Long Live the King

Welcome!

I'd pondered many ways to start off this blog...a store review perhaps? A trend report? Tips and tricks?

All in good time I think.

I want to firstly introduce you to Louis XIV, painted so wonderfully by Rigaud in 1701.

(Louis XIV was King of France from 1643 to 1715...the longest reign in European history.)

What, you may ask, does this have to do with fashion?

Well...you're looking at the man who invented high heels.

Yep. This man's rocking a wig made of fine horse hair, an elaborate coat of weasel fur (a.k.a. ermine, which only royalty or the very wealthy could afford), and a delicate-looking pair of high heels. Look at how nice those little red numebrs make his legs look. Regal and stylish. During this time, it was all the rage, thanks to the King, for the trendy, 17th century man to make his legs look the best they could.

Oh how times change!

The irony in all this is, of course, that one of the most defining aspects of a modern woman's wardrobe was invented by a short-statured, trendsetting man. (May we all bless him and curse him equally.) Men, in fact, are lucky that over the 19th century their clothing style became less and less decorated else they'd all know the meaning of the phrase "beauty is pain".

This is what is so fascinating, to me, about fashion.

I find it fascinating that certain trends in fashion can last and evolve over hundreds of years. And yet, other trends go out of style faster than you can say "Fanny packs anyone?". That's what ultimately draws me in. I find it exciting to sit back and watch the style world turn and change.

And whether you like it or not, every single one of us is a part of it.

Even if you claim to have no fashion sense at all, we all have our opinions on what's hideous, what's pretty, what's needed in order to fit in, what's seasonal, and what's "way out there". I applaud anyone and everyone...from the basic to the bodacious.

Budding beginners and bold bloomers alike, I say let's enjoy the art of fashion! You've come to the right address.

Cheers from 775 Fashion Avenue.