Beverlyheels Style

Festivals: The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, founded in 1978, is an annual LGBT pride parade and festival held in Sydney, Australia, from mid-February to first week of March. Attended by hundreds of thousands of people around Australia and overseas, it is one of the largest such festivals in the world and the largest Pride event in Oceania. It includes events such as the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade and Party, Bondi Beach Drag Races, Harbor Party and academic discussion panel ‘Queer Thinking’, and attracts around 70,000 people to Victoria Park, Sydney. This event is also one of Australia’s biggest tourist attractions with dancing, music, and parades being the main crowd-pullers. It is New South Wales’ second largest annual event in terms of economic impact, generating an annual income of about A$30 million for the state. Numerous participants were arrested by New South Wales Police in the initial years when the event began, so this event maintains a political flavor, with many marching groups promoting LGBTQI rights issues.

Festivals: Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Scarborough Renaissance Festival is a renaissance fair in Waxahachie, Texas. Although, this festival has its roots in the 16th century under the reign of King Henry VIII, it has been going strong since 1981. This festival is celebrated on Saturdays and Sundays from the first weekend in April until Memorial Day Monday, on a huge area of 35 acres. There are 21 stages hosting more than 200 performances. Three jousting shows take place each day and about 150 cast members make up the characters at this festival. Almost all of the cast members are volunteers.

Festivals: The Full Moon Party
The Full Moon Party held in Thailand is as exciting as it sounds. Drinks, fireworks, and music don’t even begin to surmise the kind of fun that awaits party-goers there. Held in a small town called Haad Rin located in the southernmost tip of Koh Phangan, it attracts between 3,000 and 10,000 visitors every year. This event is so successful that there are now Half Moon, Full Moon, and even Black Moon parties. Full moon party is usually held during certain days in April, May, July, and August. The first Full Moon party, held at Paradise Bungalows to thank about 20-30 travelers, gained so much fame through word of mouth, that the event has now expanded into many others days, attracting tourists from all over the world. The party is known to carry on until the sun rises the next day. Bars on the sunrise beach of Haad Rin town stay open and play psychedelic trance, R&B, drum and bass, dance and reggae music. This modern event has now become an essential part of the itinerary for many travelers to South East Asia.

Festivals: The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is the second most popular carnival in the world after Rio Carnival. In 2020, it begins on February 19th and finishes on Saturday 1st March. The origin of this festival dates back to the 15th century, when the carnival was brought to the island after the Spanish conquest in 1492. Like most carnivals, it was the last chance for a feast and giving into excess before Lent. In the 19th century, Tenerife Carnival became official and the first competitions were added to the carnival.

Festivals: The Fantasy Fest
Fantasy Fest is a 10-day parade for grown-ups. Started in 1979 by a small group of Key West locals, the party was created to bring visitors to the island. Fantasy Fest has been growing by leaps and bounds ever since. Fun loving revelers from all over the world bring along their creativity and imaginations to the festival and descend upon Key West for 10 days complete with costuming, parades, libations and other excitement. This festival is quite popular. According to Key’s tourism officials, Fantasy Fest brings about $30 million in annual revenue to the island chain. This year its being held in October and the theme will be “In tune but off Key- Celebrating 40 years of Fantasy”. The 2019 Fantasy Fest Parade begins on Saturday, October 26th at 7 pm.

Festivals: The Inti Raymi
The Sun, that gives us light and supports life, has been at the center of supernatural beliefs in many cultures around the world. Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is one of the major festivals dedicated to the Sun, and is celebrated in Cusco, Peru, on the 24th of June every year. Cusco was once the capital of the Inca empire. Incan culture was based on a profound connection with nature. This relationship was celebrated through religious rituals and ceremonies demonstrating their appreciation of the Sun God for providing them with sustenance. This festival was mainly the celebration of winter solstice but it was banned by the catholic church during the 1570s, because it was considered a pagan ritual.

Festivals: The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is an American annual four-day music festival developed and produced by Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment, Kerry Black, Rick Farman, Richard Goodstone and Jonathan Mayers. The name ‘Bonnaroo’ is a Creole slang which means ‘a really good time’. Established in 2002, the festival typically starts on the second Thursday in June and lasts four days. Bonnaroo was popularized by New Orleans R&B singer Dr. John with his 1974 album Desitively Bonnaroo. Main attractions of this festival are the multiple stages which feature live music with a diverse array of musical styles including indie rock, classic rock, world music, hip hop, jazz, Americana, bluegrass and country music among others. The music acts begin Wednesday evening for early arrivers and continue throughout the festival with performances starting each day around noon. Some stages entertain audience even till sunrise.

Festivals: The UFO Festival
Costume events are events that let you be whatever you want, that let you embrace the other side of you and celebrate what you believe in. One such event is the UFO festival of Roswell, New Mexico. Roswell welcomes UFO enthusiasts and skeptics to join in celebration of the much-debated incident that many believe involved a UFO crashing on a ranch near Roswell.

Festivals: The Busojaras
The Busojaras is an annual celebration of the Sokci in Hungary. It is held during Carnival season in February and lasts for approximately 6 days, ending the day before Ash Wednesday. This festival is celebrated by wearing the traditional mask, and the festivities include folk music, masquerading, parades and dancing. The Buso festival is similar to the Rio Carnival, the Carnival of Venice, and also with the traditions of African tribes. It is also a celebration of the Croats living in the Mohacs.

Festivals: The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, commonly known as Coachella, is an annual music and arts festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, in Colorado Desert. Co-founded by Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen in 1999 and organised by Goldenvoice. The event features artists from genres such as rock, pop, indie, hip hop and electronic dance music, as well as, art installations and sculptures. Various kinds of music are played across various stages built in the premises.

Festivals: The Montreux Jazz Festival
The Montreux Jazz Festival, the second largest annual jazz festival in the world, is held annually in early July in Montreux on the Lake Geneva shoreline. Founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs, Geo Voumard and Rene Langel, it was first held at Montreux Casino in 1971. It lasted for three days and featured almost exclusively jazz artists, with highlights being Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Ella Fitzgerald and Jack DeJohnette among others. Although it started with jazz, it gradually grew its boundaries in the 1970s and today represents artists of nearly every imaginable music style including blues, souls, and rock artists as well. Today the festival lasts about two weeks and has an audience of more than 200,000 people. This year its being held from June 28 to July 13.

Festivals: The Cologne Carnival
The Cologne Carnival is held every year in Cologne, Germany. Traditionally, the carnival season is declared open at eleven minutes past eleven on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, that is, November. The Carnival spirit picks up after the sixth of January in the New Year. It is then declared that merrymaking is officially open at downtown square ‘After Market’ on Thursday before the beginning of Lent. Street carnival, a week-long festival also called ‘the crazy days’, takes place between Fat Thursday and Ash Wednesday. The highlight of the carnival is Rose Monday (also known as Shrove Monday), two days before Ash Wednesday. All through these days, people in Cologne go out masqueraded.

Hello, Barcelona!
Barcelona is one of the most fashionable places in the world. Sense of dressing in Barcelona is quite eclectic with an array of diverse cultures taking the center stage. Fashionistas, hipsters, picos (preppies), and other people have made Barcelona a melting pot of varied cultures. Besides, there are many people who love to dress comfortably and yet stylishly. If you want to not look like a tourist there, you may want to wear suitable clothes for the weather and the time of the place you are in. It goes without saying, wearing weather appropriate dress is a good place to start. Winters, summers and spring are most prevalent seasons in Barcelona. If you’re looking to take a tour during those seasons make sure you pack as per the weather there.

