talkingfashion » history of fashion jewelry
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She Sells Cowrie Seashells by the Sea Shore
She Sells Cowrie Seashells by the Sea Shore
written by Morgan Watkins
In the cold winter months ahead, it’s safe to say that we could all use a little bit of warmth and sunshine in our fashion lives. But how do you incorporate the spirit of the sea into an everyday look? Accessorize with cowrie seashells! Along with being sleek and chic, these natural, nautical pieces carry with them great symbolism and history. Keep on reading to get the low down on cowrie shell accessories.Most commonly found on continents and islands of the Indian Ocean, cowrie shells were utilized by many as currency. Holding monetary value in ancient Asia, Africa, Oceania and even North America, these shells could be used to acquire necessities and goods such as clothing and food. During the height of the West African slave trade, slave owners could buy slaves with this currency.
Juxtaposing the sinister trade going on in Africa during the 17th century and beyond is the beautiful meaning within the cowrie shell. African cultures associated these smooth shells with the Goddess of protection, as well as the strength of the ocean. In fact, it is believed that those who are attracted to the cowrie shell are actually descendents of ocean spirits. These shells also symbolized destiny and prosperity, as they were worn on the hips of both African women and the women of Ancient Egypt to increase female fertility. These girdles could be worn during labor as well as a way to promote a safe delivery. Even when analyzing the shape of the cowrie shell, one could make the distinct connection of the shell’s shape to the shape of a pregnant woman’s belly.
Along with encouraging prosperous fertility among women, these shells could be utilized to provide protection for women and children from evil spirits. The dead even adore the cowrie shell, as they have been found worn by corpses in Ancient Egyptian and African tombs in the form of simple bracelets and necklaces. It is said that they can continue to protect the dead as their spirits leave the physical world.
(Image from https://everythingsoulful.com/symbolism-the-cowrie-shell/)
On a less spiritual note, cowrie shells could be used in a myriad of other ways, like to add a hint of beachy flair to an outfit. To increase their value in jewelry pieces, silver and gold can be added inside and around the shell for a pop of shimmer and shine. When paired with bohemian styles like fringe boots, woven anklets and nautical neckwear, these shells embody the free spirited nature of the ocean.
Whether wearing these shells as a means of protection or fertility, or simply to add easy breezy beach vibes to your look, wearing cowrie shells are an effortless way to reconnect with the ocean no matter how far off the coast you may be. Want to shop some of our best bohemian pieces? Head over to talkingfashion.net to peruse our stylish shell accessories!
References:
“Cowry Shell Necklace.” The Smithsonian: The National Museum of American History, http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1066631.
Prieto, Anayeli. “Cowrie Shells In Ancient Egypt: From Money To Motherhood.” StMU History Media, 28 Mar. 2017, https://www.stmuhistorymedia.org/crowie-shells-from-money-to-motherhood/.
“SYMBOLISM: THE COWRIE SHELL.” Everything Soulful , 22 Mar. 2016, https://everythingsoulful.com/symbolism-the-cowrie-shell/.
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History of Valentino
History of Valentino
By Paige McKirahan
There are few words that you think of when you hear Valentino, and most of them are associated with luxury. This haute couture label is one of the top fashion brands in the world and has been seen on industry magazines, runways, and red carpets around the globe. Everyone from the likes of Elizabeth Taylor to Naomi Campbell have been seen in these designs and with such a high profile presence in not only the fashion industry, but in the luxury industry as well, you would expect a history that lives up to fame. Valentino Garavani, the creator of the fashion house, made sure that in not only lived up to those expectations, but exceeded them.
(photo credits to wwd.com)
Garavani, an Italian native, was born in Voghera in 1932. He had an affinity for fashion starting at the beginning of his life, and eventually went on to study design in Paris at the beginning of 1950. He then was hired for his first design position with Jean Desses, and worked for them until 1967 when he obtained a position with Guy Laroche in his new atelier. After working there for two years and improving his taste and his technical skills, he returned to Italy and opened his own fashion house. At the end of 1957, he debuted his first haute couture collection and his refined lines and sophisticated aesthetic garnered great praise from publications like the Sunday Times in London.
