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A Colorful Look into Dia de los Muertos
A Colorful Look into Día de los Muertos written by Morgan Watkins
Known far and wide as the Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos celebrates death with joyous festivities, ceremonies at cemeteries, and tasty treats. It is a series of days that birthed not only a new way of understanding and appreciating death, but also vibrantly vivid fashion looks and glorious face painting masterpieces. But how did these styles and beauty looks come to fruition in the first place? And how has this holiday withstood the test of time? Read on to dive into the past and promising future of Día de los Muertos!
(Image from https://www.rebelsmarket.com/blog/posts/dia-de-los-muertos-the-history-and-fashion-of- day-of-the-dead)
Dating back a whopping 3,000 years, the Day of the Dead was initially a combination of Aztec ritual mixed with Catholicism. The holiday lasts from October 31st through November 2nd, celebrating the souls of loved ones who have passed. The souls of deceased children are said to come down from heaven on November 1st, while those of adults who’ve passed visit on the 2nd. While most cultures weep over the death of loved ones, the great Aztecs saw mourning as disrespectful towards the dead. Even when individuals would pass, they were still considered members of the community in Mexican cultures, and in that spirit, their souls would be celebrated instead of grieved over.
(Image from https://www.cnn.com/2015/10/29/living/dia-de-los-muertos-makeup-tradition-feat-irpt/ind ex.html)
On these days, families welcome close knit communities into their homes to chow down on some delicious eats around handmade altars, which are dedicated to lost loved ones. These altars are often decorated to the nines with a lovely assortment of flowers, lit candles, and colorful papel picado, or designs and murals sliced neatly into thin, tissue-like paper. Pan de muerto,or “the bread of the dead,” is also passed about before celebrating parties take to the cemetery to carry on with the festivities. Once there, friends and family enjoy each other's company while performing activities that the deceased enjoyed partaking in before their passings.
(Image from http://saintelizabethchurch.org/all-souls-altar-del-dia-de-los-muertos-mexico/)
Commonly associated with Día de los Muertos are, of course, the iconic skeletons and skulls, or calacas and calaveras. These symbols of death are characteristically glammed up in fancy suits and flowy dresses, styled exquisitely with bright, intricate designs painted onto the calaveras. The most popular image from Day of the Dead is political cartoonist José Guadalupe Posada’s La Calavera Catrina, a female skeleton whose dazzling skull embellishments are frequently replicated on the faces of those celebrating the occasion. Día de los Muertos’ connection to skeletons and skulls sprouts from the phrase “Todos somos calaveras,” which translates to “We are all skeletons.” This motto takes the frightening edge off of the perception of death as something to be feared and portrays death as a natural part of life, and no matter who you are or what you may or may not have, we are all the same when we meet death.
(Image from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBnnI_NeaQo)
The Day of the Dead’s classic attire is just as extravagant and lively as the holiday’s festivities. Brightly hued suits and eye catching gowns are staple styles for those celebrating the occasion. These fancy silhouettes are paired with lace shawls, flower crowns and noise makers like shells, which are used to electrify crowds and rouse the dead. Face painting is a go-to fashion statement as well, and often mimics the beautifully designed face of La Calavera Catrina.
(Image fromhttp://museumca.org/event/20th-anniversary-days-dead-community-celebration)
Today, Día de los Muertos is widely celebrated all over the world in a myriad of ways. It’s not to be mistaken as some sort of “Mexican Halloween,” but rather appreciated as an occasion of spiritual significance, joy, and deep emotion. So even if you aren’t going all out with a colorful dress or skeletal makeup, be mindful of the beauty of this holiday and the peace it brings to Mexican communities and other individuals across the globe.
References:
Grace, Emily. “Dia De Los Muertos: The History and Fashion of Day of the Dead.” Rebels Market, 29 June 2018, https://www.rebelsmarket.com/blog/posts/dia-de-los-muertos-the-history-and-fashion-of- day-of-the-dead.
Ward, Logan. “Top 10 Things to Know about the Day of the Dead We’ve All Heard about the Day O.” National Geographic, 26 Oct. 2017,https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/north-america/mexico/top -ten-day-of-dead-mexico/.