Accessories: Shields
Hear the word ‘Shield’ and you may assume it’s some news on The Avengers. But Beverlyheels sells the real deal. The shield (and not S.H.I.E.L.D) is a piece of personal armor held in the hand, or mounted on the forearm, that is used to intercept specific attacks, like arrows or close combat. Varying greatly in size and shape they also come in different thicknesses. They can be relatively deep, absorbent, or made of wooden planks to suit the requirement. The oldest proof there is of the shield is from the Barbarian invasion in the Middle Ages, where the shield was constructed of poplar tree, lime, or another split-resistant timber, covered in leather or raw hose, and often reinforced with a metal boss, rim or banding. Shields were also often decorated with a painted pattern or an animal motif to depict a specific army or clan.

Festivals: WOMAD
WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) is an international arts festival, founded by English rock musician Peter Gabriel with Thomas Brooman, Bob Hooton, Mark Kidel, Stephen Pritchard, Martin Elbourne, and Jonathan Arthur. The central aim of WOMAD is to celebrate the world’ many forms of music, arts and dance. The first WOMAD festival was held in Shepton Mallet, UK in 1982. Gabriel and his company funded WOMAD, faced financial ruin from high costs of the festival in its very first year, but at the suggestion of Tony Smith, the manager of Gabriel and Genesis, they agreed to play together for a single show, thus rescuing the company and enabling further WOMAD events to take place. Since 1982, WOMAD started traveling to other parts of the world, bringing artists to various locations and entertaining over one million people.

Traveling to Greece
Crystal clear turquoise seas fringed by white-sand beaches, Greece is a land of color, contrast, culture, and natural splendor. Tourism in Greece goes back to ancient times when cultural exchanges took place between Greece colonies of Magna Graeca and Roman Republic. Centuries later, when the Roman empire annexed Greece, ...

Festival: Koningsdag
Koningsdag or King’s Day is a national holiday in the Kingdom of Netherlands. Celebrated on the 27th April (26th if 27th is a Sunday) it marks the birth of King Willem-Alexander. Known for its nationwide free market, this occasion is used by the Dutch to sell their used items. Koningsdag is that day of the year when the Dutch government permits sales in the street without a permit and without the payment of value added tax. It is now a large-scale celebration with special events in public spaces, especially, Amsterdam. In recent years parties and concerts have been held before Koningsdag. Every year, the royal entourage visits a town or municipality in the Netherlands as part of the celebrations. While King’s Day celebrations take place throughout the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a popular destination for many revelers. Often the city’s 750,000 residents are joined by up to one million visitors.

Clothing: Trench Coats
The trench coat is a type of outerwear worn by, both, men as well as women. Since the outerwear of an ensemble is one of the first things people notice, wearing the correct style and color is very important. Traditionally, wearing the coat and tie was pretty much the norm for men in earlier days, but that fashion is becoming less widespread. Nowadays, a coat, especially the trench coat, is worn over jeans and tee, trousers and shirts, and even a dress. Practical and fashionable, these coats are a rage now.

What to wear while in London
Planning to visit London? You may wonder what to wear during the trip. Well, London is all about casuals. Local people are quite casual in their daily wear, even those who work in offices. Of course, there are places and occasions where formal dressing is a must, but beyond that ...

Festivals: Glastonbury
Glastonbury festival is a five-day festival that takes place near Pilton, Somerset, England. Its main focus is on contemporary performing arts, hosting dance, comedy, theater, circus, cabaret and other arts. Regarded as a major event in British culture, the festival is inspired by ethos of the hippie culture, counterculture, and free festival movements. The first festival was hosted by Michael Eavis and was called ‘Pilton Festival’ back then. It was inspired by an open air Led Zappelin concert at the 1970 Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music.

Accessories: Gauntlets
‘Throwing down the gauntlet’. Have you ever thought how this phrase originated? Although, today this phrase means to challenge or confront someone, originally it wasn’t just a metaphor but was a physical action. The word gauntlet has been derived from a French word referring to heavy armored gloves worn by medieval knights. Back when chivalry and honor were very important, throwing a gauntlet at the feet of an enemy or opponent was considered a grave insult, that could only be answered with personal combat. Hence the offended party was expected to ‘take up the gauntlet’ to acknowledge and accept the challenge. To put it simply, gauntlets were gloves worn by soldiers and knights during combat. They protected the hands, forearms and wrist as these were most vulnerable during hand to hand combat. Made of leather and flexible fabric, they are also known as iron or defensive gloves. The toughest types known to man were the Gothic gauntlets, Blade Seizing gauntlets, Scale gauntlets, Palm and Falconers gauntlets among others.

How to dress in Paris
Well known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, Paris is a stunner in all seasons, so, it’s very important to dress to impress at all times. When deciding what to wear to Paris, it is important to remember that Parisian style is tailored and chic ...

Accessories: Staffs
The staff has a long and interesting history. The very first mention of a staff was in the Book of Exodus, where God appears to Moses and asks him what he has in his hand and Moses answers ‘a staff’. That staff miraculously transformed into a snake and then back into a staff. The staff was also used at the parting of the Red Sea, but it started out as a necessary tool for the Shepherd and the traveler. Gradually over time, the staff became a symbol of strength and power in society.

Festivals: Tomorrowland
Some concert goers often crave music festivals that are fun, well organized, and drug free as well. If you are one of them, Tomorrowland festival is the place to go. It is an electronic dance and music festival held in Boom, Belgium. First organised in 2005, it has since become one of the world’s largest and most notable music festivals. Stretching over two weekends, the tickets usually sell out within minutes!

Festivals: Bestival
Bestival is a music festival held every year since 2004 at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wright in South of England. It is a four-day festival usually beginning on a Thursday and ending on Sunday or early Monday. Organised by DJ and producer Rob da Bank along with his wife Josie, it is an offshoot of his Sunday best record label and club nights. Initially attracting 10,000 people, the number grew to 55,000 by 2010.

Fairy Costumes
If you want to know the importance of costumes, think of a favorite character. Superman? Batman, Catwoman? Or, maybe a fairy tale character? One of the first things you will remember well about them is their costume. Costumes have been an integral part of on-screen and on-stage performance. But sometimes, its importance also gets extended to other facets of life as well. Costumes and costume design have a very long history. Its beginnings often refer to the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus who lived in the 5th century BC, and created specific costumes for actors to don during the performance. Art of costuming evolved during the Renaissance where scenery and costumes became increasingly important elements of stage plays.

Accessories: Chaps
Chaps, consisting of leggings and belt, are named after chaparral which is a thick, thorny, low brush, that is designed to protect the legs while horse riding. Unlike trousers they have no seat and are not joined at crotch, but are buckled on over the trousers with the integrated belt. Usually made of leather like material, they were worn for horse riding through bushy terrain. Now, they are used for practical work purposes or for exhibition or show. For example, they have been adapted by cruiser style motorcycle riders like Harley Davidson.

Misc: BDSM
If you are looking to notch up the heat in the bedroom and explore BDSM, then whips and floggers will be a good place to start. Think BDSM and very dark images come to mind. Dark dungeon like room filled with chains, whips, and bondage. Critics call BDSM anti-woman and a support to heteronormative gender norms, but if one looks at the true of history of BDSM, it is all about finding yourself and taking responsibility for it. Bondage, Discipline, Domination, Submission, Sadism and Masochism, or BDSM, is often portrayed in a wrong and ignorant way throughout history. It has become a lifestyle, that has a set of rules, costumes and culture.

Festivals: The Cannes
Festival de Cannes or Cannes Festival, is one of the ‘Big Three’ of the film festivals, the other two being the Venice Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival. Founded in 1932, the Cannes film festival was an invitation-only event held in May at the Palais de Festivals et des Congres. The first festival was planned for 1939, with Cannes as the location. But due to delay in funding and organizing, it coincided with the beginning of World War II, hence putting an end to this plan. Finally, in 1946 twenty-one countries participated in this festival, which took place at the former Casino of Cannes. Although the festival was not held in 1948 and 1950, on account of budgetary issues, the festival came back with a bang in the following years.

