talkingfashion » contemporary accessories
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Milan Fashion Week SS’19 Accessories Trend Spotlight
Milan Fashion Week SS’19 Accessories Trend Spotlight
By Paige McKirahan
Hello again, fashionistas! As Milan Fashion Week reached its conclusion on September 25th, we thought that we would reflect its most popular trends predicted for the spring and summer seasons of 2019. Of course, many popular themes and aesthetics from New York and London were seen making their way down Milan runways; eye-catching neon and tie dye packed a punch in visually stimulating collections from Prada to Armani. We may have had novelty bags emulating food in London, but picnic-inspired motifs wowed in Dolce & Gabbana’s line along with their garden themed collection. Moschino, like many other brands, looked to the ‘80s for some vibrant inspiration, giving us Matisse vibes with their brightly colored tights and color coated metals featuring scribble details.
Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana
(photo credit to accessoriesmagazine.com)
Continuing on from London, feminine aesthetics still reigned as vintage inspired florals bloomed on scarves, rings, earrings, and bags from Fendi and Versace. We also found new inspiration in beach style motifs with shells; though they usually tend to be a more bohemian concept, they were spiced up to a new level as they were mixed with metals, crystals, and pearls as displayed in Missoni and Etro’s collections. Moschino’s coated metals not your style? No need to fret; oversized pieces made from metals in burnished hues saturated the runway, greatly contrasting the delicate fringe and ribbon details in ready to wear pieces from a multitude of designers. Though we typically associated fringe with Western style, Byblos used bright colors and Brazil-like silks to offer a spin on the classic trend.
Byblos and Etro
(photo credit to accessoriesmagazine.com)
Asymmetrical and single style earrings captured the interest of many designers in Milan, with pieces ranging from simple, geometric styles to large, resin disks. Accessories also favored tubular constructions in both jewelry and shoes alike, with Tod’s putting their own twist on the style by added a scarf-like finish. Woven pieces have been a fashion staple for decades, but their Milan revival for summer 2019 offers a more grown up, darker glamour than the classic sandy-colored trend. Are you dying to pump up your wardrobe with some of Milan’s favorites in preparation for next year? Look no further than our collection, which includes all of these trends and more!
Tod’s, Arthur Arbesser, and Alberta Ferretti
(photo credit to accessoriesmagazine.com)
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Fashion Flashback: Handbags
Fashion Flashback: Handbags by Morgan Watkins
Traditionally, accessories have been thought of as tools to spruce up an otherwise simple or lacking outfit. Rings, bracelets, necklaces and more are seen as strictly ornamental in most modern day cultures. But one accessory that breaks that mold is the handbag. Convenient and cute, handbags stand alone in the world of accessorizing as practical and handy safety blankets for individuals worldwide. According to National Geographic, the oldest handbag known to man dates back all the way to 2500 to 2200 B.C. Discovered in Germany, the ancient purse was found containing a flap adorned with over 100 dog teeth.
(Image from https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/06/120627-worlds-oldest-purse-dog-te eth-science-handbag-friederich/)
Even more interesting, handbags were initially carried by both men and women in early times. Before pockets were introduced in the 17th century, bags were most commonly worn for their practicality. The first widely worn form of purses were actually worn in pairs around the hip and under the voluminous layers of fabric within a woman’s skirt; these were called thigh pockets. But once the modern pocket was invented, purses fell out of favor for men. bit of controversy over the donning of purses: since they were worn underneath dresses and skirts, they were categorized as underwear. But eventually, it became less scandalous to carry a purse as styles were reinvented over time. Bags were originally linked onto chains by hook, which were called chatelaines. Chatelaines could carry a variety of trinkets and everyday necessities, like keys, scissors and sewing materials. Since they were typically made of precious metals, chatelaines were considered jewelry as well as a symbol of wealth and status.
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the reticule handbag was in. The reticule, also known as the indispensable, was a drawstring bag that was quite small in size, only able to carry a bit of makeup, playing cards and money. Embroidery was also a fan favorite within the realm of handbags, depicting portraits and intricate floral designs.
