Tuesday 10 January 2012

Crazy for Cloche and Other Vintage Treasures!

It's always interesting every year watching accessory designers scramble to think-up the next big thing to bring shock and awe to the runways of Fashion Week. This fall season was a fury of unique and refreshing designs. Stunning Navajo beadery, delicate feather extensions, chunky necklaces and bangles could all be seen on the worlds most prominent socialites. When Kim Kardashian dons 9 inch earrings, we scrambled to jump on the trend train. But what I am loving about this season, is our new found love affair with the illustrious, notorious, sensuous roaring 20's. The era where ladies of all classes donned boxy, shapeless silhouettes, calves and ankles were as sexy as decolletage and the bob was all the rage. It was a tumultuous time. Jazz was the spoken language, and the cloche hat was the most worn accessory of the time. Cloche hats were generally made of felt, so as to ensure they conformed comfortably to the head, and maintained and highlight the integrity of the bob. Later, fashion houses like Lanvin and in-house designer Jeanne-Marie Lanvin, capitalized on the popular trend by coordinating fashion designs with the cloche being the piece de resistance. Wool was often used by couture houses in London, Paris and New York to account for the severe winter weather. In the summer, months, hat-makers often used more light-weight material like straw, or sisal. It's chicness, and versatility that has allowed the cloche to stand the test of time, and is lovingly reinvented by the likes of Bergdorf Goodman, or more affordably, Jessica Simpson.  

Do you remember how enraptured we all were with the new Princess of Wales? Kate Middleton's style is affectionately copied the world over, but if there was an accessory that took off like the concord, it was the hair fascinator. No, this is not a modern day fashion super hero! Fascinators are beautiful headpieces that are often clipped to the hair with a bobby pin, or snap barrette. They're a gorgeous alternative to a full veil for brides that want to be a little more temptress and a little less priestess on their wedding day! Spice up your favourite little black dress, or spend at day at the races with the girls. The fascinator is a guaranteed conversation starter!

Pearls are also a timeless, and fabulous way to take a favourite outfit of yours back to an era of elegance. Larger pearls are perfect for a subtle black dress, or simple soft toned tank. Smaller pearls are ideal for outfits with more embellishments like lace, sequins or crocheted knits.

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