Accessories: Wrist Bands
A wristband, in simple words, is an encircling strip or bracelet like band worn on the wrist or lower forearm. It can be worn for functional or decorative use depending on the purpose. Made of different types of materials, the wrist band also serves as a marker of an occasion, a movement, an event or even a statement. Like many trends today, the wristbands too go back to the times of the Ancient Egyptians. There it was mostly used as an ornament. Wrist bands have since evolved and are being used for various purposes for a long time now. The materials used for making wrist bands have also evolved. The modern-day bands that look like gel bands you see today were first made popular during the 1980s.

Ivonna Cadaver
Natalie Popovich, aka Ivonna Cadaver, as she is popularly known, is your one stop shop for all things horror. An American actress who hosts the nationally-syndicated weekly show ‘Macabre theatre’, she currently haunts Hollywood and the Macabre Theatre dungeon showcasing indie horror films and the classics. She is credited with the creation of the character (Ivonna Cadaver) for the show Macabre Theatre. Her sex appeal, wit, and tremendous knowledge of the world of horror takes the show to a whole other level! Rightly she says, ‘Just know Ivonna Cadaver will always keep “light” in an otherwise world of darkness. It’s not what’s inside the dungeon that should scare you, it’s what’s outside’.

Accessories: Handbags
Handbag is an accessory that never got out of style right from the day it was conceived. The first mention of the handbag was from the 14th century, though Egyptian hieroglyphs from much earlier period show pouches being carried around the waist. Those pouches were often decorated with semi-precious stones, pearls and beads. The richer the person, the more decorated was their bag. By the 16th century, handbag designs took a practical turn and started being made from leather and fastened with a drawstring. Cloth bags too were made larger and was mostly used by travelers. The 17th century saw more variety, and both men and women carried small purses in complex shapes. The popularity of embroidery saw the rise of beautiful and unique stitched artwork in handbags.

Materials: Silver
Silver is one of the so-called precious metals, which has long been used in the manufacture of coins and jewelry, because of its comparative scarcity, brilliant white color, and malleability. Though found deep in the Earth’s crust, this metal actually forms in star explosions called supernovae. The first evidence of silver was found back in 3000 BC, in Turkey and Greece. And soon enough, people learnt how to refine silver by heating its ore and blowing air over it, through a process known as cupellation. Archeologists uncovered a trove of silver, including five hoop earrings at a 3200-year old site in Israel. Silver ornaments and decorations have been found in the royal tombs dating back to 4000 BCE.

Accessories: Hair accessories
Hair accessories have been around since humans had hair. Ranging from colored beads to bobby pins, these accessories can be used as both functional, that is, for keeping hair together, and for decorative purposes as well. It has a curious history. The first hair accessory is believed to be the hair ring. It looks a lot like modern day scrunchies and hair elastics. The fist found hair accessory was made of solid gold or clay or lead plated with gold. A similar accessory found in the Egyptian era was made of alabaster, pottery or jasper. Although it is difficult to imagine a hair tie that is not flexible but that’s how it was before elastic was invented.

Festivals: Comic-con
Comic-con is a rather famous festival, mostly because of the celebrities who can be spotted, and also because of the massive amount of cosplay that happens during that time. It is an event that brings together comics creators, science fiction authors, film and television directors, writers and creators from all aspects of the popular arts with their fans for interaction and fun. Over its four and a half decades Comic-con has been a platform for comic books all over the world.

Festivals: St. Patrick's Day
St Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is the day when Saint Patrick (c.AD 385-461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland, passed on. It is celebrated annually on 17th March in Dublin, Ireland. Over time, it has grown to a four- to five-day celebration. This festival was celebrated to develop a major annual festival around the national holiday which would make the Irish proud. It aims to showcase the talents and achievements of the Irish people, regardless of their age or social background. Moreover, it is a festival that spreads energy and excitement throughout Ireland via creativity and grassroots involvement. Lots of publicity and marketing activities are done to raise awareness and urge everyone to participate in the festival.

Clothing: Jeans 2
It’s that time of the year again! Say good bye to woes gone by and get ready for some new excitement. And what can be better than partying into the new year! Now comes the age-old question. What to wear to the party? You have to look cool and classy, plus that special one is going to be there.

Clothing: Capes
The cape, a common costume article, has been used in many other ways since ages. There is no precise time as to when the cape was worn first, but theory has it that the cape has been around since the beginning of time. One of the first accounts of a cape has been found in a costume plate that dates back to 1066. The plate depicts a soldier wearing a cape across his shoulders. Another painting from 1300s shows a woman wearing a cape attached to the collar of her dress. The cape has now evolved from a basic piece of apparel to clothing that signifies power and occupation.

Materials: Lace
Natalie Lloyd once said “I like the Eiffel Tower coz it looks like steel and lace!”. Such is the beauty of lace it gets you to fall in love with it and makes you see it in every beautiful creation on Earth. Although it’s not known when lace was invented, we do know that it appeared around the early sixteenth century. Open woven fabrics and fine nets were available since a long time but sophisticated techniques for lace making were developed in Europe. By the second half of the sixteenth century there the lace developed as an openwork fabric, created with needle and single thread, known as needle lace, or multiple threads called bobbin lace.

Accessories: Pendants
The pendant is a piece of jewelry that has a long history going back as far as the necklace. It is one of the oldest forms of bodily adornment. Materials like stone, shell, pottery and other perishable items were used to make the pendant. The word pendant is derived from the Latin word pendere and old French word pendr, where both translate to “to hang down”. Usually hung in a necklace, it can also be used to hang in the earrings. Pendants are used for more than just jewelry. They can be used as awards, as token of protection and even symbols of self-affirmation.

Festivals: Krampusnacht
Many festivals in the world, whose inception go back to pre-Christian times, have been adapted and modified over time to suit modern day customs. One such festival is the Krampusnacht. Krampus, according to a Central European folklore, is a horned figure described as half man, half demon, who, during Christmas season punishes children who misbehave. The Krampus is the counter to Saint Nicholas who rewards well behaved children with gifts.

Festivals: Rio Carnival
Think Rio, and the first thing that comes to mind is the Rio Carnival. Colorful, exorbitant, the Rio carnival promises a time of your life! Going back in time, a ‘Carnival’ was said to be a Catholic event with its roots in European pagan traditions. Originally, a Carnival was a food festival held before the 40 days of Lent, a period of frugality, starting on Ash Wednesday. The word ‘Carnaval’ came from Latin word ‘carne vale’ which means ‘farewell to meat’. Gradually, the tradition took place once a year on the streets along with a musical party. Other customs were added over time and the Carnival you see now is a melting pot of various traditions, cultures, music and dance.

Misc: Glassware
The first evidence of glass making was found in Syria around 5000BC. But the first archaeological evidence was found to be around 1500 BC in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Initially, manufacturing glass was a very difficult and a slow process. But it became easier with the invention of the blow pipe in Syria in the 1st century. Glass industry expanded manifold in the coming centuries, slumped in the next years, and picked up again in the 700 BC in Mesopotamia and in 500BC in Egypt. Over the next 500 years, Egypt, Syria and other countries along the Mediterranean Sea were centers for glass manufacturing.

Misc: Grip Powder
Grip powder is a high sweat absorbing powder / cream that prevents grip from slipping. It gives a cool, dry feel and helps in giving complete control of the object in hand. The powder is helpful not only in sports such as tennis, gymnastics, and weight lifting, it also helps maneuvering around a pole during pole dancing.

