Fanning yourself on a hot summer day was once the norm. But when air conditioning came along, fans were most obsolete. However in recent years, there has been an increase in demand of hand fans as well as an increase in the popularity of fans overall. Vintage hand fans can be beautiful on top of its practical functionality and even help decorate your home with a touch of antique charm.

The origin of hand fans can be traced as far back as 4,000 years ago in Egypt. The fan was seen as a sacred instrument and used in religious ceremonies and was also seen as a symbol of power royalty even in this early form, as evidenced by the two elaborate fans found in King Tutt's tomb. (You can read more here)

Hand fans can provide a much needed cooling breeze during a heatwave. A couple of weeks ago while attending a Fashion Film Series in our local museum of art, I noticed the front row VIP guests all cooling off while seducing voyeurs with their vintage fans. Then this morning while I was sipping on my morning tea and reading Vogue India, I couldn't help but notice fan as a top accessory suggested by celebrities of the new world of fashion. These recent occasions together, got me thinking about the collection we have to share with our community.

What is our connection to hand fans?

There are a couple of reasons why I have always loved fans. First and foremost, it brings me back to childhood times playing over my grandmother’s home. All the wonderful not-surprising, basic logic behind the psychology of fashion right? Yes its always there. 

My dear grandmother had not just a nice collection of jewelry and all the basic accessories, but she also loved pretty fans. Each of them were so different on the story it would tell. I remember this bone colored plastic one with a lace texture on the cutouts design was a favorite of mine while playing dress-up.

Then there was this very delicate one, we could barely touch or open it. It had maroon red velvet ribbons waving thru its delicate structure. This one was never used for play but admiring only. I would take it out of the box, carefully open it and imagine when it was originally first used. I loved to wonder where it came from, who did it and how was it done. I imagined the wearer and the scene where it all happen.

Another one was full of tiny images advertising beautiful gardens of the world. Yes my grandmother was a nature’s lover. Her plants would fill half of the rooms in her house. She had vases on the ground and vases dangling from ceilings. Plants were everywhere and they were always shining energy beautifully smiling at my grandmother.

Second, I want to bring light to the fact that fashion goes beyond the business of clothes. More important than what we wear is how we wear, why we wear, when we wear. It all tells a story, be intentional. The hand fan we carry, the baseball hat we chose, the heels we walk on, it all tells a lot about ourselves, our values and aspirations.

One of my favorite things about our Fashion Runway Production educational classes, is the opportunity it gives to k-12 students to develop self-awareness which directly connects to self-discovery and build confidence. Its so important to develop self-awareness around who you are, what do you believe, why do you love, what is your purpose. Be intentional with your clothes and accessories, fashion is a language.

We could go off on a tangent and get into sustainability and fashion. How the fashion industry affects the environment, but that will be an entire other conversation we have to continue bringing to the spotlight. We have to protect our planet and we can do better as citizens of our world. Fashion can be anyone's superpower when you shop what you love and wear what you love. 

Back to the old and new fans' conversation. Do you wear hand fans? How do you feel about them? Have you ever used one? In case you are a hand fan lover looking for some sustainable beautiful options, check out the unique vintage fans we have in the shop right now. Only available while reduced shelf supply last. Not available to re-order.

Today is National Fashion Day, and we're celebrating by remembering some of the most iconic fashion moments in history. From Audrey Hepburn's little black dress to Marilyn Monroe's white halter dress, these looks have become timeless classics. From Coco Chanel to Elsa Schiaparelli, there are so many wonderful #fashiondesigner and #fashiondesign creations to admire all over the world and back many centuries.

And while fashion these days may often be associated with the glamorous world of celebrities, it's important to remember that fashion is a language for all people to speak. Whether you're dressing up for a special event or everyday wear, fashion is a way to express your feelings, your individuality, your creativity, and your message.

On this #NationalFashionDay, we encourage you to make an extra effort and listen to your inner voice, find your aesthetic, be true to yourself and have fun with fashion! . The moment you realize fashion as a platform, you become fluent in a new language, and you turn on your #Fashion #Superpower. Don't let any "style bully" change who you truly are, wear what you love every day!

The Power of Fashion

The final two hours before the fashion show was a frenzy of activity. The room was a cacophony of color and sound.

Twenty-three novice designers had spent the past six weeks visioning, drawing, designing and creating wearable fashions that they would model before moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents and others.