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Prints & Why We Love Them
Prints & Why We Love Them by Morgan Watkins
Have you ever slipped into a classic striped sweater and felt an indescribablesense of cheer? Is your favorite silk scarf abundant in paisley print? With designers far and wide dropping collections dripping in patterns, like Carolina Herrera’s Spring 2019 show clad with plaid and bursting with polka dots, it’s safe to say that prints bring out the best and brightest in fashion. But what is it about patterns that make people feel such joy? And where did these staple prints come from? Keep on reading to learn more about patterns in fashion.For as long as civilized man has roamed the Earth, clothing have served as a sign of wealth and status. The way you dress says a lot about who you are as an individual, and in that same vein, colors speak volumes as well. For example, bright colors, like red or yellow, evoke high levels of energy and happiness. Psychologically, those colors, and a plethora of others, trigger the release of dopamine, the chemical related to pleasure and happiness. Put these colors together into an aesthetically pleasing pattern and boom — euphoric happiness. Something to consider, though, is that prints aren’t for everybody. In a study done by the Psychology of Fashion, it was noted that optimists prefered prints while those with less of a sunny disposition were opposed. “One of the biggest differences was rooted in the trait of neuroticism,” noted TPOF writer, Natalie Ovadia. “Those who loved prints were more optimistic, worried less and found it easier to stay in a good mood, while those who disliked prints were more prone to anxiety and worry, but were more creative and fashion-forward.”
(Image from https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/jessiann-gravel-summer-prints-fashion-editorial/)
Arguably one of the most popular, peppy patterns are polka dots. According to Artteca, polka dots were first referenced by Godey’s Lady’s Book, a popular magazine from the early 1800s. It was in 1857 that the magazine made mention of the pattern, which was printed on a scarf. By the beginning of the 20th century, polka dots made a splash when Miss America Norma Smallwood wore an iconic spotted swimsuit in 1926. Just two years later, Minnie Mouse was drawn in her signature polka dot get up. This lead to dotted mania in the 1930s, manifesting in the forms of ribbons, dresses and bows.
(Image from https://talkingfashion.net/products/copy-of-sail-boat-nautical-figural-whimsical-red-blue- white-beige-vintage-clip-earrings)
Although they initially served as a symbol of condemnation, stripes were another pattern that rapidly rose to fame. Originally worn by prisoners, prostitutes, and hangmen in Medieval Times, stripes weren’t truly accepted by higher class society until Queen Victoria dressed her dashing son, Albert Edward, in a striped sailor suit for a trip on the Royal Yacht. Around this era, the navy seamen of Northern France adopted knit and wool sweaters with horizontal blue and white stripes as their primary uniforms. Inspired by the fashion and nautical themes of these mid-19th century sailors was the one and only Coco Chanel. In 1917, the designer featured a collection straight from the sea with stripes galore. Stripes gained big screen exposure in 1953, thanks to Marlon Brando inThe Wild One. James Dean also brought stripes into the spotlight in Rebel Without a Cause, along with renowned artists Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol sporting Breton striped tops. The popular print became a style staple for the ladies of Hollywood as well, as Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot clung to their signature stripes as if their lives depended on it.
Another trend adored by print lovers the world over is the oh-so classic plaid. The oldest remnant of plaid printed fabric dates back 3,000 years, and was discovered with the remains of a mummy that was buried within the western Chinese desert. Fast forward to 1500, plaid was referred to as “tartan,” and worn prominently by the Scottish military. It wasn’t until the British and Americans started creating tartan fashions of their own that the pattern was renamed plaid. The print became really hot in the 60s when the surfer rock band, The Beach Boys, popularized plaid by sporting printed Pendleton shirts. By the 70s, the pattern was pretty much everywhere, from power suits to TV shows like Charlie’s Angels and The Brady Bunch. With the rise of grunge style and music in the 90s, plaid continued to shine as a classic pattern staple for everyone from Kurt Cobain to Britney Spears.
(Image from https://talkingfashion.net/products/copy-of-vakko-designer-scarf-brown-tuxedo-burgundy -red-navy-long-silk-scarf-necktie-vintage-accessory)
Like plaid is to grunge, paisley is to boho. While this unique pattern may have been loved by hippies in the 70s and bandana wearing bikers in the 80s, paisley’s origins actually started far from the States. The paisley print was birthed from Persian and Indian culture, representing life, fertility and eternity. But since being turned into a rock ‘n roll staple by The Beatles in the 1960s, paisley evolved from a pattern of symbolism to a signature style for artists and musicians worldwide. David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and other male musicians took the bohemian trend and added their own edge to it. More recently, brands like like Zimmermann, Dolce & Gabbana, and Etro jumped on paisley for Spring/Summer 2019 to add a free spirited twist to their high fashion collections.
