Accessory Trends 2013

On May 7, 2013 “

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.” — Audrey Hepburn

Elle Magazine is calling for pointed toes and kitten heels this year, and bold statement earrings. Red is the “it” color and checkerboard is the must-have pattern. PANTONE states the color this year is Emerald. Bead Style magazine says organic shapes are the way to go while the New York Examiner specifies hard angles as a style must. Serpents are in. Druzy is in. Delicate dangles are in. Style 360 says “casual couture” is the look for spring and hair ornaments are an “ideal statement” straight from the runway.

But does it matter?

As a business person, yes, it matters. Fashion trends shape the future of popular culture, or are defined by it. Fashion is used to express political, religious or emotional ideals, sometimes to the extreme, sometimes as a victim of celebrity successes or mistakes, sometimes in an effort to establish ones individualism. But always fashion is expressed wrapped in an aura of glamour, in a lingering hint of extravagance, a smattering of indulgence. And the best and worst of fashion is always, always, remembered.

Fashion has revolutionized, then mirrored, the position of women in society, from the bold bust lines at the turn of the 20th century, the daring trousers of the 20’s, the moody uniformity of post-war society, to the casual comfort of the last ten years. And it is through the history of fashion we remember the struggles we’ve faced, then overcome.

So yes, fashion matters. But, this begs the question…. are we slaves to it?

And to that I answer: absolutely not! We are not defined by the dictates of popular culture, nor are we the sum of what we own. We define what fashion popularizes. We use fashion to express our ideals. Fashion does not prescribe for us our politics or religion or emotions, but is only a symbol used to represent them.

So to the fashion trends of 2013, I say this: You do not define me. Plus, a pointed toe hurts my bunions.