Attention was heightened in this case by the fact that Barbie went head-to-head with Oppenheimer, a movie that could not have been more different.
While one was an escapist, fictional fun film with a female central character, the other was a deep, grim, historical biopic about the man who helped unlock the potential of atomic power in a way that threatens our very existence to this day. While pink was worn in the seats at Barbie, nobody went to see Oppenheimer in a white Hazmat suit.
This curious juxtaposition - dubbed ‘Barbenheimer’ in the media - had a curious sequel at the Academy Awards, when it appeared any debate about which was actually the better film was crushed by Oppenheimer securing seven Oscars to Barbie’s one.
However, just because Barbie didn’t win a load of Oscars does not mean that the sudden surge of pinkness was not an expression of something substantial, rather than the fleeting effect Barbie had on the attention of the female public last summer.
If you want to wear a pink crossbody bag this summer, the absence of any blockbuster films everyone wears pink to see shouldn’t put you off for one second.
Of course, there are those contrarians who argue pink is not a natural female colour anyway and it’s all about social stereotypes, while on the other side are people who claim it is somehow embedded in our genes as a result of gender roles in prehistoric times when women would pick red fruit while the men hunted animals - all highly speculative stuff.
Whatever the truth, when all is said and done, pink is always in fashion for women, so the issue of why that is can be considered a secondary question.
That this isn’t an issue dependent on a pink-themed blockbuster film is just as well. Barbie star Margot Robbie showed up at the Academy Awards in a black dress, not pink, a choice that raised a few eyebrows, especially after she had previously appeared in pink many times.
However, the good old, ever-reliable(?) Huffington Post was quick to inform us all that the choice was not a funereal black to mourn the lack of Oscar nominations (she missed out on Best Actress), but a chance to let the limelight fall on co-star America Ferrera, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress Prize and turned up in a bright pink Versace dress.
Since Ferrera had previously eschewed pink on Barbie press events in favour of dark colours, this was clearly deliberate, said fashion content creator Holy Agnes. “By swapping colours, they swapped attention,” she observed, adding this was “totally intentional, and the right thing to do.”
It may be another film coming along soon that gets everyone heading to the cinema dressed in pink. There may even be a Barbie 2. But whether this happens or not, be assured that pink will remain in fashion nonetheless.
]]>The history of alternatives to leather spans over a century at this point and there have been a wide range of materials, some using particularly unusual means to get the word out.
Arguably the strangest was a marketing campaign so effective that people believed it came from an animal that didn’t exist.
A mix of composite knit fabric and PVC expanded to form a leather-like coating, Naugahyde is a popular ersatz leather material that was for decades regularly used as an alternative to animal leather in upholstery.
It went by several names in this regard, from simply “vinyl”, “Morocceen”, “Cordaveen” and “Madrid-grade vinyl”.
It had a few advantages compared to leather in this regard; as a synthetic material it could be supplied in rolls that allowed for seamless coverage over a large area, and it could be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.
However, in an attempt to help people unfamiliar with the artificial material feel more comfortable with it, Uniroyal Engineered Products started a long-running advertising campaign in 1967 centred around a strange creature called the Nauga.
According to the marketing copy, the Nauga was an “ugly” yet resilient creature with a vinyl hide that was “indestructible”. It would also naturally shed its skin to provide the material used to make Naugahyde products.
It goes without saying that the Nauga does not exist outside of the adverts and the production of soft toys made from the material. The name of the material comes from its place of origin, Naugatuck, Connecticut.
However, the marketing campaign was a relative success, easing consumers who were wary of synthetic products by providing a cuddly face to them. The campaign was largely concluded by 1975 but had managed to endure in the minds of a surprising number of people.
For others, the campaign was so effective that they either forgot or did not realise that the vinyl creature was not actually real.
The first reference to the Nauga outside of the advertising pages was from the comedian Al Rosenberg, who would regularly use the catchphrase “Save the Nauga” in his sets.
This was entirely tongue in cheek; Mr Rosenberg played Earl C. Watkins, an eccentric inventor and the reason why the Nauga had become endangered was because it was used to make office furniture, and as offices were rapidly increasing in size, it was causing the creature to become extinct.
The joke campaign became so popular it was even used in a 1981 Garfield comic and became a popular reference used in April Fool’s Day jokes and pranks in a manner similar to the “spaghetti tree” Panorama film.
