Are hats making a comeback? Let's explore the history of hats.

Throughout history, ladies' hats have played a significant role in fashion and societal norms. Dating back to the Middle Ages, women adorned their heads with veils, hoods, and wimples as a sign of modesty and social status. The Renaissance period brought about more elaborate headwear, with decorative caps and turbans becoming fashionable among the European nobility.

By the 18th century, women's hats evolved into extravagant pieces adorned with feathers, ribbons, and even taxidermy birds. This era also saw the introduction of wide-brimmed hats that were adorned with lavish trimmings to signify wealth and status.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, hats became even more elaborate, with the invention of the sewing machine enabling mass production and making hats more accessible to women of various social classes. The late 19th century saw the popularity of large, elaborate hats decorated with flowers, ribbons, and even whole taxidermy animals.

The early 20th century was considered the golden age of hats, with iconic styles such as the cloche, picture hat, and fascinator gaining popularity. Designers like Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli revolutionized hat fashion by introducing simpler, more streamlined designs that reflected the changing roles of women in society.

After World War II, hats began to decline in popularity as hairstyles became more prominent. However, hats continued to be worn for special occasions such as weddings, horse races, and formal events.

Today, hats are making a comeback as a fashionable accessory, with modern milliners creating innovative designs that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary styles. From wide-brimmed sun hats to chic fedoras, ladies' hats continue to be a versatile and timeless fashion statement.

Bidet: History of Personal Hygene

Fashion and style can be a great form of self expression and boost confidence, but personal hygene should take a priority in overall well-being. Let's journey back to the 18th century, a time when full bathing occurred only once a week, and a remarkable French invention revolutionized hygiene practices for women.

The first bidet appeared in 1710 at Versailes during the reign of king Louis XIV. The bidet, often dubbed as a grown-up version of the chamber pot or bourdaloue, was initially a portable solution for classy ladies during extended trips. The term "bidet" originates from the French word for "pony" or "small horse," owing to its petite size resembling a porcelain horse-shaped fixture one squats over for use.

The bidet, beyond its utilitarian purpose, has been elevated to an art form, thanks in part to French furniture maker Christopher Des Rosiers, who crafted some of the earliest bidets. Rosier transformed this essential bathroom fixture into an ornate masterpiece, turning the act of using the bathroom into a sophisticated and stylish affair. The experience of cleansing oneself was elevated by Rosiers with designing intricately decorated porcelain bowls. From the on instead of merely washing in a bowl, the French people embraced the notion of "visiting Le Bidet," turning a mundane task into an indulgent ritual. Among the notable users of French bidets was Napoleon himself. Designed exclusively for his use, Napoleon's bidet was crafted from silver, a material deemed essential by the French emperor. Silver's inherent antimicrobial properties ensured the bidet remained hygienic without much effort. Napoleon cherished this fixture so much that he took it with him on all his travels around the world.

In his final years, Napoleon bequeathed his beloved silver bidet to his son, a testament to its significance in his life. This generous gesture was duly recorded in his last will and testament. For many world travelers, particularly American tourists exploring European destinations, the bidet remains a curious and sometimes awkward fixture in foreign bathrooms. Depending on the locale, bidets can range from simple containers of water accompanied by a special pouring cup to more sophisticated models featuring robotic toilet technology with precise aiming and antimicrobial sanitation capabilities.

Regardless of their level of advancement, all bidets serve a singular purpose: cleansing one's posterior after using the toilet. As the world grapples with the spread of the Coronavirus and panic-buying of toilet paper becomes commonplace, countries accustomed to bidets can breathe easy. While toilet paper disappears from store shelves in many nations, bidet-equipped populations can rely on their trusty fixtures to handle the task with ease.

Fashion History: The journey of the Hermès Birkin Bag through time.

The legend of the Birkin bag begins with serendipity and fateful events. Before its creation, Hermes had already established itself as a prestigious purveyor of luxury leather goods, catering to the discerning tastes of elite clientele. Fast forward to the present day, the Birkin has attained an unparalleled status, elevating Hermès to the pinnacle of luxury handbag design — the epitome of coveted handbags worldwide.

The captivating tale begins in 1983 when It-Girl Jane Birkin serendipitously encountered Jean-Louis Dumas, the artistic director and CEO of Hermes. This fateful meeting marked the genesis of the Jane Birkin bag, and the stratospheric fame began, showing no signs of slowing down.

WHO WAS JANE BIRKIN?

Jane Birkin, a multi-talented English-French actress, singer, and model, emerged as a genuine fashion icon during the 1960s through the 1980s. She was all about the blend of natural beauty, a playful and androgynous style, and a candid expression of sexuality. Beyond her individual fame, Birkin garnered widespread recognition for her ten-year romance with Serge Gainsbourg, a revered French singer, writer, director, and poet, widely celebrated as a prominent figure in French pop culture. Together, they share a daughter, the accomplished actress and singer, Charlotte Gainsbourg, adding to their captivating legacy. According to Jane, a twist of fate occurred in 1983 when Jane Birkin found herself unexpectedly upgraded to first class, seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, the artistic director and CEO of Hermès.

As she stored her characteristic wicker basket straw bag in the overhead compartment, fate intervened, causing all the contents to spill out in front of Dumas, including her treasured Hermès diary. In a helpful gesture, Dumas assisted her in collecting her belongings, playfully remarking that she needed a handbag with more pockets. To this, the actress responded that the day Hermès designed a spacious, everyday bag that could accommodate all the necessities a busy mother carries, she would gladly replace her beloved oversized basket with it. She further expressed her struggle to find a bag that would offer both ample space, security, and style to meet her requirements.

After gathering valuable insights from Birkin herself, Dumas sketched the very first concept of the bag on an airplane sickness bag. Little did they know that this unassuming start would lead to the creation of the luxurious handbag that would eventually conquer the world.

Just a year later, in 1984, the inaugural Birkin bag made its debut. With its spacious interior, it became the perfect choice for jet-setters, while the lock provided a secure closure during travels. The bag's clean lines, minimalist elegance, and casual charm mirrored Birkin's distinctive personal style. She received a personalized 40cm Birkin, which she adorned with her own unique stickers. Initially priced at approximately $2,000, the bag rapidly gained popularity.

In 2011, an extraordinary event unfolded when Jane Birkin decided to sell her original and well-loved bag at auction. The bag's history and connection to the iconic actress made it highly sought-after, leading to a remarkable final bid of over $162,000. The proceeds from this auction were dedicated to supporting earthquake relief efforts in Japan, adding yet another remarkable chapter to the Birkin bag's captivating history.

Since its inception, the Jane Birkin bag has been presented in an array of luxurious leathers and captivating colors.

However, it is the limited edition styles that stand as the most coveted gems in Birkin bag history. These exclusive designs are released in exceedingly limited quantities, perfectly aligning with Hermès' strategic approach to scarcity. This tactic fuels both demand and price, making these limited editions highly sought-after treasures among fashion connoisseurs and collectors alike.

  • 2009 Shadow Birkin
  • 2010 So Black Birkin and Kelly Bags
  • 2010 The Himalaya Birkin
  • 2012 Club Birkin
  • 2012 The Ghillies Birkin
  • 2017 The Touch Birkin
  • 2018 Tressage Birkin
  • 2019 The Faubourg Birkin
  • 2020 The Sunrise Rainbow Birkin
  • 2020 Cargo Birkin
  • 2021 Picnic Birkin
  • 2021 The Birkin 3EN1