Paris Haute Couture SS19 Accessory Trends Spotlight

By Paige McKirahan 

It’s our favorite time of year again here at TalkingFashion; Instagram is full of the industry's it-girls and fashionistas are fabulously flaunting their Fashion Week looks as new,vibrant spring pieces are making their way down the runway! This week has been full of Paris Haute Couture fun with brands ranging from Chanel to Armani stunning the masses with their colorful, spring oriented collections that are making us beg for warmer weather! Taking your eyes away from the dazzling clothing designs may typically seem like an impossible feat, it is the fantastic finishing touches we can’t stop raving over for spring/summer 2019.

Dramatic headgear has been a fashion week stable for multiple seasons, and this week was no exception when Paris put the Haute in Couture with wide brim hats from Ralph & Russo; conical, beaded headpieces from Giorgio Armani; and floral fascinators from Giambattista Valli. Guo Pei went above and beyond with their headwear as they incorporated tree motifs, weaving branch like headbands through their model's hair. The best headwear of the week? Chanel and Dior take the crown with their sparkling swimming caps that stole the show when paired with their gorgeous gowns. 

 

From top: Armani, Dior, and Pei (source)

 

Statement bags, which tend to be another fashion week favorite, were once again sent down the runway in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Balmain boasted bowling ball motifs, while Armani and Schiaparelli gave us geometric couture that matched perfectly with their out of this world aesthetic. Possibly the most surprising of them all was the oversized backpack seen in Givenchy’s show; the bag, complete with a large bow addition, was designed by none other than Claire Waight Keller, the mastermind behind Megan Markle’s wedding gown!

 

Givenchy (source)

 

Nothing says haute couture like statement eyewear, and Paris delivered with precision as designers presented their wackiest eyepiece accessories on Parisian runways this week. In addition to the amazing headgear, we saw a multitude of eye netting to match with Dior’s circus-inspired collection. Face mesh was also seen in Antonio Grimaldi and Iris Van Herpen Collections, making their models look more like art pieces than people. Elie Saab proved that oversized eyewear is still in with their exaggerated, transparent designs that emulated futuristic glam. Arguably the most interesting accessory of them all was seen in Balmain's show as every model was sent down the runway with tiny sunglasses that were reminiscent of handheld binoculars commonly found in vintage horse racing photos.

 

 

From top: Iris Van Herpen, Balmain (source)

 

Now that you have seen our favorite accessory trends that Paris Haute Couture has to offer, what ones do you want to take home? If these pieces have you craving new spring looks fit for the Parisian runways, fear not! We have a great collection of pieces in all of these categories that are sure to elevate your spring wardrobe to a new level!

 

Sources:

Best accessories from Haute Couture Fashion Week SS19. (2019, January 24). Retrieved from https://www.standard.co.uk/fashion/accessories-haute-couture-fashion-week-paris-a4045791.html

N/A (2019, January 24). The Glitziest Accessories From Couture Fashion Week. Retrieved from https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g31889/best-jewellery-accessories-haute-couture-fashion-week/?slide=4

The Australian Fashion Round Up

By Paige McKirahan

 

Hello TalkingFashion readers! This week, we are shouting YOU out, Australian fashionistas! We have had you on the brain with Australia Day being the 26^th and to celebrate this amazing country, we have decided to round up all of our favorite Australian fashion finds from bloggers to labels. Whether you’re from the states or hail from down under, these Aussie goods are sure to pique your interests with their interesting style, personalized looks, and cool-girl aesthetics. Read on to see who and what you should be following in this new year for a fresh take on fashion-forward inspiration.

 

 

Nicole Warne

 

 

 

Nicole is an Australian native who is truly a jack of all trades; as a blogger, model, creative director, social media and brand consultant, and digital strategist, she knows the ins and outs of the industry like the back of her hand. In addition to running her blog, Gary Pepper Girl, she is currently a digital consultant for the Q Collective of Qantas Airlines. Her impressive resume boasts a multitude of successful digital campaigns for brands we love like Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Net-a-Porter, and Valentino; these achievements earned her a spot on Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2016 and have garnered her over 2 million followers on her social media channels!