However, it took on a new life in 1992 when Professor Dean Cliver of the University of Wisconsin used the Nauga in a list of fictional endangered animals alongside the “Ester Squirrel” (used to make polyester) and the “Belgian Velcro”.
Much like the spaghetti tree, some people believe the plausible lie to this day.
]]>Here are the top five biggest trends as seen on the spring/summer 2024 catwalks.
Once upon a time, it was all about the box clutch; last year favoured the bucket bag; and nearly everyone has used a fanny pack recently to keep their essentials in.
Well, it is time to ditch your saddle bag, get rid of your envelope clutch, and take off your backpack, as circle bags are going to be all the rage.
This trend was seen on Louis Vuitton’s runway, as well as Hermes’ and Polo’s, so when looking for something new this season, make sure it is round.
It’s not spring or summer without having your stylish sunglasses case on your person at all times, so you can whip out your shades to protect against blinding sunlight. After all, nobody wants to squint and risk even more wrinkles on their skin.
This year, however, the trend isn’t for aviators, cat eyes, or wayfarer ones, but for masked sunglasses.
“Next season’s glasses borrow from both lab goggle and ski goggles,” Vogue described, adding: “The trick to wearing glasses that take up half your face is to choose a pair that’s mostly clear - or, even better, with subtle coloured lenses like at Etro or Missoni.”
Low-hanging belts are not a new look, and bands like Hear’Say meant that most of us wore them in the early 2000s. This trend was not unique either, having stolen the idea from the ‘80s when it was often teamed with a mini skirt or a tunic.
All these years later, however, they are on their way back, with Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Copova Lowena, Vaquera, and Moschino all including them in their spring/summer shows.
Heels fell out of favour as everyday shoes as long as 25 years ago when ballet pumps meant that women could look stylish without being uncomfortable.
Flat shoes have remained popular since then, but this year they are updated with a pointed toe. These look great with tailored trousers, midi skirts and city shorts.
Victoria Beckham even teamed a pair of backless pointed-toe brogues with calf-length socks in her latest runway show, so don’t be afraid to go bold with this look.
Greige fans need not worry as the neutral shade isn’t going anywhere this season. However, if you do fancy adding a bit of colour to your spring outfit, make sure it includes stripes.
According to Elle, they are taking over polka dots as the pattern of the year, saying: “This is a print that can be worn from head to toe.”
It added: “Don’t be afraid to go bold here - these stripes were made to be seen.”
So whether you opt for blue and white stripy ankle boots, thick striped handbags, or bold stripy accessories, you will certainly look like you’ve been paying attention to the latest fashion trends when you step outside.
]]>Although Christmas may have come and gone, there may be many other occasions on which you could provide such a gift for the man in your life. It may be a washbag, a backpack or a passport holder. Any such thing could offer something he will love.
It could be that he has a birthday early in the year, in which case a personalised gift has the uniqueness required to make it stand out from any of the things he may have unwrapped on December 25th. Alternatively, you may have an anniversary to celebrate as a couple. Apart from all that, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.
Elements like initials may be the most personal aspect of the gift, but not necessarily the only one. Colour is another.
This may be particularly pertinent when it comes to a passport holder. The colour of UK passports was something a lot of people got very excited about as a consequence of Brexit, with the switch from maroon to navy blue.
Of course, some regarded that as a more important thing than others, often depending on how they felt about Britain’s changed position in the world. Besides, the colour change was a national statement, not personalised to anyone’s own favourite hue.
However, if you are to give a personalised passport holder in a favoured colour, it may actually be the case that navy blue goes down very well.
In 2015, A global survey by YouGov of ten countries across four different continents revealed that blue was the most popular in all of them, with between 23 per cent of people (Indonesia) and 33 per cent (Britain) nominating it as their preference.
This was in contrast with the second favourite, which, depending on what country you came from, could have been red, green or even (Hong Kong) purple. In Malaysia and Australia red and purple were joint second.
Of course, it is unlikely that a stylish passport holder or bag for a man would come in a bright or garish colour. If he prefers red, it may be more towards the darker end of the spectrum (dare we say it, not so far from the old passport maroon?) If green, a darker or pastel shade would be infinitely better than a garish lime green.
