Post #7 Manolo Blahnik

A single stiletto that went form nothing to everything overnight.  Manolo Blahnik first started designing mens shoes but felt as if he could not whole-heartedly put his creativity and enthusiasm for fashion into mens designs. So he moved onto developing artistically designed and hand crafted shoes for women.

The Manolo shoe was not a term that was always used by the most prestige fashion wearers.  In fact Manolo was virtually unknown until a very famous TV show set the trail ablaze for this smaller, at the time, brand.  Sex and the City, specifically the character Carrie Bradshaw, a shoe aficionado and fashion icon, would forever change the face of this company. The character was so enthralled with the designer that when being proposed to, Bradshaw's love interest used a single blue satin, crystal embellished, stiletto.  This infatuation caused designer shoes to be one of the most coveted items in a women closest.  Thus cementing Manolo Blahnik as one of the most desirable and sought after shoes in the world.  

The Manolo heel has proved the test of time by being known as the ultimate classic.  Manolo Blahnik has said that he is not into the flash of trying to please people with new trends.  With simple yet chic lines and rumored to be comfortable enough to strut around New York City for hours in, the Manolo has been deemed the “it” shoe to own.  

Photo Credit:http://g.nordstromimage.com/ImageGallery/store/product/Gigantic/15/_6817355.jpg

Post #6 Birkin: A Girl and her Bag

With every design comes an idea and with every idea comes a story.  The iconic Birkin bag was made for a simple reason.  Hermes, established in 1837 was known for making exquisite harnesses and bridles for horse drawn carriages.  Eventually moving on, using their leather making expertise to craft the world’s most sought after bag, the Birkin.  

The story goes that the actress Jane Birkin was on a flight to London when she was seated by a man whom she did not know.  While trying to get into her seat she managed to spill the contents of her handbag onto the floor.  The man next to her made a simple statement, saying “You need a bag with pockets” to which Jane replied “If Hermes made a bag with pockets I’d buy one”.  In a twist of fate, the man sitting next to her was none other than Jean-Louis Dumas, the chief executive of Hermes.  Dumas told Jane that he would design her a bag with pockets and so the creation began with a simple sketch on a airplane sick-bag.  Jane’s only request was that it be bigger than the Kelly bag (A bag already in production at Hermes, named after Grace Kelly) and smaller than her suitcase.  This simple conversation between two unsuspecting strangers resulted in the creation illusive item in fashion.  

The Birkin became the icon it is today because it is unattainable even for the most wealthy, not just anyone can buy this bag. Not only does the Birkin have a starting price of 10,000 dollars but it also takes 20 man hours for the bag to be crafted by a single person.  But the exclusivity of the Birkin came form Hermes strategic marketing.  Through a false perception of limited availability Hermes increased the desirability of the Birkin, causing clients to spend up to 235,000 just to obtain one.  

Photo Credit in order of Appearance:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/fashion/2015-%2007/July29/janebirkin-large.jpg
http://content.purseblog.com/images/2014/10/Hermes-Shttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/fashion/2015-%2007/July29/janebirkin-large.jpgpecial-Order-Potiron-and-Blue-Jean-Birkin-Bag.jpg

Post #5 Change

I have really enjoyed writing fashion tips for those who read my blog, it has truly been a great experience for me.  The reason I titled this blog post “Change” is because that is exactly what is going to happen. I will still be focusing on fashion, but my topic of interest will be changed slightly.  Instead of giving tips I have decided to fully embrace what I originally thought about doing for my blog, which is providing information and back stories for Iconic fashion figures.  As much as I love to talk about trends I think that this is where my true interest lies.  Each week I will be focusing on a different fashion figure and their story of their path to success.  From this point I hope to still inspire you all on your own fashion journeys.  As always be bold in your endeavorers and I hope you all stick along with me as we truly explore Fashion’s Beginnings.

 

Video Credit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NsAH5xtLt4

Post #4 The Retro Look

It’s no surprise that some trends repeat themselves and that’s exactly what I am going to talk about today.  The 70’s trend is something that has been storming the fashion world for a little while now and it is easy to see why.  There’s a chicness to the effortless look and here’s how to get it.  

The iconic bell-bottom jeans, many are off-put by this look but embrace it!  You don’t always need to wear those skinny jeans, so switch them for some jeans that are slim on your leg and flare at the ends.  

Fringe is like decoration for your clothes so have fun with it.  It is a great way to vamp up an outfit so look for smaller pieces that will act as an accent, such as purses, fringe boots, or vests.  

Peasant style dresses are a cute and comfortable way to be trendy.  The loose fit of the dress makes it appear effortless which means you don’t need to do much to it.  Consider pairing with some strappy sandals and an oversized hat for the perfect spring outfit.  

Photo Credit: In Order Of Appearance

http://www.eonline.com/photos/15264/biggest-trends-at-new-york-fashion-week-fall-2015/464298

http://www.fashion-design-buzz.com/?p=2993

http://thestylespy.com/2015/09/fall-70s-trend-the-peasant-dress/