The Fashion Cult » Trends

Trend Report: Elephants in Jewelry

Eighty Jane — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 03:38:45 +0000

A few years back it was the owl. The wise birds were all over fashion jewelry, so much so that they became somewhat obnoxious (as any overplayed trend does). Now it seems elephants are taking a place in the spotlight. This trend seems to have swelled less conspicuously, but has the potential to be even bigger. Elephants are being placed on earrings, as pendants, as charms, on cuffs, in rings, and pretty much any other type of jewelry you can think of. And it’s not just fashion jewelry that’s crushing on the grand ol’ pachyderms. Fine jewelry, too, is producing many elephant themes.

So what might the trend mean? Elephants have been connected with wisdom, long memory, power, and royalty among other symbolism. Elephants are revered in some Eastern cultures, figuring largely (no pun) in the history and culture of countries like India. In fact, Indian people and culture are increasingly visible in Western popular culture, which plays such a big part of forming fads. Yet trends are more than fashion fad. A real trend is a vibration that can be felt throughout. In fashion, music, cuisine, design, politics, social structures, everywhere… What does the image of an elephant mean to you?

Pictured, clockwise from top left:
Topshop pendant necklace, Tarina Tarantino earrings, Sevan Bicakci amethyst ring, Dannijo Necklace, Hermes Charm, Alkemie cuff bracelet, Sakdidet Road ring

Shop more elephant jewelry items below.

The Paris Uniform

Eighty Jane — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:09:42 +0000

The Paris Uniform by eighty jane

A few days back from my trip to the fashion capital of the world, I’ve had a bit of time to reflect a bit on my experience. I was surprised (and maybe a little disappointed) to find that Parisian fashion didn’t seem to stand apart from the global crowd. It might be a result of the nature of fashion these days: We all read the same magazines (the same publisher, at least) and, perhaps more importantly, we read many of the same blogs.

My trip consisted of days in New York City, Paris, and Amsterdam – and each seemed to be a mosh of the same H&M-informed style palettes. To be fair, each of these cities has more than their share of tourists, and each is a “Western” city. Perhaps if my international jaunt had included Merida or Calabar or Jakarta I might have gotten a bit more variety.

Above, see a Polyvore representation of the most common look I saw on the streets of Paris. I wish I could say that the striped shirt was characteristic of the classic Paris style we all think of, but I think it’s just a reflection of a global trend toward horizontal stripes. The look lost it’s jazz after seeing it for the 88th time, but it’s made up of good foundation-like pieces, so I’m not mad at it. Click here to shop the look.

Golden Globes 2011: Color Trends

Webmistress — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:58:01 +0000

Orange:

Katie Lee, Selena Gomez, Nancy O’dell, January Jones, Kyra Sedgwick

Black:

Jayma Mays, Piper Perabo, Giuliana Rancic, Julianne Hough, Jane Lynch

Eva Longoria, Kelly Osbourne, Halle Berry

Green:

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Elizabeth Moss, Angelina Jolie, Mila Kunis

Orangey Pink:

Rhea Durham, Emma Stone, Lea Michelle, Natalie Portman, Claire Danes

photos: zimbio.com

McQueen Was Pushing for Grunge 2.0

Eighty Jane — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:36:22 +0000

The late Alexander McQueen was a virtual couturier among ready-to-wear designers, and his final eponymous collection for Fall 2010 was a shining example of that fact. Like previous collections, each piece is of such a spectacular (read: expensive) order that they were rarely seen outside of the red carpet and pages of magazines – and in this season’s case, even that will likely be limited. Accordingly, the average jane must look to the diffusion line McQ, for realistic options for her wardrobe.

Unfortunately, the lower-priced line doesn’t come anywhere near the otherworldy extravagance of the main line – neither in make or style. However, the label does turn out some decent trendy bits that are timely, if not stylistically exceptional. The lookbook for this season shows a blatant push toward the return of grunge fashion. Note, however, that the grunge mood is predominately in the styling. The pieces can be made preppy, punk, or professional in the right combinations. See a few of the looks below, click the smaller pics on the right to shop.

Right: An embellished gown and cape from Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2010-2011

	Mcq Alexander Mcqueen Tiger Stripe Sweater
	McQ – Alexander McQueen Fair Isle Sweater
	McQ – Alexander McQueen Short Tweed Coat
	Alexander McQueen – McQ Tromp L’Oiel T-Shirt
	Alexander McQueen – McQ Grey Flannel Jacket
	Mcq Alexander Mcqueen Bat Sheer Dress

Fashion Irony: Luxe Paper Bags

Eighty Jane — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 06:14:02 +0000

Chanel 'Essential' Bag, Large - SS2009

As a woman in my 30s I often find myself remarking at how similar adults are to highschoolers. The clique segregation, the rampant group think, the constant popularity dramas… when is it that my peers and I will “grow up,” I wonder. Sure, the settings change and the stakes are raised, but ultimately we behave in the same patterns – many of us texting when we should be working and watching the clock for 5:30 when the proverbial bell rings.

Sometimes the parallels are much too literal. Case in point: luxury “paper” bags. The phenomenon started with Chanel – the Fashion High prom queen 100 years running. Bags given to shoppers at the brand’s flagship 31, Rue Cambon location in Paris had themselves become a sought after item, when the savvy house decided to go ahead and sell them, but in leather and for up to $3,000. Talk about selling symbols…

It reminds me of being in jr. high again, when all the cool kids brought their gym clothes to school in Gap bags. You know, those navy ones with the drawstring tops (do they still make those?). Mind you, I grew up in the middle of the corn belt, i.e. Gap was as close to haute as my little hometown had back then. It wasn’t uncommon for we preteens to go buy something at the store just for the bag. If Maureen Chiquet had been around the company might’ve had a thriving side business with some killer profit margins.

