As we all know Fashion has always dictated that we be a certain size (usually slim) or wear a certain trend. It seems the tables have turned and size really does matter, especially when it comes to our accessories. The past will show that our accessories had to be perfectly formed and small, a perfect example the clutch handbag. Where as before all you needed was a handkerchief and maybe a lipstick the modern day woman now needs a clutch or handbag that will handle a mobile phone, keys, makeup, wallet etc.
The answer to this: The giant clutch and the large shopper bag which are still going strong as trends and accessories. The powers that be have realised that women not only want something fashionable but practical too, to suit their lifestyle which is now much faster paced then it was in the 1950’s.
We have extended this ‘big’ philosophy to our jewellery too. It seems today it’s not only about the clothes standing out but we want our bling to complement or outshine our outfit too. It’s not enough to have a cocktail ring anymore we need them to be show stopping gobstoppers that are big enough to be worn as a lone accessory, thus eliminating the need for a bracelet/bangle. Similarly if it’s a bracelet/bangle you want to wear make sure it’s bold and chunky and you will not need to wear a ring as the bracelet/bangle will be enough to compliment your outfit.
To really dazzle people and your outfit an oversized pendant or chunky necklace is the way to go if you want to move away from conventional necklace designs. It seems no one wants dainty any more and we want to rival the bling seen on most rappers too.
Could this ‘big’ need we have be an indication or representation of Fashion now evolving for ‘real people’? For example Milan has now banned models from the catwalk who have a BMI of less then 18 to advocate a healthier body image. Louis Vuitton started to use curvier models for their Autumn/Winter collection last year and also more recently fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier used singer Beth Ditto who is famed for her large frame (and outspoken views on size) for his 2011 Spring show in Paris.
Obviously Mr Gaultier earned major brownie points with the media and cynics may say this is why he put her in his show, but just maybe it’s because fashion has started to realise that ‘big’ is ‘normal’ too and we should accept all styles and styles that the General public can relate too- after all its these people who are ultimately buying the clothes or accessories.
Its about time fashion was accessible to all rather then one type of person or people with one type of bank balance, i.e. unlimited! With the evolution of fashion so far let’s hope we see more ‘normal’ things in fashion from big models to big accessories.
It does appear that size is everything and big is back and so much better then before.