You should know, of course, what your man’s favourite colour is. Pretty much everyone has one, although it is sometimes the case that they don’t necessarily adopt it for smart clothes or accessories. If he’s an expat from Hong Kong, for example, don’t expect him to wear purple much.
However, with an understated but unmistakable colour on a personalised gift, you could go a step further towards making sure you give the man in your life something he will truly cherish.
]]>Something that is often said about gift-giving is that it is ultimately the thought that counts, and whilst this is true, it is not necessarily the case for the same reasons people often think it is.
Whilst gift-givers focus on the person they are buying for, often the choices of gifts we make and the reasons behind them say a lot more about ourselves than they do the person we are buying for.
This is particularly true for romantic occasions such as dates, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day, as a certain gift will not only show the value you place in a significant other but also what
ways in which you express affection and value others.
Here are some examples of luxury presents and what it says about the person behind them.
A person who gives practical bags and other gifts of that ilk is looking at the bigger picture, and choosing a gift that will be functional and useful long after it has been handed over and unwrapped.
People who give lasting gifts tend to want connections to last as long, and to provide a reminder of their generosity. It is a particularly thoughtful approach, even if it lacks the drama or ornamentation that we commonly associate with gifting.
Typically if someone is buying a luxury passport holder, the next present they are likely to give is tickets, as they are more focused on providing experiences.
Some people prefer to create lasting memories through adventure and unique moments rather than physical items, although a passport holder or wallet with tickets in it could serve as an appropriate memento.
Whilst a jewellery, watch or makeup box on its own is a very beautiful gift, some people go the extra mile by filling it with lavish and expensive presents.
People who do this have one of two motivations; they either care so much about someone that they want to spoil them, but at the same time it might also be a display of their wealth and social status, attempting to one-up any attempts to give a similar present back.
As well as this, simply spending a lot of money does not always make for the best gifts if there is no thought or consideration for the person who is going to receive them.
The best presents are those that come from the heart, and a thoughtful present often comes with personalisation, either in the form of a name, a monogram or a little message that shows the care and want to create a personal, careful connection through the gift you give.
A personalised luxury gift shows a sense of empathy, attention to detail and the desire to create a closer relationship, something particularly important if the connection is romantic in nature.
]]>However, just because the festive comedown is real and January can be freezing, it doesn’t mean you have to wrap up in layers and fade into the background.
No, the new year should be the time you reignite your fashion passion and start wearing the latest outfits and accessories that will be hot in 2024.
Imagine a faux leather handbag in a non-offensive colour with a tight clasp like your grandma used to carry. Well, these old-fashioned purses are going to be all the rage over the next few months.
Vogue reported that lots of designers will be releasing their own version of these bags, including Prada, Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch.
“For others [designers], it was a structured proper lady bag, with a short handle and a flap that comes around the top and fastens securely with an elegant buckle; the kind of bag that Queen Elizabeth was famous for carrying,” it stated.
You could choose one with a short strap that sits elegantly on the inside of your elbow, or you could go for one that goes over your shoulder. A personalised crossbody bag is a trend that will last through the decades, much like the traditional handbag.
You may think you’ve stepped back in time when you see the next accessory trend, but you haven’t travelled back to the early noughties, or even the ‘80s. Low-slung belts are, in fact, back and going to be huge in 2024.
Choose an ultra-thick one and wear it over a pair of jeans, as long as it is hung as low as possible on your hips.
It certainly takes someone confident to pull off a bold pair of glasses, as they have to wear them day in, day out.
So this year’s trend for mask glasses will be perfect for the more bolder fashion fan.
Taking their look from ski goggles, they cover up a considerable portion of your face and typically come with thick white frames.
These ultra-cool accessories can be found with clear lenses or slightly shaded ones, which only make them more trendy.
Knee-high socks are typically the fashion of school girls, but this year grown women are reclaiming the look.
Wear a pair of skin-coloured or black dernier socks that come just below the knee with a knee-length skirt when the weather is warm enough to bare your legs.
According to Fashion United, this trend exudes a “feminine, old-fashioned charm”.
If you thought you left ballet shoes back in 2005, you’d be wrong, as ballerina-style shoes are going to be back for spring/summer 2024.
“Flat and often adorned with a strap, this footwear is as practical as trainers,” the publication stated.
