When I say Fedora, you instantly picture a classic scene: It's dark, most likely raining, a siren wails in the distance and a soft plume of smoke rises from a cigarette as a man steps out of the shadows, wearing a trenchcoat and a slick, stylish fedora on his head with the brim pulled down low over his eyes.  He says "Here's looking at you, kid."  (clutch heart, faint.)

The Fedora almost has it's own identity - one it has maintained through various incarnations of pop culture trends but always staying true to it's basic message: Class. Contrary to popular belief, the Fedora was a popular women's style before it became the classic film noir calling card for men's fashion.  The hat that we now call the Fedora existed before we called it the Fedora - most likely known as the Homburg, but the name Fedora stuck because of the popularity of one woman.    In 1882 the tragic, dramatic stage and later silent screen actress Sarah Bernhardt starred as the heroine in a French play called Fedora, by Victorien Sardou, in which she played Princess Fedora. Bernhardt, a.k.a The Divine Sarah, was considered the most important actress of her time so even 100 years before Madonna, throngs of women were dressing like their idols. Women had been wearing widebrimmed, elaborate hats at the end of the 1800s and with the introduction of open-air cars and public transit - often quite crowded - you can imagine the potential problems. Also, men of society never stepped out without a hat so the practicality of the short brimmed, flexible fabric Fedora worked for everyone.   The theme of the play Fedora was Nihilism and carnality (Madonna again anyone?) and she took her roles seriously. It was during this time that she acquired her famous coffin, in which she often slept in lieu of a bed, claiming it helped her understand her many tragic roles. In a performance of Fedora in Seattle in 1923, she arrived in true diva (pre-Madonna) fashion, entourage and all, in a special 12-car train comprising three Pullman cars, two private cars, a day coach, five baggage cars, and the engine. One of the Pullman cars was Mme. Bernhardt’s personal car, a traveling home “fitted up in the most elaborate style” as “a palace on wheels.”

Sarah Bernhardt, emoting the Drama

Today the Fedora has become a stylish accessory for men and women. The official definition of a Fedora is any hat creased down the center, pinched on both sides of the front and worn with the brim bent down low over the eyes. A similar style is the Panama hat - usually made of a lighter fabric or woven straw, with a fabric sash.  Panama was the first stop for these hats first made in Ecuador and the term Panama Hats stuck as a result of President Theodore Roosevelt wearing the hat on a visit to the construction of the Panama Canal. The first Fedoras were made of a heavier felt leaving the Panama hat to become associated with the tropics, and any seaside locales due to it's lighter fabric. Both styles were and still are popular due to the ability to protect the wearer's head from the wind and weather, and the fact that they are great for traveling.   Most versions of both styles can be rolled up for storage and easily pop back into shape.  How many trends can you say that about?

Jenni from DailyWorkit shared some great photos with us shot on a rooftop in New York City. 

Photos courtesy of Daily Workit and feature Echo's cheetah print infinity ring

What is a Polka Dot? And what's it got to do with dancing?

Polka. Dot. 
We know that Polka is a kind of music and also a dance. And dot, well that's just a simple small round mark.  So what's one got to do with the other and why, when put together, do they refer to that pattern made so popular by I Love Lucy?

Polka comes from the Polish word “pulka,” meaning half-step, as in the dance.  The dance was first introduced into the ballrooms of Prague in 1835.  It was a Czech peasant dance in 2/4 time, developed in Eastern Bohemia (now part of Czechoslovakia). Depending on the region is is performed, polka music can have different influences giving it a more Latin or German (Oktoberfest) feel,  but most definitely all include the telltale accordion.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “polka dot” as “Any of a number of round dots of uniform size repeated so as to form a regular pattern, usually on fabric.” The term itself first appeared in the mid-1800s (”Scarf of muslin, for light summer wear … surrounded by a scalloped edge, embroidered in rows of round polka dots,” 1857).  So, what does the polka dance have to do with polka dots? Nothing - just timing - and marketing. The polka craze, which lasted for several decades in the 1800s, was a pretty big fad so every industry tried to capitalize on it.  Fashion just started adding the word 'polka' to everything.  They had polka jackets, polka hats, polka socks, men's ties, you name it. Sound e-familiar? iDon't know. Then In the '50s and '60s the polka dot had a resurgence and appeared on swimwear (and pop music: 'The Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini'), Lucille Ball's dresses, dinnerware, handbags, ties, you name it. That pattern today can be considered kitschy but contemporary depending on the placement and color combinations.  Polka dots have graced high-end wedding dresses, invitations, pillows and bedding, handbags, umbrellas, scarves and dresses.  So you can wear the pattern even if you can't polka. 

Above photo (courtesy Country Living ) features Echo's Pin Dot Shirt Dress.