Prints in fashion are like sprinkles for ice cream — they add immense color, vibrancy and fun. But more importantly, patterns can be a means of expressing your own unique style and personality, whether that be through a cozy plaid scarf or a full blown Cher Horowitz plaid ensemble. Check out talkingfashion.net for patterned pieces that pop or to consign your own printed fashions!
References:
Baines, Wesley. “How Looking Great Can Make You Happier.” BeliefNet, https://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/the-psychology-of-fashion-how-looking-great-can-make-you-happier?p=2.Baker, Lindsay. “Paisley: The Story of a Classic Bohemian Print.” BBC,6 Nov. 2017, http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20151021-paisley-behind-rocks-favourite-fashion.
Barnes, Sarah. “From Coco Chanel to Alexa Chung: A Brief History of the Iconic Breton Stripe.” Style Caster, http://stylecaster.com/breton-stripe/.
Desimone, Lindsey. “A Brief History of...Plaid.” Elle Decor, 18 Nov. 2015, https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends/a7612/history-of-plaid/.
Kaplan, Sarah. “The Scientific Reason Your World Brightens up When You Do.” The Washington Post, 3 Sept. 2015, The Washington Post, http://www.tpof-thepsychologyoffashion.com/features/fashion-psychology.
Lewis, Danny. “A Brief History of Plaid.” The Smithsonian, 20 Nov. 2015, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/brief-history-plaid-180957342/.
Ovadia, Natalie. “ Tale of Love & Hate: The Big Print Divide.” The Psychology of Fashion,27 Oct. 2017, http://www.tpof-thepsychologyoffashion.com/features/fashion-psychology.
“The History of Patterns in Fashion.” Artteca, 17 Nov. 2016, https://artteca.com/blogs/artteca/the-history-of-patterns-in-fashion.
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Fashion Flashback: Lockets
Fashion Flashback: Lockets
by Morgan Watkins
An item of sentiment and utility, the locket is truly a dazzling antique to behold. With such a rich history and wide array of functions, lockets carry with them more than just dusty portraits. Keep on reading to expand your horizons on what makes lockets such special accessories.
While the earliest known lockets date back to the 16th century, it is said that they were initially inspired from ancient amulets and pendants from the Middle Ages. Some cultures wore lockets containing special charms to ward off evil spirits and energy, and although we now associate lockets with affection and love, they commonly carried items with less than sentimental value like herbs, perfume soaked fabric squares, and in sinister situations, poison. Locket necklaces were quite popular, but locket rings and brooches were also worn by those who could afford them. Queen Elizabeth I popularized the locket ring in 1575 with her one of a kind style holding portraits of herself and her late mother, Anne Boleyn. This tender display of familial love added significant meaning to the jewelry of this time, particularly with locket styles.
By the 1600s, lockets became symbols of political alignment. With the passing of King Charles I in 1649, supporters far and wide wore lockets containing his portrait to pay homage to his life and death. Some faithful King Charles advocates even managed to snag a lock of the king’s hair from his execution, which they then carried within their jewelry to commemorate his reign. While this may seem like an odd or extreme gesture, carrying the hair of a loved one within a locket was actually common practice in the 17th century, especially with the rise of mourning jewelry. These lockets were characteristically heavy, dark and contained the portrait of a lost loved one.
Commonly made from precious metals and gems, lockets and most other jewelry were primarily sold to those with considerable wealth during the 18th century. It was around this time that the iconic heart shaped locket was born. Ranging from a variety of different metals and finishes, heart shaped lockets, like mourning jewelry, contained locks of hair or portraits of lovers. Some were made of transparent materials, putting their love on display for the world to see. They were a sign of not only love, but also honesty, truth and purity.
By the late 19th century, lockets became less of an accessory for the rich and more of an item for everyone as cheaper materials were used to create more affordable jewelry. Also aiding in the widespread access of lockets was the improvement of photography, which made it easier for locket lovers to obtain quality and long lasting portraits to be inserted into their jewelry. Unisex lockets came in the form of pins, bracelets, buttons, rings and necklaces, making them items that could be worn by men and women alike.
With the presence of both World Wars came the emergence of sweetheart jewelry. The locket in particular was an essential jewelry item in the realm of sweetheart accessories, as soldiers would leave their loved ones with portraits of themselves stowed away in lockets while they were off on the battlegrounds. 20th century sweetheart lockets also became a sign of patriotism, as they displayed the wearer’s pride in their loved ones serving the country, as well as pride towards what their country was fighting for.
