“It was immediately clear to everybody that this was something special,” says Luisa Delgado, the chief executive of Italian eyewear licensing giant Safilo, recalling the time she watched the first pair of Dior’s ‘So Real’ sunglasses come off the production line at Safilo’s specialist plant for metal frames in Longarone, a small town in North East Italy. “All the technicians and the workers gathered around to see it, discussing it. Of course, you could see there was no bridge, a very interesting construction, but the most special thing was that it was wearable.”
Safilo and Christian Dior have produced eyewear together for over 20 years, but the popularity of Dior’s sunglasses brand took a leap forward with the release of the ‘So Real’ range for the Spring/Summer 2014 season. Priced from $400 to $700, the range had eye-catching, millimeters-thick lenses. The uniqueness of the lenses, plus the visual signature of the finely wrought, aviator-shaped frames, notably absent a nose bridge, instantly appealed to the sensibilities of the Instagram generation. Indeed, very few brands’ sunglasses are recognisable by shape alone. Dior’s are.
Every woman loves to be at the forefront and express their style in different ways. An inexpensive way to change or add personality to any wardrobe is with accessories and handbags . The most common colors that are usually seen in purses are red, gray and dark tones, but the trends for this spring/summer ’16 season are vivid and bright colors.
Hues of cobalt blue, cherry red, or any a vibrant color is the easiest way to style a basic and simple outfit. The best part? These trends are offered in all kinds of shapes and sizes you can imagine. Since purses come in different styles: minis, hobo bags, clutches and oversized, this means that every woman can find something practical, to her taste and style.
In the beginning of 20th century the art and fashion movement began to go very hand in hand, thus the evolution of the handbag came with it. However, the emancipation of women was the most influential factor in the evolution of purses. Women were evolving and developing in the work force, which meant they became more mobile and needed their handbag to meet a growing variety of practical needs.
This led to diverse variety of purses for specific occasions, such as leather briefcases for the office, practical everyday handbags, as well as bags for traveling. Stylish pocketbooks with metal details and clutches for evening use.
Fashion houses and brands have become more important in recent years and thus have emerged the most exclusive handbag designers. The most recognized designers in the world for these types of bags and leather work include Hermès, Chanel, Balenciaga and Givenchy, these handbags can cost thousands of dollars for an exclusive model, this is the elusive “It Bag”.
For fashion houses like Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Donna Karan and Dolce & Gabbana, the handbag has become an important accessory that evolves with the seasons. In the past, designing a bag could remain unchanged for a undetermined period of time, these days it has become a component that changes constantly.
These trends come exclusively from the most important runways from around the world such as Paris , Milan, New York and Puerto Rico. But how can we afford these exclusive handbags in such exorbitant prices? We can also get styles at affordable rates. These purses are known as the “Ready to Wear” line of different designer brands; these are high quality products that are mass produced for the general market.
The fashion world is taking advantage of technology trends and creating handbags with accessibility for electronics and smart devices. These are usually more portable for girls who prefer to carry only what is necessary .
Cellphone Bag
If you prefer a style that you can carry at the elbow or simply carry by its straps, a short handle handbag is one of the most popular styles of the season. In this same category we can place the “tote” bag , with its short handles and is oversized style, it can transition from casual to elegant.
[L to R] Short Handle + Tote Bag
The cube style purse, also known as the “bucket bag”, its inspired by its simple form. Usually this has gathered detailing and tends to be asymmetrically, these have evolved with its stylization.
Bucket Bag
If handbags for cell phones have become one of the most popular trends of the season, the camera bag is not far behind. This gives a touch of nostalgia to any bohemian or ultra modern style.
Camera Bag
The “cross body” or “messenger bag” lets you keep your hands accesible, but always on trend. The girl who appreciates this side shoulder style tends to lead an active life and is at the forefront .
Crossbody Bag
The “Clutch” or evening bag is one to be worn with elegance and panache. Above all with this purse we create the perfect ensemble. This handbag gives us the opportunity to express ourselves in a very unique way. Evening events in long dresses or gowns tend to be more conservative and sober. This handbag usually comes with details in rhinestones, dark shades and classic designs. But for the daring woman , there are varieties from floral to skull form.
Clutch
The “It Bag” which many woman dream to have as part of their wardrobe; this designer handbag is a classic piece with a unique, exclusive and easily recognizable design. These purses tend to have a waiting list for its customers.
[L to R] Jennifer Lopez with a Chanel 2.55, Victoria Beckham with a Hermes Birkin Bag and Sarah Jessica Parker with a Givenchy Bettina.
For the girl who prefers to use handbags that are sustainable. These are made of recycled materials, wood, leather and vegan materials. The immense variety of these bags let you transitions with styles for everyday use as well as evening options.
Vegan Handbags
Even now we have the alternative to complement our handbags with accessories where we can express our style and personality even more . Tassel details with rhinestones, metal buckles and furry details add character to any bag.
Accessories
Remember, a handbag part of your self expression and style. So when choosing, have fun and express your personality.
The 22nd Screen Actors Guild Awards was held today, Another award ceremony, another amazing red carpet. For all of you that don’t know the SAG Award is an accolade given by Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) to recognize outstanding performances in film and primetime television. This is considered to be a very prestigious award, since its awarded by fellow artist. But enough about the ceremony, lets talk about the dresses.
The starlets today were impressive, each of them represented their individual style and looked completely flawless. It wasn’t an easy task to pick my top five, but I was taken aback with Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Haute Couture, Claire Danes in Stella McCartney, Christina Ricci in Christopher Kane, Viola Davis in Zac Posen and Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton.
[L to R] Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes, Christina Ricci, Viola Davis + Alicia Vikander.
But wait there’s more! There were some seriously underrated looks that were not really talked about in the red carpet, so well put together, simple and pure elegance. Kit Harrington in Valentino, Dame Helen Mirren in Jenny Packham, Kate Winslet in Giorgio Armani, Sarah Silverman in Vivienne Westwood, Hannah Bagshawe + Eddie Redmayne in Dior.
[L to R] Kit Harrington, Helen Mirren, Kate Winslet, Sarah Silverman, Hannah Bagshawe & Eddie Redmayne.
Let’s see what the leading ladies bring to the red carpet for the 88th Academy Awards on February 28!
![[L to R] Short Handle + Tote Bag](https://byaishanaomi.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/tote.png)
![[L to R] Jennifer Lopez with a Chanel 2.55, Victoria Beckham with a Hermes Birkin Bag and Sarah Jessica Parker with a Givenchy Bettina.](https://byaishanaomi.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/itbag.png)
By Aisha Naomi 