One of the great trends right now for summer is a military or utilitarian look.  Echo's Imperial Safari collection takes that look and updates it with inspiration from African and Colonial India. Elements of this style can be integrated into any outfit without looking overly military or as if you were actually on safari.  Think: casual world traveler meets crafty elements of the exotic bazaars and caravans of decorative pillows, spices and jewels.  

This look contrasts touches of military influence and soft femininity while pulling inspiration from the luscious patterns and textures of these distinct cultures. Contrasting khakis and earth tones are punctuated with pretty intricate beads, and animal and black prints on delicate fabrics.  Metallic effects on fabrics, delicately powdered with gold and silver give accessories fluidity and femininity. Colors range from earthen neutrals in browns and sand to sun bleached corals, chartreuse greens and watery blues. Animal prints like cheetah and snakeskin are great patterns on lightweight scarves perfect for summer. Organic fabrics like raffia, linen, hemp and ramie become utterly chic in this summer trend because of their versatile, breathable and sustainable qualities.

So you can update your summer wardrobe easily - and quickly - by adding a few key accessories from this trend.   A simple white tee, khaki capris and a passport are your starting point. Add gladiator sandals, bold chunky rings and a beautiful ikat pattern wrap.  Life is an adventure and you are a world traveler - unique and exotic. Take a little bit of the luxury of each country with you as you experience all this world offers.

When we tell people we work in fashion they often assume that we live glamorous, exciting lives.  Sure this is a somewhat skewed perception, but every now and then they would be right. Most recently, a group of Echoans took time out from day-to-day operations in Manhattan to experience one of our most vibrant markets, Tokyo, Japan.

If you were to read anything about Tokyo before you visit, you’ll likely hear it described as the definition of foreign – another world. We didn’t find that to be fully accurate.  Tokyo is an exciting city with many diverse neighborhoods each with a unique feel, similar to New York or London.  One striking feature was the contrast between new and old; the vibrant neon modernity versus the rich cultural architecture of centuries past.  A short walk through the city’s center provides incredibly modern buildings along side ancient temples.  The photo below is of the acclaimed and almost futuristic Prada building in Aoyama, only a few minutes walk from an urban temple tucked in among retail shops.

 Architecture isn’t the only contrast evident in Tokyo. The push and pull between modern and traditional is evident in cuisine, culture, and social interaction.  McDonald’s stands only a few feet from a traditional soba noodle house while a traditional kimono shop could be only steps from modern Japanese designers like Tsumori Chisato and Yohji Yamamoto, not to mention American standbys like The Gap or Ralph Lauren.

 The most exciting thing about our trip to Japan?  Visiting the specialty stores that carry Echo products.  Beams, héliopôle, and Free’s Shop are just a few places you can find Echo products in Japan. 

What’s hot in Japan? Here are just a few of the Echo styles that are flying off the shelves at Beams: our medallion print butterfly dress, terry handheld tote, strapless knit pantsuit, and the smocked spectator dress. 

For a list of countries where you can find Echo products, check out the “international” link at the bottom of the Echo Design website.

PS – Concerned about what to wear on the 13 hour trip from New York to Tokyo? Start with a wrap that will keep you warm (or cool) on the plane and on the street. I didn’t make it past ticketing before I started fielding compliments about my Echo rainbow stripe wrap.

One of Echo's designers, Sarah, went to Paris recently and came back with notes on what styles are in Paris stores and what they're wearing on the streets. 
She said Paris was only half ready for spring this season.  The major department stores still had a lot of dark winter clothes   Yet, there were a lot of beautiful spring clothes.  Most of the stand alone shops on the left bank were in full spring mode. Overall, the clothes and accessories were very pretty and wearable with great attention to detail.

As always, the French are obsessed with all things nautical and there was more of this theme this year than ever.  Every designer had their knit stripe sailor tee but the newness was in the unexpected color and details - such as ruching, piecing and the use of different scale stripes in the same garment.  There were whimsical additions such as hot pink palettes sewn into little flower shapes atop a pink and white striped sweater at Sonia Rykiel; silver chains applied to a draped boat neck at Kookai;  wide studded belts wrapped around gondolier tops at Victoire. Paul Smith and Claudie Perlot had applied fabric bows on shirts, dresses and pants.

Nautical stripes are a great addition to your wardrobe for spring - in a scarf, dress, umbrella or a cardigan. These are easy, simple pieces that can be the statement in your ensemble without making you look like a sailor on the high seas. Unless of course, you want that. Pirates are all the rage right now. 

Striped cardigan;  striped scarf ring; bold stripe umbrella; one shoulder sailor striped dress; striped t-shirt dress with cut out

This spring season we see interest shifting from couture to the culture of art and design.  There has been a revival of the avant garde in textiles. Designers are rethinking their components of design and fashion is taking its cue from animation, illustration, paintings and craft. The result is an exciting eclectic mix of watercolor brights - and it's fun and easy to integrate this into any wardrobe.