This style shoe comes in a variety of colours, so you be sure it’ll suit anything from a pair of bootcut jeans to a pencil skirt.
]]>If you are choosing for a man, you may want to go down this route, or you can opt for something he will like but might not be of any interest to you, such as some boy’s toys.
What is not in doubt is you really have lots of choices. Indeed, if you go online looking for ideas you can be confronted with Fashion Beans giving you a list of no fewer than 70 things it says he will love, while Popular Mechanics tops that with 75, although it characterises its list as being for ‘men who never shop for themselves’.
While both of these include a few items connected with hygiene and appearance such as toothpastes, shavers and personal grooming sets, only the Fashion Beans site suggests getting a washbag to help carry some of this stuff around.
More is the pity, because if you want your man to look good not just at Christmas, but into New Year and beyond, nothing beats a men’s personalised washbag. The fact that it can be made with his own name on it gives it an extra bit of style, pride and identity that, hopefully, will get him using it regularly.
It’s not just that you will be getting him something stylish to go with all the other smart gear he might wear or otherwise use; he will also, with a bit of luck, get that bit cleaner.
In many ways, Christmas isn’t the best time to encourage a man to be getting cleaner and fresher. After all, it’s not like summer when folk can sweat buckets just by walking around outside for a few minutes in the hot sun. Instead, he will no doubt be under many layers of warm clothes.
Even the man of the moment isn’t exactly leading by example. Father Christmas only has one outfit, which shows he is all too confident that his style will always be in fashion. It’s been like this since Coca-Cola took over his image rights in the 1930s.
There is worse to come; while he might start and end his journeys in Lapland, we have to ask just how much of a sweat he must work up by visiting hot countries - and the amount of grime (and dead birds) he must get covered in going up and down chimneys.
All that might make Santa the ideal candidate for his own man bag full of toiletries to clean up and do some grooming, yet the only bag he carries is a sack of presents and his white bushy beard shows no evidence of grooming. It is, alas, a chance missed.
But, then again, who knows? Perhaps Father Christmas secretly spends the rest of the year incognito, unrecognisable with his clean shave, tan and smart washbag as he enjoys some downtime on a tropical island until next year.
]]>If you’re struggling to find the right gift for your wife, girlfriend or mum, here are some ideas she’s bound to get excited over.
Vogue magazine recently compiled its list of favourite gifts for women this Christmas, and at the top was a large velvet jewellery box.
While stunning, the scarlet red Sophie Bille Braher designer gift would set shoppers back a cool $250, or £198.26.
So, if it’s a jewellery box you’re after, try a much more affordable personalised jewellery box available in black or pale grey.
At £40, the box, with a velvet lining and gold zip, is as beautiful, and is small enough to be transportable, so ladies can take their favourite jewels with them when they go on holiday.
This might sound surprising but lots of women love receiving lingerie as a present, perhaps because they wouldn’t always buy themselves a sexy matching set of underwear.
That is why GQ readers rated the Lounge ditsy embroidered lingerie set its overall best gift for women this year, not just for its pretty designs but also for the brand’s comfortable fit.
At the total opposite end of the sexy clothing spectrum, many ladies are looking forward to ripping open the wrapping paper to find an Oodie this Christmas.
GQ describes it as a “wearable duvet [that] lets the toastiness of bed follow her to the sofa - and anywhere else in the flat she may venture to”.
Glamour magazine also rated the fleecy accessory, naming it as their favourite cosy gift for 2023.
If you're looking for some lotions to pamper your loved one with, Coco & Eve is a good bet.
The shower set includes shampoo and conditioner, as well as a foaming body wash. It is silicone-, paraben-, sulphate- and cruelty-free, vegan, ethically sourced and Peta approved, so anyone who has strong views on sustainability will love a gift like this.
Presents should make people feel pampered, especially at this time of the year when it is cold and dark outside.
That is why fluffy socks, bubble bath, and warm dressing gowns are always a hit on Christmas Day.
For a more luxurious option, the White Company’s Cosy Night Gift Set includes a candle and cashmere bed socks.
It has scents of cinnamon, clove and orange, making it feel - and smell - very festive, and is presented in a ribbon-tied gift box.
More and more people are giving experiences to their loved ones these days, whether it’s tickets to the theatre, a posh dinner for two, or an indoor skydiving session.