Festivals: Correfoc
The Correfoc is a very popular Catalan and Spanish fire event that is almost an integral part of local festivals in Catalonia, Spain. Relatively a new event, it originated in 1978 at the annual Barcelona Merce Festival, and it has it’s seeds in a medieval street theater called ‘Balls de Diables’ representing the fight of good against evil. For this performance, performers recreate the battle between good and evil by dressing up as devils and brandishing pitchforks with firecrackers attached. They set off fireworks among spectators, who are welcome to interact by chasing and dodging them.

Festivals: The Carnival of Venice
The Carnival of Venice, or Carnevele di Venezia, is an annual festival held in Venice, Italy. It takes place during the days leading up to Lent. It ends with Lent on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday. This festival, known for its elaborate masks, began as celebration of the victory of the Venice Republic against the Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrico di Treven, in 1162. People celebrated it by gathering in San Marco Square and dancing. It is said that this festival became official during the Renaissance.

Style: Punk Fashion
Punk fashion is a trend that emerged in the 1970s and burned bright right from King’s Road in London to CBGB’s in Lower Manhattan. Touted as the ‘undisputed birthplace of punk’, CBGB has supported the punk movement in its own way. In fact, it is said that its owner, Hilly Crystal, used to let his dog Jonathan answer nature’s call all over the club. Punk fashion involves not only the clothes but also hairstyles, cosmetics, jewelry and body modifications. Moguls of designing such as Vivienne Westwood, Anna Sui and Jean Paul Gaultier have all lent their hands in the punk fashion movement by using punk elements in their production. Initially handmade, punk fashion started being mass produced by the 1980s. Many fashion magazines and other glamor oriented media have featured classic punk hairstyles and punk influenced clothing. Preferred footwear includes military boots, motorcycle boots, brothel creepers, Puma Clydes, and Chuck Taylor All-Stars among others.

Festivals: Wave-Gotik-Treffen
Wave-Gotik-Treffen is an annual world festival for “dark” music and arts held in Leipzig, Germany. Spread over several venues in the city, this four-day festival is a host to more than 150 bands and artists of various backgrounds. The date of the WGT varies every year as it is held in the holiday weekend of Pfingsten also known as Pentecost or Whitsun which is 7 weeks after Easter. This festival supports artists from backgrounds like Gothic rock, Industrial, Neofolk, Darkwave, Experimental, Deathrock and Punk music, to name a few. This festival also features several fairs with medieval, gothic, and cultural merchandise. With about 20,000 people attending this festival, the WGT is one of the largest events of Goth, Cybergoth, Steampunk and Rivethead subcultures worldwide.

Jewelry: Bracelet
A bracelet is an accessory that is worn not just as an ornament but it serves other purposes as well. When worn as jewelry, it is used as an accessory to the garment. When worn for cultural and religious purposes, it represents sentiments. A bracelet is also used to solve health issues. Versatile and multi-utilitarian, it can be made from various materials, such as, metal, leather, cloth, plastic, and even beads. Sometimes, jewelry bracelets have rocks, shells, crystals or pearls in them. Depending on the clasp, a bracelet can also be called a bangle. A bangle is usually single and has an inflexible loop. When worn around the ankle, it is called an ‘anklet’. Similarly, when worn around the upper arm it is an ‘armlet’, and a ‘boot bracelet’ when it is used to decorate boots.

Festivals: The Voodoo Fest
The Voodoo Music & Arts Experience, or the Voodoo Fest, is a music and arts festival that lasts several days and is held in City Park in New Orleans. Twice nominated for Pollstar Music Festival of the Year, it has hosted more than 2000 artists since its inception. National artists of all genres, like, Foo Fighters, Eminem, Red Hot Chili Peppers, 50 Cent, Duran Duran and even Ozzy Osbourne, have participated in this festival. This event was first held in 1999 on a Halloween weekend. Initially, it was a single day event on October 30th. In 1999, the festival consisted of three stages and a mix of local and national acts that included artists such as Wyclef Jean and Moby. Gradually, as the market for festivals grew in the US, Voodoo Fest got extended to three days.

Festivals: Halloween
Halloween is a celebration of Christian origin observed in the UK, the US, and many other countries, on October 31. It originated with the Celtic festival of Samhain about 2000 years ago in the Ireland region. The Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead becomes blurred. And, Halloween was the night when ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In the eighth century A.D., Pope Gregory III declared November 1 as a time to honor all saints and soon All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before this Day was known as All Hallows Eve and later on popularized as Halloween. To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires where people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifice to the Celtic deities. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, mainly to ward off ghosts.

Style: Steampunk Fashion
Think steampunk, and the images of post-apocalyptic designed bustier, bodices and jackets come up. Steampunk fashion is a sub-genus of the steampunk movement in science fiction. It is a mixture of science literature and European industrialization. Since its emergence, the aesthetic of steampunk fashion has remained constant whatsoever. Even though this genre was more widespread during the 20th century, it is said to have existed way earlier than that. It grew along with goth and punk movements during the 1980s and 1990s. Variants such as cyberpunk and diesel-punk is said to have emerged during the 1980s as well.

Festivals: Mardi Gras Tradition
Mardi Gras is a tradition associated with age old pagan celebrations of spring and fertility. It first originated in Medieval Europe at the time when Christianity arrived in Rome. The religious leaders then incorporated these traditions into the new faith. This tradition passed through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th century to the French House of the Bourbons.

Accessories: Hats
‘I wear my hat upon my head, I wear my hat upon my hair, I wear it here, I wear it there, my hat and I go everywhere’ – sing the kids in their school. The hat is a versatile accessory and very useful at that. It can be worn for various reasons, be it weather, ceremonies, religious purposes, safety, or even as a fashion accessory. Earlier, a hat used to be an indicator of social status. The military hats denote nationality, rank, branch of service and regiment.

Style: Drag
Drag is slang for wearing clothing of the opposite sex. The term is generally associated with drag queens who are males dressed up in women’s clothing. They often act with exaggerated femininity and wear exaggerated make up for dramatic effects. Some of the reasons people do drag are self-expression, entertainment, or even fulfilling own desires. Drag queens vary widely by class and culture and dedication. Many of their activities involve stage and street performance, singing, dancing and participation in events such as gay pride parades, dark pageants or venues such as cabarets and discotheques.

Misc: Pole Dancing
Think of pole dancing and images of nude women, swinging seductively around a fixed pole, come up. Interestingly though, pole dancing wasn’t meant for strip dancing at all. Its origin, like many things medieval, is not quite clear. According to some theories, the beginnings were traced to a type of sexual dance of African tribes. Again, “mallakhamb” a popular Indian sport is similar to pole dancing, but this sport is meant for male athletes who perform on a wide, wooden pole with a wooden edge. In China, pole climbing is one of the main traditional performances. Here, too, this is performed by male athletes with the use of two 6-meter poles.

Materials: Gold
Gold holds a special place in every human’s heart. Since time immemorial, people have used gold in many ways be it in religion, decoration or even for medicinal purposes. It is a precious metal that is associated with wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Not just the metal, even the color gold is associated with success, passion, magic, and wisdom!

Clothing: Boleros
A Bolero is a short jacket that barely reaches the waist. It is generally worn by men in Spain, but women, too, wear it, usually over a blouse or bodice. Often colored, it owes its origin from bull fighting outfit that percolated down to women’s fashion. A style that started in the 1860s, it has definitely seen a lot of followers till date. The story of its origin is rather fascinating. The Torero in the bullfighting arena needed a light jacket that didn’t hinder movement and that could be discarded quickly if the horn of the bull reached him. At the same time the strike dress code was also to be adhered to. So, in the early 19th century, the bolero was designed to serve both purposes. Soon enough, it caught the fancy of the society ladies. It suited the dressing style of that period, as the jacket was short and so much more convenient than a long jacket.