Whatever your favorite color is, this season’s explosive new shades pack a powerful punch and there is a lot to choose from. Tangerines, citrines and dynamic neons make for a tangy combination and these bold strokes of color light up fashion that can easily translate from day outfits into night.  Spring’s kaleidoscope of colors and artistic patterns range from florals to geometrics to fearless graffiti scribbling – the effect is exhilarating, unexpected and inspiring. Breezy layers of sheer cotton, chiffons, or organzas – modernly overlay atop colorful wovens or color block knits. Florals get a bold makeover in disorienting proportions and in abstracting crude painted techniques. It’s a joyful manic artistic movement where flowers, stripes, dots and abstract geometrics float on washed, breezy and crinkled surfaces. Electrifying color, freedom of imagination and limitless artistic inspiration…the outlook is optimistically bright for Spring.

The best thing about spring's bright colors is that it's easy to be on trend with your existing wardrobe.  By simply adding a splash of color to a neutral outfit like khakis, camouflage green, greys and denim blues you can update your wardrobe and create a fresh new look.  Happy Spring!

Not all of us can jet off to exotic countries - maybe because we already live in one! - or maybe just because our day-to-day responsibilities keep us home / office / school bound.  But we can get fashion inspiration from our friends all over the world  - especially when it comes to seeing all the creative ways people choose to wear a scarf.  Due to the proliferation of blogs today, people can share photos of fashion out on the street - any street - from Le Place de L'Concorde in Paris, to Monbijouplatz in Berlin, to the steps of the Public Library here in New York city.  Here are a few from Styleclicker.net   Notice that instead of one big, bulky coat, layering works well with scarves and can keep you just as warm.

Have you been noticing the resurgence of lace in fashion this winter? First Lady Michelle Obama was spotted recently in a great 3/4 length sleeve walking coat with lace overlay. Stella McCartney was seen in a full lace bodysuit. Designers Fall / Winter 2009/2010 collections used lace as well as brocades, stones and sequins.  Other Winter 09/10 trends include the layering of lace and sheer fabrics in moody blacks, inky blues, rich berry and oxidized metallics - ranging from onyx to silver- copper to pewter under and over opaque wools and furs for a mesmerizing effect.

Leathers also took on a new look - they can be metallicized and ruffled or laser cut and pleated. Peek-a-boo laces got modernized with metallic finishes or overstitched with chunky wools and the otherwise simple boyfriend jacket gets a hint of sparkle with embellished lapels or encrusted epaulets.  Vintage shops are perfect for finding that great sequined jacket to pair with jeans and booties.

Investing in a few of these important pieces will take you through to the rest of this season. And you don't have to do it in a full lace body suit - you can integrate a few key pieces to stay on trend. Try a lace wrap tucked around a black turtleneck and jeans with knee high boots. Or layer a 3/4 length sleeve faux fur with our metallic leather gloves and ankle booties.  It's Luxury but understated - and definitely not out of reach. Cheers!

"L’ exactitude n’est pas la vérité." -Henri Matisse

So there's fashion on the runway - which let's admit, a lot of which is couture and is pretty much unwearable by the average civilian. (Unless of course you are Lady GaGa - how much fun is she??!) But then there is also fashion and trends that happen right out on the street, in the day-to-day culture, that may not be necessarily styled or created by a designer but by the person themselves. It's their own personal look. However, even when someone thinks they are being unique, most often someone else dressed that way already - that same day or 14 years ago. Take a look at this intriguing exhibit of photographs called "Exactitudes" (a contraction of 'exact' and 'attitude') by Rotterdam-based photographer Ari Versluis and profiler Ellie Uyttenbroek. They compiled photos of strangers in London, Paris, Praia (Cape Verde) and other countries over the last 14 years and then put them together to show that great minds think alike - whether it's 2010 or 1996. You'll see amazingly similar looks on many different people. After looking through the collection, it seems that what we may have come to call 'trends' are actually identifiers of a movement or a genre. For example, it's not always the case, but when we see someone in head-to-toe black, we think 'goth,' or someone in tie-dye and flipflops, we think 'hippie.' Other times a similar style running through a group of people may be merely a symptom of function: suits for a job search; suspenders to hold your pants up.

Certainly the photographers reinforced the stereotypes simply by the way they titled each grouping i.e. "pin-ups" and "emo's." The point of their work was to categorize each person by the way they look and therefore illustrate their similarities. But, does the way we look give people the option to pre-judge who they think we are? So are these trends or labels? Are we really asserting our own individuality if we embrace one of these looks? Matisse's quote above roughly translates to "precision is not the truth" or "the truth is greater than the details." Maybe that really means: what you see isn't necessarily what you get. So if I want to dye my hair black (goth) and wear red lipstick (pin-up), a tie-dye shirt (hippie) and a pair of Vans (skater) that doesn't mean I'm a Goth Pin-up Hippie Skater. That just means I'm me.

What item in your wardrobe really symbolizes you and has carried you over the years and through the trends? A cable knit sweater? A pair of jeans? A scarf?