often wear a shirt with a cardigan, jeans, and a pair of cowboy boots. I wish I could dress in vintage every day, so I take every opportunity I can to do so.
You often explore and photograph abandoned urban relics. Has that inspired what you wear in any way?
When I go to abandoned buildings and I know I will have time to do a real photo shoot with a friend, I like to take a few vintage dresses with me because I love the contrast of vintage and femininity against the background of decay. I’ve bought a lot of great vintage pieces with only the intent of wearing them inside of an abandoned place for a photo shoot.
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Part of the art I make involves using the things I find when I’m out exploring abandoned buildings, and I often find small metal pieces or knick-knacks that I incorporate into the jewelry I make. One of my favorite pieces is a small light bulb I found and used in a necklace.
You’re a natural blonde but you rock it as a redhead. How has changing the color of your hair changed your style? Are you really better off red?
I love being a redhead. It helped me embrace wearing red lipstick and vintage styles I love, and I feel like it reflects my loud and sassy personality. And, I think every woman should go redhead at least once in her life!
