January 2004

I.N.I.T.I.A.L Attraction

by "E" (Erin Rae Soleta)

Longing for a signature style all your own? Look no further than this year"s ubiquitous fashion trend:

I. N. I. T. I. A. L. S.

Wearing your heart on your sleeve is sweet, but wearing your monogram on your anything - is hot. In recent years designer logos have set the standard in luxury status symbols. Today they're so passé! It's no longer about announcing yourself with a branded bag. Forget the LVs, CDs, YSLs, RLs, DKNYs, and BCBGs – Why wear a brand name on your bag, when you can wear your own?"

The monogramming trend emerged last summer in Hollywood. On occasion you could see various stars strutting the streets and showing off their letters on everything from handbags to hotpants. Soon everyone in LA was wearing personalized apparel. What publicity-crazed, egocentric celebrity wouldn't prefer promoting their own initials rather than the LVs, CDs, and DBs of the world?

 

Designer labels were soon scrambling to adapt. Bottega Veneta, the Gucci-owned luxury leather-goods design house has kept up with the trend. Head designer Maier says "I want people to personalize their BV products - we now put the customer's initials onto their bag at their request. Italian watchmaker Forzieri (www.forzieri.com) upped the ante with personalized watches made with exotic materials that are beloved by such stars as Halle Berry, Cameron Diaz, and Elizabeth Hurley but are affordable to the masses.

The Gap was the first major mid-line brand to jump on the trend this fall when they hired Madonna to get into the groove and their monogrammed denim. Miss M. and Missy Elliot rocked it down, in Gap jeans with matching "M's" on the back pocket. Madonna also requested that "Lady M" be silk-screened down the side of her pants, while Elliott had her first name stenciled and studded on the sleeve of her sweatshirt. Thanks to these style-stars, Gap sold more than 1,100 pairs of monogrammed jeans and corduroy pants in a one-day promotion at its Fifth Avenue & 54th Street store in Manhattan.

Now you too can get in on the trend! Yesterday's embroidered monogram need not apply. The plethora of designs means even the most fashion-forward will be satisfied! Here's...

theskini Guide for those with a Passion to Personalize:

  • Plain, white tank tops, and cashmere sweaters with rhinestones letters (Arden B.)
  • Leg warmers, Arm Warmers, berets, knit caps, scarves, gloves
  • Totes, wristlets, wallets and makeup bags at $20-$30 (Rampage/ Wet Seal/ Icing),
  • Rhinestone Letter Pins/Brooches, Handbags, Notepads
  • Leather strip bracelets with rhinestones, jewels or diamond letter inlays (Major department stores)
  • Sterling silver charm ID necklaces for $30 and beaded ID coin purses for $15 (Marshall Fields)
  • Create your own "bling" for under $15. Rhinestone letter charm bracelet (Icing, Ridgedale)
  • Slippers get the initial treatment at (Victoria's Secret & LL Bean)

TIPS:

  • Look for unique items that offer personalization. Bonus points for accessories that you'd never think to initialize (wrist bands, arm/leg warmers, shoes).
  • Don"t overdo it – Self-promotion is so over.

Various companies offer online customization, including: www.tees.com , www.customglamgirl.com , www.justdaisy.com and www.lesportsac.com which charges $10 to monogram selected bags.

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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