After the dust had settled on World War II, all that was left was mourning paired with hope for a better future. Lockets fell out of favor for decades, serving only as reminders of past times and people. But with the rise of vintage and antique inspired jewelry, lockets are slowly but surely re-emerging into the fashion spotlight. In recent years, revered fashion magazines like Elle and Vogue have rooted for lockets within online and print publications. Last winter, the Tory Burch Pre-Fall 2018 collection featured in Vogue displayed the gleaming Walnut Locket Necklace, which paired perfectly with a silky button up and bohemian maxi dress.
(Image from https://www.toryburch.com/walnut-locket-necklace)
Regardless of what you put in your jewelry, be sure to jump on the trend now by checking out talkingfashion.net for the latest and greatest locket styles out there! And if you have a locket of your own you’d like to pass on, we would love to consign with you. But please — keep any poison at home.
References:
“A Sentimental History Of Lockets.” The Artyologist, 14 Feb. 2017,http://www.theartyologist.com/sentimental-history-of-lockets/.
“Locket History: Heart Lockets & Photo Keepsakes Through the Ages.” With YouLockets, https://withyoulockets.com/about/history-of-lockets. Phelps, Nicole. “Tory Burch Pre-Fall 2018.” Vogue, 1 Dec. 2017,
https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/pre-fall-2018/tory-burch.
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Steampunk Style
Steampunk Style by Morgan Watkins
What do you get when you combine various cultures and subcultures like gothics, sci-fi fans, cyberpunks and more? The answer is steampunk, which is defined by the Daily Dot as “a subculture encompassing fashion, music, literature, movies, DIY model-making, and gaming.” Commonly, these looks encompass both the future and the past, playing off of older designs and styles that’re revamped with an industrial twist. Still a bit fuzzy on what steampunk really is? Read on to learn more about the aesthetics, history and influence of steampunk style.Although it wasn’t until the 1990s that the movement gained popularity, early influences date back to the 19th century French illustrator, Albert Robida, whose intricate Victorian-esque art inspired DIY fashion fanatics to reinvent 18th and 19th century looks. Around the 1970s and 80s, the growing popularity of sci-fi films and novels made steampunk flourish, along with the help 1990s grunge, goth and cyberpunk mania. Steampunk band Abney Park, who even had a song titled “Steampunk Revolution,” initially rocked futuristic trinkets and edgy costumes in music videos, inspiring countless musicians in a variety of genres to don steampunk ensembles for performances, videos and more.
(Image from https://www.chicagopopculturecon.com/steampunk/)
The foundation of steampunk fashion is, of course, based on Victorian silhouettes and shapes. Leather vests, oversized buckles, metallic trinkets, lace corsets, goggle adorned top hats, and clockwork embellished accessories are just a few staples that pair with a variety of styles and themes, like goth, fantasy, and other popular cosplay aesthetics. While most looks come from a Victorian foundation, steampunk allows individuals to create totally personalized and unique costumes that can help them express a particular vibe or identity. More is more, and the possibilities are endless.
(Image from https://blog.stylewe.com/steampunk-fashion-eccentric-esthetic-style/)
While the steampunk movement started as an underground trend adopted by so-called “outcasts” or “hipsters,” it quickly garnered popularity among mainstream pop culture. By the late 2000s, the quirky style of steampunk was being celebrated widely on television, in music and within film. Steampunk’d , for example, was a TV show featuring 10 contestants competing in challenges revolving around the construction of steampunk looks. Movies like Sherlock Holmes and Series of Unfortunate Events also took on steampunk costuming, as did artists like Panic! At The Disco in their music video for “The Ballad of Mona Lisa.” Justin Bieber even joined in on the trend for his “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” music video.
(Image from https://lieselhindmann.wordpress.com/tag/the-ballad-of-mona-lisa/ )
Steampunk isn’t just a movement in fashion, but rather a niche that allows people of all walks of life to bond over fashion and costuming. Goths, cyberpunks, sci-fi or fantasy fanatics: everyone is accepted under the steampunk umbrella, where individuals far and wide are free to get creative and express themselves however they see fit, even if that means dismantling an old alarm clock for the sake of fashion.
References:
Baker-Whitelaw, Gavia. “What Is Steampunk? A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide.” TheDaily Dot, 15 Oct. 2016, The Daily Dot, http://www.website.com.