Festivals: Burning Man
Is it a festival? Not exactly. Burning Man is a community, it is a movement. Held in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA, it’s a global cultural movement where a temporary city is built around this concept. There are no entertainments, no corporate sponsorship, nothing of the sort. It’s a ‘de-commodified’ space that values who you are and not what you have. It’s a place where you can collaborate, be inclusive, be creative and clean up after yourself. First held in 1986 on Baker Beach in San Francisco as a small function organised by Larry Harvey and Jerry James who built the first “Man” (an 8-ft high wooden model), it is held annually spanning a period from last Sunday in August to first Monday in September. The event takes its name from its culmination, the symbolic ritual burning of a large wooden effigy of the Man, which traditionally takes place on the Saturday evening of the event.

Misc: Gifts and Gifting
What is the most exciting part about your birthday? The dress, the cake, the party? Or let’s be honest. It’s the gifts. Getting gifts is a feeling that tops even the presence of that cute boy you invited to the party. Receiving gifts makes everyone feel so important. Gifting is a tradition that dates as far back as man can remember. Humans are social animals and giving gifts is way of expressing feelings for someone. Whether it’s an expression of love, appreciation of a job well done, or even gratitude for someone, gifting is a way of showing how much one cares. It’s a ritual that is ingrained in our DNA.

Clothing: Thongs
This garment when first created made waves in the fashion world. Whenever celebrities wear them it creates a revolution. So much so, that songs have been written in its name. It’s the thong. Generally worn as an underwear or as swimsuit in some countries, it typically resembles a bikini bottom, the difference is that it just covers the genitals, anus and perineum, leaving the buttocks mostly uncovered. It typically consists of a thin waistband and thin strip of material designed to be worn between the buttocks that connects the middle of the waistband with the bottom front of the garment.

Accessories: Mannequins
Mannequins came into use almost the same time as fashion itself. Over the past century, mannequins have been a symbol of advent for window shopping, women’s liberation, wartime rationing, fiberglass and Twiggy, to name a few. A mannequin reflects attitude towards the female form, how it has changed, its relation to patterns in consumer behavior, and developments in materials and technology in each era.

Materials: Leather Clothing and Accessories
Leather, one of the hallmarks of innovations by humans, saw its inception during the days of the early man. Throughout the centuries to the modern day the use of leather garments and accessories continue to catch our fancy and see it get designed in various colors, shapes and sizes.

Clothing: School Girl Skirts
Of all the trending fashion items, the school girl skirt seems to be evolving in almost every country since its inception. Be it a designer piece by Vivienne Westwood or Alicia Silverstone in “Clueless”, the skirt has created its own space in the fashion industry and in a woman’s closet. The school girl look first emerged in the 1920s with the pleated skirts being paired with sailor-style blouses.

Clothing: Tutus
A tutu is a dress worn mostly as a costume in a ballet performance. Made of tarlatan, muslin, silk, tulle, gauze or nylon, it is mostly worn with a bodice. No one knows how the word “tutu” came to be. It wasn’t even recorded until 1881. One of the most widespread theory is that it may have come from the word “tulle”. Others say it is derived from the then French baby talk for bottom, “cucul”. Basically, there are two types of tutus – the “Romantic” tutu that is soft and bell shaped, reaching the calf or ankle, and the “Classical” tutu that is short and stiff, projecting horizontally from waist and hip.

Accessories: Swords
Be it the light saber, Valyrian steel or the Excalibur, if you’re a geek then you have to have "a sword". The sword has caught the fantasy of many since ages. To the uninitiated, a sword is a bladed weapon, longer than a knife or a dagger, intended for slashing or thrusting. It is made of a long blade attached to a hilt. The blade can be straight or curved. Thrusting swords have a pointed tip and are straighter. The slashing kind have both its edges sharpened. There are also swords that are designed for both thrusting and slashing.

Accessories: Cufflinks
Ever thought that the tiny little jewelry on your cuff has rules and trends? Well cufflinks are a statement of their own and should be worn with utmost pride. Cufflinks are a type of jewelry that are used in shirt cuffs to secure it. It first made an appearance in the 1600s but did not become quite common until the 18th century. The cuff links were developed for men’s shirt only. Men have been wearing shirts and shirt-like items since 5000 years. After the Middle Ages the visible areas of the shirt, such as the neck, chest and wrists, presented an opportunity for decoration in the form of frills, ruffs and embroidery. Frills that hung down from the sleeves were worn to formal setting during the 18th century and those frills were contained with ribbons or button in casual settings.

Clothing: Shawls
A shawl is a simple garment that is worn loosely over the shoulders, upper body and arms, and sometimes also over the head. Usually a rectangular or square piece of cloth, it is often folded into a triangular shape to be worn over the shoulders. The first shawls were used in the Assyrian times and later went into widespread use in the Middle East.

Footwear: Lolitas
The main feature of the Lolita fashion is the sheer volume and shape of the skirt that is girlish and pretty. The volume can be created with a petticoat or a crinoline underneath and its shape is mainly A-shaped or clock shaped. A Lolita costume mainly consists of a blouse with a skirt or a dress, that extends to the knees. Some Lolitas prefer to wear Victorian style drawers under their petticoats. Followers of this culture usually pair the dress with a fashion wig along with other headwear like hair bows or bonnet or ribbon, and high heels or flat shoes. The One Piece (OP) became a popular garment in that fashion.

Clothing: Pantyhose
Allen Gant Sr., owner of textile company Glen Raven Mills, once asked his wife “How about we made a pair of panties and fastened the stockings to it”? The wife stitched some crude garments together, tried them on, and handed them over to her husband. Allen, then with the help of his colleagues Arthur Rogers, J.O. Austin, and Irvin Combs, developed what they called the “Panti-Legs”. Their product, the world’s first pantyhose, began being sold in department stores in 1959. But not so surprisingly the pantyhose didn’t start to sell off the rack immediately. Though the idea was novel and the product convenient, it actually started selling once women started wearing the miniskirt, that is, in the mid-1960s. Called by various names in different states, for example, “sheer tights” in England, or “tights” or “leggings” in America, the pantyhose proved to be one versatile garment.

Clothing: Robes
The robe is a loose-fitting, comfortable outer garment that is made from rich brocade silk, linen or cotton. It is a sort of a dressing gown that was earlier used during morning ablutions and was also worn in the evening while relaxing. The robe became popular in the western world in the early 1700s. Tracing its history, the actual garment was derived from banyan, an informal coat worn by men in 18th century that has sleeves and body cut as one piece. By the 1800s the ladies began to wear dressing gowns and robes to break free from their tightly laced corsets. Robes were worn with undergarments for breakfast, sewing and general relaxing to maintain propriety around servants.

Accessories: Umbrellas
It’s funny how we don’t think too much about the things we use daily or frequently. It could have an ancient origin or maybe something really new. One of them is the umbrella. The origin of umbrella is quite eventful. In its earliest appearances, the umbrella was made of a simple palm leaf. Although it’s a general accessory now, the palm leaf umbrella used to be a status symbol. The umbrellas, of course, were used for protection from the rain and the sun as well.

Clothing: Aprons
Derived from the French word “naperon”, meaning a small tablecloth, an apron is a garment worn in the front of the body for practical, decorative and ritualistic purposes. Aprons can also depict the rank or a group affiliation of the wearer. Often the first garment a sewing student learns to stitch, its design can be simple and tough or delicate and intricate. Made of cotton, muslin, linen, canvas leather, rubber or lead, the apron’s material depends on its functionality.