There are plenty to choose from to really suit whoever you are buying for, whether she loves to cook, dance, sing or take part in adrenaline-fuelled activities, so spend time looking to find the right experience for her.
]]>A black vegan plastic bag is the perfect accessory to go with nearly any outfit on nearly any occasion, made even better with a beautiful, personal touch.
Whilst the concept of ersatz materials suitable for use in place of harmful, polluting leather can sometimes seem relatively new, there are many materials that have tried to replicate the feel and practicality of leather but do not rely on animal-derived materials to do so.
Arguably the first successful one was Presstoff, invented in the late 19th century in Germany and used primarily in the first half of the century as a replacement for increasingly rationed natural leather supplies.
It was made from paper pulp that had a particular treatment applied to it before being layered and sold in sheets to be used as a leather alternative.
It found a lot of use in smaller leather accessories such as belts, wallets, horse tack and cases for tools such as binoculars. During the two World Wars, it also became widely used for holsters and other military equipment.
It was remarkably authentic for the time, feeling and looking like natural leather to the touch, albeit with a characteristic coldness to the touch.
There was one major leather good that it could not replace, however, and the reason why was due to a fatal flaw that rendered Presstoff largely impractical for long-term uses.
One of the biggest ideal uses for Presstoff was as a replacement for shoe leather, and it was tried on many occasions, with the shoes even being remarkably strong, robust and capable of the flex necessary to be used in boots.
The big problem was that the second the shoes got wet they would start to expand, the layers would split from each other and the shoes would ultimately completely fall apart.
This would have been a bad problem irrespective of the era, but Presstoff was set to be used as a leather alternative in the build-up to the First World War, which primarily took place in wet, muddy trenches.
This meant that the leather alternative was utterly useless when it rained as well, something that was exceptionally common in Western Europe where the majority of the war was fought.
Ultimately, this meant that the vast majority of Presstoff could not be used by the military and instead was used by German people, with natural leather strictly rationed instead.
During the war and its immediate aftermath, it was grudgingly used, but the issue with rain and thus the anxiety of using a Prestoff bag on a cloudy day meant that a lot of German people simply went without.
Prestoff lasted until the fall of Berlin in 1945, but it would not ultimately last after the Second World War, by which point much stronger leather alternatives had made it onto the market, and the goal of a true ersatz leather had gotten ever closer to attainable.
However, it is an important early material and a proof of concept for what would come next.
]]>This will not be a comment on his hygiene, of course, but rather an acknowledgement of the fact that a man needs to look and smell good to please his significant other and, of course, feel good about himself in the process.
However, if you are looking for a washbag set you might be wondering what is the most on-trend fashion, as well as the key question: do you want to follow fashion (and will he?), or is doing things your own way and asserting stylistic independence the better option?
However, this is to ask the wrong question. Practicality is the key, as was noted by My Best in its article on what makes a great men’s wash bag in 2023.
Firstly, it should be at least water-resistant and, if possible, waterproof. This protects against any calamities that might arise from watery accidents, either with a shower or bath, or in transit when things might get spilt onto the bag. After all, nobody wants their grooming products getting wet, or anything leaking out into a suitcase.
This means using leather or some form of plastic to keep the item dry.
In addition, as many a man will admit and others deny, size matters. It must be large enough to accommodate all the items that need to be taken on a trip.
A further consideration for a man is whether he will be camping or staying in a hotel. In the former case, a bag that can be hung up will be handier, especially in a tent with limited space.
The question of just where a man might travel to in 2024 is a good one. Some might want to visit the same kind of places they did in 2023, be it a music festival, a particular city or somewhere out in the countryside.
For others, 2024 might provide some particular reasons to travel to certain places. Ever fancied a trip to Niagara Falls? What better time to be there than early April when the spectacle of the cascading waters below will be combined with the wonders above of a total solar eclipse?
Indeed, for anyone who loves a bit of astronomical wonder, 2024 is expected to be a peak year for watching the northern lights, so a few trips northward to areas with dark skies away from towns and cities could be in order.
If a man loves cricket, he might be taking a trip to watch England play in India at the end of winter, or Pakistan at the back end of the year. However, the most exciting sports-related trip might be to Paris for the 2024 Olympics, a century on from the events immortalised in Chariots of Fire.