 

 Carmen Hamilton

 

 

This Aussie beauty is the true epitome of a fashion blogger; her page, Chronicle of Her, began as a personal form of self-expression that allowed her to hone her skills in photography and digital editing while in university in Queensland. Despite the fact that she took a temporary position with a fashion start-up following graduation, she ultimately decided to focus on her blog and grow her already engaged following. She now uses it as a platform for fashion inspiration and discovery, as well as a way to feature awesome women creatives from around the world!

 

Sara Crampton

 

 

 

This minimalist fashionista is a pioneer in the global blogging space. Her blog, Harper and Harley, has been promoting a less is more approach regarding fashion and lifestyle since 2008. Her engaging content has allowed her to establish herself in the influencer space and has even improved her skills to allow her to create digital communication campaigns for high profile brands like Gucci, Estee Lauder, and Nike.

 

Brooke Testoni

 

 

 

A true social media savant, Testoni is best known as being the “it” girl in her city for having relatable, personalized blogging style. Her self-titled blog, Facebook Page, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube channel keeps her connected to her thousands of followers and allows her to promote her brand, Rylan. The label, which was founded in late 2017, carries leather goods and handbags designed by Testoni herself. In addition to her personal endeavors, she also works with a variety of fashion brands, helping labels like Chloe, David Jones, and Westfield with their styling, event planning, and campaigns.

 

Kaitlyn Ham

 

 

 

This Brisbane native with comfortable, classic style works as both a freelance fashion journalist and the editor of her personal fashion blog, famously known as Modern Legacy. Her platform aligns with her quirky, minimalist aesthetic, and through collaborations with other brands and bloggers, she uses it to let her audience know the who’s and what’s on up and coming labels, trends, and shops in the industry!

For more great blogs created by Australian moguls similar to the ones mentioned above, check out this article and get following!

Next, we of course need to showcase some of the best brands to watch that hail from down under. Though it seems that choosing only 5 labels out of the seemingly endless stream of stylish Aussie labels is impossible, we have rounded up some of our favorite shops that are sure to get you adding items to your fashion wish lists! 

 

Albus Lumen

 

 

 

This brand’s structured, simple aesthetic makes it easy to see why fashionistas are drawn to the practical designs. With pieces that make statements through understated chicness and idyllic color palettes, we want to shop their entire collection!

 

Poppy Lissiman

 

 

 

This accessory brand captured our hearts with their dazzling statement pieces that are built to last. This futuristic, vibrant label knows exactly how to elevate an outfit with a style that is sure to make a statement. 

 

DAISY

 

 

 

Though it seemed that this swimwear, lingerie, and party brand was set to see their allotted 15 minutes of fame, they have maintained relevance by merging their daring style with sophisticated constructions. Their admiration from fashion icons like Bella Hadid, Lily-Rose Depp, and Kendall Jenner has put them at the forefront of brands to watch! 

 

Lee Mathews

 

 

 

As a longtime Australian fashion favorite, this cult classic brand consistent produces rustic garments with dependable construction. Their cool-girl aesthetic is hard to ignore and it is simple to see why it has had the market in their corner since their conception.

 

Anna Quan

 

 

 

This brand’s unmatched tailoring and warm color palette provide a pin-worthy look that every minimalist would die for. Anna Quan’s suits outlast even the hottest summer days with elevated structure and versatile pieces.

Did you see anything you liked or already love? We hope this post offered some inspiration for your fashion finds and gave you a way to spend Australia Day the right way: wearing what you love, every day!