Clothing: Garters
Garters are narrow bands of fabric fastened about the leg, used to keep the stockings or socks from slipping. In the 18th to 20th centuries, the garters were worn just beneath the knee. Although after the advent of the elastic the need for garters has reduced, it is still used as a fashion accessory. They are worn by men and women alike depending on the fashion trends. It consists of an elasticated material strip that is usually 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) in width. It can be wider. Two or three elastic suspender slings are attached on each side where the material is shaped to the contour of the body. Suspenders are typically clipped to stockings with metal clips into which a rubber disc is inserted through stocking material to hold it in place.

Clothing: Kikoys
The kikoy (also spelled kikoi), is a garment that is traditionally used by men as a wraparound in countries where the weather is hot. The Kikoy cloth dates back to first century AD and was worn by Arab traders. Over the years, Kenyan fishermen and East Africans integrated the Kikoy fabric as a part of their traditional dress because of their beautiful, vibrant colors and designs. The traditional handwoven cloth from Kenya is rectangular in shape with a length of 160 cm and width of 100 cm.

Clothing: Teddies
A teddy, or the camiknicker, is a garment that covers the torso and crotch in one garment. Earlier it was referred to as “teddy bear” or “teddy bear suits”, now it’s just “teddy”. It looks similar to a swimsuit or bodysuit but is typically loose and more sheer. Formerly called “envelope chemise”, it came up around 1911 and was worn next to skin, replacing the bra and panties, or over the bra like a slip. It is put on by stepping into the leg holes and pulling the garment up to cover the torso. As an undergarment, it combines the function of a camisole and panties. It can also pass as lingerie.

Clothing: Bandoliers
From military men to Michael Jackson, the Bandolier has been the bad ass companion for people of action. A Bandolier, originally, was a common issue to soldiers from the 16th century to the 18th century, known to have contained either pre-packaged chargers, or small containers of wood, metal or cloth containing the measured amount of gunpowder. Although any bag worn in the same style may also be described as a bandolier bag, an ammunition holding pocketed belt can also be called a bandolier. The design evolved in the 19th century when the bandolier started holding more modern metallic cartridges and hand grenades. The bandolier was used to keep ammunition off the soldier’s hips, as carrying too much weight on the hips can constrain movement.

Clothing: Cinchers
Two years after the World War II, Christian Dior, the French couturier heralded the ‘New Look’ that took the world by storm. The New Look symbolized radical femininity – tight-fitting jackets, A-line skirts and cinched waist. A waist cincher or a “waspie” is a belt worn around the waist to make the wearer’s waist physically smaller, or to create the illusion of being small. The clincher existed even in the 1900s. Back then they were worn on top of clothes and were more of a fashion statement. With time, the clincher like corsets and girdles started being worn as undergarments.

Clothing: Scarf - Scarves
Queen Nefertiti, known for her beauty and brains, was also known for bringing about a modern accessory in trend – the scarf. As far back as 1300 BC, Queen Nefertiti wore a scarf-like fabric under her iconic cone shaped head dress. A scarf is a piece of fabric made from cotton, silk, wool, or other material, and it is worn around the neck for warmth, protection from sun, religious purposes, or fashion.

Clothing: Camisoles
Ever since you noticed Alicia Wikander’s camisole and boyfriend jeans, you must have thought of replicating the look for yourself. And why not! Camisoles are not just stylish, they are sexy as well. Also known as cami, the camisole is a loose fitting sleeveless woman’s undergarment that covers the top part of the body. This waist length, button-less undergarment came into existence in early 20th century and was worn under the corset, and then as the dressing style evolved it started to be worn over the bra.

Materials: Fishnets
Red nail polish, red lipstick and stilettos, all signs of femininity and sexual intrigue. But one thing that binds them together is the fishnet stockings. A fishnet is a type of hosiery with an open, diamond shaped knit that is mostly used as stockings, tights or body-stockings. Although available in many colors, black is the most popular one.

Accessories: Lighters
The cave man couldn’t possibly imagine fire can be produced even without rubbing two rocks together. But when man started rubbing matches he certainly wanted something that would produce the fire without having to strike so much. One thing led to another and Mother Necessity gave birth to the lighter. The first lighters were converted flintlock pistols that used gunpowder.

Accessories: Eyewear
Eyes are the windows to our soul and the eye wear attracts a lot of attention to it. They also affect how trust worthy we look. Fashionable or not, they certainly are champs at making first impressions.

Clothing: Leotards
Ever seen Jane Fonda in those barely-there leotards and wonder where that workout costume came from? It is the leotard that catapulted her from actress to a worldwide sex symbol and is used as an example of fitness till now. A leotard is a skin-tight one-piece garment that covers the torso and leaves the legs exposed. Worn by acrobats, dancers, athletes and circus performers among others, they are often teamed up with ballet skirts on top and tights and, sometimes, bike shorts as underwear.

Clothing: Leg Warmers
Think Madonna from the 80s and you’ll conjure up a blonde girl with a netted skirt, half shirt, and a leg warmer. The trend of the iconic leg warmers continues to this day, in various colors and lengths. A leg warmer is a garment that covers the lower legs, look similar to socks but is thicker and, usually, footless. Made of various fabrics like wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers, the leg warmer varies in length depending on the stretchiness of the fabric. Commonly worn between the ankle and just below the knee, you can wear it anyway you want.

Style: Military
The Military style clothing came into being after the World War I due to a supposed deficiency of casual garments. The hippies were the first to embrace the military style clothing during the 1960s. But its popularity as a mass fashion trend peaked during the 80s and also found influence in women’s fashion. From camouflage prints to military coats, the military fashion trends take cue from a soldier’s apparel.

Clothing: Rompers
Can a piece of clothing be worn by, both, babies and adults? Can it prove to be comfortable for both? Oh yes, it can. Say hello to the Romper! The Romper has been baby wear since the early 1900s. It is a form of clothing where its bottom is connected to the top and covers the arms and the legs. In the early 1900s, they were popular playwear for children in the U.S. as they were perceived to have ample moving space and comfort of wearing. The first advertisement for rompers came out as a “pinafore” like garment that is easy to play in and made of pure cotton for easy wash. Rompers in many ways was the first modern casual clothing for children.

Clothing: Gloves
As the name suggests the “glove” is a garment covering the hand. Derived from the Old English word “glof” it was first seen in 440 BC when the Greeks used it to protect their hands in boxing matches or while working. According to translations of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’, Laertes wore gloves while walking in the garden so as to avoid the brambles. But these gloves seemed to be different from the gloves we wear today. Gloves those days were more of a “gauntlet”. A gauntlet could be made of leather or some kind of metal armor and was an essential part of a soldier’s uniform. Thankfully, with the advent of firearms, hand to hand combat reduced, and with it, the use of gauntlet also went down.

Jewelry: Head Pieces
With status comes prestige and with prestige comes fashion. One of the most common pieces of women’s fashion since time immemorial is the head piece. Be it metallic, mesh-work, fringed or made with precious stones, the headpiece has been long associated with royalty. It also has religious significance. A head piece, worn for decoration or protection, is typically a thin metallic crown, headband, or tiara worn around the forehead.

Materials: Feathers
The Egyptians wore it, and so did the Amazonians, and later the Europeans. Prada, Fendi and Burberry might have glamorized it now, but the feathers have been around since the Ancient Ages.

Clothing: Bandeaus
What is common between sportswomen of the Roman Ages, medieval day nuns and present-day pop stars? The band around the breast, called “bandeau”! In French, “bandeau” simply means a garment comprising a strip of cloth. Today, this term is used for a type of garment that wraps around a woman’s breasts. Be it for sports, swimwear or fashion, the bandeau is now accepted as a regular wear item.

Materials: Mirrors
Since prehistoric times, human beings were curious about how they look. Water was nature’s way of providing the early man a way to look at himself. But of course, more clarity was needed. Although, the first man made glass dates way back to the 4000 BC, it was in 1500 BC that the first hollow glass container was made by covering a sand core with a layer of molten glass. The technique of blowing glass was invented in Babylon in 1 AD.

