Potterwatch
I could go on and on about how much I love Harry Potter and why it is such a wonderful series. I love some of the characters almost as if they were real people. Like members of my family. I know quiet a few people who feel the same way. Yet, some people don’t share that same passion. That is fine. For now. But either way, you can’t deny the fact that Harry and his friends have become cultural phenomenons. They’ve influenced the lives of people who’ve never read the books or seen the movies. One place they’ve been rather successful: fashion.
A clean, elegant, and educated finish tends to be popular in the fall as people head back to school. Girls become bookishly beautiful in blazers and cashmere. Boys look well smart in sweater vests and pressed button-ups. But recently, pieces reminiscent not just of school uniform touches but magic school uniforms have appeared. Starting in 2006 capes are making a comeback on the runway. The short cape is a more functional, modern, and affordable alternative. (Sorry, there is still no break through on bringing a line of invisibility cloaks to your near-by department store.)
Richard Chai Fall 2006 RTW, Giles Fall 2008 RTW - www.style.com
In fact, Chloé creative director Hannah MacGibbon counts her friend Clemence Poésy, the actress who plays the stunning Fleur Delacour, as one of the women in her life who inspires her.
Chloé 2010 Spring RTW - www.style.com
Belstaff helped the film’s costume director dress Harry in the new film, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. In the past Belstaff also styled other big screen Indiana Jones and Bruce Wayne - two geeks who still dress well and have a comparable fan following. Buy the New College Blouson. (source)
With the strong marketing strategy of Warner Brothers quirky accessories such as wands, feather quill pens, and jewelry are available at The Noble Collection which sells duplicates of favorite props. For those fans who want to dress for the day without looking like they just left a convention or premier party try adding just one item that echoes your love for Harry and Hogwarts. Jewelry specifically provides a subtle touch to outfits in a simple yet unique way. Buy the Trophy and Bolt earring set or buy the necklace. Both are by Anna Sheffield for Target.
Or take notes from the number of people who have gone a step further and have actually stepped into Harry’s shoes, so to speak. (And when I say shoes I mean specs.) Natasha Cowan for the Telegraph reported that when Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince came out there was a 100% sales increase for the round, silver rims at Glasses Direct. Buy the glasses. (source)
But it is not just the books and movies that are the only sources for inspiration. The young actors who grew up on the camera over the course of the six current films have also become icons. Emma Watson personifies the young, fun, put-together English lady. Her ad campaign for Burberry epitomizes the classic taste from across the pond.
The bleeding over of JK Rowling’s fictional world into our reality just goes to show that magic isn’t always part of your imagination. Fashion brings fantasy to life. Just remember, “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
