Trending Now or you could say “finally” as it only takes a matter of time for what has
Bustier – Emilio Pucci S/S 2014
been in fashion somewhere in the world for centuries to make its way over to this hemisphere.
Masai Handiwork
On this side of the globe Masai and other African fabrics are having a fashion moment, but maybe it will last longer than a Paris or New York Minute.
Emilio Pucci Spring/Summer 2014
Last week I posted about wearing beads and shells in “going global” but this is different. Summer weather always brings out a certain amount of shell and beaded belongings but mostly in shoes and other accessories. I bought a t-shirt with a shelled collar that was not the norm a few years ago. But now the Spring/Summer runways were featuring traditional “Masai” fashion incorporated into daily wear like dresses, skirts, jackets and even a bustier as seen at on the Emilio Pucci S/S runway (photo above). And why not? Not only is it fun and colorful, but it has a rich history behind it. So along with fringe, art prints and florals, the shows featured Masai embellished beading for all kinds of clothing along with other African prints.
I bought several pairs of these leather/beaded sandals in Tanzania – all one of a kind.
Some History: The Masai have been creating bead jewelry for a long time, well before their first contact with Europeans. Beadwork has been an important part of Masai culture for many years. The women set aside time every day to meet and work on beaded jewelry which includes colorful necklaces, bracelets, and pendants. It is considered the duty of every Masai women to learn the jewelry making craft. All the tribes beadwork is made by the women but is worn by both women and men. The jewelry they create is not only beautiful but also has important cultural significance. The beadwork an individual wears will signify their age and social status. Generally individuals of high social standing will wear more colorful and intricate jewelry. Beads also serve as an important source of income for the Masai. Tourist visiting the Masai regions in Kenya and northern Tanzania will find many beautiful pieces for sale that make great gifts for both women and men.
A beaded clutch
These are a few examples of how beading was incorporated into the shows. Keep in mind these are obviously over the top. I can’t see anyone in my city dressing this way unless they put beading on fleece. I would carry the clutch bag, wear a wide beaded belt, sandals and some beading here and there on clothing but certainly not all together and not to excess.
Louis Vuitton‘s take on the traditional Masai blanket.
Well you never know whatthe next “New Look” will be.
You can shell out for these or just take a vacation.
If you follow the latest fashion magazines, then beads and shells are IN right
Island Stylin!
now folks. Archaeological records show that people made and used
beads as long as 5,000 years ago and I think shells have been around even longer. But sometimes it takes a while for the fashion gods to catch on. But honestly, who has never come back from a tropical vacation without a little beading – if not in your hair, then at least on your arm. Every summer I never fail to pull out all my shell and beaded jewelery – and there are tons.
Big shells from Hawaii on roped necklaces, beaded rasta bracelets from Jamaica, beaded sandals, belts and even a headband (I’ll have to check to find out if I can wear that now) from Brazil,
better to show off my pedi
and intricate beaded Masai jewelry from none other than Masai Mara in Kenya, Africa. This is what surpised me the most. I’ve never seen anyone other than the exotic Masai tribe themselves (in Africa because they don’t travel) flaunting their Masia jewelery anywhere outside of Africa. While I’m on the subject, I just won’t believe it if their wedding neckpieces and headdresses ever come in fashion here in North America!
Theirs
Anyway, I’ve worn my Masai pieces (mostly bangles & a few chokers) on occasion because each piece takes hours upon hours of intricate handiwork which I appreciate but never saw anyone else wearing. And while almost no one has ever complimented me (except for Chelsea Handler – even more to my surprise) on my sophisticated assortment, I just saw a whole whack load of them in my favorite most up-to-date fashion magazine for a whole whack load more money than what I paid for mine.
mine
Not only that, I came thisclose to giving away a great pair of beaded (hardly worn) sandals. Good thing I opened up that magazine! So now I will with full abandon be flaunting my acquisitions from all these exotic locales which in the past seemed outdated once home. This summer I’ll be pulling out all the stops in beaded and shell accessories. I hope we have an exxxtra looong summer!
Do you see what I mean?
How about you – are you planning to GO archaeoLOGICAL too?
These are a few examples of how beading was incorporated into the shows. Keep in mind these are obviously over the top. I can’t see anyone in my city dressing this way unless they put beading on fleece. I would carry the clutch bag, wear a wide beaded belt, sandals and some beading here and there on clothing but certainly not all together and not 
to excess. 
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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