Sources:

Fashion Flashback: The Hot History of Hats

By Paige McKirahan

 

To continue on with our historical evaluation behind some of the most iconic accessories of all time, it would only be appropriate to reflect on how hats came to be in celebration of Hat Day!  Whether they be worn for fashion, protection, ceremonies, rituals, or utilitarian purposes, these head coverings have been a staple in the industry for thousands of years. Of course, this long history starts in ancient Egypt; one of the first images depicting a hat can be found in Thebes tomb and this illustration shows a man wearing a conical straw hat. They also first appeared in an early illustration of Pileus which depicted him wearing a simple small cap.

 

 

Ancient Egyptian Headwear (source)

 

In this time and throughout history, one of the most popular materials for hats is felt. The ancient Egyptians and Native Americans first discovered this material when they discovered that camel hair, when compacted into the floors of their sandals, contributes to the creation of this material. St. Clement, the patron saint of felt hat makers, was said to encounter the material in a similar fashion after filling his shoes with flax fibers.

In these ancient times, hats were generally worn either to signify high status or for protection from the elements. In Ancient Rome and Greece, Phrygian caps also referred to as Liberty caps, were used as symbols of freedom for exonerated slaves. The first brimmed caps were found in Ancient Greece and were worn by those seeking to protect themselves from the sun, typically those working in fields or in construction.

As headwear began to evolve, gendered styles came into play during the Middle Ages; women were wearing a variety of new head covering designs ranging from veils to wimples. Later in those years, women’s hats transformed into elaborate displays of wealth that sometimes featured two horn-like decorations or conical shapes.

 

 

Middle Ages Hat Styles (source) 

The 18^th century birthed newer designs created by milliners; the term was created to describe products made in Milan and other Northern Italian regions that were made with high-quality materials. One of the most popular hats of this time was the Shepherdess hat, which featured a large, sun-blocking brim. Bonnets were as popular women’s in fashion as top hats were for men, and both were made from silk at the time. Silk top hats were so popular and awe-inspiring that a man wearing once caused such a stir in the streets he earned himself a 500 dollar fine from inciting panic!

In the following century, hat’s widespread popularity began to rise and was considered to be very fashionable as more designs become available. Women’s hats started growing in size and opulence with many including feather details, circular constructions, and varying brim styles. Brim sizes saw a decrease with the introduction of the parasol umbrella, and then grew again as the 20^th century grew closer. Hats also began adapting to popular hairstyles, accommodating new cuts and fashions as to not disturb one's overall look. The first Kentucky Derby occurred in this century and established itself as the largest hat fashion event in America (and it still is to this day!).

 

Kentucky Derby Fashion

 

The 20^th century saw hats in a new light entirely. Wars, constant rationing, and accompanying social and cultural changes had a huge impact on all aspects of fashion, including headwear. The cloche hat peaked in popularity, and round hats with decorative flowers were another favorite of fashion lovers everywhere. Towards the middle of the century, fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy popularized the pillbox hat, which was followed by the fedora for both genders. Berets, top hats, sombreros, western hats, and ball caps all fluctuated in popularity during this time, and some of these styles are still very well received by the public.

Today, hats are still a hugely popular accessory and have been made staples in many sporting, cultural, and social events. They aren’t typically worn for ornamental purposes with as much gusto as they once were, but sports caps, beanies, and sun hats are beloved accessories for casual wear in modern times. To get a piece of fashion history to have as your own, check our collection of hats 

 

Happy Hat Day TalkingFashion Peeps!

 

 

Sources:

 

Annie Leibovitz: Our Favorite Fashion Photography Icon

By Paige Mckirahan 

 

 

One of our favorite fashion photographers of all time took the industry by storm in 1970 when she landed a job at Rolling Stone at the tender age of 21; Annie Leibovitz, born in Connecticut in 1949, is a world renowned portrait photographer most famous for her jaw dropping editorials that have dazzled the public for decades. Prior to the start of her high-profile career, Leibovitz studied at the San Francisco Art Institute where she discovered her passion for photography. After being offered a position as a staff photographer at Rolling Stone, she was quickly promoted to chief photographer after a mere two years and held that title for the following decade. Her success at the company gave her the opportunity to document the Rolling Stones band on their international tour in 1975, solidifying her icon status only a few short years into her professional career.