Valentino with his collection for Guy Laroche in 1967
(photo credits to her.ie)
In the following three years, he quickly became the favorite of those in the “new Hollywood”, or Cincecitta, during great economic success in Italy. One of the first big names to wear a Valentino design was Elizabeth Taylor during her time filming Cleopatra in Rome. His collection for fall/ winter in 1961 boasted garments inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy, which only increased his growing global fame. His superstar status was secured after his 1962 show in Florence; the designs were so dazzling that he became the first Italian designer to have a French Vogue cover created in their honor.
Valentino 1961
(photo credits to pinterest.com)
His fall/ winter collection for 1963, which featured wild animal motifs, landed him in the pages of American Vogue, launching his popularity in the American market. The 1966 Valentino collection has become famous for its pop-art inspired pieces, which were aligned with the iconic movement during that decade. The 1960s proved to be quite prosperous for the brand as the designer’s pieces and accessories, especially his handbags sporting the luxurious gold “V”, were considered to be fundamental parts of a jet setting woman’s wardrobe. 1968 saw critical moments for the label; its spring/ summer line that year contributed to the dissipation of a haute couture crisis that involved people looking at less exclusive models. Following the show, shops opened up in Paris and Milan and later that year Valentino designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress. These events made Garavani the most acclaimed designer in the industry at that and set the tone for the rest of his time with the brand.
(photo credits to pinterest.com)
The 1970s brought experimental changes; a boutique line was created alongside of the Valentino label itself, and both lines adopted an art deco aesthetic. The brand’s first namesake perfume was released in 1978, and it was followed by a line of blue jeans that made their debut at none other than Studio 54. Moving into the ‘80s, we see the rise of the famous Valentino red accompanied by classic black and whites; the silhouettes included a variety of draping, ruching, and dramatic details. The ‘90s saw a decade of celebrations for the brand’s 30 years in fashion through a series of films, books and exhibitions. Valentino himself sold the brand to Holding di Partecipazioni Industriali SpA (HdP) in 1998, but remained the creative director until his retirement in 2008; his last show was at the Musee Rodin in Paris and featured the most iconic set of supermodels from all of his decades in fashion. After Garavani’s retirement, Ferruccio Pozzoni and Alessandra Facchinetti took over his position and they were then succeeded by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli shortly after, who still director the label today.
From Valentino's last show as creative director, 2008
(photo credits to loveofvalentino.blogspot.com)
Valentino has seen a wide collection of iconic accessories ranging from heels to bags. As I said before, the iconic “V” bag was a staple in womens closet and established the house as an essential brand. The Valentino Rockstud heel is quite possibly the most iconic piece to come out of the brand; these studded, strappy stilettos have been a favorite of street style aficionados and have inspired an entire line from the brand. This newfound studded fame reignited the brands popularity and has brought Valentino back to the forefront and into the closets of millions. Check out our favorite Valentino piece in our collection and gift yourself some classic red couture this holiday season!
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The Master of Bias: Charles Kleibacker
The Master of Bias: Charles Kleibacker
By Paige McKirahan
Though there have been many iconic designers in the past century that have made a substantial mark on the fashion world, Charles Kleibacker may be the most enigmatic. Born in 1921 in Alabama, this American creator earned his nickname “Master of Bias” because of his affinity for complex gown designs involving cuts diagonal to the weave. Despite his iconic status in the fashion world, Kleibacker wasn’t always so well versed in the industry; he attended the University of Notre Dame and majored in journalism, which lead him to attend New York University for his graduate studies.
Kleibacker in 1565
(photo credits to threadmagazine.com)
He eventually relocated to California and met singer Hildegarde in San Francisco after running into one other in the same hotel. His large station wagon landed him a job as her driver and he toted around her and her entourage on tour all around the globe. It was in Europe when he finally realized his love for fashion after meeting a multitude of fashion designers through Hildegarde. His interest was piqued while in the offices of Christian Dior, and this prompted him to submit a set of early designs that earned him a spot at Lanvin in 1954. He worked there for three years and promptly returned to New York to work for Nettie Rosenstein, on the most highly regarded American fashion designers of her time.
Kleibacker for Lanvin, 1967
(photo credits to pinterest.com)
In 1959, he moved out of the shadow of others and into his own light when he began designing his own collection out of his brownstone in the Upper West Side. The line was a huge success and by the mid ‘60s, he was creating pieces for some of the most exclusive luxury clothiers including Henri Bendel and Bergdof Goodman. His trademarks were silk and wool crepe and of course, the bias cut; this special practice created designs that had a true cut look, not one that appeared stamped out.
