Festive dwellers generally fall into two camps: those who stay at home enduring the long, family fiesta and those with a bit more adventure in their blood who see the festive period as an opportunity to travel. So, whether you go with the celebrity holiday route of skiing, for a unique holiday on the beach or even a laid-back city tour, we have the perfect look for you.
The 1940s was a time like no other. With the outbreak of World War 2 the world literally changed over night. Gone were the carefree flapper days of the 1920s and 30s as rationing, manual labor for women and curfews became the new norm.
It wasn’t until 1945; the end of the Second World War, that the impact of these tumultuous times could be seen properly and the area that emerged most changed was women’s wardrobes. The 40s had heralded a brand new hierarchy for women as they took on factory work and other manual labor to keep their countries running while war was still raging and it was a feeling that women were not so willing to give up once peace was restored. There was a sense of empowerment, of living for the day, that once life returned to normal, women reflected this in their day-to-day wardrobes.
The 1940s also saw the rise of Hollywood starlets such as Joan Crawford and Rita Hayworth. Their unique and quirky style and strong-minded attitudes helped change the way women both viewed fashion and how they experimented with their own style.
With the war raging on in Europe until the mid 1940s – style seekers had to become ever more resourceful. With compulsory rationing and shortage of materials, style seekers became ever more resourceful. Like many of our designers on Boticca, they looked to their surroundings for inspirations and began thinking of making as an art as their fashion and accessories were mostly hand-made.
As with all good fashion trends, the 40s has once again been gracing our catwalks. Admittedly more opulent and daring than the original this is one style fans of unique, hand-made and homely trends will flock to. This Autumn/Winter 2011 fashion trend is all about thought, it’s all about being unique, being hand-made and being made to last which really is what after all, Boticca is all about too.
Think this trend looks like you? Here are Boticca’s top tips for nailing this fashion trend on the very fashionable head.
Florals were big in the 40s and they are huge in this re-make. For a more unique and modern spin why not try Uroco’s Kimono Clutch.
If ever there was a color to sum up this trend it would be pink. Soft and delicate yet pretty and strong – if you embrace only one element of this trend – make sure it’s pink. Put a 21st Century spin on this trend with World of Wonderful’s oversized Clutch bag.
Demure and delicate, no self respecting 40s lady would be seen without her gloves. As we enter winter, these become not only a style staple but an essential. Astis’Tenzing Leather Mittens will keep you warm in style.
A faux fur that is. This trend is all about ladylike chic and faux fur screams chic elegance. Be it a stole, a scarf or gloves, this season its all about the fur. Little Fille’s Blair Freshwater earmuffs are a wonderfully unique and modern take on this trend.
When it comes to handbags, this trend calls for them to be framed. Short strapped and framed style – the ICONIC GOLDEN LEATHER HANDBAG by anca irina lefter is what it’s all about.
Like what you see? We have more fabulous Forties fashion here.
My style has always been fairly eclectic and I have always loved to clash my prints and patterns – things that shouldn’t work but do. As such my jewellery and accessory collection tends to be as equally varied and I have a particular penchant for quirky and trinket-y items – either crazy bold pieces that are bound to be a talking point or delicate and dainty things – such as charms – that have some sort of sentimental value.
Working as the fashion features editor of VOGUE.COM UK means I get to see a lot of new designers’ work and am always on the look out for new talent. I have just been at London Fashion Week, where I saw some great new designers and labels, and I’m looking forward to graduate season to see what the new crop of students have planned.
With my own wardrobe, just as much as I like the bold and colourful, I also like subtle pieces which can do just as much talking because they just have something about them. My look can be different each day – skinny jeans and an elbow-patched jumper one day or a floor-length dress over a T-shirt and a red lip the next. It generally depends on my mood. But I always love a good pair of tights or an interesting sock and shoe combination.
The Round-Up is Boticca’s weekly summary of new designers, new pieces we love as well as happenings on our website and around our community.
Naomi Mcintosh (London, UK): Naomi is an architect by background and training who has ventured into jewelry design. This background has helped her developer her distinctive and original way of working with walnut wood and acrylic using the body as her landscape.
Le Col Cashmere (Paris, France): Le Col Cashmere is the brainchild of co-founders and designers Ruben Auszenkier and Carl Creange who created a line of tube scarves that quickly became their signature products. The perfect accessory for the winter!
Laura Michaels (New York, USA): By day, Laura Michaels is the CEO of a successful interactive agency. By night, she’s a rock star jewelry designer. It should be no surprise that her pieces have been worn by celebs such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Mickey Rourke and Uma Thurman.
Steven Harkin (London, UK): Australian-born designer and former lecturer at London College of Fashion, Steven Harkin, makes a range of luxury leather handbags with a truly distinctive design signature and contemporary shapes.
Astis (San Francisco, USA): After Brad received original Indian Cree mittens from one of his friends, he teamed up with Charlie to create a line of warm, durable and funky mittens inspired by the Cree. The perfect stylish (and unique) accessories for the upcoming skiing season.
Swathimaa from Shivaloka Soul Jewelry (Bali, Indonesia): Swathimaa is the designer and founder of Shivaloka Soul Jewelry as well as a spiritual healer/teacher. She likes to create objects inspired by India’s ancient spiritual tradition and the sacred bead of Rudraksha.
Sticks & Stones (Portland, USA): Sticks & Stones is a small collective of designers in Portland, Oregon who make limited-run handcrafted accessories primarily out of reclaimed wood. Clean lines, splashes of color and timeless shapes.
1. Woven Apart Clutch by Poupee Couture. Why we love it: Poupee Couture’s new collection is as funky as ever.
2. Aolani Black & Blue Chain earrings by Eastern Mystic Jewellery. Why we love them: The charming long, long, layers of delicate chain!
3. Snakewood ring by Sticks & Stones. Why we love it: We love when nature helps our designers in making their art. This South American wood resembles the skin of a snake – hence the name.
4. Kylie Clutch bag by Steven Harkin. Why we love it: Inspired by Kylie Minogue’s make-up in one of her shows.
5. Core Complete 1 necklace by Naomi Mcintosh. Why we love it: We love when design loves the body. This unique necklace follows the contours of the human form. Just be careful: it’s so versatile that your boyfriend just might steal it!
Sacagawea Leather mittens by Astis. Why: Wonderful, luxurious cold weather pair of mittens for real adventure lovers or just daydreaming fashionistas!
Vintage Jewel Box Key 7 pendant by Laura Michaels. Why: This jewel box vintage key comes with its own gem surprise.
Weekly Theme: Gifts with a Story
Special Occasions: December Gifts Ideas
Designer Close-up: Interview with Arosha Luigi Taglia
Pieces We Love: Video product review of Little Glass Clementine necklaces
We’ll be back next week with more designers, gift ideas and style inspirations. As always, feel free to share your thoughts or make suggestions and recommendations in the comments.
Stay warm and beautiful!
Aesthetically pleasing ephemera from a lifetime of collecting - Rose Hawthorne
Apres Ski - Pastel moodboard
