“For me traveling and living are the same. How you travel is a symbol of
your life”. – Diane Von Furstenberg
The world's sights, landmarks, and cultures of places
near and far are an eternal inspiration for what we see on the fashion runway
and in retail. There is so much more of the world I would love to see, but the
few places I have been to outside of the U.S., Paris and Vienna, and lived in
New York, Miami, and D.C., have each had its own flavor and inspired a unique way
of dressing. Inspirations derived from various locations and cultures are
regularly seen on the runway. The designs aren’t simply a nod to the climate of
a place or a matter of function when visiting there but instead reference an
energy that is expressed in the clothes. Travel is so strong of an inspiration
that some designers have based their entire brand on the ideals of seeing and
experiencing the unfamiliar.
Emilio Pucci is a brand who's success can be
attributed to designs that appeal to those who travel regularly and seek
designs that reflect the spontaneity, fun, and adventure that comes with jet
setting across the globe. Pucci came to be this type of brand first because of
the location in which he opened his first store in 1949 in Capri, Italy. A small
island off of the Amalfi Coast, Capri has been a destination spot for royalty,
artists, and celebrities for centuries and is still a popular haven for those
who can afford the luxury of vacationing there. The idyllic views, slow paced
culture, and skilled footwear and apparel artisans are what make Capri special.
It is for these reasons that Pucci positioned his brand to be at the center of
the luxurious travel destination that is Capri. Also, during the late 40’s and
50’s many couture designers had (while still very beautiful) very structured
designs and Pucci’s mode of design was the complete opposite. He created
dresses that were made from light silks and chiffons and in bright prints and
colors offering ease to holiday and travel dressing that didn't exist in the
luxury market at the time. What I love about Pucci is the designs exude the
same energy and excitement that you get when you're about to go on vacation or
traveling somewhere new.
“Travel is the ultimate inspiration.”- Michael Kors
Michael Kors is another designer that has built a
business on the idea of traveling as a luxury experience. Kors started his
brand in 1981 as an all-American sportswear designer which he is still known as
today, but in the Spring of 2004 he rebranded his ad campaigns and collections
to focus on exotic travel destinations and the most luxurious ways to get
there. From showing models on private jet runways and yachts to Hollywood and villas
in Europe Michael Kors shows through his campaign images that the best of
fashion is made for adventure and fun experienced away from the norms of every
day life. In 2011, Kors dedicated an entire website platform, Destination Kors,
to travel hoping to inspire shoppers and fans to travel to new places and
provide a glimpse into the places around the world that provide inspiration for
his collections. When you see a Michael Kors ad the women are always on-the-go they
aren’t stagnant in the photos. I love this because even when you travel you
have to make an effort to explore and try new things in order to get the most
out of the experience.
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| St. Germain-en-Laye, photographed by The Style Weaver |
“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history,
beauty, and in the point of life.”-Thomas Jefferson
When I went to Paris for the second time in 2013, I
made it my mission to go to places off the beaten path such as the town St.
Germain en Laye, which is on the outskirts of Paris. It’s there where I
discovered a small jewelry shop that was making customized charms and
necklaces, and I picked up my favorite accessory that I wear every day; my “Maybe
Tomorrow” necklace. I love that I found it in a new place that I discovered
because it was one of the moments in life where you get to know yourself and in
that moment I did something just for me and it’s a memory I won't forget. Also, the message of the necklace has served
as a reminder to not be afraid of new challenges or having to overcome
obstacles because there is always the hope and excitement of what tomorrow can
bring.
Would love to know what are some of your favorite places that you have
visited or would love to visit in the future, share in the comment section
below!
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