Judging from the plethora of eye-catching retro-inspired eyewear that’s been getting face time – from the ready to-wear runways of NYFW to the sprawling city streets of Los Angeles – it’s clear that sunglasses have stayed within a chic Joan Crawford meets Marilyn Monroe, style aesthetic.
It’s this shift which reflects the current look-at-me trends – retro, vintage-inspired frames, chunky cat eyed tortoise shells and geometric shapes which attract instead of deflecting ones’ attention. There is a sense of dominance that speaks when showcasing such a style that allows you to not compromise your current appearance and authentic-self. There are a number of elements to choose when garnishing a retro look from a cat eye lens or oversized frames, which display an articulate presence of which attracts a wandering-eye despite the era.
A preferred choice (for me) has often started with the timeless 1950’s cat eye. They deliver a certain personality to the individual wearer- a dose of the NEW LOOK you could say – for a new persona. These elegant gold accented cat-eye sunglasses by Retro Sunnies exude such a profound appearance of glamour while offering the protection against UV4000. The gold hue from these “Daisy” shades can easily brighten up one’s face while completing an ensemble of authentic daywear.
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Authentic Vintage Bow Accented Dress, Annie Sandoval (similar here & here)
Couture Silk Scarf (similar here & here)
Retro-inspired “Daisy” Eyewear c/o Retro Sunnies
Pearl Accessories (similar here, here & here)
Marble Gloss in ‘Eartha’ c/o Ultra-Vixen Cosmetics
Fiore Glam Satin Top Hosiery c/o Heels & Toes Inc.
With wings, black as night, black as coal, the Raven is a messenger from another world. When it makes, its presence known to you, a mysterious flight of dark romance and beaconing confidence is received. There is no sense of time as the raven lives in the void of the moment. Simultaneously, watching as he tilts his head while sitting above in a tree, he never loses track of the hours as it feels nothing of the sting of things lost as he waits for time.
There is a moment of darkness before beauty is created, a beauty that can effortlessly breathe life from one to another – in fact, these experiences can easily live beyond another. An experience such as this, can cleverly be felt through the bespoke eye of Isabelle Nguyen, Owner and Milliner behind All Ginned Up.
A woman that wears this luxury from such a strong collection embodies an authentic truth to their inner madness. She knows her attributes and displays them boldly while emphasizing the courage to reinvent herself. This woman joyfully embraces danger as an antidote to dull monotony. Such an ambition may remind us of the heroes of history and legend, and of Aristotle’s claim that the brave man is inspired by a conception of the noble. Yet it is arguably a somewhat meretricious courage that exists primarily to display its own charm. Instead of courage being mustered in order to pursue an independent desirable object, a goal is sought or manufactured to serve as a pretext for courage.
There is a magical unexplained force that exudes from Isabelle’s Birdmad Girl millinery design. Perhaps if comes forth from its tear shaped base, adorned with the finest French tulle lace, black bird wings, and a feather bloom, among a strip of feather quills. A design such as this, flies within a world of mystery capturing the grandeur side of luxury and beauty.
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‘Birdmad Girl’ Bespoke Millinery c/o All Ginned Up
Voodoo Vixen ‘Dita’ Dress c/o Unique Vintage
Marble Gloss in ‘Eartha’ c/o Ultra-Vixen Cosmetics
Trasparenze Pennac Back-Seam Hosiery c/o Heels & Toes Inc.
Kate Spade Patent High Heels
Illustration created by Visual Artist, Tony Vilche Serra
More than 65 years ago women carried a sense of poise that is hardly seen within today’s main stream. From a golden era which possessed an epitome of glamour, there were two sought-after accouterments which women ideally complemented each ensemble with: Gloves and Millinery.
The question for many may solely be, is there an accessory that provokes more conversation among strangers than one on top of the head or held in hand? From an inherited velvet pillbox hat to designs embossed in the finest fabrics, headwear is a conversation starter and justifies a respected appreciation. While the development of millinery has existed in Britain since the 1700’s, today we perceive such an art form as dated. Is the notion outdated in contemporary style circles, or will it take center stage once again? “Fashion changes, style remains,” said Yves Saint Laurent. With this in mind, fashion today is influenced by style icons from yesterday.
To wear millinery (such as a Pillbox design) I’ve found they can be a bit of a paradox in the sense of correctly positioning on one’s head. When you hear the style term Pillbox, Doris Day, Audrey Hepburn, or Jackie Kennedy may come to mind. With its debut in the 1930’s many were designed small and were worn tilted while others fashioned it rather traditionally on the back of the head. Both positions are often seen as a rather discreet approach of showcasing prominent sophistication and class.
Millinery wouldn’t be complete without a pair of lady-like gloves, preferably a pair that seamlessly matched your ensemble. With the addition of a belted plaid wool suit by Summit of Boston, crushed velvet Charles of California Pillbox; adding the subtle touch of a warm honey amber rhinestone brooch and matching earrings, completes such a presence and mission to sustainability bring the lost art of wearing Gloves and Millinery back into today’s fashion.
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Authentic Summit of Boston Wool Suit (similar here)
Vintage Accessories (as seen on my Etsy)
Charles of California Millinery (Doris Alexander)
Marble Gloss in ‘Eartha’ c/o Ultra-Vixen Cosmetics
Fiore Glam Satin Top Hosiery c/o Heels & Toes Inc.
Heels by Ivanka Trump
richinlovefashion.com 