10 trends that changed accessories
From It bags to hats, charms and eco-chic, accessories have become centre stage again over the past 10 years. Here is our list of the top 10 trends for the last decade.
-
Handbag trend update: old luxury revisitedThe It bag
A term coined in the 90s, the "It bag" has become a status symbol coveted by the masses. Spurred on by a combination of celebrity and marketing, the most lusted-after include the Hermès Birkin, the Fendi Spy and the Marc Jacobs Stam.
Key Item Analysis: Bigger the better
Fast track footwear/leather
Trend flash! small bags, big shoulders -
Men's formal accessoriesMen's changing attitudes to accessories
Over the past five years, men's jewellery, eyewear, soft accessories and day bags have worked their way into the wardrobes of many mainstream men, as well as the avant-garde fashion set. More formal and traditional accessories, such as cufflinks and tie clips in particular, have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the last few years.
Men's corsages
Men's jewellery and hard accessories
Hold Up: men's accessories autumn/winter 2004/05
New York trend: the murse -
Trend: waspie beltsThe return of the waist
After years of low-slung and casual waistlines, 2002 saw a return to elegance and a redefinition of the waistline for women, with wide belts and thinner, waspie styles, all designed to draw attention to this very feminine silhouette.
Key Item Analysis 2006/07: Waist definition
Waisted -
Hidden treasuresCharms and curiosities
Trinkets and found objects spurred a craze for personalised collections of charms and dainty items, ranging from rediscovered possessions to everyday objects. Wishbones, lockets, small boxes, animal charms and delicate chains reigned.
Composite jewellery
Disturbed found jewellery -
Rounder framesThe increasing importance of eyewear
Glasses have been growing in popularity over the last 10 years and are now all the rage again. Classic Aviator and Wayfarer styles from Ray-Ban became popular again, as well as thick geek frames, oversized designer shades and round "Harry Potter" frames.
Street trends 80s Ray-Ban-inspired sunglasses
New eyewear trends
White sunglasses -
Key Item Analysis Bigger the betterExtreme bag proportions
First emerging in 2001 as merely "big" bags, by 2004, we'd moved on to "huge" bags. And it is hardly surprising that the backlash trend of tiny bags followed soon after. As bags have become a more important accessory their silhouettes reflect the extremes of fashion. Massive bags reflect the changing lifestyles of women by day and tiny bags come out at night, blurring the boundaries between bags and jewellery.
Big bags
Trend update: mini bags
Trend flash! small bags, big shoulders -
Shanghai street style: Phone charms and danglersKidult charms
The playful kidult accessories began as a way of personalising often impersonal items, such as purses, mobile phones and PDAs. They have since taken on a fashion life of their own, with incarnations from Prada and Louis Vuitton.
Rio fashion week: Trinkets
Beijing street style: Accessories
Key Item Analysis: Bag charms -
Trend flash! guys' hats, New YorkHats
A surprise return to formal hats for both men and women has been seen not only in autumn and winter, but in warmer seasons as well. Formal moulded felt styles as well as textural knits and fur have been the most popular.
-
Ethical Footwear and accessoriesEco aware
Anya Hindmarch's "I'm not a plastic bag" launch in 2007 propelled the trend of reusable bags. Hindmarch's ethical totes brought awareness to environmentally responsible fashion and helped create the sector.
Trend update: Bin the bag
Trend extra: Throwaway luxury
Generation Now: Bentalls and Kingston College eco bag project
Generation Now: Re:fuse recycled exhibition -
Bon voyageLuxury luggage
As brands' lifestyle portfolios grew and luxury became something attainable by the masses, we started to see a demand for ultra high-end luggage. Designed for travel on private jets and G5s, this trend, much like the aforementioned appetitie for It bags, is deeply rooted in the aspirational side of fashion.
Samsonite Black Label by Alexander McQueen
Luggage and travel accessories update
