Aviator Fashion Craze Gets Boost from Amelia, in Theatres

Most fashionistas have been the proud owner of a good bomber jacket or two, or have at least dreamed about saving up for a buttery calfskin affair with all the right lines for a classic aviator silhouette. The essential aviator look is one which has endured in the Western fashion world for decades; in fact, a great deal of its origins are credited to the 1920's and 30's as the field of aviation began to gain proper momentum. This was also the period of one particularly famous pilot whose life and mysterious death have been the subjects of great intrigue and attraction ever since. Female pilot Amelia Earhart, a record-breaker famous for her inspirational attitude and sense of personal power and ability, is having her life celebrated in a new film starring Hilary Swank in the leading role.
The film comes at a time when aviator-inspired duds seem more popular than ever, with new bomber jackets, jumpsuits, and other classic pieces making their way down catwalks around the world. Along with the clothing staples, the look also incorporates plenty of accessories, making it easy to jazz up or tone down any aviator outfit at will. But while throwing on a pair of aviator sunglasses or donning a structural watch, rustic pearls, or other jewellery item, fans of Earhart may be interested in Amelia's own designs, which served as the focus of an extensive advertising campaign reaching women of the early twentieth century with ample strength. Earhart was responsible for the production of her own in-flight gear, but often worked with designers and manufacturers to create practical pieces capable of retaining femininity while promoting practical exercise and outdoor activities.
Earhart's designs traveled beyond the basic path of creating attractive clothes for flight, and also reached everyday activities including taking a stroll around the block or more weighty events such as a special occasion. Creating dramatic gowns as well as practical flight attire, Earhart was a true fashion pioneer who noted that she hoped her personal breakthroughs and efforts would pass on to inspire new generations of women.
Of course, Earhart's story isn't one with the happiest of endings. Attempting a dangerous trip around the world, Earhart and her flight partner lost contact and fell off of radar, their wreckage never to be found. To this day, Earhart serves as an inspiration for scores of women and people interested in modern flight, and her fashion designs continue to be front and center, with reinventions of her styles popping up every few years from the world's most esteemed designers. Of course, Amelia wasn't an avid costume jewellery hound, but we like to think she'd have a blast picking from today's selection of fashionable accessories. From cool, smooth metal cuffs and subtly sparkling earrings to lucky charm bracelets and layered necklaces, we can think of more than a few jewellery items well-suited for pairing with the sporty appeal of the early pilot. What's your favorite way to wear the aviator look?

Bloomingdale's Focuses Fall Campaign on the Silver Screen

The competitive market for fashion this fall may be fierce, but Bloomingdales is showing that it still knows how to present the season's best in style. As the retain chain aimed at affordable luxury has been incorporating increasingly artistic fall fashion campaigns over the past few years, shoppers have begun to eagerly await the theme come Summer, and the attention given the stores as one of the most important parts of the fashion year approaches has largely paid off. Rather than revert to a kind of discount-conscious atmosphere, such as the recent shift to less pricey items at Vogue, the store has decided to take on the majestic and magnificent movies with the theme “Lights, Camera, Fashion.”
Taking advantage of this dedication to glitz and glamour in a market that's largely reeling from the loss of various fashion houses and the down-sizing of many others, Bloomingdale's seems intent on keeping shopping spirits high, and has a number of promotion elements planned for boosting the star power of its Fall campaign as far as it will go. By far the most remarkable aspect of the campaign has been the company's decision to commission five short independent films, which will be shown in special lounges and online. The attraction is sure to draw a fair number of interested shoppers and the artistic elite, and rumor has it that one of the shorts has been staged in the store's own lingerie department.
In addition to this bold marketing move, Bloomingdale's has garnered the sponsorship of the Turner Classic Movies channel, an element that's sure to delight classic film fans around the country. Staging beautiful window presentations at its stores, the company is clearly putting its best effort in the encouragement of reviving the glamorous looks of the silver screen, no matter the financial woes that may betide the fashion industry. With an impressive line-up of movie star endorsements, the Fall fashion season is sure to be a little more interesting with the addition of the Bloomingdale's campaign.
While recent trends in jewellery, especially during the Spring, have focused on large, structural elements, it remains to be seen how Bloomingdale's will put its special spin on fine and costume jewellery pieces for the season. Perhaps taking a cue from bygone eras, we'll see a re-emergence of Victorian and Art Deco earrings, necklaces, and bracelets fit for accompanying the classic elegance of red-carpet gowns. There's plenty of room for sparkling Swarovski crystals and other costume jewellery staples that are able to achieve a blockbuster luster without breaking the bank. As the preparations are made for a full-swing Fall promotion, we're sure to spot the store's jewellery picks in the coming weeks. No matter how the show plays out, it's clear that Bloomingdale's is bent on bringing the beauty of the movie screen to the somewhat lowered spirits of the fashion world.