Clothing: Socks
Did you know there’s a town in China named Datang that produces 8 billion pairs of socks per year? And why not! Socks protect you from the cold. It protects you from sweat on a hot day. It can be worn with shoes or even without. This is one garment that even the stone age man used. If you’re one of those, who don’t give much thought to what kind of socks you’ll wear with your ensemble, you’ll be surprised to know that they have been a symbol of modernity and style even before your great-great grandfather’s time.

Clothing: Neckties
The controversial necktie, a piece of clothing worn usually by men around the neck and knotted at the throat, is a “pointless and cumbersome accessory” for some and a symbol of elegance and refinement for others. The tie worn today evolved in the 1920s but that design has undergone many changes with the times, the main change being in the way it is tied.

Clothing: Miniskirts
The miniskirt, a jewel in the crown of the sixties fashion, still holds a special place in the hearts of many fashionistas. The garment, however, originated more than 3000 years ago, say archaeologists. They found Vinca Figurines, from the Vinca culture, which looked like women in miniskirt-like garments.

Clothing: Kilts
We fell in love with Mel Gibson in “Braveheart” with his ripped body and smart kilt. The kilt represented not only the valor of Sir William Wallace but also his spirit of independence. The word “kilt” has a Scandic origin and has been derived from the Old Norse word “kjalta”. Known as the national dress of Scotland, it was first seen way back in the 16th century when it appeared as the belted plaid or “great kilt”. It was a full length garment whose upper half was worn as a cloak draped over the shoulder.

Clothing: The Hoodie
A "hoodie", simply put, is a sweatshirt with a hood. The word "hood" has been derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" that translates to the English word “hat”. This garment style first found its roots in Medieval Europe, with monks wearing the hooded robes and a chaperone wearing a hooded cape.

Clothing: Tiaras
A Tiara is a jeweled, ornamental crown traditionally worn by women, during formal occasions, particularly if the dress code is white tie.

Clothing: Cardigans
The cardigan is a collarless sweater or a jacket that opens full length down the front. It is such a common piece of clothing that you might not have given much thought to when it was invented and how it became popular.

Clothing: Monokinis
Inventor of the monokini, Rudy Gernreich, rightly said, “Bosom will be uncovered within five years”. This was back in 1964. And that was the beginning of the revolutionary monokini, which was originally a topless swimsuit that exposed the female breasts.

Clothing: Halter Neck Tops
Imagine a soft summer breeze, sitting beside the fountain with an ice cream cone in your hand. What goes with it? A halter neck top. A halter neck is a style of women’s clothing that has its shoulder straps running from the front of the garment to the back of the neck, leaving most of the back uncovered. The name has been derived from livestock halters. Used with swimsuits to maximize sun exposure, it is also quite popular with shirts or dresses to create a backless design. The halter design was at its most popular during the late 1960s and 70s.

Clothing: Catsuits
When Halle Berry, in her black catsuit and red lips, mouthed meow in “Catwoman”, many hearts went fluttering. A catsuit is a one-piece form-fitting garment that covers the whole body, of course, in variations of designs. Usually in stretchable material such as lycra, chiffon, spandex, or latex, they are designed with a zipper in the front or back or pulled on over with a neck opening.

Materials: Faux Leather PU
One way of being cruel to animals is producing leather! So, scientists have found a feasible substitute to leather – Polyurethane. Invented by Professor Dr. Otto Bayer in 1930s, Polyurethane or PU is a man-made material that can be made into fine threads and when combined with nylon, it is used to make lightweight, stretchable garments. It is a waterproof fabric, but could also be cotton or a poly blend that has been heat laminated to a polyurethane layer. Being light weight and durable they have found use in various industries such as medical, diapers and active wears. Wide spread use of PU was seen during World War II, when they were utilized as substitute for rubber.

Materials: Vegan Leather
Animal cruelty is just one of the many forms of acts of human perversion. You wouldn’t kill a puppy for pleasure, then why kill it to only tear off its furry hide and convert it to a shoe? For years, innocent animals have been inflicted with unspeakable amount of torture just to create products in the name of luxury fashion. But now people are beginning to see the wrong in this and starting to correct the malpractice and finding alternate routes to sustainable materials. One of them is vegan leather.

Accessories: Watches
Gordon Bethune once said “Watches are the only jewelry man can wear, unless you’re Mr. T”. True to this statement, watches have come a long way from being a timekeeper to a piece of jewelry for both, men and women. But this was not always the case. When the watch was first invented you couldn’t even wear it on your wrist. Queen Elizabeth I in fact helped inspire modern day design of the wrist watch. In 1571, her court favorite, Robert Dudley, gifted her an ‘arm watch’- a watch that could be worn on her arm. After that, Abraham-Louis Perrelet invented pocket watches in 1770, but the first “automatic” wristwatch was invented in 1923 by a British watch repairer named John Harwood.

Materials: Sequins
Year 1922, Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb was found and opened. When his mummy was studied closely, gold sequin like discs were found sewn into his royal garments. It was assumed that his mummy was prepared for the afterlife this way. But sewing on metals and coins was not just prepping for the afterlife but as display and storing of wealth as well. In fact, the word ‘sequin’ has been derived from the word “sikka” meaning coin or coin minting die. Later, sewing gold and precious metals on men’s garments became a status symbol in Egypt, India and Peru, and also to ward off evil.

Jewelry: Jewelry
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, or so goes the quote that describes woman’s love for jewelry. Be it necklace, ring or earring, as long as its stylish, make it rain! But the kind the jewelry we see today is not what it used to be when the concept first came to light.

Footwear: Cowboy Boots
Some argue the Huns wore them first and some say it came from Kansas. Some wear it for work and some for fashion. Whatever the reason, the cowboy boots buzz refuses to die down through the decades.

Footwear: Peep Toes
Not all peeping toms are pesky! Some of them add to your sex appeal. Worry not, we’re talking about shoes here! The peep toe shoe is comparatively a newer cousin to the closed pumps, or simply said, a hybrid of the closed shoe and the open toes shoe.

Clothing: Bikinis
Garrison Keillor hit the spot when he said, 'A girl in a bikini is like having a loaded gun on your coffee table. There's nothing wrong with them, but it's hard to stop thinking about'. As bikinis are getting tinier and women's bodies getting sexier, this smart piece of clothing is here to stay.

Footwear: Biker Boots
A sign of rebel and sexiness, the biker boots have long been used in Hollywood for its heroes in similar roles. This is one style of boots that have been made for one purpose but is fashionable in other cults as well. Apart from serving the obvious purpose - biking, the Biker boots are also an icon in the fashion world such as rock style, punk and indie.

Footwear: Sneakers
In the 18th century when the upper class was busy with their heels and boots, the poorer segment wore rubber soled shoes, known as plimsolls. The plimsolls didn't have a right or a left foot and were dubbed "sneakers" as the wearer could sneak around without being heard. In 1876, Charles A Eaton started the world's first trainer company and opened his first shoe factory called Etonic. The sneakers became popular as a training shoe in the 1900s and the earliest running shoe with spikes was invented for atheletes. The process of vulcanization was used to develop canvas upper sneakers called Keds.

Clothing: Corsets
As Jennifer Hewitt said, "To all girls with butts, boobs, hips and a waist, put on a bikini - put it on and stay strong." This powerful medium never fails to inspire positive feelings about ourselves and about our bodies.

Clothing: Jeans
Jeans has been a symbol of culture for 140 years or more. It is one of the simplest, most versatile garment that does not differentiate between classes, gender and age groups.

