2009-08-09 ~ Trend de la Creme - Trends in fashion, style, beauty, design, and popular culture.

Peacock Nouveau

My obsession with all things Art Nouveau is the likely culprit behind my love of peacocks. From the 1880's to the 1901's, Art Nouvveau was an attempt to redefine the meaning and nature of art (making the duty of art not to overlook any everyday object, no matter how utilitarian it might be). The result was a merging of fact and fiction, overlayed with impeccable attention to detail.

Art Nouveau Peacock Maiden Ring

Jewelry of the Art Nouveau period revitalized the jeweler's art, with nature as the principal source of inspiration, complemented by new levels of virtuosity in enameling and the introduction of new materials, such as opals and semi-precious stones. Principal subjects were lavish birds and flowers, insects and polyformic femme fatale. But, it's the peacock that keeps my coming back for more.

Peacock Collection Ring by Barbara Bixby ~ Silver Peacock Branch Ring
Craftsman Topaz Peacock Ring ~ Multi-Gemstone Peacock Ring

Peacock Ring by Mars & Valentine ~ Peridot Peacock Ring by Pade Vavra
Labrodite Peacock Ring by Pippa Small ~ Wind River Headdress Ring by Pade Vavra

Peacock Ring by Hot Cakes ~ Art Nouveau Peacock Ring at missmisa.com
Majestic Turquoise Peacock Ring ~ Onyx Peacock Ring by Amy Kahn Russell

Would You Wear: One Legged Pantyhose?

I came across these one-legged pantyhose today while doing a totally unrelated search. Not only do they claim to be slide-resistant, their "crotchless" design also makes them more hygienic (and, according to acupuncture points theory, are better designed for a woman's body.) Admittedly, they've peaked my interest simply from a design perspective. (If you're interested in trying a pair, this eBay seller carries them. And please, let me know how they work out!)

The Foundling

Leave it to handbag designer James Piatt, who brought us the machine gun handbag and cat on a stick handbag, to dream up this orphan-inspired creation entitled, "The Foundling." Designed to symbolize a deserted infant, the handbag features four interchangeable ankle charms (each to represent a famous baby). There's a pack of cigarettes for Britney Spear's boys, a water well for Baby Jessica, an open window for Michael Jackson's son, Prince Michael II, and an airplane for Charles Lindbergh, Jr. Pretty remarkable detail (especially with the copper finish) wouldn't you say? I only wish he'd added a "Boy Toy" belt buckle or Kabbalah bracelet for Madonna's gaggle to round out the bunch ;)

Fall 2009 Is Going Up In Flames

Image: [link]

Call off the fire trucks -- Rome isn't burning. But for some unknown reason, fashion is. One might raise an eyebrow at the overt display of pyrotechnics (or ask themselves, "Have these designers gone mad?") But as the destructive flames burn on, allow me to pose a question. Is this a rage-filled cry for help, or something far less sinister? Like a rebirth of sorts, with flames engulfing the economic chaos we've been wallowing in for the past two years? I'd like to believe it is, but no matter the case. I'm just glad to see the torch didn't burn out with Miu Miu's unforgettable candlestick shoe :) That, my friends, is just a waste of a good ciggy starter!