Whether he is going to a big event or simply travelling frequently for business, there will be plenty of reasons to get the man in your life a great washbag set.
]]>If you have lots of people to buy for and luxury gifts to wrap, are you among the one-third of shoppers who plan to finish their festive purchasing by the end of November?
So eager to not spend December running from store to store, 35 per cent of consumers intend to be finished with their shopping by Black Friday weekend, which falls on November 24th this year.
The biggest reason behind this early shopping spree is to spread the cost of buying gifts, so buyers’ December paypacket is not hit with a huge bill.
Todd Latham from Checkout Finance provider Divido, which conducted the research, said: “Consumers are increasingly cautious of snapping up Black Friday Deals and this shift in consumer shopping preferences is something retailers need to take off.”
Over the last few years, Black Friday, which occurs on the Friday after Thanksgiving, has been a great opportunity to pick up good deals on stylish presents for loved ones.
However, Mr Latham noted this might now be too late for many shoppers and Black Friday “may just be losing its sparkle”.
Although consumers are more conscious of their Christmas spending this year and are trying to spread the costs due to the cost-of-living crisis, recent research has shown there is still likely to be more spent this festive period than last year.
VoucherCode’s Shopping for Christmas Report 2023 predicted there will be a 3.3 per cent increase in retail spending this year, estimating that as much as £84.9 billion will be spent in the six weeks leading to December 25th, which is £2.7 billion more than the same period in 2022.
Spending on gifts alone is expected to reach £11.25 billion, with online sales increasing by three per cent from last year as more people look for great deals on the internet where they can compare prices more easily.
Although lots of people seem to be super prepared with their Christmas shopping, there is still plenty of time to buy gifts for your family and friends.
Instead of purchasing lots of gifts that end up costing a lot, consumers might be inclined to give more thought and consideration to each item to cut down on their Christmas spending.
This means more meaningful presents are likely to be bought, as everyone has spent time thinking about what their loved ones would love to receive.
Great present ideas for sisters, friends or your mum, for instance, could include a personalised jewellery box, make-up bag, notebook or clutch. A beautiful backpack would also go down a treat, and looks like a really luxurious gift.
]]>If you want to find out what men’s accessories you should be buying this season, read our tips.
Nobody carries cash these days, thanks to contactless cards, phones and watches, which is why most people have replaced their chunky wallets with sleek card holders.
Don’t just opt for any style though, as your accessories say a lot about you. Choose a black personalised card holder with your initials on, making the classic style still look unique.
With four card slots and a discreet zipped pocket for coins, guys can still carry some loose change if they have any.
As Menswear Style says: “The right accessory can help you become more organised as an individual and is a sleek option to prevent unsightly trouser bulges.”
Jewellery is not for women, and this year will see lots of guys choosing to wear rings, chains and bracelets.
A really smart option is a metal cuff that looks understated and cool. Opt for silver over gold as it complements a variety of outfits, so you can elevate your ensemble whenever you leave the house.
Most people save ties for a wedding or funeral these days, with office wear having become significantly more casual over the years and many people ditching the suit in favour of working from home anyway.
However, there’s been a bit of a revolt, as guys want to smarten up again, and a silk tie is a great way to do so.
Stick with a skinny tie in an interesting pattern, such as college stripes or polka dots, and be as bold or conservative as you fancy. Wear it with a waistcoat for the ultimate look.
It’s not just women who have lots to carry around with them, so don’t be afraid to accessorise with a messenger bag of your own.
Camel-coloured backpacks or across-the-shoulder bags in leather are a great choice. Not only do they look smart and sophisticated, but they are also incredibly functional.
Use them for work to put your laptop in, or choose a smaller design for a book, snack and tablet.
Leather bags look great with all outfits, whether you’re having a casual day wearing a T-shirt and jeans, or you’re off somewhere special and have a tailored suit on.
A watch is probably the ultimate men’s accessory, so think carefully about what style you choose.
“As well as serving an obvious purpose, a nice watch can really elevate your outfit,” according to Fashion Beans.
It is sensible to opt for a metal watch, as these never go out of fashion, and look great with any outfit.
Of course, most people cannot afford a Rolex or Tudor watch, but there are other stylish timepieces out there that are much more reasonably priced.
