We love informed customers over here so with that said, let's get into this quick silver informational! First up? It's important to know that silver in its purest form can be very soft and pliable. To strengthen it and make it user friendly for jewelry and a host of other uses, another metal is typically added to silver to serve as a strengthener. Almost always, the additional metal used is copper. Case in point, the Tuareg tribe bangles above from the Q.A.C webstore. Made of silver, they also have coper added. As mentioned, this not only strengthen the bangles (preventing them from being super malleable and breaking apart), but it gives them a pretty, ever so light golden undertone.
Fulani Fashion
Welcome back from a long 4th of July weekend! While soaking up some sun and much needed rest, I also had the chance to snap some great pics of my latest anthropological fashion find! This week, we're bringing our attention back to the Fulani Tribe, however this time, we're taking a look at a male fashion staple.
Birthday Celebration Fit for a Queen!
Beyond Bohemian
As we continue to feature items soon to be released in the Q.A.C webstore for purchase June 1st, in this week's Cultural Beauty series, I wanted to feature the Rabari Tribe of India. Not only are these strong women leaders in their communities, but for the better part of thousands of years, they have been at the forefront of what is now being called "Boho / Bohemian" fashion. Now lets pause here, because if we're being really honest here? The traditional accessories these women wear goes so far beyond the generic term "boho."
Deep in the Heart of Kenya
Last week week I discussed the beauty of the Gambian people, specifically the Mandingo tribe, and their close relationship with the arts and craftsmanship. Of the many pieces the Gambia people brings to life, one of their most beautiful creations is their 100% amber necklaces.
This week, our eyes turn to the country of Kenya and it's world renowned Maasai Tribe. One of the key fashion staples found in Maasai cultural designs is the presence of intricate beadwork.
From Gambia with Love - Amber Necklace
All that said, over the next few weeks I'll have special accessories to present to you guys! First up, we have this amazeballs necklace from Gambia, W. Africa. Besides its international origin and obvious beauty, even in its simplicity what makes this necklace special? What I love is that this particular necklace is made of amber stones!
Vintage & Culture - Shopping Vintage (Part 2)
That said, why vintage? Why wear or discuss dated 20 ... 30 ... 60 year old articles of clothing if the purpose of this space was to highlight / celebrate global culture and it's impact on fashion? Simply put, when closely examined, we see that vintage pieces are culture. Rather, these garments offer yet another historical context to a group’s “way of life.” Vintage clothing is reflective of the human experience and can even showcase a time and place that may or may not exist any longer. It encapsulates a feeling of an era while speaking to the mood or circumstances of people from that time period. From sparse and modest clothes of the Puritan Era to glittery, extravagant, "in your face" clothing of the 1980s ... People have always had a close connection between the garments they chose the relationship to their environment or moment in history.