Animal Fashion-ology

Thursday

My love for nature is evident, my obsession with owls have grown, and my love for dolphins will always remain (especially, since I volunteered at an indoor pool where I could swim with them during my adolescent summers). But, what's more interesting is the amount of impressions that animal jewellery have made recently within the fashion industry.

You're probably thinking, "This is not new!" Certainly, you're right, however I just wanted to bring a few references on animal-inspired adornment, specifically bird-like accessories.

I think what sparked my interest about this post was the fact that in the past few years I have seen more animal-inspired and charm-styled accessories than ever. 



So it's one of the latest fashion trending elements, but there really is more to it than what meets the eye.

The fashion charm necklace made an impacting comeback in 2008 fashion trends. Yet, I don't think many have the knowledge that it all started centuries earlier. In many cultures birds, for example, were thought to be of immortality or messengers of sorts between us earthlings.

In many Native American tribes, like that of my great grandmother, birds were believed to have spirit qualities, authority, or dominant power, or thought to be soul keepers. Why are some people drawn to owls? And, why are birds a popular adornment for the body?

During Greek and Roman periods the eagle was of high importance. The eagle, a powerful bird was thought as the King of birds or in Germany, the god Odin. 


Growing up in my family there were several cultures and traditions to be aware of, as well as research for your own enlightenment. One of which was knowing that the bird, falcon, and owl rather protected youkept out those supposed evil spirits. The oh-so-wise owl, as you may call it was a pretty typical story to hear told when a few key family members were around, but then again so was the falcon-headed god, and Iron Henry! The owl in particular is often said to have wisdom, powerful eyes, and resounding intellect.

Since animal symbolism in jewellery have been quite prevalent throughout past seasons, what type of inspiration have you seen lately? I've seen elephant rings and earrings, owl and dove necklaces, beetles, bugs, and bird cage variations, and more! Have you ever wondered why?





                       



These little trinkets and treasures have been the purchases and talk of the town, just as the "grandpa" and "boyfriend" cardigans, or beloved fair isle sweaters. Are people subconsciously wanting to go back to ancestral rooted styles or even adopting many others that aren't their own? This may be delayed effects from the economy, causing one to think about what your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents adored with their material dressing.

This may be fashion's way of showing love: paying respect to certain cultures with influence or maybe it's really absolutely nothing! It's just a great way of creating a product that people will buy, therefore profit attained.

Yes, it could quite possibly stem from nothing and just be a fad, like infinite amounts of others that soon dissipate, and then pickup again on another sweet stylish day.




What animal inspired items or accessories have you bought in the past?

Further literature: 
Interesting Celtic animal symbolism
Animal symbolism-Feng Shui


Photo credit: (top) squidoo, collage by Ladyofashion, Bird accessories: lulubug, lightlywound,LisaMichele,Seachange,glazeblackcherry & mrd74 on Etsy,unique inheritancevintage costume jewels, Urban Outfitterslove bird vintage, fossil. 

25 comments

  1. Ukprincess4n1124 March

    wow! ive never thought about it yeah, i've seen a lot of animal jewelry too, interesting post.
    Stephanie

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  2. Stephanie24 March

    wow! ive never thought about it yeah, i've seen a lot of animal jewelry too, interesting post.
    Stephanie

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  3. I love animal jewelry too!!! These owl pieces are amazing.

    xoxo,
    melrod

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  4. The birds earrings & chunky gold ring are my favorite. Very nice post.

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  5. Sweet Veloso25 March

    I am in love with all the animal jewelry...and yes I have bought loads of owl pieces in cheap prices...

    Kisses
    Sweet
    PensandLens
    @mistytewest

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  6. i love animal accessories!! one of my faves is an owl necklace, but i also have an elephant necklace that i adore!

    cute & little
    check out my TIKKR watch giveaway!

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  7. This post came at the perfect time. I've been experiencing a real obsession with animal jewelry lately, I don't know why. Right now I'm on the elephant train. Before that it was panthers. I think owls are next. I never considered the history of them before, which makes me love this post all the more. Well done!

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  8. This is such a unique post - it's great to hear about the cultural background to fashion trends for a change, I love bird-jewellery, and have always wanted a swallow tattoo....too scared though! x

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  9. Love animal jewelry; I'm drawn to anything with birds or deer :)

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  10. Oh Casee, I don't even know what to say, I'm so touch by your comment. Thank you so much! I deeply appreciate this. It's such a great trend and I wondered myself about why --- then realised how important it was in my childhood! Glad that you enjoyed this post. -xxoo

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  11. I love bird jewellery too Audrey, hmm... I may need to peek for deer as well! hehe. Thanks! ;)

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  12. Thank you Danni,
    so happy that you liked this post. It really spoke to me as I have acquired a few interesting animal jewellery over the years. Oooo swallow tattoo 'eh? that's would be very cool. I'm sure if you want it bad enough you will get it, that's how I decided my very small tattoo, just waited almost a decade before I made the move! hehe! -xxoo

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  13. Hi Kileen,
    Thanks for your comment. i've just seen a great elephant ring recently and thought of you.. I want to say it was on etsy?! I also adore owls, so many owl necklaces! -xxoo

    http://tinyurl.com/4ro6w6t

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  14. Hey there pretty lady!
    I agree, I too have a love for animal jewellery. I think I remember one of your posts featuring a fabulous owl necklace! so cute.

    -xxoo

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  15. Hi Angel!
    so happy that you stopped by, I liked the colour of the bird earrings. They are only 9.99 at Urban outfitters.. Thank You for your sweet words.
    Cheers!

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  16. Thanks Melrod! :)
    The owls are a popular favourite I see amongst many, I'm so glad that you are an owl fan as well! -xxoo

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  17. Hi Stephanie,
    Thank you! It's very interesting when you do some research about certain things that you never really thought about, animal symbolism & jewellery are so significant in many cultures. Glad you liked it!
    -xxoo

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  18. This post is great!
    My latest obsession is a bunny in a magic hat necklace... I just love it :)

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  19. Oh to Be a Muse27 March

    that owl ring is cool. would love it in silver!

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  20. I love animal pieces...I wish I had more of them. On that subject, coincidentally, I have an animal accessory—well, not quite and animal—lined up in a post for tomorrow. Stay tuned. And hey, thanks for always leaving me little notes on G&G and Twitter!


    ••V••
    www.gritandglamour.com
    @gritandglamour

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  21. Thanks Sanja!
    oooh bunny in a magic hat necklace? Now, this sounds interesting... something a very chic Alice of wonderland would love too! :) -xxoo

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  22. You're welcome V, no problem... I may not comment too often, but it doesn't mean I'm not reading.. (everyone needs to read G&G) Thanks, & so looking forward to reading the animal inspired post tomorrow.
    ~Madison :)

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  23. Thanks Cheryl, you know i thought the same thing when I saw that..
    you should check out "thischarminggirl.com" from Scotland she has amazing jewellery pieces you'll love!

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  24. Owls. It started out as a motif I liked on T-shirts, but now collect owl jewelry especially broaches, although I wear an owl ring that has tiny bling for eyes.
    They were big in the '60's I remember, so it reminds me of a grandma thing to do, which for some reason I can't recall why, owls were big in the late '60's and early '70's.

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  25. I'd love some owl broaches! Yes, I remember my mother having some weird, but very mod looking retro owl serving plate that she had from the 70's.
    I love owls, especially with drops of bling! :) Thanks so much for your comment!

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