“Steampunk’d.” IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4777200/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl. -
Fashion Flashback: Scarves & Foulards
Fashion Flashback: Scarves & Foulards by Morgan Watkins
With fall kicking up crunchy orange leaves followed by the wafting aroma of all things pumpkin spice, it is due time for the return of one of autumn’s most beloved accessories: the scarf. While they can be worn all year round in an endless combination of styles and fabrics, scarves and foulards are the epitome of the colder season to come. Read on to learn more about where these cozy accessories originated and how they’ve evolved over past centuries.
It was in Ancient Egypt that the first recorded scarf was worn. Queen Nefertiti, a woman known for her beauty and her reign alongside husband, Pharaoh Akhenaten, wore a scarf tightly around her neck around 1350 B.C. Later on in 230 B.C., cloth scarves were used to show military rank among the people of China while under the rule of Emperor Cheng. Silk equated to higher level positions, while those of lower ranks donned scarves made of cotton. This trend in establishing rank would carry onto the 1600s, where Croatian mercenaries wore scarves, or “cravats,” of varying colors to display who stood where on the military totem pole.
By the 1700s, scarves became a symbol of condolences In New England as they were handed on to mourning families by funeral attendees. Eventually, Massachusetts legislature determined that this form of “funeral extravagance” would be no more and passed a law barring the exchange of scarves. It was around this time that the knit scarf came to fruition via the Third Duke of Krakow, who wanted a scarf that would keep his neck warm as opposed to serving solely as a fashion statement.
Another man who enjoyed a lovely scarf was the famously renowned composer, Beethoven, who was said to have worn a silk scarf paired with dapper suits in an attempt to woo his beloved Therese Malfatti. Over time, silk scarves became even more popular as they were used as accessories to define status and wealth in the early 1800s and throughout the entirety of the Victorian Era. Within this timeframe, designers known for their scarves, like Hermès and Burberry, were born. Unfortunately, it took an entire century before Hermès dove into creating their notoriously iconic graphic silk scarves. Burberry, the brand famous for their signature plaid accessories, also would not design their cashmere neckwear until the mid-to-late 1900s.
(Image from https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/accessories/scarves-and-shawls/hermes-l es-cles-silk-scarf-NG6-VbjUHGE)
Dance culture also had an impact on the rise of scarves in history. Back in the later 1200s, Egyptian belly dancers commonly wore scarves tied low on the hips to accentuate their movements and style. Fast forward to the early 1900s and long, flowing scarves were trending, thanks to dancer Isadora Duncan. Duncan ironically passed away from an accident involving the tangling of her scarf with an automobile wheel, but the memory of her most cherished accessory lived on. Fur scarves took over French fashion in the 30s, while wearing neckwear around the forehead was in vogue during the hippy days of the 70s.
(Image from https://talkingfashion.net/products/fur-velvet-scarf-brown-slim-long-luxurious-vintage-acc essory)
It is worth noting that scarves and foulards are not merely worn by individuals to superficially boost the overall aesthetic of an outfit, as they can be worn for religious and cultural purposes as well. Colorful and patterned head scarves may be worn by African women, or women of African descent, to celebrate their heritage and culture. Muslim women don hijabs as a symbol of modesty and religious virtue, while turbans are seen on the heads of men and women practising Sikhism. Last year, Nike disclosed that they would begin selling performance hijabs for athletes of Muslim faith, taking a grand step in the right direction towards including Muslim individuals in American culture as well as standing in solidarity for Muslim rights.
(Image from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/12/20/nike-begins-selling-sports-hijab -muslim-female-athletes/970226001/)
From easy breezy infinity scarves to free flowing cashmere wraps, scarves offer endless possibilities to style and accessorize your look. Regardless of what kind of scarf you wear or why you wear it, these accessories are reliable, simple staples available to all genders, ages, cultures and faiths. If you’re in the market for a fancy foulard or to sell a snazzy scarf, check out talkingfashion.net for some sleek styles and consignment options!
References:
“THE HISTORY OF SCARVES: A TIMELINE.” Scarves.net, 25 Jan. 2012, https://www.scarves.net/blogs/scarves/the-history-of-scarves-a-timeline. Stanglin, Doug.
“Nike Begins Selling Sports Hijab for Muslim Female Athletes.” USA Today, 20 Dec. 2017, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/12/20/nike-begins-selling-sport s-hijab-muslim-female-athletes/970226001/.
