The Rebellious Stripes:)
Stripes have the power to distinguish you anywhere!! And when you brace yourself in a well fitted black and white striped suit, you are ready to kill!! Stripes are a pattern popularly worn by both men and women all over the world and look very chic and elegant at the same time. There is something rebellious about this pattern’s vibe which screams – YEAH…..I HAVE A MIND AND STYLE OF MY OWN!!!
Black and White stripe was once, the uniform of the detainees. Believe it or not….in 1310, to wear striped clothes was demeaning and worn by only social outcasts – such as jugglers, clowns, sex workers, cripples etc. Because of their striking impact in 1800’s, they became the uniform for the ones in the prison cell, making prisoners easily identifiable – clotting their escape. But later in the US, the badge of shame attached to the pattern was abolished by many states.
The famous striped Breton shirt as we know it today, came into being after the French Act was passed in 1858 – which introduced the Navy and White striped knitted shirt as the uniform for all French Navy sea men in Brittany. The striped shirt became the famous “mariner garment” as it made easier to spot the shipmate on Board. And it continued to gain popularity in the 1900’s.
My favourite designer Gabrielle Coco Chanel, brought a fashion revolution with her Nautical Collection at the end of the first world war around 1917. With increasing popularity of the seaside destinations like Saint Tropez, Coco Chanel designed the striped shirt paired with flared trousers…….and the style went on to be celebrated by the working class and the rich and famous. As the love for stripes grew, Tops and Shirts were being worn with Skirts, Blazers and Trousers.
When fashion catches waves with the glitterati, then it stimulates the world more than ever. 🙂 Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Jean Paul Gaultier, James Dean and many more displayed their love for Stripes in the 1900’s. The Pop stars embraced the stripes with much oomph aswell.
Stripes have stood the test of time and have come a long way banishing taboo from the past. Today, Stripes have earned their place as something far more solid that a wardrobe must – have, surpassing age, sex and trends. The very Italian – Missoni is recognised from far with the zig zag machine woven stripes. Brands like Missoni, Jean Paul Gaultier, Sonia Rykiel, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, D&G, Paul Smith, Armani, Jaspal, Zara, Topshop, DKNY, Etro and many more have repeatedly displayed stripes with an infectious flare.
You know how much I love power dressing …….it simply makes me feel sexy and strong!! I absolutely fell in love with this diagonal striped double breasted suit from TOPSHOP. You can wear this outfit to a work or a fun lunch or dinner or to a formal event. Accessorise this outfit with a bold pearl necklace and earrings and my dear …..you will look enticing!! You can also wear the jacket separately with a fitted top and torn denims. Team it up with a pair of back pumps and you are set to turn the HEAT ON!!!
Go and Shop Now !!!