By the mid-1800s, bags increased in size and the designer handbag was born. An entrepreneur by the name of Samuel Parkinson decided that his wife’s purse was far too small and a bit flimsy, so he decided to order her a custom set of handmade leather luggage in various sizes and shapes to accommodate her travels as well as her everyday living. The set was designed by H.J. Cave & Sons, and being that the pieces were of such high quality and craftsmanship, the bags made it clear that Mrs. Parkinson was high society. Interestingly enough, it was said that designer H. J. Cave inspired prominent fashion legends we know and love today, like Louis Vuitton and Guccio Gucci.
(Image from https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/85990674110055021/)
It was around the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th that larger bags caught on with the general public. Practicality was once again brought into play when designing purses, which were not only larger in size but higher in quality. Handles were sturdier, zippers and other closures better constructed, and new materials and shapes were introduced. The clutch, for example, popped up in the 1930s in the form of the minaudière, which was a small box crafted from rich metals like silver and gold.
During this time, bags simultaneously became more extravagant, ornamental and defined by the designer on the label. In 1935, we saw the birth of the Hermès Kelly bag, which actress Grace Kelly used to disguise her growing baby bump from the paparazzi.
(Image from https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/the-birkin-bag-a-better-investment-than-gold-11551676 9.html)
As the cosmetics industry grew after World War II, women needed larger bags to hold all of their blushers and mascaras, which is why the mid-sized envelope bag was a popular clutch carried by women in America. Roomy shoulder bags took over during the 50s while flashy metallic purses were adored by women in the disco days. The 80s were all about excess, as expensive and over the top designer bags were all the rage. Chanel, Gucci, Coach and Louis Vuitton were heavy hitters in the handbag game, but it was during the 1980s that the iconic Birkin bag by Hermes stole the hearts of fashion lovers the world over. The 90s was a big year for Dior, as the Dior Saddlebag rose to fame, along with the Lady Dior bag, made famous by the charming and widely loved Princess Diana.
The 2000s saw classic designer bags being reborn and revamped. The famous quilted Chanel 2.55, originally created by the one and only CoCo Chanel, was given a modest facelift by Karl Lagerfeld in 2005. Louis Vuitton also debuted a whimsical spin on their classic logo in collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.
(Image from https://www.highsnobiety.com/2015/07/17/louis-vuitton-murakami-pieces/)
Today, the possibilities for handbags are endless. From bucket bags and massive crossbodies to totes and miniature clutches, purses can be trendy, practical or just fiercely fabulous. Looking for a banging bag, or want to rehome an old treasure? Head to talkingfashion.net to check out some stunning handbags or consign one of your own!
References:
Borrelli-Persson, Laird BORRELLI-PERSSON. “Vogue.com’s It Bag Hall of Fame: A History of the Most Coveted Accessories.” Vogue, 15 Jan. 2015, https://www.vogue.com/article/best-it-bags-history.
Curry, Andrew. “World’s Oldest Purse Found—Studded With a Hundred Dog Teeth?” National Geographic, 27 June 2012, https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/06/120627-worlds-oldest-pursedog-teeth-science-handbag-friederich/.
“The History of Handbags — a 5-Minute Guide.” 5 Minute History, http://fiveminutehistory.com/the-history-of-handbags-a-5-minute-guide/.
“THE HISTORY OF BAGS AND PURSES.” Tassen Museum, https://tassenmuseum.nl/en/knowledge-centre/history-of-bags-and-purses/.
“The History of Handbags — a 5-Minute Guide.” 5 Minute History, http://fiveminutehistory.com/the-history-of-handbags-a-5-minute-guide/
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Milan Fashion Week SS'19 Accessories Trend Review
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Accessory Trends at London Fashion Week SS19
Accessory Trends at London Fashion Week SS19 by Morgan Watkins
Now that we’ve bid farewell to London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019, it’s time the fashion world hops back on the ever spinning carousel that is the future. But before we move on to what’s next in the realm of runway, let’s hit pause and take a quick stroll through the latest and greatest accessory trends we saw in London this September.Go Big or Go Home
(Image from https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g22724693/best-bags-fashion-week-ss19/?slide=70 )
It seems as though everything in London was magnified and dramatized in size. Bags, like this massive fanny pack from Matty Bovan, eyeglasses, and more loomed over audiences with great stature and presence. Oversized pieces like these added a bit of humor and joy to the runway, reiterating what fashion should be: fun!
