Passé. Lady Dior

The “Lady Dior” handbag is another iconic bag that has yet to go out of style since it was introduced in 1995. Given to her as a gift, Princess Diana was the first to promote this now classic bag, and she carried it with great pride. Just like the essence of Lady Di herself, the “Lady Dior” is small and sophisticated. John Galliano’s design features a signature quilted pattern in Patton leather, two short handles, and the four letters that spell out Dior. Recently the "Lady Dior" has made a very successful comeback with variations on this classic with new colors and sizes of the original design.

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IMAGE: DIOR.COM

Passé. Hunter Wellingtons

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IMAGES: HUNTER-BOOTS.COM

Hunter Wellingtons are the most well known brand of rain-boots. In 1817, Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, commissioned his shoe maker to create a new boot that was comfortable and would keep his trousers from getting wet and the bottoms. This of course is in London where all the best rain gear was invented. Originally made out of soft calfskin leather, the Wellington as it was dubbed, became an instant favorite among the men. The boot was later fashioned out of rubber, as it is today, and it was very popular around war times for military gear. “Wellies” as they are called now come in many different colors.  Hunter Boot Limited now owns the rights to the Wellington rain-boots. London's royals can often be seen wearing this patriotic boot.

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Faux pas. Platform Shoes

While fashion may be a never ending cycle of styles, there are some trends that have be thrown into the mix and every time they reappear as quickly as they came they should leave again. First on the list is probably the most deadly. Platform shoes. They first became popular in the 1970's and were huge hit in London and eventually the U.S.

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Then they reappeared in the 1990's with the Spice Girl craze and not only platform clogs and boots were walking tall but flip flops and sneakers had new height as well. This was a big trend among pop stars like Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson.

IMAGE: MTV.COM

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IMAGE: MTV.COM

These ankle busters were once again brought into the lime light by none other than Lady Gaga. Often seen being escorted around town clomping in foot high booties. Please Lady Gaga this trend must dies with you.

IMAGE: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

IMAGE: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

À la mode. Burberry Trench

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IMAGE: BURBERRY.COM

IMAGE: BURBERRY.COM

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Passé. Burberry Trench

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The Burberry Trench is definitely a stable coat that has withstood the test of time. In 1879, the Burberry trench coat as we know it today was created by Thomas Burberry. The fabric was a revolutionary design he came up with called gabardine. This rain-resistant yet comfortable fabric caught the attention of the British army and soon thousands of military men were sporting the coats. Not only soldiers found the trench to be trendy, many fashion houses began to replicate his design. A classic Burberry trench is made from 26 different sized pieces of gabardine, a buckle belt, D rings, and 10 cross over buttons. Burberry not only made a practical garment, but one that was stylish and would be worn hundreds of years later.                              

           

À la mode. Chanel 2.55

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Passé. Chanel 2.55

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The Chanel 2.55 is arguably the most recognizable and stylish purse to this day. Mademoiselle Chanel created something not only timeless, but classic. This purse has probably been produced, reproduced, and replicated a million times over the past fifty-seven years. In 1954, Chanel made a mega comeback on the fashion scene and in February of 1955 (2.55), she debuted one incredible bag. Her inspiration for the signature chain and leather straps came from key chains she had seen at the convent where she grew up. As for the iconic quilted pattern the inspiration is behind it is believed to come from the pattern seen on horse jockey’s jackets.

IMAGE: CHANEL.COM

Coco’s original Chanel 2.55 is recognizable for the “the Mademoiselle lock”, and also the red interior lining.  In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld took over Chanel and what is known as the “Classic Flap” was issued. The Classic Flap came in a variety of sizes, fabrics, and colors, but is most recognizable for the interlocking C’s on the lock. On the Chanel 2.55’s 50^th birthday in 2005, Karl Lagerfeld gave us the “Reissue 2.55” to commemorate the original. The Reissue features the classic Mademoiselle lock.

I’m sure so many women out there appreciate the continuity of a bag like this as much as I do. Today a Chanel 2.55 will run anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 depending on if it’s new or vintage. You may think that is outrageous for a handbag, but if it will last another half a century and continues to be a classic, I say it’s worth every penny.

IMAGE: CHANEL.COM