Kleibacker designs
(photo credits to garmentozine.wordpress.com)
After his great success in New York, Kleibacker came to Ohio and became a Designer- in- Residence at The Ohio State University’s Costume and Textiles Collection. His work was a part of a 2005 exhibit there in the College of Human Ecology. He then became an adjunct curator of design at the Columbus Museum of Art and organized multiple fashion related exhibits. He remained there until the time of his death in 2010, when he passed away due pneumonia at 88 years old. Our very own CEO had the pleasure of working closely with him on multiple local fashion shows and events, making him also a close companion of our brand here at TalkingFashion. As an amazing designer so close to our home office, we felt it would only be appropriate to celebrate his wonderful life; one with a nickname like “Master of Bias” is hard to forget.
Sources:
Charles Kleibacker. (2018, October 06). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Kleibacker
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Pop The Cork on New Year’s Eve Fashion!
Pop The Cork on New Year’s Eve Fashion!
By Paige McKirahan
As the biggest party of the year is looming towards us at a rapid rate, panic surrounding finding the perfect New Years Eve outfit is rising. With a year as fabulous as 2018 coming to a close, it is only appropriate that we look just as fabulous as we bid it goodbye and step into the last year of this decade. Though some people tend to rely on their clothing itself to provide them with their NYE glam, we here at TalkingFashion think that this year’s make or break pieces will lie in one’s accessories. Not only can you completely transform a clothing piece with jewelry and other fun additions, you can also create a complete, cohesive outfit that stuns from head to toe!
Accessories can emulate more vibes and attitudes than just clothing alone, which makes them an integral part of a party outfit for all types of fashionista! From minimalists to haute couture connoisseurs, accessorizing can elevate a look from basic to Times Square chic.
Are you a fan of the little black dress instead of the disco ball aesthetic for your impending New Years fun? Personalize that classic piece by adding everything from a head scarf to a dazzling bracelet to allow your personality to shine as bright as the Times Square Ball! You’ll be the talk of every party with your expertly curated style; if you are lost on how to create your perfect look, we are here to help! Check out our collections or enlist one of our expert stylists to assist you in making sure you’re walking into 2019 as fashionable as ever!
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Calling All Columbus Readers!
Calling All Columbus Readers!
By Paige McKirahan
If you have found yourself in Ohio for the holidays, you may be left wondering how to spend your last week of the year in the Buckeye State. As one of the nation’s top three fashion capitals, Columbus has seemingly crept to the top of this elite list while no one was watching. According to Columbus Monthly, Columbus employs more fashion designers than ANY other city in the United States outside of New York City and Los Angeles. Our state’s capital is chock full of small boutiques working alongside huge fashion giants like Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant, Express, Abercrombie & Fitch, and previously Henri Bendel. Other popular, locally-grown shops like Homage are also gaining great visibility and contributing to the area’s reputation as a vibrant, evolving capital. We hope all of our Columbus fans bought some local goods for all of those on your list this season, because we sure do love being a part of this amazing network of fashion innovators!
Now that Holiday shopping days are over, though, what else does this amazing city have to offer? Does the cold weather and the holidays have you or your family feeling a little stir crazy this Christmas season? Well, grab you jackets and get ready for a full day of fun at Columbus’ greatest attractions on December 29th for FREE!
Thanks to The Columbus Foundation, local residents can spend their Saturday exploring central Ohio via free COTA rides all day long. The Wexner Center for the Arts, Ohio History Connection, Franklin Park Conservatory, and COSI are all participating in the free general admission event. The Columbus Museum of Art is also partaking in the winter fun; our CEO and one of our favorite designers, Charles Kleibacker, have both held positions at that venue. Be sure to check out all of the beautiful art they have to offer!
Whatever you spend the rest of your 2018 doing, we here at TalkingFashion want to wish all of our readers a Happy New Year and a FABULOUS New Years Eve! When picking out that perfect outfit for your night on the town, don’t forget to end 2018 wearing what YOU love and continue doing so for all of 2019!
Sources:
We're Number Three: Columbus' flourishing fashion industry. (2016, March 30). Retrieved from http://www.columbusmonthly.com/lifestyle/20160323/were-number-three-columbus-flourishing-fashion-industry
Staff, N. (2018, December 13). Columbus Foundation celebrates 75th anniversary with free COTA rides, other freebies. Retrieved from https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus-foundation-celebrates-75th-anniversary-with-free-cota-rides-other-freebies/1657569111
