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

Rossignal's Ski Success

 

Wherever you may be, are you surrounded by snow? If not, we will take you on a trip to Las Leñas Ski Resort, a beautiful spot in Mendoza, Argentina.

Today, I am sharing a personal experience from my teen years when I visited the beautiful Las Leñas for my first ski trip. My dad and I spent 15 days in the mountains going up and down all day long, as any typical first timer would do.

At night, we would go out around the resort area; most of the evenings my dad went to play cards, while I went out dancing in the some of the most fantastic nightclubs around the globe. What a blast it was! Some of these places were incredible-- I'm talking glass buildings with multiple activities happening on every floor. The music, people, clothes (it was 1986 so you can imagine); everything was amazing!

It was during that trip when I got hooked to Rossignol Sunglasses. My first pair featured mirrored lenses held by a black frame. Rossignol, a French ski goods company, was founded in 1907 by Abel Rossignol; as a carpenter who was an avid skier, he used wood products from his textile company to craft a pair of skis out of solid wood.

Abel began selling his wooden skis, capturing the attention of recreationalists all across Europe. His work was highly regarded and sold well, putting his factory at the forefront during World War I when skis were needed for the Army. The company was shot to true global fame in 1937 when Frenchman Émile Allais became triple world champion using Rossignol Olympic 41 skis. 

Allais began collaborating with Rossignol, and together they created dynamic designs and brought in a new partner Boix-Vives, a lift builder. He began funding their factory and Allais and Abel worked create laminated aluminum skis and then in 1964, the brand released its first fiberglass ski dubbed the Strato. In the following decade, Rossignol became the world’s largest ski manufacturer after the construction of an American distribution company. 

Even though the company does not currently still hold that top spot, they remain one of the strongest ski brands in winter sports. The brand’s line of cold weather wear that includes skis, sunglasses, and other slope accessories has withstood the test of time and has been a cornerstone of the industry for over a century. With more Olympic and world titles than we can count on both hands, Rossignol is undoubtedly a trustable brand that delivers great products time and time again (and we attest to that!). Want some of this iconic ski wear of your own to help you brave the winter winds? Check out our Rossignol collection!

 

Sources:

Masia, S. (n.d.). 100 Years of Rossignol. Retrieved from https://www.skiinghistory.org/history/100-years-rossignol

Skis Rossignol. (2018, December 20). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skis_Rossignol

Fur in Fashion: Faux Pas or Fabulous?

By Paige McKirahan

 

One material that has been on trial in fashion court for decades is one that was, for a large portion of its life, associated with high status and class. Fur accessories and clothing have been in circulation for 170,000 years and were used as a status symbol in as early as the 11^th century. European royalty sported fur coats, capes, and accessories commonly made from mink, sable, and chinchilla fur. This increase in fur wearing prompted the creation of laws that regulated which social classes were permitted to wear specific furs. Prior to this, furs were more so used out of utility; the real pelts offered warmth and comfort to people in primitive cultures, starkly contrasting their new popularized purpose.

As the desire for luxury furs increased over the next five centuries, so did the development of fur farms. In the Victorian era, we saw a rise in popularity with both genders as the use of furs in movies put a spotlight on the wild textile. Coats worn by men tended to be lined with fur with other materials covering the outside of the piece. Women’s coats boasted fur accents throughout at the collar, wrists, and hems. We also saw the popularity of dress and shoe clips begin to inflate in the same period; these accessories were either adorned with fur details or accessorized the fur pieces themselves.

 

Victorian Era Furs

(photo credits to grandladies.com)

Other accessories that loved fur fun were scarves, shawls, and hats. Looking back at their basic use surrounding warmth, people used fur to accessorize cold weather outfits in style. These small hints of luxury could elevate any look and were sure to illustrate the wearers high status.

The 1900s brought big change to the fur industry as imitation furs began to take over the market. Real furs were expensive and many fashionistas, especially animal rights activists, associated them with cruelty. As technology improved, so did the quality of fake furs created from silk and synthetic pile fabrics. Designers began to create more casual looks using fur, moving away from glamour and more towards department store chic. The ’50s and ‘60s saw fur be more affordable than ever, with faux fur options being front and center on account of Old Hollywood influence.

 

1950s Fur Ad

(photo credits to vintagedancer.com)

Now, fur is still one of the most widely debated fabrics in the industry and and increased amount of high profile brands are declaring themselves as fur free. The ‘90s pushed the faux v. real fur debate and used iconic supermodels as spearheads for the movement away from a fur-filled future. Fendi seems to be at the center of this debate as their haute couture counterparts seem to be ahead in the faux fur conversation; Gucci and Versace have vowed to ditch the real thing, while Fendi continues to unapologetically create pieces with real animal fur. Whatever style you prefer, we encourage you to research furs and the benefits of both styles before deciding on a side! Remember to wear what you love, and find fur items you love in our collection!

 

The Benefits of Consigning Your Jewelry and Vintage Accessories

By Paige McKirahan 

 

Looking to get rid of any pieces collecting dust in your closet? Look no further! Here at TalkingFashion, we are always looking for fun, fresh inventory to join our collection. We accept high quality women’s and men’s vintage or antique jewelry, as well as bijoux accessories. If you don’t see the designer of your piece on our A-Z Designers List, not to worry; if you have an unmarked or unknown piece that is unique or valuable, we would be happy to take a look at it! Wondering how you can consign? You can take your pick of our three easy methods below:

1. Schedule a free in-home pick up with a team member. (Columbus, Ohio residents only!)
2. Ship your items to our office directly
3. Come into our office for a free valuation and drop-off.

Once we receive your piece, one of team members will carefully evaluate your item to ensure it is properly identified, authenticated, photographed, and priced. We will then market and ship your piece once it is sold, and you can be paid by online cash transfer, direct deposit, or site credit (which earns you an extra 20%!). Our commission rates vary by item price, and you can view our commission structure here.

Consigning in general has great benefits as it is a sustainable practice that extends the life of pieces, putting their beauty back on the map. When you consign with us, the list of benefits only seems to grow; our high commission rates makes us the obvious choice for all your vintage and bijoux consignment needs! Have more questions? Email use at consign@talkingfashion.net and we would be happy to help!