But enough about me.

Now several brands are creating bags like look like paper, but are made from luxe materials. Trendy newcomer Proenza Schouler made one for it’s Pre-Fall 2010 collection and the bag sold out the same day it premiered on on net-a-porter.com, where it retailed for $615 this summer. To Hernandez and McCollough’s credit – this has loads more style then last year’s “Essential” bag.

And there’s more! Loewe, Spooner + Watts, and Slow and Steady Wins the Race all have paper bag styles on the market this year. Thankfully, for those of us with Givenchy tastes and Gap budgets the entry price point is within reach. But then, who wants what’s within reach?

photos: purseblog.com, slowandsteadywinstherace.com, spoonerandwatts.co.uk, loewe.com

Spring 2010 Trend: T-Shirt Minis

Eighty Jane — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 04:44:49 +0000

One of the most inescapable trends this season is the skintight jersey t-shirt mini dress. These will be found everywhere this spring – from the mass market bargain bins to the most overpriced ready-to-wear boutiques. These dresses have a wonderful simplicity that makes them easy to wear in a variety of ways. But as most are made without the benefite of lining, darts, or even a bit of ruching, they are certainly not so forgiving of figure flaws. So any attempts to wear this (without some strategic layering) should be preceeded by fashion-inspired fitness prep… else, plan to have a few pairs of Spanx on deck.

Above L to R: T by Alexander Wang, Theory, James Perse

HOW TO WEAR IT:

If your body’s up to the challenge (and the attention), keep it super simple. Wearing it with flats for flip-flops and accessorize with a statement necklace. Be careful wearing this look alone with heels. The line between sexy and trashy is razor thin here.

To hide love handles or back chub layer on a vest or a blazer. These pieces are also popular this eason and will be easy to find. Get something oversized to turn down the vamp factor and get more room to play with high heels.

For tomboy types throw on a denim jacket and some sneakers (Chuck Taylors are perfect). The jersey fabric is comfortable enough for a anyone still in girly training wheels.

Menswear Trend 2010: Grey Days Ahead

Eighty Jane — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:30:35 +0000

From dusty aluminum to deep charcoal, grey is the biggest neutral of the Fall/Winter season. And designers aren’t just using the cool hue as a background to make colors pop: male models were literally doused in grey from top to bottom. Sportswear, three-piece suits, and onsies alike – all were crafted in grey then styled with more grey layered on top. Click collages below for larger views.

SUITS

OUTERWEAR

WEEKEND/CASUALS

photos: WWD.com, GQ.com

SAG Awards Fashion: Red, White, & Blue

Eighty Jane — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:38:34 +0000

The Screen Actors Guild held it’s 16th annual awards ceremony in Los Angeles this weekend. While the fashion wasn’t as spectacular as it was at this years Golden Globes Awards red carpet, celebs still made a decent showing with a few common favorites leading the way. The dress colors ran the gamut, but the prevalent hues were a vibrant blend of reds, whites, and blues.

L to R: Joan Allen, Christina Hendricks, Mariana Klaveno, Edie Falco, Carey Mulligan

Red dresses can be tricky on the red carpet. If you’re not careful, you end up blending into the background, making the hot color come off drab. But with the right silouette and the right accessories, a red dress can sizzle like a red dress should.

L to R: Kyra Sedgwick, Paula Patton, Dianna Argon, Jennifer Carpenter

This awards season has seen a lot of white gowns and dresses on the carpet and this event was not different. From cream to bright white the stars donned the crisp color to look fresh and crisp on the carpet.

L to R: Kate Hudson, Sherri Shepherd, Marion Cotillard

Blue gowns on the carpet came in the deepest midnight to the palest powdery blue. Even Sandra Bullock’s black Alexander McQueen gown was render blue by the flash of beading on the bodice and shoulders.

L to R: Jessica Lange, Sandra Bullock, Drew Barrymore, Betty White

L to R: Vera Farmiga, Deborah Ann Woll, Christina Applegate

Mens Fall 2010 Trend: Contrast Sleeves

Eighty Jane — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:58:02 +0000

This Fall menswear designers want stylish males to mix it up with contrasting sleeves on their blazers and suit jackets. In looks with a monochrome palette, sleeves get some extra shine by being crafted in a different fabric and/or color. The trend, which seems to lend itself to an increased casual vibe, is also seen in coats.

Mens Fall 2010 Trend: Jackets Take Flight

Eighty Jane — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:31:19 +0000

Menswear designers took to the skies for the Fall/Winter 2010-11 season, with nearly every collection shown in Milan sending some version of a flight jacket down the runway. The style evokes a certain nostalgia for WWII-era heroism (like the 1940′s tail gunner above) or for Tom Cruise’s glory years (think “Top Gun”). Bomber jackets – as most of us know them – were recreated in classic hues and remixed with unexpected color or texture.

photos: wwd.com, gq.com, acejackets.com, sporesmoldfungus @ flickr

You don’t have to wait until August to start building your Fall 2010 wardrobe. Shop flight jackets from last season and you can save some cash yet still be relevant for seasons to come.