Clothing: Leather Jackets
The leather jacket dates back to World War I, when the leather bomber was introduced for fighter pilots. It came into commercial use in the 1920s when Irving Schott first invented the motorcycle jacket and sold it for $5.40 at Harley Davidson. Women too were not far behind in flaunting the leather jacket. Amelia Earhart, an early contingent for gender equality, flaunted the aviator leather jacket during both world wars. The leather jacket was popular not only because it looked sexy, it became a must-have because of its protective edge.

Accessories: Wigs
It wasn't till the 16th century, that wigs started being used for cosmetic purposes, to enhance one's appearance. It also solved the practical problem of head lice compelling people to shave their heads and wig was an easy replacement.

Footwear: Thigh High Boots
Thigh high boots usually conjure up images of musketeers, pirates and cavaliers. Also known as top boots, hip boots or waders, thigh highs have been around since the 15th century. They were usually featured in medieval paintings. Originally created as a man's riding boot in the 15th century, they became a part of women's fashion during late 20th century. This style of boots also gave rise to the term "bootlegging", which came from the practice of concealing hip flasks containing alcohol in the boots.

Accessories: Aviator Sunglasses
What's common between Tom Cruise in 'Top Gun' and Leonardo DiCaprio in 'Catch Me If You Can'? Both sported the aviator sunglasses for their roles and set a million hearts fluttering. But the Aviators, before becoming a fashion statement, was a utility item for fighter pilots.

Footwear: Monks
According to a theory, in the 15th century a monk from the Alps created a special form of sandals and the shoes got its name thereafter. An English gentleman took note of the shoes while visiting and took a pair with him home. When he got back to England, the locals were so smitten with the shoe that it became popular almost immediately.

Footwear: GoGo Boots
Think 1960's, think sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. The year that saw the release of the iconic book "Sex and the Single Girl" also saw the emergence of many whacky fashion trends including the go-go boots.

Footwear: Derbies
A Derby, also known as a Gibson, is a style of boot that is characterized by open lacing, where quarters with shoe lace eyelet are sewn on top of the vamp. This type of shoe became popular as a more comfortable version of the Oxfords that could fit into feet of any shape.

Footwear: Gladiators
As the name suggests, these sandals were worn by Gladiators in the Roman empire. The first Gladiator match was arranged in 274 BC by Marcus and Decimus who wanted to honor their deceased dad, Junius Brutus. This 'sport' filled the stadiums for the next 700 years. It also became the most recognized symbol of historical culture. Needless to say, their footwear had to be sturdy enough to support their bulky bodies and hours of fighting. A symbol of strength and power, it was also worn because of their comfort, durability and flexibility.

Footwear: Brogues
With Katherine Hepburn and Maryln Deitrich incorporating it in their fashion wardrobe and supermodels walking the ramp in it, be assured whether it's shopping or a work day you cannot go wrong with the Brogues.

Footwear: Oxfords
Think Oxford shoes, two things come to mind. Blue eyed British men and high tea parties. But the history of the Oxfords is pretty interesting. There are two theories of origin.

Footwear: Slides
Also known as slide sandal, it is a backless, open-toed shoe that is easy to 'slide' on and off the foot when the wearer wants to. They are either high-heeled or flat and may cover the entire foot from ankle to toe, or may have one or two narrow straps. The strap(s) can be a thick, thin, woven, braided, twisted or knotted. Slides have been in trend because consumers' desire for a more comfortable shoe that allows them to participate in physical activities and sports of their choice.

Footwear: Slippers
The word "slippers" comes from the verb "to slip". Though its origin is thought to be from the East, they have been worn by every culture. It can be described as a light pair of footwear that is easy to put on and off. The various types of slippers include open toe slippers, closed slippers, slipper boots, evening boots and sandal slippers. Functionality was one reason why it became popular in medieval Europe. In 18th century, ladies of royalty had their boudoirs stocked with various fashionable slippers - delicate, with swan feathers, gilled with big lumps and with a little snubbed toe cap.

Footwear: Slingbacks
A slingback is a type of sandal that is distinguished by a strap that crosses behind the heel or ankle. It comes in a wide variety of styles from casual to dressy, with heel height types ranging from a stiletto, a wedge or open- or closed-toe. Usually adjustable through a buckle or elastic segment, it allows the wearer to hold the foot in the sandal securely. The buckle is usually made of metal, plastic or sometimes stone.

Footwear: Mules
A "Mule" is a French word for a shoe that is backless and often closed toed. Predominantly wore by women, the heel size can vary from fat to high. Usually worn within the bedroom, the Mule has a sordid history and when Comtesse d'Olonne, the risqué society beauty, wore a soft red pair of mules to church in 1694, it paved the way for the style. Variations were later seen being donned within the French Court by Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette throughout the eighteenth century.

Footwear: Sandals
It might be one of the most basic shoes in your closet, but sandals have a long history. The Greeks wore them, the Romans fought in them and the Egyptians strutted in them. The sandals have been around since the beginning of organized civilizations.

Footwear: Pumps
The first elevated footwear was seen in ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In Egypt, they were used by the ruling class, trickling down to the middle class in Greece, and then to the masses in Rome. Paradoxically - while the wealthy customized their own designs, heeled shoes were most commonly associated with female prostitutes.

Footwear: Marabous
The Marabou has long been associated with glamor and sex appeal. When the heel was added, it was as though the naked heel and ankle of the woman's foot was placed on a pedestal … needless to say, it looked highly erotic. The Marabou mule soon became trendy in the bedroom.

Footwear: T-Straps
A T-strap shoe basically has a pointed toe with a strap that reaches towards the ankles from the center of the toe to a horizontal strap circling the ankle. This shoe style, very popular during the 1920s when fashion dictated women to show off their legs and feet, covers the ankle and toe but otherwise shows a great deal of the foot. The heel size can vary from one inch to up to three inches.

Footwear: D'Orsays
The d'Orsay was named after and created by Alfred Guillame Gabriel, Count d'Orsay, a prominent noble man, an eclectic artist who married into British aristocracy. A former soldier with the French military, he created the d'Orsay as military shoes in 1838. The flat shoes had low cut sides, to accommodate wide feet and a v-shaped vamp for a snug fit. Although the shoes worked for military wear, it became popular amongst the female aristocrats who soon adopted the style.

Footwear: Mary Janes
Bar shoes became known as Mary Janes after the Brown Shoe Company of Missouri began marketing the shoes naming it after the popular cartoon character Buster Brown and his sister Mary Jane in 1904. While Mary Janes have remained popular young girls' footwear, adult women began to wear them in the 1960's and there's no looking back since then.

So, what classifies as a Mary Jane? It will have at least one strap, if not more. It will always, always have closed tip, but the heel size depends on the comfort of the wearer.

Footwear: Wedges
If wedges are your knight in shining armor during style crisis days, you have Salvatore Ferragamo to thank. It was 1940 when Italy plunged into a crisis for its economic sanctions against it and Salvatore Ferragamo could no longer purchase steel for his traditional heels. He experimented with pieces of Sardinian cork, pushing and gluing and fixing and trimming until the entire space between the sole and the heel was blocked solid. After a few weeks, it became one of the most popular styles.

Accessories: Backpacks
The only difference between backpacks and Stone Age tools is that backpacks are only 130 years old. Many cultures have employed sacks, baskets and bags carried on their backs for centuries, and evidence of a functional backpack, known as the Otzi backpack, dated back to 3300 BC.

Footwear: Stilettos
A classic piece of footwear, be it on the runaway, out with friends, or at the workplace, stilettos are a friendly pair to move with. When Roger Vivier designed the shoe for Dior in 1954, he didn’t just create a new genre of heels, he created a sensation, a statement that enabled women to emphasize their body line and their sexuality. In a time when poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and pony tails were in style, leather and denim became popular as the rebellious counterpart. Stilettos added a sexier edge to the ruggedness.