Whether you refer to it as plaid, hounds tooth or simply checks, there's a rich history behind this pattern that has been referred to as 'Prince of Wales checks' for some time now, given this nickname because it was extremely popular when Edward VIII was Prince of Wales in the 1930's. For forty years thereafter it became the fabric of choice for aristocrats & commoners alike. Now that we're approaching 2012, we've long since evolved past the basic plaid/checkered shirt or blouse and have moved into new territory.
The British fashion designer, the late Alexander McQueen, received major kudos for his tartan collection when he mesmerized his fans with his modernistic approach to creating current fashions from the vintage fabric.
This Alexander McQueen Tartan poof skirt-dress is on sale at Neiman Marcus for only about $800.00...ahhh yeah right not on this fashionistas budget!
This past Spring Yves St. Laurent showcased their Fall line up for 2011 that included a variety of styles that incorporated the Prince of Wales check designs, with a contemporary flair befitting of the 21st century.
During Milan fashion week this year, Gucci even had the guys on board with this trend...
You can very well piece together your own 'Prince of Wales' inspired wardrobe with just a few simple clothing items accentuated with leather and chains to keep it fun & fresh! After McQueen showcased his Tartan creations, the look was sought after in a big way as everyone wanted to get 'checked out'!
***In shop vintage plaids***
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When the dog days of Summer roll around, you're always sure to see scads of people out strolling around in the perfect seasonal foot wear known as the 'flip flop'. As of late, the versatility of the flop has become so diverse that we're even seeing young girls wearing them as an accompaniment to their Homecoming/Prom dresses. I did a little research on the history/origin of the flop and here's what I found...
The 'flip flop' concept (thin rubber soles with a Y-strap) has been around since the 1930's but were originally woven soled and dating waaaay back prior to that. They are the most primitive form of footwear going back to six thousand years around the stone age! It wasn't until the mid fifties, during post war that these cheap rubber (usually made from recycled tires) flops became a part of pop culture.
In the twentieth century, the vintage pop culture flip flop has become a part of dress wear just as much as jeans and a t-shirt have, and both teen girls and movie stars alike have popularized them by accessorizing their formal wear with them.
Over three decades, the most popular of all flip flops called Havaianas were originated & produced in Brazil, selling for around $3.00 per pair, mostly to peasants, housekeepers and other working class. As the times, economy and styles changed, Havaianas became more of a fashion staple as designers were taking on the concept of embellishing them and experimenting with materials, colors and patterns.
Juicy Couture
Havaianas
Coach
This simple form of footwear will always be a timeless piece of vintage pop culture...
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Usually we do a film from past decades, but our 'Fashion In Film Friday' focus is going to be on the new movie that was just released this past April, 'Water For Elephants' with Reese Witherspoon and Twilight heart throb Rob Pattinson. It's a love story set in the 1930's about a traveling circus.
This flick is very 'old Hollywood' and not just on a cinematographic level. The styles are right on and true to the era. The 30's were to some degree 'glam' and the movie 'Water For Elephants' features Reese in a bunch of silky, slinky dresses that are currently the inspiration for designs by Galliano & Dior.
Fashion trends tend to follow most major motion pictures and retailers are already anticipating the demand for this vintage 30's style! Zappos has even created a special edition scarf inspired by the one Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) wears in the movie.
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Every Friday here at Retro Threadz we discuss movies that have inspired fashion and this weeks feature film is the vintage 1967 movie Bonnie & Clyde starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty.
The movie was based on the actual events that transpired between Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker in the 1930's. Bonnie & Clyde were two notorious outlaw bank robbers who also committed several civilian murders during their travels with their gang during the great depression.
Shortly after the 1967 film went mainstream, a fashion trend sparked to recreate the bad ass outlaw look of Bonnie Parker. Her look in the film was tailored yet functional with a touch of glamour. Wearing scarves and topping off your bobbed hairstyle with a beret became extremely popular because of this rebel girl sex appeal of Faye Dunaway's character.
Bonnie had the ability to look good at all times in spite of being on the run from the law. In addition to the scarf and beret, her signature style included the streamline pencil skirt and knit sweater which is so easy to copy.
The film will remain a classic as will the timeless style...
I'm sure the 'real' Bonnie Parker would be happy to know that she was famous for more than being an outlaw. She was also a style icon before her time...
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Blue jeans have been a fashion staple for both men and women since what seems like forever, but get this...the origin of Levi's made by Levi Strauss dates back as far as 1873! Blue jeans designed specifically for women didn't occur until the Fall of 1934 however, they didn't become completely popular with both sexes until the 1950's. Different styles of jeans have come and gone throughout the years. We've seen the bell bottoms & baggies of the late 60's and into the 70's. The slimmer cut, butt hugging designer jeans of the 80's that made Calvin Klein, Sergio Valente' and Jordache, household names. The 90's brought us a bit of a down fall in denims popularity but of course it never went completely out of style, just a turn in designs is all, as khakis, chinos and carpenter pants became the must have. With the new millennium came a 'free for all' as all styles, cuts and colors are acceptable for wear and we have most definitely seen a trend going beyond the blue as every one's crazy for colored skinny jeans this Spring 2011!
Colored denim is not a new concept because back in the 80's when 'punk rock' fashion was popular, we saw a rise in colored jeans but there were not so many variations in the styles and cuts we are seeing today that is giving a creative spin to classic vintage jeans...
There are so many possibilities for pairing colored jeans with just about anything so check out the stylings of Rhianna, Fergie and Victoria Beckham for some fresh new ideas!...
: thetrendsetter.files.wordpress.com , fabglancenashville.com , trendmill.com
Women have always been in love with hats as a fashion accessory. In the 1920's the cloche hat was one of the first modern styles of the 20th century. Cloche is the french word for 'bell' as these caps were form fitting to the head in that shape. These hats were considered 'sexy & mysterious' because the hat sat right above the wearers eyes...
In the 1930's there was a trend in the U.S. for wearing hats when Spring was in bloom and they often did so with a sense of rivalry involved as to whose hat was the biggest and the best! In the midst of the great depression, a new hat at Easter or a refurbished old one was a simple luxury for most women...
There's also a rich history of African-American women and hats, in that the act of covering your head during worship has its roots grounded in scripture. It has since become a firm tradition for many women who want to show respect for God while adding pizzaz to their presence!
The 1950's saw a decrease in the popularity for hat wearing in general by women, and were no longer a 'must have' for every outfit but have since regained popularity in the 21st century since this is one of the most flexible times in fashion history and everyone is pretty much following their own impulses, especially when it comes to what they're topping off with.
Remember the floppy colorful shade hats in the 70's? We're starting to see them again...
When talking about 'hats' you cannot forget to mention the huge hats women have been parading around in at the Kentucky Derby for ages. Styles of course have changed so much throughout the years that now the Derby event is more like a red carpet who's wearing who and what!
Just like everything...'what goes around comes back around' and hats of pretty much every style are being seen worn again these days. Here at Retro Threadz, we pride ourselves in selecting only the most quality of vintage hats for you to choose from so make sure you stop by the shop regularly as we are always stocked with a variety of beautiful vintage styles ranging from the 1940's to the 1980's.
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