 

 

The Rolling Stones by Annie Leibovitz (Pinterest)

 

During her time at Rolling Stone, Leibovitz slowly began developing her legendary aesthetic that features bold primary colors and mind boggling poses. Many of her magazine cover shots are considered to be collector’s items; pop culture aficionados fight everywhere to get their hands on original issue of John Lennon Wrapped around Yoko Ono, which was the final photo taken of the Beatle before his death in 1980.

After leaving her position with Rolling Stone shortly after in 1983, Leibovitz was hired by Vanity Fair where she was presented with a wider variety subjects to feature in her enchanting portraits. Her over the top shoots would feature everyone from the president of the United States to teen heartthrobs that graced the pages of TigerBeat. Though her stunning photos have captivated the attention of millions, many are also famous for their controversial compositions; a very pregnant and nude Demi Moore, Caitlyn Jenner's first photoshoot as her true self, and Whoopi Goldberg half-submerged in milk all brought Leibovitz criticism after the profiles were released.

 

 

Whoopi Goldberg by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair (Vanity Fair) 

This amazing artist has also shot photos for a multitude of famous marketing campaigns, including a collection of American Express portraits depicting Tom Selleck, Elmore Leonard, and Luciano Pavoritti that won her a Clio Award in 1987. As woman of many talents, she has also taken photos at the Olympics, published multiple books featuring her work with accompanying essays, and became the first woman ever to have a solo exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. in 1991.

Residing in New York City, Leibovitz is still hard at work today and remains an iconic figure in the photography world. With such a grand portfolio, we her knew work would feature the best of the best photos depicting some fabulous fashion accessory moments. Here are our top five favorite Leibovitz fur and glove shot finds! See anyone you know?

 

Lady Gaga By Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair

 

Sofia Vergara by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair

 

Uma Thurman by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue

 

Cameron Diaz by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue

 

Drew Barrymore by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue

 

If these amazing photos have you feeling inspired, head over to our collection to snag some fur and gloves of your own that would be sure to stun in any Annie Leibovitz portrait!

Sources:

Annie Leibovitz. (2016, January 08). Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/people/annie-leibovitz-9542372

Designer Spotlight: Mandana Mani

By Paige McKirahan

 

 

In the wake of our discussion regarding the top influencers of 2018, we were left wondering if there are any designers that use their platform to operate their own store (similar to our model!) After some research, we came across the fabulous Mandana Mani; this Iranian fashion designer born on January 12th, 1978 (Happy Birthday Mandana!), hails from Tehran and is the owner and creator of her namesake clothing brand, Mandana Mani. Mani posts her contemporary, classic designs on her Instagram account to over 300,000 followers almost daily and invites them to contact her where they can purchase the clothing directly as her pieces are exclusively sold online.

 

 

Her Instagram is vibrant and appealing as her stories feature great style inspiration that go hand in hand with her personal designs! Working as her own model, she commonly posts product photos of her wearing her pieces as part of a full outfit, giving the viewer a great idea of how the piece is tailored. She also is active on Telegram, where she frequently posts photos and videos of her clothing to supplement her Instagram feed. Her designs are mostly revolve around outerwear and she makes stylish coats for every season and gender.

 

 

Though she is very private about most aspects of her life, we do know that she is a lover of fashion and Jennifer Lopez. She also commonly pairs her beautiful outfits with a variety of colorful headscarves, making her a woman after our own hearts. This elusive fashion mogul was the obvious choice for our spotlight this week because as fellow online business owners and lovers of all things fashion, we could relate to her boss lady ethic! To see more of Mandana and her designs, check her out on Instagram at @mandanamani!

 

Sources:

Editors. (2018, December 5). Who is Mandana Mani? Everything You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/mandana-mani-43076.php