A Touch of Symbolism

Elsa Schiaparelli, Hand Belt ,1934 

In the realm of fashion, symbols delve beyond mere aesthetics, embedding a deeper narrative within the threads.

Vivetta, RTW,  Spring 2023

Hands, for instance, have long been regarded as symbols of power, protection, and blessings across various cultures worldwide. The use of hands in garments, amulets, and jewelry has served as talismans, providing wearers with protection against negative energy and misfortune in the past.

Thanks to the visionary Elsa Schiaparelli, who broke new ground by introducing a compelling motif— the hand—into the world of fashion. In 1934, she unveiled a belt featuring clasped hands as a distinctive buckle, which was a departure from the ordinary. Three years later, Schiaparelli presented an embroidered design inspired by a drawing from Jean Cocteau. This design featured a woman's arm and hand embracing the wearer, encapsulating the essence of connection and empowerment.

Schiaparelli was no stranger to the surreal. She was closely aligned with the Surrealists, a movement that sought to challenge conventional norms. The hand motif, borrowed from this artistic circle, carried its own symbolism, but Schiaparelli managed to strip away the heavier layers of meaning often attached to it, creating intrigue through unexpected displacements of the ordinary. One can almost picture her designing with a mischievous wink in her eye.

Modern fashion hasn't left this symbol behind; the brand Vivetta, for example, has made a name for itself by embracing hand motifs with a touch of whimsy. Vivetta Ponti, the creative mind behind the brand, often features hand-shaped collar embellishments and other charming details. For the spring 2017 collection at Christian Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri invoked the hand as a symbol of power and protection, drawing inspiration from its significance in tarot cards. Designer Arthur Arbesser also utilized hand motifs, carrying forward the symbol's rich history in their contemporary creations.

BEYONCÉ, renaissance tour , custom Loewe bodysuit

In the realm of celebrity culture, Beyoncé's custom Loewe bodysuit became an iconic symbol of her Renaissance world tour. Designed by Jonathan Anderson, it featured strategically placed hand motifs, shimmering with gold crystals. These hands covered her legs, intimate body parts, and rear, creating a fashion moment that has been the talk of the town. Inspired by the "escapist joy" of Beyoncé's latest album, Renaissance, Anderson's design was a celebration of the female body and a reflection of Beyoncé's power and beauty.

In the end, fashion is more than just the clothes we wear. It's a language, a story, and a statement of who we are. As the fashion world continues to evolve, these symbolic motifs serve as a reminder that there is a profound connection between fashion and the symbolic, mystical, and historical aspects of human existence.