]]>To find out what the top fashion trends will be for handbags, shoes, hair pieces and scarves this season, read on.
When it comes to handbags this autumn/winter, pay attention to their handles. These will take on a life of their own, adding character and charm to an otherwise muted bag.
Bottega Veneta featured a plastic fish handle, while Puppets and Puppets placed an old-fashioned telephone on the top of a red hobo bag.
Instead of a crossbody bag, tote, duffel or messenger bag, this season is all about carrying your handbag clutched under your arms.
This isn’t just for tiny purses though, but for larger day bags that could even fit your laptop, reusable coffee cup and water bottle.
Women will be keeping things very close to their chest this season with this new trend.
There’s no denying that neutral colours, such as camel, stone and greige, have been hugely popular in fashion over the last few years.
However, as the Christmas season approaches, this paves the way for metallic accessories to shine through.
Gucci, Diesel, Givenchy, Paco Rabanne, Luar, and Vaquera all featured silver or gold handbags in their catwalk shows.
This year is all about designers wanting to show off their logo, so expect to see handbags covered in their branding.
If you’d prefer something more subtle, these are still available, with plain, pattern-less accessories also just as popular.
Of course, it wasn’t just bags the fashion houses were busy designing for this season, but other autumnal accessories too.
For instance, nobody can face the colder weather without wrapping up in a scarf, so designers went all out with the cover-up, creating oversized scarves that would almost swamp an entire outfit.
If you are intent on keeping the chilly weather out, you’ll love this look, which was seen at Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani and Michael Kors’ shows last summer.
Long gone are rounded heels, as the pointed stiletto is firmly back this year. The look is a very powerful one, so women shouldn’t be afraid to go for a pointy toe, whether wearing heels or flats.
In fact, they put an end to ballet pumps completely, with angular brogues set to take over as the most popular choice of flat shoe.
And when it comes to Christmas parties, the stiletto is the only heel to consider. Team this with a black dress with oversized structured shoulders, which is this season’s take on the timeless fashion trend, and add the glitz and glamour with a bold metallic clutch bag.
]]>Unlike conventional leather, which has a lot of ethical and environmental problems attached to it, vegan leather can be sourced very ethically, not only creating beautiful bags and accessories with no harm caused to animals but also with less harm done to the ecosystem.
This can make it an ideal choice for people who love the texture but not all of the baggage that comes with it. But there is one aspect that can confuse some people.
Vegan leather naturally does not come from animals, but if that is the case, where does vegan leather come from instead?
There is no single answer, but here are some of the most unique materials that are turned into vegan leather.
One of the first ever artificial leathers ever made was Presstoff, made from paper that was pulped, layered and treated to form a leather that looked remarkably authentic and could be used for almost anything leather was used for.
This material did have its limits however; because it was paper, the weatherproofing had its limits, and leather items that would commonly end up in a lot of water or would bend a lot such as shoes and boots would generally fall apart.
However, it fell out of favour in the middle of the 20th century as plastic-based artificial leathers became more popular, and by the time vegan leather started to become popular again, other, more robust and versatile materials that not only looked like leather but also shared many of its properties started to emerge.
Inspired by the Philippine barong, Dr Carmen Hijosa wanted to create a type of artificial leather that was better quality than the terrible animal-skin leather produced locally and without the extensive use of hazardous chemicals used in the tanning process.
The result was Pinatex, a pineapple-leaf vegan leather that was created by felting long pineapple fibres together with a cornstarch-based plastic material known as polylactic acids (PLA), which is then coated with a resin to make it more robust and pliable.
The pineapple leaves are a waste byproduct of farming, so it helps to make sure nothing gets wasted.
Other, similar fruit-based leathers have also seen some interest from vegan leather makers.
One of the materials that has made a lot of fashionistas very excited is also one that might make a lot of people take a step back at first.
Whilst it is true that mycelium is the network of roots that grow under mushrooms and other types of fungus, it already has a leathery feel, and it does not take much processing to convert the material into leather, as well as many other eco-friendly materials.
It is also the material that has taken the most strides forward in recent years, with companies releasing vegan leathers that cut out the harmful tanning required for animal leathers and thus the environmental impact.
These, and so many other vegan leathers besides, help to make treating yourself even more guilt-free than before.
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