Inventive Earrings
(Image from https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g22724567/best-statement-earrings-fashion-week-ss19 /?slide=30 )
Accessories were worn far and wide on the ears in an endless variety of ways. Pairs were mixed and matched, dangly earrings were often worn asymmetrically on one side, and chunky floral studs blossomed from ear to ear. Elegant hoop earrings swirled into glossy coils paired perfectly with glittery gowns and silky midi dresses at Peter Pilotto’s chic and shining show.
Logo Mania
(Image from https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g22724693/best-bags-fashion-week-ss19/?slide=57 )
Everyone in London was all about IDing their designs. Burberry unveiled their relatively new logo stamped onto brightly hued crossbody bags. House of Holland also went loco for logos as models clung to labeled totes and mini clutches as they briskly strode down the catwalk.
Modesty is the Best Policy?
(Image from https://www.standard.co.uk/fashion/simone-rocha-london-fashion-week-ss19-a3937341. html)
Designers like Simone Rocha and Erdem prove that being covered head-to-toe doesn’t have to be drab or frumpy. In fact, modestly dressed models roamed the runway looking breathtaking under veils, voluminous neck scarves and wide brimmed hats. Higher necklines paired with more form fitting cuts kept styles fresh, while unique fabrics and embroidery added youth and flair.
For more posts about Fashion Week or to learn more about accessory trends, head over to talkingfashion.net/blogs/news!
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Fashion Flashback: Brooches & Pins
Fashion Flashback: Brooches & Pins by Morgan Watkins
What do you think of when you see a brooch? Your grandma getting dressed upfor her Sunday morning church service? Queen Elizabeth II at a garden party in England? Well, think again - designers like Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton are bringing back these flashy pins in a way that’s completely fresh and modern. But how did the dazzling accessories come to be? Read on to hear more about the history of these essential pins.
Initially used to fasten and secure clothing like loin cloths and cloaks, brooches date back even before the Bronze Age, where they were originally constructed out of thorns and flint. As time progressed and more materials became available, new styles and ways to wear brooches emerged. By the Byzantine period, people no longer needed brooches to keep their outfits secure, but they wanted brooches for a number of ornamental reasons.
One brooch style that gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries was the mourning brooch. These were normally given to mourning individuals through the will of a deceased loved one. Often times, the brooch was oval shaped and glass, inscribed with the name, date of birth and death date of the loved one who had passed.
(Image from https://artofmourning.com/tag/mourning-brooch/)
On a less somber note, en tremblant brooches were also introduced in the 18th century, and stayed in style well into the 19th century. En tremblant meaning “trembling” or “to tremble,” these sparkling pins featured diamonds arranged in a floral-like design that actually moved and rotated. But these were not the first dazzling pins to take the world by storm, as aigrette brooches, which were set with gems and diamonds to create a feather shape, were introduced in the 17th and 18th centuries. Aigrettes even saw a revival within the 19th and 20th centuries, and were often very detailed and worn in hair.
(Image from https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20714/lot/204/)
Not all brooches were for everybody, though. Take Grand Tour brooches for example. In the 17th century, Grand Tour was a sort of customary European vacation exclusive to young upper class individuals. While on these trips, wealthy travelers bought these sophisticated souvenirs to commemorate their journeys. Characteristically,Grand Tour brooches depicted micro mosaics of landscapes, wildlife and flora.
(Image from http://www.sweaterflair.com/2016/09/29/hello-world/)
One brooch that was available for nearly every social class was the sweetheart brooch. Also known as a love brooch, sweetheart brooches were used as tokens of affection. Around WWI, soldiers would give sweetheart brooches to their loved ones before shipping off. Carved from lightweight silver and decorated with birds, hearts and other lovely and romantic images, these pins could make anyone’s heart melt.
(Image from https://booksonwaraustralia.com/badges-and-medals/1670-australian-mizpah-world-war -1-sweetheart-brooch-badge.html)
No matter how you look at brooches, a lot can be said about their history and staying power in the world of fashion. From the Bronze Age to 2018 runways, the brooch is an accessory worth celebrating.
(Image from https://fortrove.com/blogs/news/brooches-make-their-big-comeback-on-fall-2018-runway)
Bibliography
Bernstein, Beth. “A History of Brooches: The Evolution of Style.” The Jewelry Editor, 2016.
“Styles Through History: Brooches.” The Loupe. TrueFacet, Inc., 2016.
